My favorite park in DC! It's unique & a bit quirky, tends to be quite friendly, and it has lots of character. The park is very popular with locals, especially during the summer when there can be well over 1,000 visitors. The park is very popular with joggers beginning in the wee hours of the morning. And then there are a number of groups that meet to exercise, do yoga, practice marshal arts and other sports. It is also very popular with dog owners whenever the park is open but they especially congregate in the morning on the main upper lawn to let their dogs socialize and play. Picnics are especially popular on the weekends. The park is also a favorite for photographers as well as couples. I love all the secluded little winding paths & benches, and the various balconies, alcoves and hidden monuments. There are also many fountains of varying size, but my favorite feature is the awesome cascading fountain which is the only one of its kind on the East Coast. There is a pool in the cascading fountain for each of the 13 original colonies. As the name suggests, the park was originally meant to mark the prime meridian and its creation was part of a failed campaign to have the prime meridian moved from Greenwich to Washington, DC. The park was partially closed for renovation between late 2020 late 2022 to restore damaged historic concrete, and supposedly to replace old/damaged plumbing for the fountains and repair leaks surrounding the reflecting pool which became quite serious the last time the fountains were operated. However, the system has not been put into operation or refilled with water since the project's completion. A wheelchair accessible entrance was also added to the lower level from 16th St. And a really ugly & entirely useless new metal "feature" was installed on the upper western path along the 16th street wall. What a total waste/misuse of resources! Unfortunately, even the areas which remained open were not cared for as usual during construction. In fact, the entire park has been neglected since the project began. There are invasive plants & weeds growing all over the park, some completely out of control, and most of the trees & shrubs are also in great need of trimming, pruning & general upkeep. Lightning strikes & windy storms have broken of large branches of several trees, and even knocked down a couple of huge trees which took some time for anyone to even begin to clean up. Even worse is that no-one seems to be cleaning or picking up litter and trash in the park anymore, and even the trashcans are no longer regularly emptied. They often remain full or overflowing for days which is encouraging the rat problem. Litter has become prevalent all over the park. Currently the smell of urine has become ubiquitous throughput the park due to the bathrooms being closed for two weeks recently (and randomly closing early or sporadically). It is really a shame how much the condition of this wonderful park has declined.
Playground
There is no playground with installations for children.
Restrooms
There are public restrooms on the east side of the upper level. However, they have become increasingly poorly maintained and are no longer reliably open anymore.
Dog-friendliness
Although there is no desiccated "dog park" this is a favorite place for dog owners, especially in the morning! With nobody to enforce the leash rule most owners let their dogs run free which sometimes causes some problems, both between some dogs and with some people.
Picnic area
There is no desiccated picnic area or any picnic tables or other facilities like grills. But picnics are very popular, particularly on the upper lawn.

This is 1 of the very few parks that I will actually show up in within the District of Columbia not because they r bad parks but this one here it just gives me a peace omg especially 4 the last 16 months durin COVID-19 I've always just got here turn on my tunes get n2 my #ZONE & allow my mind 2 just wonder as I take time out 2 Thank The Man Upstairs GOD 4 keepin me when He didn't have 2 but everyday my eyes open & my feet can hit da floor o yeah u betta know He's gettin all His#GloryAndHonor it belongs 2 Him anyways He is just allowin me 2 borrow it 2 fulfill da #PURPOSE He has already set aside 4 my life. Thank You God! And thank you to the Department of Parks & Recreation 4 preservin such a park like dis 1 which holds plenty of history! And its currently under construction 4 da upkeep purposes dis is definitely a place where I goes & loves 2 b 2 keep my #MentalHealth in check! Also 2day da Last Sunday of May 2021 they had dis drum group out there & babie they set a #WholeMood 4 me & I'm grateful #WelcomeBackDC surely #WeAreInDisTogetherForever❤

I've been the regular for about the decade. The drum circle here on fair weather Sundays is unmatched by anything I've seen in other music-intensive cities like Denver and Austin. With free parking for the day up and down both 25th and 16th Streets! This park is super diverse both culturally and regarding ages who attend. The African, African-American, African, Caribbean and other communities contribute to the taste of the music, but there is also a lot more to do at this park besides drum and dance. People are picnicking, doing yoga, acroyoga, slacklining, studying, throwing birthday parties and the list goes on. #1 Must See for both locals and anyone touring from out of town.
Restrooms
Bring your own toilet paper and hand soap maybe, or is sometimes available. Closes after dark but not terrible.
Dog-friendliness
You can go here to walk lt check out dogs.
Picnic area
No specific area, but a huge, relatively clean park.

