Dumbarton Oaks Park

Dumbarton Oaks Park is a 27-acre naturalistic park in Georgetown featuring woodland paths, stone bridges, and a flowing stream that passes through constructed waterfalls and ponds. The landscape is organized to guide visitors through different zones with varying vegetation and water features.

Robert Woods Bliss and Mildred Barnes Bliss purchased the estate in 1920 and donated it to the National Park Service in 1940. Beatrix Farrand designed and shaped the landscape during the 1930s, creating a blend of natural and constructed elements.

The park reflects Beatrix Farrand's vision of bringing natural landscapes into an urban setting during the 1930s. Visitors can experience woodland paths and flowing water features that were intentionally designed to feel like a natural escape within the city.

The park is accessible from R Street through Lovers' Lane near 32nd Street and features walkable paths throughout. Information signs and seating areas are scattered through the space to help visitors navigate and rest as they explore.

The park is jointly managed by the National Park Service and Harvard University, an unusual partnership between two institutions. This collaboration allows the naturalistic landscape and adjacent formal gardens to be maintained as complementary spaces that together create a complete experience.

Location: Washington, D.C.

GPS coordinates: 38.91528,-77.06222

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:05