In the north end of Georgetown is a large park that was once the estate of a ropemaker. He let neighbors picnic on his property and that legacy remains. The park became a public park in 1911. Today, it's a large park with grassy areas with picnic tables, a playground, tennis courts and trails. One trail connects to those found in nearby Dumbarton Oaks Park, a public park behind Dumbarton Oaks Gardens. read more

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I read an article about other spots besides the Tidal Basin in DC that had beautiful cherry blossoms and Montrose Park was on top of the list. I excitedly rounded up my troop only to find .... one, lone cherry blossom tree.... It looked like there were a couple more in the ancient cemetery that bordered the park but I wasn't about to risk getting hexed to fulfill my passion for petals. As others have mentioned this is a Victorian style park, that's partly beautiful in an old-school kind of way .... and also partly terrifying in the Omen type way (can you tell I watched a lot of horror movies as a kid?). Unlike one disturbing scene in the omen the merry-go-round does NOT turn around. It just sits there looking pretty. But my daughter and her friends enjoyed playing on the swing sets and watching the older kids climb on the monkey bars. We met a lot of friendly dogs that afternoon which made our day! I wouldn't seek this park out but it's a great respite if you are the area. read more

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I love Montrose park. This is an underrated and usually not super busy spot, and is a great place to bring your pup, play tennis, have a picnic, or let your kiddo play around on the playground. Pros: Spacious: This is a pretty large park, with lots of green space, and a trail that is cement, brick, and dirt at different points. There are various large trees of different species throughout the park, and benches throughout if you want to have a rest. There is also a public bathroom with a mirror and sink onsite Access to trails: This part offers access to the Rock Creek trails-- if you walk to the back of the park, you can connect to many of the trails that take you to the Rock creek river in about 10 minutes. Activities: This park features 2 sets of tennis courts, and a playground! Many folks also use the benches and wooden tables to have lunch or to host cute little parties for their kids when the weather is nice! It looks like the perfect spot for a relaxed get together! Puppers: Many folks bring their dogs here. There is somewhat of an informal gathering of dogs here every afternoon around 4-5 where locals gather regularly with their pups and catch up. Many people keep their pups on leash here, but I have also seen a lot of pups off leash, which seems ok so long as the dogs are well-mannered, given the large space in the park and the fact that most of the park is pretty safely removed from the street. It is really nice that this park also always has free dog poop bags, as well as well-tended to trash cans. There is usually a box full of tennis balls for pups to take, that a local dedicated in honor of their passed pup! There is also a large dog bowl full of water that your pup can drink from (just beware that the water heats up on hot days, as the bowl is metal-- if you notice the water is hot, you might want to refresh the water in the nearby public bathroom sink) Clean/ well-maintained: This park is pretty clean overall, I never see trash laying around, and usually it appears that the the grass is cut regularly. Other: Construction: The park has been under renovation across 2020-2021, with certain areas blocked off as a new tennis court is incorporated, I believe. As of summer 2021, there is still one area blocked off to the public, which seems to have sprouted a beautiful meadow. I selfishly hope that the meadow remains even after the construction fences come down! Homeless folks: There are a few homeless folks who regularly live in the park, who are very vocal and who seem to suffer from mental health conditions that involve hallucinations and outbursts. On a couple of occasions, the very loud screaming concerned me, however they seem pretty harmless overall, and I try to just give them space if they seem to be in a manic mood. There have been a couple of instances where I have engaged with some of the homeless folks in the park when they appeared calmer, and they actually were very personable and friendly. If you are bothered by homeless folks being noisy, there is definitely enough space in the park to distance yourself from them-- I don't think any of the homeless people are the type to approach you or get in your face if you leave them alone. Please note that this park is closed in the nighttime hours! read more

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I have been coming to this park for awhile. It is a grassy oasis away from the city and the masses. It is mainly inhabited by the locals of the area who bring their kids here for the playground, tennis players, and to toss the ball around for the dog. You have a couple of well educated homeless people who stay here too, but unfortunately they fell on hard times and find it to be safer here than the shelters. If you run into Kathleen, she'll tell you about her Irish heritage and her performing arts degree from Catholic U and GW. Nice lady... she just talks and talks and talks. You're going to have a couple of trails around here that are good for an easy to moderate work out depending on your level. Wear comfortable shoes since they have some off a beaten bath off the main paved road. As far as the kids park, it is quaint and simple. It is gated so the youngsters won't make their great escape while you're typing away at your phone. This seemed to be the case every time I go over there. They have swings for both toddlers and older kids. Indoor handicap accessible bathrooms are on-site next to the entrance of the park next to Oak Hill Cemetery. This is what I'd consider a Victorian era park. It was established about that time and still reflects a beauty of that era that will never escape it. read more

