Sometimes you just want to get away from it all, even for a short time. A flourishing scenic park, a comfy bench, a delicious sandwich, and an engrossing book are all the props you need for a tiny break from your reality. There are a plethora of secret hideaways in the Washington, D.C. area. Here is a list of some of the most interesting:

The Green Roof and Labyrinth at the APA Building
10 G Street NE, Washington, D.C.
Feel on top of the world for a moment when you ride the elevator to this stunning rooftop and labyrinth. This green space atop The American Psychological Association is open Monday- Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and boasts plenty of shady trees, plus comfy tables and chairs for a picnic in the sky or a quick nap in the sun.

Gravelly Point
Arlington, VA
Perched on the west side of the Potomac River in Arlington, VA, Gravelly Point is an essential destination for runners and bikers as well as picnic crews hoping to soak up the sun. Depending on the time of day, you can also watch the planes come and go at nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The Marion Street Intergenerational Community Garden
1515 Marion Street NW, Washington, D.C.
If you are in the area of the Convention Center and the Shaw Metro grab a snack or pack a lunch and bask in the fairy tale scenery complete with bees and butterflies dancing around the lush herbs, vegetables, and flowers. You can also enjoy cooking demonstrations put on by the staff on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm now through November.

Heurich House Garden
1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington D.C.
The Brew Master Castle’s impeccably trimmed grounds are open weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for a quick getaway lunch or coffee break on the scattered benches and picnic tables. The Brewmaster Tour and tours of the Heurich House Museum and are available throughout the week

Canada Dry Plaza
1201 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD

Sip a soda or your beverage of choice and grab some rays in the sunny plaza in the front of this historic building. The outdoor concrete and granite furniture is rather uncomfortable, so bring a blanket or towel if you want to take a snooze under the sky.

Hillwood Estate
4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
This former home of socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post offers D.C. area residents a taste of Hollywood glam. The grounds feature lavish gardens plus an art collection. This destination is a break from the tradition green space.

Dumbarton Oaks
1703 32nd Street NW, Washington D.C.
An array of one-of-a-kind gardens grace this historic Georgetown estate. Every season offers a different view of nature from the blooms of late spring to the colors of the fall. The central gardens include the South Lawn, The Orangery, and the Green Garden. Lush landscaping offers a beautiful backdrop for a scenic stroll.