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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Parks and outdoors

Georgetown Waterfront Park

A stunning 10-acre civic space along the Potomac River, featuring an interactive fountain, a meditative labyrinth, and panoramic views of the Kennedy Center and Key Bridge.

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Georgetown Waterfront Park
www.nps.gov, website_hero_img_www.nps.gov

What is Georgetown Waterfront Park known for?

The park is known for its panoramic views of the Kennedy Center, Key Bridge, and Roosevelt Island, as well as its centerpiece seasonal fountain located at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue NW and K Street.

What activities can I do at the park?

Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards, picnic, meditate at the labyrinth, connect to three biking trails, or attend weekend musical performances.

What features does the park have?

The 10-acre park features a promenade, sloping grass hills, shade trees, a mixed-use pathway, scenic overlooks, rain gardens, and an interactive seasonal fountain.

Where is the labyrinth located?

The entrance to the labyrinth is located at Water Street and 33rd Street.

What is the history of the park?

Completed in the fall of 2011, the park was the result of a 40-year effort to transform a disused industrial area and gritty parking lot into a signature civic greenspace.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Completed in the fall of 2011, Georgetown Waterfront Park is a 10-acre civic space that represents a 40-year effort to transform an obsolete industrial site and gritty parking lot into a verdant greenspace. Part of the Georgetown Historic District, the park stretches along the eastern bank of the Potomac River from 31st Street, NW to the Key Bridge. The park serves as a vital link in a 225-mile chain of public parkland that extends from Cumberland, Maryland, to Mount Vernon, Virginia. Visitors can explore a mixed-use pathway and sloping grass hills, or take stairs down to the river's edge. The park's architecture includes scenic overlooks and charming rain gardens designed to blend nature with the urban environment. At the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue, NW and K Street, you will find the park's centerpiece: a large, seasonal interactive fountain that serves as a popular respite during hot summer days. Further along, at Water Street and 33rd Street, visitors can find a labyrinth created through a partnership between the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation, Nature Sacred, and the Citizens Association of Georgetown. Beyond its natural beauty, the park is a hub for community activity. It hosts the Georgetown BID’s annual Sunset Fitness and Sunset Cinema series, as well as impromptu musical performances on the weekends. The promenade offers sweeping panoramic views of Roosevelt Island, the Key Bridge, and the iconic Kennedy Center.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the labyrinth at Water Street and 33rd Street for a quiet moment of meditation.
  • Check the National Park Service alerts to see if the seasonal centerpiece fountain is currently active.
  • Walk toward the promenade to get the best panoramic photos of the Kennedy Center and Roosevelt Island.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the mixed-use pathways and stairs leading to the river.

Nearby context

The park is situated in the historic Georgetown neighborhood, directly adjacent to Washington Harbour, where visitors can find waterfront dining, cruises, and outdoor ice skating.

Sources

Evidence and links