Buzzard Point

Rate this place

Parks

Virginia

Nearby: M L King Recreation Center Southwest Waterfront Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buzzard Point is a historic neighborhood in the Southwest Waterfront district of Washington D.C., located near the border of Virginia.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The area has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, with new residential and commercial buildings sprouting up alongside historic structures.

One good reason to visit Buzzard Point is to experience its unique mix of old and new architecture. Visitors can take a stroll along its tree-lined streets and admire the historic rowhouses and buildings that date back to the 19th century. At the same time, the neighborhood is also home to some of the most innovative contemporary architecture in the city, including the new soccer stadium for D.C. United.

Another point of interest in Buzzard Point is the historic Phillips Collection, which is located nearby. This renowned art museum features an impressive collection of American and European art from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as contemporary works by artists from around the world.

Interesting facts about Buzzard Point include its name, which is derived from the buzzards that were once common in the area, as well as its role in D.C.'s early industrial history. The neighborhood was home to numerous factories and warehouses in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and many of these buildings have been repurposed as residential or commercial spaces.

The best time of year to visit Buzzard Point depends on personal preference, as the neighborhood offers something for visitors year-round. However, spring and fall are generally considered the most pleasant seasons weather-wise, with mild temperatures and lower humidity.

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