This section of waterfront is in the process of developing. I'm glad that land is available for pedestrian use, but this is still very much a work in process. After bypassing a fenced in yard that separates this park from Downtown Alexandria, I was greeted by a nice little path but a bunch of collapsing boardwalk structures with signs to stay away. Hopefully in its final form the park will have more to offer, but at this point it's just an area to walk through. read more

Oronoco Bay Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I've been to Oronoco Bay Park on two occasions: 1. the International Food Festival (don't quote me on that name) and 2. Alexandria Half marathon post-race shenanighans. I love that fact that this park sits on the shore of the Potomac River. Everyone says that if you visit Alexandria that you have to take a quick stroll around this park. While the park is nice, it feels more like a huge lawn, rather than an actual park. However, there is nothing wrong with that because it's a perfect place to have large events such as food festivals. Also, the views of the Potomac River are pretty nice. I will say that during my last visit, I noticed quite a bit of trash/debris that washed up on shore. But, this wasn't something too off putting. read more

I had a STUPENDOUS time!!! We had no clue what to expect but we enjoyed ourselves. All the performances were great, each vendor had an amazing selection and the DJ was doing his thing! The food I chose was so delicious. I hope they have this next year so I can go. read more

See all

Oronoco Bay Park is set up for pedestrians trying to get river views. There are three wooden overlook areas with built-in seating, instead of boating and fishing areas that may be present in other riverside parks. There are a few older tables on the southwest corner of the park, as well as free parking and a bike trail that runs through the park. This is a popular venue for outdoor events in Alexandria, and for that I recommend taking the bus and/or trolley as it is a residential neighborhood with limited public parking. read more

Though Alexandria has many parks along the water front, this one is the closest to Old Town with an expansive lawn for playing ball, flying a kite, picnicking, and it has some exposed out of service railroad tracks as well as a walkway into the middle of the water. I did see some trash here and noticed the trash cans are closer to the street but none are in the middle of the park, which may lead to more trash in the river. That's an easy fix another trash can or two can be added into the middle of the park. read more

See all

One cannot visit Old Town Alexandria without walking through the old marina at the shore of the Potomac River! Also known as the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront and Oronoco Park. It's part of the ritual. It's part of the mystique. It's part of the living history one experiences while there making it is a must-visit destination! Since the town was named for both Captain Philip Alexander and Captain John Alexander in 1779 as a major trading port for one of today's most historical tourist locations, its historical past along with the City of Alexandria go hand in hand. Having lived in Virginia for many years, this was one of the places we would frequent the most. The romantic stroll down the river boardwalk, visiting the Torpedo Factory Museum shops and art galleries, the many historic sites, watching pleasure and tour boats cruising, with plenty restrooms, the dog friendliness, nearby incredible restaurants, the park, and so much more... there is just so much to enjoy (and we miss it). Especially tranquil moments of relaxation to the still waters, bountiful trees, squirls darting past and pigeons galore. Easily, you can dedicate a day, or even better, an afternoon and evening to enjoying the late afternoon, amazing dusk and incredible evening. It's a marvelous location which we visit on every return we make to the area. Enjoy. Anyone from couples to families will find this a fantastic visit. read more

Oronoco Bay Park is one of several beautifully-kept, green parks near Old Town along the Potomac River. It has several docks that extend on the water with views of planes landing at nearby National Reagan Airport. There's a wooden boardwalk where people fish. read more

Oronoco Bay Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Such a cute park!!!! Located at the very end of Monroe St., the park gives you scenic views that you have to see to believe. If you get here early enough you can grab a seat on the bench and just stare out to the water. If you look out far enough you can not only see the Potomac River but look to the left and you can see the MGM sitting perched up on its hill and to the right you can see the Woodrow Wilson bridge connecting Va to MD. In addition to the benches, there are also a few picnic tables allowing you to bring a bite to eat and enjoy the scenery. If you like trails, you can walk along the trail that is perfectly positioned along the water. Parking can get tight as there is not much parking along the park, however if you get there early enough you can snag a spot behind the townhouses. The park is beautifully maintained so you do not have to worry about trash and litter all over the place. Make sure you take the time to walk out along the observation deck too to get a full view of all the scenery! Yet another great park in Alexandria! read more

See all

Great strip of land to walk, picnic, read, etc. My husband I brought our baby in her stroller and enjoyed being by the water, taking pictures and watching a few air planes fly by. There were plenty children, families, or solo people going about their day enjoying the sunny afternoon. read more

This is a very pretty riverside park with two main open areas on Oronoco Bay / the Potomac River. Expansive views are primarily East across the Potomac River, with further views North (to DC) and South (to National Harbor) depending on where you are in the park. Part of the Mount Vernon Trail, paved paths through the park run south to Old Town Alexandria and beyond, and north past an old power plant and residential area before continuing along the river. The paths, a short boardwalk through a marshy area, open park spaces that are flat and have fun low rises all make for wonderful areas to wander and run around, picnic, play with dogs, fly kites (I think), and generally enjoy the outdoors alongside the river. There are lots of seating options among benches and rocks, and there are also excellent, unique water features and sculptures at the business area on the north end of the park. One note that a small, beautiful townhome area is right on the park (flanked by the park on two sides and a rail trail on a third side). Please be kind to the residents, so they'll be kind to us visitors! Parking is tight, but you can usually find space on nearby streets, a small public lot beside the townhouses, or -- on weekends especially -- close to the business area that's at the north end of the park. This is a calming spot to wander or sit and rest throughout the day. read more

