Washington DC is more than the nation’s capital – it’s also home to some of the country’s great neighborhoods. A trip to the District should entail more than a visit to the National Mall or the many great museums that make up the Smithsonian. It should also involve spending some time exploring the interior core of the city, the heart of DC.

Here is a guide to seven of the great neighborhoods in DC for fall lovers to come and visit. These neighborhoods not only capture the beauty of the changing seasons, they very much define what the city is truly about. If you’re looking for a place to make the most of this beautiful season, then these are the places you should go in DC.

Anacostia

Just east of the Anacostia River lies the namesake community of Anacostia. Located in the southeast quadrant of the city, Anacostia is famous for being the home and childhood neighborhood of legendary singer Marvin Gaye. Head to 1411 W Street SE where you will find Frederick Douglas’s home, a National Historic Site operated by the U.S. National Park Service. The beautifully maintained grounds give you a glimpse of what life must have looked like for the early civil rights pioneer and national figure, not to mention that the expansive, tree-filled park is perfect for a walk during a colorful autumn day.

Brightwood/Manor Park/Tacoma

Nearby Rock Creek Park

Brightwood Park, Manor Park, and Tacoma is an area in the city’s far northwest quadrant and is bounded by 16th Street NW to the west, Missouri Avenue to the south, and Eastern Avenue to the east and north. This area of the city is home to many points of interest, including Fort Stevens, a Civil War fortification located on 13th Street NW established in the defense of the capital, and the many small shops and restaurants throughout each neighborhood that provide good food and a quaint atmosphere. For a typical fall day out, take a hike or drive through the majestic Rock Creek Park.

Brookland

Photo by Dan Vera / CC BY-SA

Brookland is a large, newly redeveloped neighborhood in the northeast quadrant of DC. It is famed for being home to Catholic University of America and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, as well as several Franciscan monasteries. The beautiful tree-lined streets give way to the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America at 1400 Quincy Street NE. Here you can walk the beautifully maintained botanical gardens and walk the replica catacombs on the grounds, making a visit to this neighborhood perfect for a fall afternoon.

Cathedral Heights / Glover Park

The Cathedral Heights/Glover Park neighborhoods are just west of Georgetown but have their own distinctive flavor. The heart of these neighborhoods that are sure to appeal to fall lovers is a walk through the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral, located at 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW. There are many special events held at the Cathedral, including lectures, presentations, and concerts, or simply take in the towering trees and manicured greens spread throughout the Cathedral’s grounds.

Navy Yard

Photo by Glyn Lowe / CC BY-ND

Capital Riverfront at Navy Yard is one of the most recently developed areas in DC located on the Anacostia River in the southwest/east quadrant. This vibrant area has all of the nightlife, riverfront views, recreational outlets, and great city views, as well as the home of the Washington Nationals. This is a city within the city that falls lovers will particularly enjoy, especially with a scenic walk through The Yards Park.

Cleveland Park

Photo by Agnosticpreacherskid / CC BY-SA

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is located in the Cleveland Park neighborhood in northwest DC, famous for being home to giant pandas. There are plenty of other things to do when in Cleveland Park, including a romantic visit to the Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens located on Linnean Avenue NW and boasting over 30 acres of beautiful scenery. The estate was the former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, socialite and founder of General Foods, Inc. Cleveland Park is also home to the Rosedale and Tregaron Conservancies.

Forest Hills

Adjacent to Cleveland Park is the neighborhood of Forest Hills. Forest Hills is bounded by Connecticut Avenue to the west, Beach Drive and Broad Branch Road to the east and north, and Rodman Street to the south. The neighborhood also butts up against Rock Creek Park, with its many trails and walkways, perfect for taking long walks and enjoying the fall foliage in D.C.