Best outdoor summer activities in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is renowned for unbearable summer humidity. Before air conditioning became commonplace, the city virtually emptied in the summertime, so oppressive was the unabated humidity. Even though air conditioning is credited with making year-round habitation here tolerable, it isn't necessary to spend every moment inside to escape the atmospheric assault. Here are some special places you can spend time in the summer without being felled by the omnipresent humidity:

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Theodore Roosevelt Island is a wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary situated smack in the middle of the Potomac River. This tribute to the president of the same name is 88 acres of unspoiled, shaded real estate with hiking trails and a statue of its namesake. Those who prefer to arrive by canoe can rent their vessel from Fletcher's Boat House at the intersection of Reservoir and Canal Roads.

National Arboretum

Washington, D.C. 20002

202-245-2726

The National Arboretum boasts colorful gardens with exotic blooms. Its prime summer attractions include the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, a grove of state trees, wildflower meadowlands, and ponds resplendent in water lilies or populated with koi. The incongruous 22 sandstone National Corinthian Columns stand proudly yet purposeless in the center of the arboretum, inviting wonder.

C & O Canal

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal was originally a transport route for goods coming to and from the capital city. Today, its 184.5-mile towpath is used for recreation, including hiking and biking. The adjacent Potomac offers cooling waterfalls, while a ride with costumed guides on the canal barge pulled by mules will enable the visitor to step into canal history. The barges normally can be accessed either in Georgetown or at Great Falls and cost $8 for adults, $5 for children; as of this writing, the Georgetown barge is closed indefinitely for repairs.

Southwest Waterfront

The Southwest Waterfront (the area bordering Maine Avenue and Ohio Drive) is a well-known spot to go to the fish market or dine at one of a handful of waterfront restaurants. But it's also home to the lesser-known East Potomac Golf Course at 972 Ohio Drive, where you can golf while enjoying views of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial. There's an 18-hole course for serious golfers, a driving range, and a delightful mini-golf course, one of the best (of late one of the only) mini-golf courses in the area. The Southwest Waterfront is also a launch point for Potomac cruises.

Carter Barron Ampitheatre

Washington, D.C. 20011

Carter Barron Ampitheatre in Rock Creek Park offers a varied summer cultural series that includes concerts, movies, dances, and poetry readings appealing to vastly different audiences. Some shows are free with no tickets required, some are free but require tickets, and others are by paid admission. See the schedule here. This year's musical entertainment includes blues, jazz, reggae, and Latin, while the dance offerings range from the traditional Persian, Turkish, and Arabic specialties of the Silk Road Dance Company to Shock East's collection of professional and amateur hip-hop troupes. Dubbed "your theatre under the stars," Carter Barron lets you take in the night air while enjoying culture in a sylvan setting with easy, free parking.

Carol Bengle Gilbert has explored the secrets and sampled the specialties of the Washington, D.C., metro area for more than two decades.

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