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Venture east of the river and discover this vibrant neighborhood's history and natural landmarks.
Anacostia is a historically black community with ties to one of the most prominent African Americans in history. Born into slavery and eventually freed, statesman Frederick Douglass traveled the nation to speak out against slavery. When he wasn't traveling he was residing atop Cedar Hill at his home, which you can tour throughout the day. Plan your visit with the tour schedule or order tickets in advance for a small fee. If you don’t get in for a tour, you can always marvel at the panoramic views of the city from Douglass' home.
Wale performing at the Entertainment and Sports Arena - Music and sports venue in Washington, DC
The newest, most lavish addition to Anacostia is the Entertainment and Sports Arena, which will serve as the home venue for the Washington Mystics and the Capital City Go-Go, as well as the practice facility for the Washington Wizards. In addition, the state-of-the-art arena will host concerts. Check their events calendar to see what else is in store.
Daytime scene outside the Anacostia Arts Center - Community and arts space in DC's Anacostia neighborhood
This community space opened in 2013 and features Black Box Theater, Vivid Solutions Gallery and other boutique and pop-up spaces. Experience an edgy art exhibit, peruse the racks of a vintage shop or see what healthful eats you can munch on from The Art-drenaline Café. Note that the Anacostia Arts Center is closed on Mondays.
Built in 1959 as a sitting billboard to the long-closed Curtis Brothers Furniture store stands all 19 feet of the Big Chair. It has since been refurbished and is arguably one of the most iconic sights in the neighborhood. You can find it in all its glory standing on the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and V Street SE.
If you’re visiting around April, you won’t want to miss the Anacostia River Festival, which caps off the three-week-long National Cherry Blossom Festival. Be there and enjoy tours through the neighborhood, art projects, live music, fishing workshops and other events celebrating the environment and area.
Anacostia is especially bike-friendly. Rent a bike from Unlimited Biking or Capital Bikeshare, and take either the Frederick Douglass Memorial or 11th Street bridges to the east side of the river (anywhere on this Google Bike Map). Wind through curves surrounded by verdant foliage, and you’ll feel like you have your very own nature preserve to yourself. The bike trail runs all the way to Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens.
About five miles northeast of Anacostia, you’ll find this natural wonder. Come for a visit, and you’ll likely share the park with photographers, birders and even dog-walkers. Enjoy summer flowers, which bloom between late May through September. Mornings are the best times to see the famed water lilies and lotuses. For wildlife, be on the lookout from October through March, when lack of foliage makes birding for bald eagles easier. From Anacostia, the best way to get there is via a rideshare app like Uber, on bike or on the V2 Metrobus. Otherwise, take the Orange Line to the nearby Deanwood Metro station.
Journey Anacostia Sculpture - Things to See in Anacostia - Washington, DC
Located at 1201 Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, this art installation echoes Anacostia's diverse history and heritage. The work was created to “establish a dialogue on the interconnection of the past, present and future of Anacostia.” Wilfredo Valladares created the work of art, which was unveiled in the summer of 2013. Imitate art by visiting the sculpture "Journey Anacostia."
Kayakers on the Anacostia River - Things to do outside in Washington, DC
Want to keep your visit to Anacostia strictly nautical? Head to the Ballpark Boathouse in Yards Park, and rent a kayak. You can cruise along the shoreline of the Anacostia River at your own pace and enjoy plenty of wildlife and nature. If you have your own canoe, kayak or boat, you can embark on the Anacostia from the boat ramp at the north end of Anacostia Drive SE.
Productions on the main stage at the Anacostia Playhouse often feature the work of local playwrights and small theater companies. Set in a warehouse that can accommodate as many as 120 guests, the space also hosts concerts and spoken word, among other performances. The playhouse is only five blocks from the Anacostia Metro stop.
Mahogany Books is an independent bookstore dedicated to sharing literature “written for, by, or about people of the African Diaspora.” What began as an online-only store more than a decade ago has blossomed into a nationally renowned brick-and-mortar shop inside the Anacostia Arts Center that plays host to community book events featuring African American authors. Make sure to check their blog for the latest updates and bestsellers.
