Anacostia Park - Snowy road lined with bare trees.
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Anacostia Park

4.4
·2k reviews·Washington, United States

Anacostia Park offers a vibrant mix of outdoor recreation, from roller skating and trails to historical insights and family fun.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Free skate rentals available!

CrowdMedium
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Anacostia Park - Snowy road lined with bare trees.

Anacostia Park

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Free skate rentals available!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Anacostia Park offers a vibrant mix of outdoor recreation, from roller skating and trails to historical insights and family fun.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"A great place to sit back, enjoy the view, and experience the culture and history of DC."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Skate Rentals! ⛸️

Enjoy free roller skate rentals at the pavilion during select hours. Bring your ID!

🚶‍♀️ Trail Safety Awareness

The Riverwalk Trail is generally safe, but stay aware of your surroundings, especially when alone.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Outdoor Roller Skating Pavilion

Outdoor Roller Skating Pavilion

Anacostia Park Skate Pavilion

Glide and groove at DC's only outdoor roller rink. Free rentals available seasonally!

Instagram+1
Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

Scenic trails for biking, walking, and running with historical markers and water views.

Reddit
Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge

Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

A poignant spot for reflection, honoring a key Black History icon with informative plaques.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Skate into Fun: Free Rentals & Hours

Score free roller skate rentals at Anacostia Park's outdoor rink! Rentals are available daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (later on Thu-Sun). Check specific dates for extended 'Late Skate' events. It's the only outdoor rink in DC, so plan your visit to catch the groove! Instagram+1

Trail Safety & Exploration

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail offers beautiful scenery and historical displays, connecting to other DC trails. While generally safe during the day with other users, be aware of your surroundings, especially if you're alone. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Free skate rentals available!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
DJ beats and lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter trails for peaceful walks
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Anastasia state park #anastasia #anastasiastatepark #staugustinefl #staugustine
@rikeriaevans
10.2K likes • 315.2K views

🎯 Free Skate Rentals! ⛸️

Enjoy free roller skate rentals at the pavilion during select hours. Bring your ID! Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Trail Safety Awareness

The Riverwalk Trail is generally safe, but stay aware of your surroundings, especially when alone. Reddit

Outdoor roller skating at Anacostia Park Pavilion 🛼 I’m finally ready to buy my own skates! After more than ten + years of not skating, I’ve got my groove back. And I love this outdoor rink! Public skating starts Memorial Day weekend! Bring your own skates or rent a pair, and skate from morning to evening daily - Info from the @nationalparkservice website: Skate rentals are free with a govern...
sweatersipper
122 likes • 4.3K views
It’s free skate rentals at Anacostia Park in DC! 👏🏾You don’t have to live in DC, it’s free for all! Friends of Anacostia Park @friendsofanacostiapark 📍1500 Anacostia Drive SE Washington DC 😃Special event: Late skate 12pm-10pm is June 28th 🛼Skate rental 9am-5pm daily Sum- Thursday & Friday & Saturday 9am-8pm Memorial Day to Labor day But Skate Pavilion open 6am-10pm daily if you have your ow...
itssummerssomewhere
6.4K likes • 363.6K views

🎣 First-Time Fishing Fun

Organizations like Cuts & Cast offer great opportunities for kids to experience fishing. Reddit

📸 Capture the Culture

Anacostia Park is rich in culture and talent; be ready to capture memorable moments. Instagram

DMV Chapter of @daddystrollersocialclub 🚶🏾‍♂️ We’re outside August 16th. 📍 Anacostia Park 🕙 10 AM Pull up with your little or big ones, your stroller, or just your good energy. We’re walking, connecting, and creating a space just for us. Come for the stride. Stay for the brotherhood. #DaddyStrollerSocialClub #dadsoutside #dmvdads #blackdadjoy #fatherhoodinmotion #strideandvibe #brotherhoodbuil...
daddystrollersocialclub_dc
15K likes • 270.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Skate Rentals! ⛸️

