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    Battery Kemble Park

    3.8 (15 reviews)

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    Matthew F.

    While others visit Battery Kemble Park for the sledding and dog-watching, I visited for something more historical. As the name implies, this park was once a military outpost - one of 68 fortifications which defended Washington during the Civil War. I *think* I located the remnants of the Battery, but there were no signs stating that so I can't be 100% positive. But for those who've visited places like Ft Ward, Ft Macy, Ft Totten & Ft Stevens, if you walk along the park's northern boundary at Chain Bridge Rd you'll find a familiar view of a dry ditch in front of a large tree covered mound of dirt. Probably not coincidentally, this location also has excellent visibility of the surrounding area...the type of view you'd need if you wanted to shoot artillery from that spot. This very likely is the remnants of the battery. The existence of an NPS-sign which had been knocked down right in front of the 'ditch' further confirms my suspicions. As for the park, I can attest this was doggie-palooza. Unleashed pooches were running happily; if you don't have a dog of your own but enjoy the sight, this is definitely the place to fulfill your quota of doggie belly rubs. While according to park regulations dogs are supposed to be on a leash, that isn't stopping visiting owners from letting their dogs run free. Parking didn't seem a huge problem. I was initially worried because as I walked down the road I only saw a pair of 3-car parking spaces, but at the base of the park there is a much larger lot.

    Sledding hill, 380 foot elevation.

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    3 years ago

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    14 years ago

    Great place to bring your dog. Just don;t get caught with your dog off leash. The cops come by to enforce the law occasionally.

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    Review Highlights - Battery Kemble Park

    Once a Civil War defense protecting the city is now a public park with a small parking lot, trails, and hills used for winter sledding.

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    Palisades Recreation Center - Soccer Field

    Palisades Recreation Center

    4.1(14 reviews)
    0.7 miPalisades

    Along the Potomac River northwest of Georgetown is a close-knit community called The Palisades…read more This is its recreation center. There's a small parking lot in the front and trails that lead to an actual recreation center, fields and a playground that doubles as a splash park in the summer. My four-year-old daughter loved the playground. It's modeled after an Indigenous American village along the Potomac River with slides, etc. For being in a wealthy neighborhood, it's a little run down, but still a lot of fun. If you like quirky art, take the small dirt path to the right when facing the parking lot. Walk a few yards to a small opening in the forest to find the "Glass Forest" with art hanging on the trees. It's a little creepy, but also quirky!

    Hmmm...I suppose I was assuming this playground would be more than it was given the area…read more The good: *a couple slides, things to climb on *dedicated parking lot *fitness equipment *skate park (definitely check this out) The issues: *the equipment is old and run down: pieces of the padded floor are all over the place and kids throw them *back to those kids and why we won't be back....where are the parents, nannies, guardians, SOME adult?! There were lots around but no one was telling their kid to not throw pieces of the ground at people. My son was excited about the slide....until he was trampled while going down it by 4 kids (at least 8 years old so they should know better anyways) running up the slide. This hasn't ever been an issue before since caretakers are usually at least sort of watching their kids but nope not here. Overall the equipment was boring and the playground way beyond capacity, particularly during these times. Not a fan, won't be back.

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    Palisades Recreation Center - Skate Area

    Skate Area

    Palisades Recreation Center - Multipurpose room

    Multipurpose room

    Palisades Recreation Center - Rec center sign

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    Rec center sign

    Georgetown Waterfront Park

    Georgetown Waterfront Park

    4.5(121 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    Another one of my favorite places to simply enjoy on a nice day. It's romantic enough for sunset…read moreviews on one of the many benches and scenic enough to stop and mentally relax. Highly recommended and if you're up to it, take the trail and see more of the beauty that this area has to offer. Great for cyclists, runners, walkers, and families!

    Didn't know this actually had a name. Who knew! Skip the banter, the answer is YES! VISIT! Everyone…read moredoes! It's a staple landmark in DC! Story Time! I came to the Georgetown Waterfront in my Season of YES, which apparently includes saying yes to waterfront views, questionable boat dynamics, and accidental raccoon contour. My friend wanted to show me all things water for a memorable Holiday weekend, so Georgetown Waterfront was the obvious meet‑up, because this girl was NOT driving to Potomac, MD. Boats, docks... I was getting the full tour of our brown waters of the DMV. And honestly, this area is perfect: lively, scenic, and full of characters to watch. The park area has no tie‑ups, so if you want to have a picnic off your boat, the park grassy area is a short walk away. I grew up in DC and if you did too, you already know the rule: You do NOT get in the Potomac. We were raised on stories about what's in that water; dead bodies, secrets, evidence, probably a missing chapter of DC history. And no, it's not saltwater. It's Potomac, MD water: a very specific shade of brown that politely tells you to mind your business. Fast forward 25 years... Potomac still looks brown, still looks suspicious, still looks like it has a backstory it refuses to share. But here I am, floating on top of it like I'm not fully aware of its reputation. Now let's talk about the people‑watching, because THAT is the real attraction when you come to the Georgetown Waterfront. You've got the oldies but goodies, seasoned gentlemen with boats, confidence, and clearly the budget to sponsor a whole afternoon. And then you've got the young women they're "hosting," who look like they were born after the iPhone. The dynamic is... noticeable. The math is mathing. If I feel out of place with someone who is 16 years older, I can only imagine how these college girls felt. But let me give it to these girls, they laughed at the jokes and listened to stories from these men's "good ole college days"... 45 years ago. It made for GREAT entertainment. I found myself staring like, "Should I ask their ages or just assume this is a mentorship program?" I chose silence. Once a woman can be your daughter... I don't know. It's a little off‑putting. But here I am, on a boat, sharing space with someone's grandpa and someone's young college daughter. Seasoned men taking younger women out is a thing, and here I am watching the circle of life. Very interesting. I realize in this moment older men just want companionship and they will treat women to dinner and fun for the exchange. Eeeek. At one point I caught my reflection and realized the "charcoal contour" on my face. I looked like I'd done a charcoal face mask and forgot to rinse, nope, just hair dye from a hopeful silver fox. Not sure why men do this to stop the aging. Grey is in! Stop putting in dye on your beards gentlemen! It's not cool. Suddenly the college girls' side‑eyes made sense. They were trying to figure out if I was okay or if I'd just escaped from a fight. Nope ladies, it was beard paint all over my face calling me out, like, "Let's give you more attention and Racoon Eyes." Overall, the Georgetown Waterfront is beautiful, entertaining, and full of life. Great views, great energy, and always something to look at, even when you're trying not to. Best place to come, relax, picnic, tie up (if you have a boat), and enjoy the restaurants all along the water. Tip: Use the DC Wharf or National Harbor for gassing up! Georgetown lets you tie up without a fee, chaos in the best way.

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    Georgetown Waterfront Park
    Georgetown Waterfront Park - And the river runs through it

    And the river runs through it

    Georgetown Waterfront Park

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    Battery Kemble Park - parks - Updated August 2026

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