Anacostia Park

Anacostia Park is a long riverside park along the Anacostia River at 1900 Anacostia Dr SE in Washington, DC. It is not a swimming beach: swimming in the river is not permitted, and the shoreline is grassy with a hard edge in places rather than sandy. The Anacostia is a tidal river that has been the focus of long-running cleanup efforts, and while water quality has improved, the park is used for boating, fishing and recreation on land rather than for swimming. The setting is open and green, with wide lawns and views across the river toward the Anacostia neighbourhood and the city skyline.

The park is one of the largest recreation areas in the District, with a riverfront trail, picnic shelters, sports fields and a boat ramp. A seasonal outdoor public pool is available for swimming, which gives local families the water access the river itself cannot provide. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail runs through the park and connects to the wider network of paths along the river, making it popular with cyclists, runners and walkers. Roller-skating at the park's rink has also been a long-standing community tradition.

The mood is local and community-oriented. Families, anglers and neighbourhood groups use the picnic areas, and the park hosts events and gatherings through the summer. Facilities include restrooms near the pool and picnic shelters, but food options are limited, so visitors typically bring their own. There are no lifeguards on the river itself because swimming is not allowed.

Transit access is by Metrorail to Anacostia station on the Green Line or Potomac Avenue station on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines, followed by a bus, ride-share or longer walk. Driving is simpler, with free parking in lots along Anacostia Drive. The park lies about four miles from the National Mall and works best as a base for a bike ride along the river or a family picnic.