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Montrose park is amazing, and exactly the hidden gem I was looking for. It's a great place for dogs - I visited on a weekend morning and we ran into about 15 other dogs, most of them off leash, all friendly. The park has some large open grassy areas, a couple tennis courts, and some playgrounds. It is pretty open. There is a trail that leads to Dumbarton Oaks park, which is a nice trail with a creek running through. Heaven for my dog read more

No better place to take the kids and dogs! Perched high above Georgetown, Montrose Park provides families with the space, tools and toys to enjoy that precious quality time for which we strive. read more

This park doesn't have much in the way of views of nearby Rock Creek; that's for the neighboring cemetery. The tennis courts are also pretty badly in need of resurfacing; I'm surprised that they aren't better maintained. They have a nice-looking playground and the place is hedged off and relatively quiet. I usually just stop through while walking to or from Georgetown, but really, I prefer the sights of the neighboring Dumbarton Oaks Park, and there are other places in DC that are easier to get to and have more to offer. It's nice for those who live there, but not a destination. read more

Visited this park as I was told it was a dog park with a kids playground. A two-fer. What it turned out to be was an open field dogs can run in, and use the bathroom in too. I didn't notice anyone actually picking up after their dogs. There was a a nice play ground area with two separate sets of swings. So is a good amount of space for a decent amount of kids. I don't recall many of any eating areas. As another person described, the playground is more Victorian style. What's looks like a merry-go-round-esque plaything doesn't actually move at all. Go there to allow your dog to get some exercise & let the kids have some fun, but keep in mind the park and the playground areas are divided by shrubs and trees, so you can't watch the dog/s and the kid/s at the same time. Which is difficult to do regardless. read more

Montrose Park - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Really nice open space in Georgetown to lounge or eat lunch in, Montrose Park is quite the hidden gem.

I was walking along a trail in Montrose park the other day when I suddenly realized that I couldn't hear a single automobile or even see another building...for all I knew I could've walked into a wormhole and been transported to 17th century DC. This park is sublime. The trail was leading high over Rock Creek, and the view led all the way up the other side of the creek, 200 or so yards away. Too bad I didn't bring my birdwatching binoculars. Best of all, there weren't any other people on the trail--that's right--no dogwalkers and no joggers there to remind me of our hum-drum existence. Eventually the path led into Dumbarton park, which I explored for a different Yelp review... The trails here are pretty short, and so maybe that's why there were no joggers...it may not be worth a visit in its own right, but if you are ever walking from Dupont to Georgetown (or vice versa) it is worth a detour to see this pocket of wilderness in DC. read more

This review deals with the tennis courts, which merit zero stars. The only thing separating these ugly abominations from a park in a war zone is that there aren't mortar craters in the courts. Otherwise, every tennis court in Montrose Park is completely ruined and unplayable. Reading the other reviews it appears they have been this way for a long while. Aside from the tennis courts, the park is plenty nice, including the playground that is well maintained. Were it not for the tennis courts, Montrose Park would get a solid B- to B (three stars). Somebody please do something about the tennis courts, sheesh! read more

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This is a beautiful park that appears to be fairly protected from the excesses of the masses. I visited on a Saturday, midday. I'm not sure we visited the whole park. The winding path we followed led us past an empty tennis court with picnic tables under a shady, roofed area, covered in vegetation. The path led on to a hidden picnic area under 3 intertwined trees, and then back through to more tables, 1 or 2 tennis courts, and a few open, unkempt fields. I didn't see or hear any cars, buildings, or much from our fellow park-goers. People ignore the leash laws, but the dogs seem well behaved. There were a few noisy kids here and there, but mostly they stayed at the end of the park with the playground equipment. Our afternoon was lovely. I recommend this park for lovers and others. read more

