Washington’s New Waterfront Park

This past weekend, I wandered down to the Georgetown waterfront to scope out D.C.’s newest public park. The seven-acre swath of land right on the Potomac River was once a huge cement parking lot under the Whitehurst Freeway, but over the past several years its been revitalized into a gorgeous green oasis with sweeping views of the Key Bridge and the Kennedy Center. It’s a nice antidote to taking in the commercial offerings of Georgetown’s busy M Street, with a labyrinth for contemplative strolls and several grassy areas perfect for flinging frisbees.

For a great afternoon outing, walk further to the eastern edge of the park and take in the beautifully designed House of Sweden embassy building, whose café hosts music programs on many weekends. Another option: veering off the path to Thomas Jefferson St., where you can grab one of the parchment paper-wrapped cupcakes at the funky Baked and Wired bakery.

The new park links up with a walkway that stretches all the way down to the National Mall, and is a perfect place for visitors to stop and relax their feet after stomping around among the monuments. There’s still some work to be done (another round of construction will create a viewing platform at the site, where you’ll eventually be able to catch the many regattas that race along the Potomac) but it’s a lovely new addition to the city. For a glimpse of it on video (shot by yours truly) click through to the jump.