West Potomac Park, Washington D.C.

Name: West Potomac Park
Address: 2912 Independence Ave SW, Washington D.C., 20418, United States
Telephone: +1 202-426-6841

#23 among attractions in Washington D.C.

Park, Relax in park

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / Public Domain • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dschwen / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Tim Evanson / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Tm / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Another Believer / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / USDA photo by Scott Bauer / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Victoria Stauffenberg / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Washington D.C., West Potomac Park is a serene oasis that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This sprawling park, flanked by the Potomac River and Washington Channel, is a verdant expanse of greenery where locals and tourists alike can indulge in a variety of outdoor activities or simply relax amidst nature's beauty.

West Potomac Park is known for its significant memorials and monuments that pay homage to pivotal moments and figures in American history. Among these are the iconic Lincoln Memorial, honoring the 16th President of the United States, and the poignant Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials. Each of these sites offers a somber yet inspiring experience, giving visitors the opportunity to reflect on the nation's past.

The park is also home to the celebrated cherry blossoms, which transform the area into a picturesque landscape of pink and white each spring. The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival draws scores of spectators who come to witness the spectacular display of blooming trees, a gift from Japan in 1912 symbolizing friendship between the two nations.

Recreational opportunities abound in West Potomac Park. With its wide-open spaces and well-maintained paths, it is a popular spot for jogging, picnicking, and kite flying. The park also features several athletic fields and courts for those interested in sports like soccer, softball, and tennis.

Boating enthusiasts enjoy the park's proximity to the water, with boat rentals available for a leisurely paddle along the Potomac. Fishing is another activity that visitors can partake in, with the Tidal Basin offering a quiet spot to cast a line.

Alternative names: Built: 1881 (143 years ago)Area: 1.52 mi²Elevation: 10 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°53'18"N, 77°2'47"W

Address

2912 Independence Ave SWNorthwest Washington (Washington Mall)Washington D.C. 20418 United States

Contact

+1 202-426-6841

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Washington D.C.

Day trips

West Potomac Park – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: National World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial.

~1760 ftE
Memorial
National World War II Memorial, Washington D.C.
9 min walk • The National World War II Memorial is a solemn tribute to the American soldiers who served in the Second World War, as well as the millions who supported the war effort from home. Situated in the heart of Washington D.C., between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington...
~910 ftW
Marble monument to the 16th president
Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
5 min walk • The Lincoln Memorial stands as a revered monument in the heart of Washington D.C., honoring the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Situated at the western end of the National Mall, this iconic structure is a symbol of unity and reconciliation, as...
~1120 ftN
Somber monument to U.S. service members
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • In the heart of Washington D.C. lies a solemn tribute to the service and sacrifice of the United States' armed forces during one of its most controversial wars—the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Often referred to simply as "The Wall," this poignant monument is dedicated...
~400 ftW
Homage to those who served in Korean War
Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C.
2 min walk • The Korean War Veterans Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the men and women who served in the Korean War, often referred to as "The Forgotten War." Located in West Potomac Park, on the National Mall in Washington D.C., this memorial was dedicated on July 27...
~730 ftSE
Monument to civil rights leader
Martin Luther King, Washington D.C.
4 min walk • In the heart of Washington D.C. stands a poignant tribute to one of the most influential figures in American history: the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Dedicated to the civil rights leader, this memorial is a solemn reminder of Dr.
~1000 ftNW
Monuments and statues
The Three Soldiers, Washington D.C.
5 min walk • The Three Soldiers statue is a poignant and evocative monument located in the nation's capital, Washington D.C. This bronze sculpture, crafted by the artist Frederick Hart, serves as a powerful tribute to the American servicemen of the Vietnam War.
~610 ftNE
Large, iconic site on the National Mall
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington D.C.
3 min walk • The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is an iconic feature of the National Mall in Washington D.C., United States, offering a place of contemplation and beauty amidst the bustling city. Stretching over 2,029 feet long and 167 feet wide, this expansive pond serves as a...
~1230 ftSW
Memorial, Sculpture, Park
John Ericsson National Memorial, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • John Ericsson Memorial, located near the National Mall at Ohio Drive and Independence Avenue, SW, in Washington, D.C. is dedicated to the man who revolutionized naval history with his invention of the screw propeller.
0.4 miN
Museum
Diplomatic Reception Rooms, Washington D.C.
11 min walk • The Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the U.S. Department of State constitute forty-two principal rooms and offices where the Secretary of State conducts the business of modern diplomacy. Located on the seventh and eighth floors of the Harry S Truman Building in Washington, D.C. the...
0.4 miNE
Canal
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Washington D.C.
12 min walk • The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, abbreviated as the C&O Canal and occasionally called the "Grand Old Ditch," operated from 1831 until 1924 along the Potomac River between Washington, D.C. and Cumberland, Maryland.
0.4 miE
Lake
Babcock Lakes, Washington D.C.
12 min walk • The Babcock Lakes were a series of water ponds formerly located near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. before the area became the National Mall.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to West Potomac Park?

Nearby attractions include Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C. (2 min walk), Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington D.C. (3 min walk), Martin Luther King, Washington D.C. (4 min walk), District of Columbia War Memorial, Washington D.C. (4 min walk).

How to get to West Potomac Park by public transport?

The nearest stations to West Potomac Park:

Bus

21st St & F St Northwest (16 min walk)
19th St & F St Northwest (17 min walk)

Metro

Foggy Bottom–GWU • Lines: Bl, Or, Sv (23 min walk)
Arlington Cemetery • Lines: Bl (24 min walk)