Enjoy free roller skate rentals at the pavilion during select hours. Bring your ID! Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Trail Safety Awareness

The Riverwalk Trail is generally safe, but stay aware of your surroundings, especially when alone. Reddit

🎣 First-Time Fishing Fun

Organizations like Cuts & Cast offer great opportunities for kids to experience fishing. Reddit

📸 Capture the Culture

Anacostia Park is rich in culture and talent; be ready to capture memorable moments. Instagram

🧺 Picnic & Play Areas

Spacious fields and picnic spots make it ideal for family outings and gatherings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Anacostia Park is praised for its scenic river views, historical significance, and family-friendly amenities like the roller skating rink and trails. Visitors appreciate the opportunities for outdoor activities and community gatherings. However, some feel certain park facilities, including the skating area and basketball courts, are in need of modernization.

"Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is a nice trail for biking, walking and/or running connecting to other trails in DC. Lots of beautiful scenery. My favorite Black History Icon " Mr. Frederick Douglass" the Memorial Bridge is a very sober place for me to bike across and sit it sections of the bridge and read plaques attributed to him. I haven't gone in a direction that felt secluded; has just the right amount of people to occupying the trails. Lots of historical displays throughout the park."

Saundra D

"Stopped by and my boys experienced fishing for the first time here at Anacostia Park with the organization Cuts & Cast! Awesome organization!"

Patricia Stamper

"Nice place by the water. The view is nice. The clubhouse has a nice bar and area to set up food for a gathering. You can look out over the water. You can drive further down and park and see there are people having picnics and fishing. Nice area."

Tabatha Evans

What People Like

Scenic river views
Free skate rentals
Historical displays

What People Dislike

Facilities need upgrades

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Anacostia Park is located at 1500 Anacostia Drive SE, Washington DC. You can reach it by car, and there is ample parking available. Public transportation options are also accessible, with bus routes serving the area. Instagram

Yes, there is plenty of parking available throughout the park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Absolutely! The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail connects to other trails in DC, making it a great destination for cyclists. Reddit

Yes, several bus routes service the area around Anacostia Park, providing access for those relying on public transportation. Check local transit schedules for specific routes and times.

The park is quite large, so consider using a map or your phone's GPS. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is a central artery for exploring different sections. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Anacostia Park itself is free to enter. However, there might be fees for specific activities or rentals, such as skate rentals during certain periods. Instagram+1

Yes, free roller skate rentals are often available at the Anacostia Park Skate Pavilion during the summer season, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check the park's schedule for specific dates and times. Instagram+1

The skate pavilion is generally open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM. Skate rental hours vary, usually from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Instagram

It's advisable to check with the park or Friends of Anacostia Park for any reservation requirements, especially during peak times or special events. Instagram

Anacostia Park hosts various community events, including 'Late Skate' sessions and gatherings like the Daddy Stroller Social Club. Follow @friendsofanacostiapark or @thelinkupdc for updates. Instagram+1

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy roller skating, biking, walking, running on the trails, fishing, picnicking, and playing on the basketball court. There's also a playground and a pool. Reddit

The trail is generally considered safe during the daytime with other users present. However, as with any urban trail, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-trafficked areas. Reddit

Yes, the park features historical displays, including the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, offering a glimpse into Black History. Reddit

Amenities include picnic areas, playgrounds, a pool, basketball courts, restrooms, and the roller skating pavilion. Some areas may be in need of upgrades. Reddit

Anacostia Park is a great place for pets, with large fields for them to roam. Ensure your pet is leashed and cleaned up after. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there aren't extensive dining facilities within the park itself, there's a clubhouse with a bar and area for food setup, suitable for gatherings. Visitors often bring their own food for picnics. Reddit

Yes, Anacostia Park has numerous picnic sites and large fields perfect for family picnics and gatherings. Reddit

Food truck availability can vary. It's a good idea to check local DC food truck schedules or explore nearby neighborhoods for dining options. Reddit

Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, especially for picnics and enjoying the park's amenities. Reddit

The clubhouse offers a bar and space for food setup, ideal for events, but it doesn't typically operate as a public restaurant. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail offers scenic water views and historical markers. The roller skating pavilion provides dynamic shots, especially during events. The Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge is also a striking backdrop. InstagramReddit

Check current FAA regulations and National Park Service guidelines regarding drone usage in Anacostia Park before flying. Restrictions may apply. TikTok

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography along the river and trails. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always respect private property and individuals. Instagram

You can photograph public events for personal use. For commercial purposes or if you're a content creator, it's best to inquire with park management or event organizers. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Anacostia Park is a fantastic spot for families! The playground and large fields are perfect for kids to run and play. Reddit The opportunity for fishing with organizations like Cuts & Cast offers a unique and memorable experience for children's first time. Reddit The roller skating pavilion with free rentals (seasonally) is a huge draw for family fun, providing an active and engaging activity for all ages. Instagram+1 Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as picnic areas are plentiful, making it easy to spend a whole day enjoying the park's offerings. Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Active Adventurers

For those who love to stay active, Anacostia Park offers the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, ideal for biking, running, and long walks. Reddit The trail's connectivity to other DC routes makes it a great starting point for longer cycling adventures. Reddit The roller skating pavilion provides another avenue for energetic fun, especially with the availability of free rentals during summer. Instagram+1 You can also find basketball courts for a game or simply enjoy the expansive green spaces for various outdoor exercises. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

Anacostia Park presents diverse photographic opportunities. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail offers scenic water views and historical markers, perfect for landscape and documentary photography. Reddit The roller skating pavilion is a dynamic location, especially during community events with DJs, providing vibrant action shots. Instagram+1 Don't miss the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge for its architectural significance and historical context. Reddit Remember to check park regulations regarding commercial photography or drone usage to ensure compliance. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Roller Skating at Anacostia Park

Anacostia Park boasts DC's only outdoor roller skating pavilion, making it a unique destination for skaters of all levels. During the summer months, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, visitors can enjoy free roller skate rentals, a fantastic perk that makes the experience accessible to everyone. Instagram+1 The rink is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, with rental hours typically from 9 AM to 5 PM, extending later on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Instagram Keep an eye out for special events like 'Late Skate' sessions and community gatherings, often featuring local DJs, adding a vibrant atmosphere to your skating experience. Instagram+1

Skating enthusiasts often share their experiences online, highlighting the fun and community spirit found at the pavilion. Instagram+1 While the park offers a great skating environment, some reviews suggest that certain facilities, including the skating area, could benefit from upgrades. Reddit Nevertheless, the opportunity for outdoor skating with free rentals and a lively ambiance makes it a must-visit for many. Instagram+1

Pro-Tip: Bring your own skates if you have them, or be prepared to show a valid ID to secure your free rental. Instagram Follow social media accounts like @friendsofanacostiapark or @thelinkupdc for the latest updates on rental availability and special events. Instagram

Exploring the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is a significant feature of the park, offering a scenic route for outdoor activities. This trail connects to other trails across Washington D.C., making it a valuable part of the city's recreational network. Reddit Visitors can enjoy biking, walking, and running along the path, which provides beautiful views of the Anacostia River and surrounding landscapes. Reddit

Along the trail, you'll find historical displays that offer insights into the area's past, including significant figures like Frederick Douglass. The Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, in particular, is noted as a sober and reflective spot for visitors. Reddit The trail is generally well-populated during the day, contributing to a sense of safety for users, including solo female travelers. Reddit However, as with any urban trail, it's always recommended to remain aware of your surroundings. Reddit

Beyond the trail itself, the park offers other amenities like a playground, basketball courts, and a pool, making it a comprehensive destination for a day out. Reddit The park's proximity to the water and its green spaces create a peaceful environment for recreation and relaxation. Reddit

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