Beautiful place at the waterfront. Just off of King streetwise, plenty of shopping and snacks along the way. We did a food.festival in the park. Great walk bordering the residential neighborhood. read more

Love Oronoco Bay Park -what a lovely place to take a walk and enjoy the view. The people are so friendly & King street is only 4 blocks away. We spent the afternoon here with this beautiful view. This is definitely a great spot to see with the Alexandria waterfront just across the street. We are most certainly coming back. read more

Oronoco Bay Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Really lovely, quiet little park in Alexandria! We came here for a family photo shoot over the weekend and were really happy with the spot - if you are lookig for some photo locations, check this place out. There are some old abandoned train tracks which make a great backdrop, lots of green and flowers, and a terrific water view (as long as you don't get the DC water filtration plant in your background!). There were two larger family picnics/gatherings going on while we were there, and this seems like a perfect place to host such an event. Lots of bikers and dog walkers, too. read more

Oronoco Bay Park - Oronoco Park - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Saw the fireworks last night, fun and fab. We also enjoyed the orchestra that performed. Sat on the side rails of the train tracks and was amused by all the various light up items the kids had. read more

Oronoco Bay Park - Silly me only one photo of works 7/9/16. - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I come here every July! Visit the weekend *after* July 4th, Independence Day. There is a big celebration here at Oronoco Bay Park for the city of Alexandria's Birthday! Very patriotic and fun-filled. If you come early, you will also get a free slice of cake. The dazzling spectacle of fireworks is minutes longer than what they have in D.C. and is set to the backdrop of a classical orchestra (best!) and shooting cannons in front of the Potomac waterfront. It's more intimate and I love it. The park itself is a wide open green space. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and snacks from the nearby Trader Joes, and cozy up in a good spot. I would recommend arriving at least an hour or half hour before the festivities start, as it gets crowded and parking is competitive. Last year my friend parked us near a school several blocks away. read more

Oronoco Bay Park - Fireworks the week after July 4th! - Parks Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

This park is a secret gem in Old Town Alexandria. The park is directly on the Potomac River. There are picnic benches and a volleyball court. The best part about this park to me is that it connects directly to the Mount Vernon trail. The parks paths are beautifully paved and there isn't litter. Everything is clean and beautiful! read more

See all

Oronoco Bay Park is one of several beautiful parks along Alexandria's waterfront. There are businesses along the top of the park, railroad tracks, nearby townhomes, and the Dee Campbell Rowing Center, Alexandria City Public Schools. Whether walking the paved trail along the Potomac River, admiring the scenery from one of the overlooks, or strolling along the wooden footpath out into the Potomac River, you will experience breathtaking waterscapes. Enjoy a variety of birds, ospreys and waterfowl. Look across the river and see the National Harbor in Maryland, the MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino, the DC water treatment plant at Blue Plains, and/or a variety of boats and water taxis going by. Feel free to sit on any of the benches within the park and enjoy a book, lunch or admire nature. read more

See all

This is one of the loveliest parks I've ever visited. Catch the sunrise streaming through the trees over the shore of the Potomac River at sunrise, or sit on one of the park benches to watch the sunset over the water. Located in the northern section of Old Town Alexandria, this park has it all: beautiful views right over the water, plenty of places to sit, a large grass hill on which to picnic, etc. It's located conveniently within walking distance of a bunch of restaurants and shops, it's just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront and historic King Street, etc. I can't speak to parking, as I've only ever walked to this park, but there are usually places to park in the Old Town Alexandria North area (at least in comparison with other parts of Old Town). I've visited this park countless times now and it never gets old. In fact, I snap photos of the exact same view each time I visit =) Prior to living in Alexandria, I didn't realize there were so many parks and so much waterfront green space past Waterfront Park and Founders Park, but there is so much more to Old Town Alexandria; just follow the water to Oronoco Bay! read more

There is no better place on the Alexandria waterfront to see wildlife than Oronoco Bay Park. On a typical summer day, you can see Canada geese, Mallard ducks, multiple species of turtles, grackles, red-winged blackbirds, and sparrows. If you're lucky you can see a Cormorant or a Heron, or maybe an American Coot, and once I even saw an Osprey. You can also see the tons of dogs that people walk here. If you're here for the animals, make sure you come at high tide. The bay is very affected by tides, and during low tide all you're going to see is vast stretches of mud. read more

See all

Alexandria is fortunate and wise to have a number of parks along its waterfront. This park is no exception. There are lots of metal benches to rest along the river as well as maybe 30-40 yards away along a tree-lined path. A walkout observation deck can be a nice experience for couples or very small groups. Some waterfront parks have volleyball courts and even a small playground for kids. It may not be a factor for everyone but I took off the star to show the difference. On the other hand, some parks closer to King Street are a bit more popular and noisy so there's a tradeoff. The Potomac River itself may not be the prettiest around - it's brown and on this particular day, there seemed to be a lot of algae near the rocky shore - but if you're walking or biking through, this park is part of a pleasant touring experience. read more