The Yards Park

Rate this place

Parks

District-Of-Columbia

Nearby: Lansburgh Park M L King Recreation Center

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Yards Park, located in the state of District of Columbia, is a popular waterfront park and recreational space in Washington, D.C.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It offers several compelling reasons for visitors to explore and enjoy its amenities.

One key reason to visit The Yards Park is its stunning waterfront location along the Anacostia River. The park features a scenic riverfront boardwalk, cascading water features, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The tranquil ambiance provides a serene and escape from the bustling city.

The park offers various points of interest for visitors. One of the main highlights is the Great Lawn, a spacious green area perfect for picnics, sunbathing, or playing outdoor games. Visitors can also enjoy the wading pool, which is particularly popular during the summer months. Another point of interest is the Canal Basin and Waterwall, where water cascades down a series of steps, creating a soothing environment. The Yards Park also boasts a riverfront boardwalk with breathtaking views and comfortable seating areas.

Interesting facts about The Yards Park include its revitalization as part of the larger redevelopment of the Southeast D.C. waterfront area. The park was designed to incorporate sustainable features, such as a stormwater management system and native plantings, to promote environmental sustainability. Additionally, the park hosts various community events and festivals throughout the year, making it a vibrant and lively destination.

The best time to visit The Yards Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant and the park is in full bloom. The park hosts numerous outdoor activities and concerts during this time, adding to the overall experience. However, visitors can also enjoy the park during the fall, when the changing colors of the foliage create a picturesque landscape.

To ensure accuracy, it is advisable to verify the information across multiple independent sources. Some reputable sources for information on The Yards Park include the official website of The Yards Park, the National Park Service website, and travel websites such as TripAdvisor or Lonely Planet. These sources can provide comprehensive and up-to-date information on the park's amenities, events, and visitor experiences.

Explore Interactive Map

THE YARDS PARK

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References