#4: The Spanish Steps

On a summer day in DC, spending any amount of time outside requires a worthwhile destination and a good supply of water. So when I asked Matt to go on an adventure in the beginning of the summer, it was a slight push to get us out of the air conditioning. But knowing that the shady, peaceful Spanish Steps were our destination, I pushed a bit and we were on our way.

The Spanish Steps are tucked away near Dupont Circle and after revisiting them several times, I can confirm seeing someone else near them just once. This is part of the appeal: knowing how close you are to the hustle and bustle of Dupont but actually getting to be alone and relax nearby.  Getting to the steps requires just a brief walk down S Street, past a few embassies and beautiful townhouses. Fortunately for us, the walk is almost entirely in the shade. The landmark kind of creeps up on you; look the other way for too long and you'll miss it.  But if you keep an eye out for it, you'll encounter old stone steps that wrap around a small fountain and come together in the middle. The steps are surrounded by some well-maintained vines and flowers and made me feel like I had stepped into The Secret Garden.  Looking down the steps gives you a nice view down 22nd Street and a different perspective of the city.  While the steps aren't very large, they are charming and a nice detour from busy Connecticut Ave.

(Lifted from My DC: Spanish Steps)

Once we walked from the top of the steps down to Decatur, we saw an old fire callbox and Matt taught me what they were. I claimed to have never seen one before but lo and behold, I walk past several every day. We then took a nice walk down Decatur in the shade and checked out the beautiful details of the houses on that street. These walks are one of my favorite things that Matt and I do - somehow, regardless of how many times we've traveled through an area - we always find something new to check out. And those moments are some of the few that I manage to stop talking for a little bit. The Steps ended up being just a starting point for a nice escape for us, though I could see it being a good spot to read a book or relax.

Location: S Street NW between 23rd and Phelps (or, coming from the bottom of the steps: Decatur between Florida Ave. and 22nd.)

Closest Metro Stop: Dupont Circle (Red)

Cost: Free