Known for its architecture, this small urban park features sitting areas, a fountain & river views.
At a glance
#190 of 210 Parks in Washington #27 of 28 Memorial parks in WashingtonLocalGuideWorld score: 4.34
Rating breakdown
-
5 ★52%
-
4 ★32%
-
3 ★11%
-
2 ★3%
-
1 ★3%
Quick facts
- What is the rating of Benjamin Banneker Park?
- Benjamin Banneker Park is rated 4.3 out of 5 based on 228 reviews.
- How does Benjamin Banneker Park rank in Washington?
- Benjamin Banneker Park is #190 of 210 Parks in Washington by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
- Where is Benjamin Banneker Park located?
- 429 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024 — 2.7 km from the center of Washington.
- How can I contact Benjamin Banneker Park?
- Phone: (202) 426-6841 · Website: nps.gov
Benjamin Banneker (November 9, 1731 – October 19, 1806) was an African-American naturalist, mathematician, astronomer and almanac author. A landowner, he also worked as a surveyor and farmer.
Born in Baltimore County, Maryland, to a free African-American mother and a father who had formerly been enslaved, Banneker had little or no formal education and was largely self-taught. He became known for assisting Major Andrew Ellicott in a survey that established the original borders of the District of Columbia, the federal capital district of the United States.
Born in Baltimore County, Maryland, to a free African-American mother and a father who had formerly been enslaved, Banneker had little or no formal education and was largely self-taught. He became known for assisting Major Andrew Ellicott in a survey that established the original borders of the District of Columbia, the federal capital district of the United States.
Beautiful fountains in a quiet spot in an otherwise very busy area. Interesting history
At the edge of L'Enfant Plaza where it connects to the District Wharf is a small concrete park with a fountain named after Benjamin Banneker, a freed slave who became a famous scientist and inventor. The park comes with tables and benches making it a popular spot for an outdoor lunch when the weather permits. It also offers beautiful views of the National Mall, the Spy Museum and the District Wharf. There are stairs that take you to the District Wharf and the water.
Great place to chill.. Great places to dine.. Very Convenient to Metro if you don’t want to drive and park. I love the history behind this location. I have seen all of the transformations. Wonderful views close to the waterfront! You can even do your grocery shopping. Oh, And did I say that you feel safe here as well!
Named after one of the architects of the Federal City. The park overlooks the SW Waterfront and views over to the International Spy Museum at L'Enfant Plaza. Has a water fountain, but I have have never witnessed the fountain in use during my visits.
I've been coming to this park since I was in high school, that was in the early 2000s. I mention that because the park itself hasn't changed in all these years but the surrounding area has changed drastically!!!
There are no more river views (which I loved) due to the new hi-rise buildings that occupy the redeveloped Wharf... However it is still a nice spot relax and enjoy the sound and sight of the water fountain, as well as see planes take off from RR National Airport...
Also take some time to learn about Benjamin Banneker and the history of that section of Southwest DC on the information boards...
There are no more river views (which I loved) due to the new hi-rise buildings that occupy the redeveloped Wharf... However it is still a nice spot relax and enjoy the sound and sight of the water fountain, as well as see planes take off from RR National Airport...
Also take some time to learn about Benjamin Banneker and the history of that section of Southwest DC on the information boards...
This park is not as well maintained as it deserves to be. A quiet place on a quiet street with nice views. That is soon to change with all the new development and the Spy Museum moving to this locality.
Depending on when you're there, the fountain may or may not be working. If it's not working then this "park" will seem like a desolate, abandoned wasteland. It will have great potential, as the Wharf area that it overlooks is in full blown construction right now. Once that's finished it should be a very nice view overlooking the water.
On second thought, just wait a year and you'll be much happier that you waited
On second thought, just wait a year and you'll be much happier that you waited
Explore More
Nearby Places
View Place
Colonial Parking
View Place
Fat Tire Tours
View Place
GOODProjects
View Place
Officina at The Wharf
View Place
Business Roundtable
View Place
The Anthem Marquee Bar
View Place
The Channel
View Place
THE GRILL
View Place
Dijital Boost
View Place
Shake Shack The Wharf
You may also like
Similar Places
View Place
FDR Hope Memorial
View Place
Frederick Douglass Square
View Place
East Coast Memorial
View Place
Lincoln Memorial
View Place
Grand Army of the Republic Memorial
View Place
US Navy Memorial Plaza
View Place
FDR Memorial Stone
View Place
Irish Hunger Memorial
View Place
World War II Memorial
View Place