Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
8.2Friend Score / 10#3 of 12 Parks & Outdoors in Washington, DC
free
DC's best-kept secret: acres of blooming lotus and water lilies in a quiet corner of Anacostia, run by the Park Service and totally free. Peak bloom is right now, early July through mid-August. Extended summer hours 8a-8p Wed-Sun. Go early before the flowers close in the heat.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon Reduced hours (check NPS) Tue Reduced hours (check NPS) Wed 8:00a-8:00p Thu 8:00a-8:00p Fri 8:00a-8:00p Sat 8:00a-8:00p Sun 8:00a-8:00p |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Deanwood (Orange line), about a 10-15 min walk over the pedestrian bridge; a car is easier |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Early morning in July, right at opening, when lotus blooms are fully open and it's cool |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.2/10- Value9.0
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.3
- excellence8.0
- Crowd level8.0
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility6.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is it stroller and wheelchair friendly?
- The main pond area has firm gravel paths and boardwalks that are largely accessible, though some marsh trails are uneven and can be muddy. The core lotus ponds, the reason most people come, are the easiest to reach.
- How much time do I need?
- An hour to ninety minutes covers the boardwalks, ponds, and the adjacent marsh trail comfortably. Photographers and birdwatchers will happily linger longer, especially in the early light.
- Is it free?
- Yes, completely free. It's a National Park Service site with no admission fee and free parking on-site. That makes it one of the best-value nature escapes in the city.
- When do the lotus and water lilies bloom?
- The pink lotus peaks from late June into mid-August, with the showiest display in mid-July around the annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival. Water lilies bloom across a longer stretch of summer. You're right in the sweet spot now.
- Why should I go early in the day?
- Lotus flowers close up in the midday heat, so by early afternoon on a hot day much of the show is shut. Morning light is also gorgeous over the ponds and the boardwalks are cooler and quieter.
- What are the hours?
- Through the first week of September the gardens have extended summer hours, open 8a to 8p Wednesday through Sunday. Outside that window hours are shorter, so check the Park Service page before a fall or winter visit.
- How do I get there without a car?
- Take the Orange line to Deanwood, then walk about 10-15 minutes across the pedestrian bridge over the tracks. It's doable but a bit of a trek; many locals just drive since parking is free and easy.
- What's the Lotus and Water Lily Festival?
- A free annual celebration, held in mid-July, with cultural performances, activities, and the gardens at peak bloom from 10a to 8p. It's the most popular time to visit, so expect more company than a typical quiet morning.
Nearby in Ask Washington DC
- United States National ArboretumPark2.04 km · 26 min walk
- MakettoRestaurant3.76 km · 47 min walk
- Fort Dupont ParkPark3.87 km · 48 min walk
- Copycat Co.Bar4.19 km · 52 min walk
- H Street NE (Atlas District)Neighborhood4.19 km · 52 min walk
Where to stay near Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
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