East Potomac Park National Memorial

Located in the District of Columbia, East Potomac Park National Memorial offers visitors a unique experience combining natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance.

Situated on a man-made island, the park covers an area of approximately 300 acres and is surrounded by the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. The park can be reached via the Arlington Memorial Bridge, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists.

Historically, East Potomac Park played a crucial role in the city's growth and development. It was initially built in the late 19th century as a way to protect and stabilize the Washington Channel. The park quickly became a popular destination for outdoor activities and sporting events. Over the years, it has been a venue for various recreational activities, including swimming, boating, and golfing.

One of the main attractions within the park is the East Potomac Park Golf Course, which has three 18-hole courses and offers stunning views of the city skyline. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Another highlight is the tennis center with numerous courts for both casual players and professionals.

Adjacent to East Potomac Park is the famous Tidal Basin, known for its stunning cherry blossom trees. During the cherry blossom season, typically in late March or early April, the Tidal Basin becomes a hub of activity with visitors flocking to witness the beautiful pink blooms. The Jefferson Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial are also within walking distance and offer a chance to explore the city's rich history.

In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, East Potomac Park National Memorial also provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city. The park offers ample space for picnics, jogging, and walking trails, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Whether visitors are interested in exploring the park's historical significance, playing a round of golf, or simply enjoying the serene ambiance, East Potomac Park National Memorial offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for everyone to enjoy.

Location

East Potomac Park National Memorial is a captivating destination nestled in the heart of Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. Situated on an island known as East Potomac, this serene oasis boasts a picturesque location surrounded by the gleaming waters of the Potomac River. The park is strategically positioned between the Washington Channel and the Anacostia River, offering visitors panoramic vistas of iconic landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and the breathtaking skyline of the city. Its unique and easily accessible location makes East Potomac Park National Memorial an ideal place for relaxation, recreation, and exploration, as it seamlessly blends the tranquility of nature with the grandeur of urban marvels.

Address & Contact

1100 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20242
Driving Directions
Phone: 202-426-6841
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit East Potomac Park National Memorial would be during the months of May, June, and July. Temperatures range from a pleasant 77°F to 90°F on average, allowing for enjoyable outdoor activities. Additionally, precipitation levels during this time range from 4.5 to 5 inches per month, providing a fairly balanced amount of rainfall.

Things to do and learn in East Potomac Park National Memorial

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in East Potomac Park National Memorial are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Boating Fishing Cultural Demonstrations Live Music Golf Mini-Golf

Topics

Learn about these topics at East Potomac Park National Memorial: Animals African American Heritage Women's History Climate Change Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Social Movements World War II Voting Rights and Suffrage Civil Rights Korean War Vietnam War

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

A bookstore, public restrooms, and an interactive museum are located within the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. For additional information, please contact the Visitor Center at 301-662-3515.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near East Potomac Park National Memorial

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near East Potomac Park National Memorial

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The View Apartment

Located in Washington (Capitol Hill), The View Apartment is within a 15-minute walk of Museum of the Bible and L'Enfant Plaza.
Address: 1100 6th Street Southwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20024
Web: Link

InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf, an IHG Hotel

In the heart of Washington, InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf, an IHG Hotel is within a 5-minute drive of Washington Monument and George Washington University. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-out. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 17000 square feet (1579 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 801 Wharf Street SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20024
Web: Link

Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf

With a stay at Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf in Washington (District Wharf), you'll be within a 10-minute walk of International Spy Museum and L'Enfant Plaza. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 975 7th Street SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20024
Web: Link

Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf

With a stay at Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf in Washington (District Wharf), you'll be within a 10-minute walk of International Spy Museum and L'Enfant Plaza. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 725 Wharf Street SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20024
Web: Link

Stay Alfred on 4th Street

With a stay at Stay Alfred on 4th Street in Washington (Capitol Hill), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Museum of the Bible and National Museum of the American Indian. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and an elevator.
Address: 1001 4th Street SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20024
Web: Link

Global Luxury Suites at The Wharf

A stay at this apartment places you in the heart of Washington, within a 10-minute walk of International Spy Museum and L'Enfant Plaza. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.
Address: 950 Maine Ave SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20024
Web: Link

Global Luxury Suites Capitol Hill/Navy Yard

With a stay at Global Luxury Suites Capitol Hill/Navy Yard in Washington (Capitol Hill), you'll be a 5-minute drive from Nationals Park and 7 minutes from Washington Monument. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 301 M Street Southwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20024
Web: Link

SoBe Waterfront Apartments

With a stay at this apartment in Washington (Capitol Hill), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Nationals Park and Audi Field.
Address: 198 M Street Southwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20024
Web: Link

DC Marina Side Rentals

With a stay at this apartment in Washington (District Wharf), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of International Spy Museum and L'Enfant Plaza.
Address: 650 Maine Ave SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20024
Web: Link

DC The Wharf Waterfront View Rentals

With a stay at this apartment in Washington (District Wharf), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of International Spy Museum and L'Enfant Plaza.
Address: 975 7th St SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20024
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-01-27Abraham Lincoln's Birthday to be Observed at the Lincoln Memorial on Feb. 12
The National Park Service and the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee will observe the 217th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln during a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 10:45 a.m. More
2026-01-26National Park Service seeks public comment on plan for future of the Tidal Basin
The National Park Service is accepting public comment on a Development Concept Plan and Environmental Assessment that will guide the long-term management of the Tidal Basin, focusing on transportation, conservation, tree preservation, protection of natural and cultural resources, visitor experience, recreation, infrastructure, security, and more. More
2026-01-20Temporary Closures While World War II Memorial Updates Lighting, Fountains
The World War II Memorial is undergoing a modernization of its fountains and lighting to address aging infrastructure, improve reliability, and enhance the appearance of the memorial. Visitors may find temporary closures of parts of the memorial during their visit. For your safety and the safety of the contractors, please respect any area closures you encounter. We apologize for any inconvenience. More
2026-01-16National Park Service Announces Opportunity for Communications Infrastructure Plan on the National Mall and Surrounding Park Areas
The National Park Service invites qualified entities to submit a proposal to develop communications infrastructure within the National Mall and surrounding park areas in Washington, D.C. Proposals must be submitted by Thursday, Feb. 16, 2026.  More
2026-01-08National Park Service Announces Closure, Construction at the World War II Memorial
The National Park Service announced today the World War II Memorial will close on January 9 ahead of a construction project to modernize fountains and lighting at the memorial. The work will address aging infrastructure, improve reliability, and enhance the appearance of one of the nation’s most visited memorials. More
2026-01-05National Park Service Awards New Contract for Food and Retail Services on the National Mall
The National Park Service has awarded a new contract to operate food, beverage, and retail kiosks on the National Mall to Taste of History LLC. The agreement will take effect on May 1, 2026, and will run for ten years. More