Bladensburg MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Bladensburg, Maryland.
1. Bladensburg Waterfront Park
HISTORIC ANACOSTIA RIVERSIDE
Bladensburg Waterfront Park is located on the scenic Anacostia River, one of the most historic waterways in America. The park offers various water activities including canoe, kayak rentals, interpretive river boat tours, and features a fishing pier. Visitors can also enjoy the riverside walking paths, picnic pavilion, playground, and access to hiking/biking trails connecting to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System.
2. Anacostia River Trail
SCENIC RIVERFRONT PATH
The Anacostia River Trail offers a scenic pathway along one of the region's historic waterways connecting Bladensburg to Washington, DC. The trail provides cyclists and pedestrians with beautiful river views and access to various parks and green spaces along the Anacostia. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy spotting local wildlife while traveling this well-maintained pathway that showcases both urban and natural environments.
3. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
LOTUS AND WATER LILIES
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a unique National Park Service site featuring numerous ponds filled with exotic water lilies and lotus flowers along the Anacostia River. The gardens bloom most spectacularly in summer when thousands of vibrant lotus flowers create a stunning display across the water surfaces. Visitors can explore boardwalks and paths through this aquatic wonderland while also enjoying river views and marshland habitats that support diverse bird and wildlife populations.
4. Yards Park
MODERN WATERFRONT RECREATION
Yards Park is a contemporary waterfront destination along the Anacostia River featuring a striking pedestrian bridge, cascading water feature, and wading pool. During summer months, visitors can cool off in the park's popular water features while enjoying views of the river and Navy Yard area. The park hosts numerous events throughout the year and offers green spaces perfect for picnicking alongside its carefully designed waterfront promenade.
5. Kingman Island
URBAN NATURE RETREAT
Kingman Island is a hidden natural oasis situated in the Anacostia River offering hiking trails, fishing spots, and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. The man-made island serves as an important ecological education center and wildlife habitat in the heart of the metropolitan area. Visitors can experience remarkable bird watching opportunities and escape the urban environment while still enjoying views of the city skyline across the water.
6. Lake Artemesia
TRANQUIL SUBURBAN LAKE
Lake Artemesia is a picturesque 38-acre man-made lake surrounded by gardens, walking paths, and abundant wildlife just a short distance from Bladensburg. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for bass, bluegill, and catfish, with convenient fishing piers and shoreline access points. Visitors can enjoy the 1.35-mile paved hiker-biker trail that encircles the lake and connects to the larger Anacostia Tributary Trail System.
7. Greenbelt Lake
WOODED LAKESIDE ESCAPE
Greenbelt Lake is a serene 23-acre lake nestled within Buddy Attick Park offering a peaceful waterfront retreat not far from Bladensburg. A 1.3-mile trail circles the entire lake, providing scenic views and opportunities to observe local wildlife including herons, turtles, and various waterfowl. The lake is popular for fishing and picnicking, with numerous benches and gazebos situated along the shoreline for relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings.
8. Anacostia Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION CENTER
Anacostia Park stretches along the eastern shoreline of the Anacostia River, offering 1,200 acres of recreational space including one of the largest swimming pools in the region. The park features numerous sports facilities, picnic areas, and a riverside trail system perfect for walking, running, or cycling along the water. Visitors can launch canoes or kayaks from the boat ramp and explore the river while enjoying views of the Capitol and Washington monuments in the distance.
9. Patuxent Research Refuge
WETLANDS WILDLIFE HAVEN
Patuxent Research Refuge encompasses over 12,800 acres of diverse habitats including extensive wetlands, lakes, and waterways protecting the Patuxent and Little Patuxent River watersheds. The refuge features multiple water bodies including Cash Lake where visitors can fish (with permit) and enjoy scenic water views from surrounding trails. Nature enthusiasts can explore miles of walking paths through various aquatic ecosystems while potentially spotting beavers, waterfowl, and other wildlife that depend on these protected waterways.
10. Sandy Point State Park
CHESAPEAKE BAY BEACHES
Sandy Point State Park offers visitors access to beautiful sandy beaches along the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay with stunning views of the Bay Bridge. The park provides swimming opportunities from May to September with lifeguards on duty during the summer season, making it a popular cooling-off destination. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, crabbing, boating, and picnicking facilities throughout this 786-acre waterfront park.