The Yards Park
A vibrant urban oasis with a refreshing water feature, scenic riverfront, and dazzling seasonal light installations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Coolest part of the day
The Yards Park
Best Time
Coolest part of the day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant urban oasis with a refreshing water feature, scenic riverfront, and dazzling seasonal light installations.
"A chill vibe with friendly people and beautiful water features to cool off."
💧 Cool off in the water
The shallow water features are great for kids and adults to beat the summer heat. Bring water shoes!
🚶♀️ Stroll the boardwalk
Enjoy scenic river views and connect to dining options along the Anacostia River.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Water Feature
Near the pedestrian bridge
A refreshing urban oasis with shallow pools and splash areas, perfect for cooling off on hot days.
Riverfront Boardwalk
Along the Anacostia River
A scenic stroll with great views, connecting you to the park's various attractions and nearby dining.
Light Yards Installation
Various locations within the park
Mesmerizing interactive light displays that illuminate the park during the holiday season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat (and Crowds)
Seasonal Spectacles
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Cool off in the water
The shallow water features are great for kids and adults to beat the summer heat. Bring water shoes!
🚶♀️ Stroll the boardwalk
Enjoy scenic river views and connect to dining options along the Anacostia River.
✨ Experience Light Yards
Don't miss the dazzling interactive light installations during the holiday season. 
🎶 Catch a concert
Check for free summer concerts and events for a lively park experience.
Yards Park “was never for swimming.”
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Cool off in the water
The shallow water features are great for kids and adults to beat the summer heat. Bring water shoes!
🚶♀️ Stroll the boardwalk
Enjoy scenic river views and connect to dining options along the Anacostia River.
✨ Experience Light Yards
Don't miss the dazzling interactive light installations during the holiday season.
🎶 Catch a concert
Check for free summer concerts and events for a lively park experience.
🍽️ Dine nearby
Numerous restaurants are within walking distance, offering diverse culinary options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Yards Park for its refreshing water features, scenic riverfront boardwalk, and vibrant seasonal events like 'Light Yards.' It's considered a great spot for families and a peaceful escape within the city, though some note the water isn't for swimming and parking can be challenging.
"There are dozens of restaurants, most are decent to great. Nice river walk to stroll on. And the pool of water near the iconic pedestrian bridge is a great place to cool off on a hot summer day."
Yvonne T
"I love it down here, sometimes my son gets in the water and sometimes we go on the other side, find a tree and sit under it. A chill vibe with friendly people. One important part for me is the Throne Toilets porta potty because you scan the qr code with your phone, that prompts you to send a text and when you come out they send a survey, it controls who comes in while also allowing you to let them know if its clean. All in all, I love The Yards Park and recommend it and go maybe 2-4 times a month. I thought this pic was cool, shows some of why I love it, the water. I went down again snd took some other pics while on a boat ride, thank me later"
Dynamic
"Beautiful and good place to visit with kids and friends. Lot of place to walk/run around and plenty of restaurants to explore. This is low key version of The Wharf and is about 15-20 mins from The Wharf by walk."
Ritika Garg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Yards Park is easily accessible via the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro station on the Green Line. Several bus routes also serve the area. Parking is available, but can be limited and costly, so public transit is often recommended.
Yes, The Yards Park is a pleasant 15-20 minute walk from The Wharf along the riverfront, offering a scenic route.
Absolutely! The park has bike racks and is part of a network of trails, making it a great destination for cyclists.
There are several parking garages and street parking options near the park, but they can fill up quickly, especially on event days.
While not a direct stop, you can take a water taxi to nearby locations and then walk to The Yards Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Yards Park is a public park and is free to enter and enjoy.
The park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific installations like 'Light Yards' have set hours, typically from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Most events, like summer concerts, are free. However, special ticketed events may occur, so it's best to check the official schedule.
Yes, dogs are welcome in The Yards Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
Yes, there are restrooms available, including porta-potties with a QR code system for cleanliness checks.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy the water features, walk the riverfront boardwalk, relax on the grassy areas, attend concerts, and experience seasonal light installations.
The water features are designed for splashing and cooling off, not for swimming. It's important to note that the park was never intended as a swimming pool.
The 'Swinging Bells' are an interactive art installation featuring large bells that play music and change colors when in motion, typically part of the 'Light Yards' event.
Yes, it's a great spot for families with plenty of space to run, water features to play in, and nearby dining options.
The park hosts various events, including summer concerts, festivals, and seasonal attractions like 'Light Yards.'
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the park itself doesn't have restaurants, there are dozens of dining options located within The Yards development, ranging from casual to upscale.
You'll find a diverse culinary scene with options like American, Italian, seafood, and more, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Picnics are generally welcome in the park's open grassy areas. Alcohol policies may vary, so it's best to check local regulations.
Yes, the surrounding Yards development offers numerous casual eateries, cafes, and bars perfect for a quick meal or a relaxed drink.
Food truck availability can vary, especially during special events. It's advisable to check event schedules for potential food truck presence.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic pedestrian bridge, the water features, the riverfront boardwalk, and the 'Light Yards' installations offer fantastic photo opportunities.
The riverfront boardwalk provides beautiful views for sunset photography, with the city skyline as a backdrop.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while evenings during 'Light Yards' provide dramatic, colorful shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban parks and near public gathering spaces. It's best to check FAA regulations and local park rules before flying.
Yes, the 'Light Yards' installation in winter offers a unique, illuminated landscape, while the summer water features provide vibrant, refreshing shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
couples
+1 The park's relaxed atmosphere and proximity to diverse dining options make it a great spot for a casual outing or a pre-dinner walk.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Water Feature
During the summer, the water feature is a hub of activity. Visitors often bring towels and water shoes to fully enjoy the shallow pools. The sound of the water adds to the park's tranquil atmosphere, even amidst the city bustle. It's a testament to how urban spaces can incorporate natural elements to enhance the visitor experience.
Seasonal Transformations: Light Yards
+1 A highlight of 'Light Yards' is often the 'Swinging Bells,' large, musical bells that respond to motion, changing colors and playing melodies. +1 This interactive art piece encourages visitor participation and adds a unique sensory dimension to the park experience.'Light Yards' typically runs from late November through early January, drawing crowds eager to experience the illuminated wonderland.
+1 The event transforms the park into a vibrant spectacle, making it a popular destination for families and couples looking for festive holiday activities. The combination of light, music, and interactive elements makes 'Light Yards' a memorable seasonal attraction. +1Community and Events
Beyond concerts, The Yards Park is a venue for festivals, markets, and other public gatherings. The surrounding Yards development also contributes to the park's dynamic nature, with numerous restaurants and shops offering a complete visitor experience.
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