Washington DC and the surrounding area has over 50 labyrinths. I have selected 6 of the best that are worth a visit. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the area check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder. For the surrounding area, just use a zip code from DC and select the #miles surrounding to see labyrinths from Maryland and Virginia also !
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
6 Labyrinths to Visit in Washington DC
1. Georgetown Waterfront Park Labyrinth
A 7 circuit medieval labyrinth made from painted concrete is located in this wonderful waterfront park. Easy to find with this entry on Google maps.
Location: Washington, DC
Address:
3303 Water St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
2. American University Labyrinth
A 5 circuit medieval labyrinth that is located just south of the Kay Spiritual Center. The university webpage on the labyrinth has great pictures and information if you want to learn more.
Location: Washington, DC
Address:
4400 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016
3. APA- World Resources Institute Labyrinth
A rooftop labyrinth ! While this is available to the public you do need to check in with the lobby of the building to access it. If you make it to the roof you will be greeted with a 7 circuit Santa Rosa style labyrinth made of concrete. Here is an article on the APA website detailing the opening.
Location: Washington, DC
Address:
10 G Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
4. Judy Lowe Neighborhood Park Labyrinth
A 7 circuit labyrinth made from bricks/pavers located in this small neighborhood park. The labyrinth features benches and is accessible from pathways in 3 directions ! Check out this street view of it ! The park has it’s own Facebook Page with photos and videos.
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Address:
7 E Del Ray Ave.
Alexandria, Virginia 22301
5. Advent Lutheran Church Labyrinth
An 8 circuit Chartres style labyrinth made from bricks/pavers that is located just south of the church on the corner of S 23rd St and S. Arlington Ridge Road. The labyrinth is surrounded by benches, flowers and some lights. Learn more about the labyrinth on the church webpage dedicated to it.
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Address:
2222 S. Arlington Ridge Rd.
Arlington, Virginia 22202
6. Trinity United Methodist Church Labyrinth
This 7 circuit labyrinth made from bricks/pavers is located at the back of the church and can easily be found on Google Maps.
Location: McLean, Virginia
Address:
1205 Dolley Madison Blvd
McLean, Virginia 22101
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I am a maze artist and I have some mazes from Washington DC.
And here are some other interesting mazes you might like: