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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free skate rentals available!
Anacostia Park
Best Time
Free skate rentals available!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Anacostia Park offers a vibrant mix of outdoor recreation, from roller skating and trails to historical insights and family fun.
"A great place to sit back, enjoy the view, and experience the culture and history of DC."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Outdoor Roller Skating Pavilion
Anacostia Park Skate Pavilion
Glide and groove at DC's only outdoor roller rink. Free rentals available seasonally!

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

Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge
Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
A poignant spot for reflection, honoring a key Black History icon with informative plaques.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Skate into Fun: Free Rentals & Hours
Trail Safety & Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🎣 First-Time Fishing Fun
Organizations like Cuts & Cast offer great opportunities for kids to experience fishing.
📸 Capture the Culture
Anacostia Park is rich in culture and talent; be ready to capture memorable moments.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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.
🎣 First-Time Fishing Fun
Organizations like Cuts & Cast offer great opportunities for kids to experience fishing.
📸 Capture the Culture
Anacostia Park is rich in culture and talent; be ready to capture memorable moments.
🧺 Picnic & Play Areas
Spacious fields and picnic spots make it ideal for family outings and gatherings.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available throughout the park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail connects to other trails in DC, making it a great destination for cyclists.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
It's advisable to check with the park or Friends of Anacostia Park for any reservation requirements, especially during peak times or special events.
Anacostia Park hosts various community events, including 'Late Skate' sessions and gatherings like the Daddy Stroller Social Club. Follow @friendsofanacostiapark or @thelinkupdc for updates.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
Yes, the park features historical displays, including the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, offering a glimpse into Black History.
Amenities include picnic areas, playgrounds, a pool, basketball courts, restrooms, and the roller skating pavilion. Some areas may be in need of upgrades.
Anacostia Park is a great place for pets, with large fields for them to roam. Ensure your pet is leashed and cleaned up after.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Yes, Anacostia Park has numerous picnic sites and large fields perfect for family picnics and gatherings.
Food truck availability can vary. It's a good idea to check local DC food truck schedules or explore nearby neighborhoods for dining options.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, especially for picnics and enjoying the park's amenities.
The clubhouse offers a bar and space for food setup, ideal for events, but it doesn't typically operate as a public restaurant.
📸 📸 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.
Check current FAA regulations and National Park Service guidelines regarding drone usage in Anacostia Park before flying. Restrictions may apply.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography along the river and trails.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always respect private property and individuals.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴♀️ Active Adventurers
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Roller Skating at Anacostia Park
Skating enthusiasts often share their experiences online, highlighting the fun and community spirit found at the pavilion. While the park offers a great skating environment, some reviews suggest that certain facilities, including the skating area, could benefit from upgrades. Nevertheless, the opportunity for outdoor skating with free rentals and a lively ambiance makes it a must-visit for many.
Pro-Tip: Bring your own skates if you have them, or be prepared to show a valid ID to secure your free rental. Follow social media accounts like @friendsofanacostiapark or @thelinkupdc for the latest updates on rental availability and special events.
Exploring the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
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. The trail is generally well-populated during the day, contributing to a sense of safety for users, including solo female travelers. However, as with any urban trail, it's always recommended to remain aware of your surroundings.
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. The park's proximity to the water and its green spaces create a peaceful environment for recreation and relaxation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit