Francis Scott Key Memorial Park

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Parks

District-Of-Columbia

Nearby: Chesapeake And Ohio Canal National Historic Park Georgetown Community Recreational Area

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Francis Scott Key Memorial Park is a small park located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C.

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Summary

The park is dedicated to Francis Scott Key, who famously wrote the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812.

One reason to visit the park is to see the statue of Francis Scott Key, which is located at the center of the park. Visitors can also enjoy views of the Potomac River and the Key Bridge from the park.

Another point of interest in the area is the Georgetown neighborhood itself, which is known for its historic architecture, upscale shopping, and dining options.

Interesting facts about the park include that it was originally named Georgetown Waterfront Park, and was renamed in honor of Francis Scott Key in 1932. The park is also home to the oldest continuously operating fountain in Washington D.C.

The best time of year to visit Francis Scott Key Memorial Park is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most colorful. However, the park is open year-round and can be visited at any time.

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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.

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