I happened to come through here on a perfect fall day. It's true, you come here and immediately forget you're in a major city. Wildlife like chipmunks and squirrels run amok, the wind blows in the trees, and the air smells like dirt and greenery. I came here looking for a phantom dog park, and I didn't find it. So instead, pup & I strolled through the park and down through the trails toward the back, which led us right into Dumbarton Oaks Park (not the gardens you pay admission to enter, but the national forest behind them that is open to the public during daylight hours). Dogs are supposed to stay on leash, I didn't see any that were running loose. Still, my dog had a great time bounding through the rolling hills of green. Can't wait to make this a regular part of our walking routine. read more

Montrose Park - Good to know you have a gas problem. - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

2.75 stars or maybe 3. Meh. It is a green space in DC, which is more than some cities can say (believe it or not, been to those types of cities). So I guess we are spoiled for green spaces in DC and this is why I feel underwhelmed by this particular park. Plus, it is kind of overshadowed by nearby Dumbarton oaks garden and RCP...Even Oakhill and Tudor. Just the same, it is a nice free place to kill some time if you are in the general area and waiting for something ... Maybe even rest under a tree, as long as you are able to tune out the occasional snooty one who passes by. read more

another one of Georgetown's secrets that only the locals really know about - a massive piece of countryside right in the middle of the city, complete with kids playplace, quiet corners for contemplation, reading or ...er...alfresco discussions of what Private Eye used to describe as the ugandan variety... there might be one or two bright and warmish days before winter tightens its icy grip upon us - so take advantage of them and get yourself here for an hour or two of the best therapy the city has to offer read more

Please nobody else review this place. Let's just keep it for us in the know. Great place for pretending you're a resident of 1880's D.C. out for a perambulation while Nanny bathes the children in the nearby townhouse. read more

Washington in spring is as beautiful as Miles Davis playing "My Ship" (look it up-please) And this park (where I had my first, ah, serious kisses) is especially fine this time of year. Quiet as the world before mankind, and lined with paths which take you deep into a more restful environment. I've been strolling here for nearly (gasp) 45 years... And no, I am still an enormous fan. read more

Came to Montrose Park for a picnic and was very pleased to see playgrounds with swings! What a delight! Of course, there were plenty of kids there, too, but I was happy to have a go at the swings. :-) A+ park! read more

After reading John B's review I took advantage of the beautiful Saturday weather and walked over. What a great park! The paths behind the park connect with Dumbarton Oaks and Rock Creek Park trail. Lots of places to sit, a great swing set, and plenty of space to have fun day outside. Afterwards, a walk to Dolcezza or Thomas Sweet is a quick (and delicious) trip. read more

This is my little slice of heaven tucked away in Georgetown. You can find Montrose park sandwiched in between Dumbarton Oaks and the cemetery on R st between 30th and 31st. It's a very sizable park, with two large open field areas, a path to walk all the way around, picnic tables, park benches and a playground. For runners- you can run through this park and connect to Dumbarton Oaks park (a nice short loop) or over to Rock Creek Park (as far as you want to run :) For those of the canine persuasion (aka the main reason I discovered this amazing park) this park has an amazing dog community! Whether you bring your pup here in the morning or evening you will be sure to find at least 10 or more other pups off the leash (YES!) and ready to play! Plus the Dog Spot regularly has free agility trainings on Sunday afternoons and lots of the dog owners throw their puppy's birthday parties on the weekend with dog friendly cakes! It's pretty much dog owner heaven! Or it could be runner heaven or young mom with baby heaven from who ever's perspective you look at it. But whatever your persuasion is- you will absolutely enjoy what this park has to offer! read more

Such a beautiful park, and by far the nicest in the Georgetown Area. If you're 8, I recommend checking out the bush maze if it is still there. Too bad I'm not 4'11" anymore... read more

This is a place to walk, hike, eat, hang out - the feeling of being out of town but close by, the city swirling about. Great trees, safe. Children, dogs, runners... A path gets to the Clinton's house, Mass. Ave., the other to Rock Creek at a wide section. read more

The Friends group was set up to be a link between and Park Service and the community. This group is failing miserably in being the "watch dog" to help the Park Service serve this small, but adored, park in keeping it mowed and tidy so the users can enjoy the park without walking through knee high grass filled with bugs and ticks. read more