Meridian Hill Park in DC is an absolute gem! This urban oasis offers a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The beautiful cascading fountains, serene atmosphere, and lush greenery make it a peaceful haven for relaxation and picnics. The park's historic elements, like the Joan of Arc statue and the Italian Renaissance-style terrace, add a touch of elegance and charm. The regular drum circles and cultural events create a vibrant and welcoming community atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a tranquil retreat or a social gathering spot, Meridian Hill Park has it all. A definite 5-star rating for this beautiful park that truly captures the essence of DC's diverse and dynamic spirit! ️ #MeridianHillPark #UrbanOasis #HistoricCharm #CulturalHub #CommunityVibes #DCExploration #FiveStarExperience"

The park is quite nice for the accessible part. which includes the upper area and the middle fountains on the second floor down. The park is unfinished near the bottom and closed off making leaving a significantly difficult task if you dont know the layout of the park. The area is great for event; cookouts and gathering of all kinds. Dog friendly and there's plenty of space. Surrounded by convenience stores such as CVS; 7-ELEVEN and Restaurants when travelling towards columbia height station and below on 14th street
Playground
There are not playgrounds here
Restrooms
There are no restrooms here
Dog-friendliness
The park 100% open to all animals
Picnic area
There is plenty of space for food gatherings and even sitting areas that resemble long benches

Super busy and popular DC park in the middle of an urban jungle. You can see drum circles, yoga classes, friends/family gatherings, people walking their dogs and people working out on the numerous stairs. There is a flat part towards the north and hilly portions to the south. Good park to connect with people outdoors or hang solo outdoors. You’ll want to bring something to sit on due to the grass being bare and wet usually. Also, I don’t think the bathrooms are currently open to the public but not sure. I usually hold it or walk to a friends place. Parking will be tough but it’s DC so you can metro and walk or bike.

Not good. From the pictures I saw the place looked like a little green oasis in the middle of DC, which is the type of thing I look for. This park, however, has clearly been de-prioritized somewhere along the way. All water fountains were non functional, multiple entrances were blocked off, restrooms locked, and landscaping needed attention. It is clear there is a TON of potential here for this to be an amazing space, as I'm sure it once was, but during my visit in early October, 2022, it was not particularly pretty nor inviting.

It pains me to witness the current state of the once-wonderful fountain. It used to be a delight to be in its presence, but now it's become little more than a dump. The sad reality is that it seems like no one is taking any action to restore it to its former glory. Why has the central green space in the park been transformed into a dog park? An urban oasis of this caliber has now become primarily a training ground for our canine companions.

I love this park. It's a 15 min walk from our house. I drive and never had a problem with parking. I love to take my two pekingese to walk at sunset. They get to socialize with over a dozen other pups in the winter. They love it even more than I do. During the summer things seemed to change a bit and the park is full of people and picnics. We went on a Saturday around sunset and it was packed. Not so many dogs this time.

Born and raised in D.C. and yesterday was the first time I've ever visited Meridian Hill Park. I must say it was amazing. Just a overall great vibe. A nice place for people to gather and socialize or just have a relaxing sit down on a blanket. I enjoyed the drums as well as the DJ that was playing music. The only downside is there is not a place where little children can play. It would be nice to have a small play area.

I used to be in love with this park, with the flowers, the water fountains and all the activities on the grounds of it. Unfortunately, it seems that within the past couple of years this park has been neglected which I do not know why. The grass on the main plaza, the state of the pavement, the state of the park fountains and gardens all speak of a glorious past only. It is a shadow of its good past.

Landmark. The story of Meridian Hill Park begins in 1819, according to the National Park Service, when John Porter built a mansion on this spot. The location was named Meridian Hill because it was the exact longitude of the original District of Columbia milestone marker. African-American astronomer and mathematician Benjamin Banneker helped set up that milestone marker.

The place is good for walking, you just need to pay more attention to cleaning the local signs for people to pay attention to removing their dog's feces. put more grams in the missing parts. And I don't know if it's because it's spring or it doesn't work. But there should be water so that the place is more beautiful and people can enjoy the beauty of the place.

I can’t remember the last time the fountain was on, but it is still a great park. Family friendly, dog friendly, skateboard friendly, drum-session friendly, etc... a nice place to take casual pictures. There are some shaded areas. It’s a hill, so there are stairs and inclines. The bees are plentiful this time around so beware. The public bathroom is open.

it's a beautiful park, but it does need some cleaning. There were still leaves from last fall, bushes are over growing, in some areas weeds are visible on stairs and of course cascading waterfall was not turned on and it had lots of trash. I went there to do a photoshoot for a client because of this waterfall, so it was disappointing to find it not on.

Attended the Heal & Meditation ‍♀️ event and it was awesome sauce I was born in Meridian Towers and swam in the water that used 2 be here (was named Malcolm X Park then); the architecture is AMAZING, not 2 mention the breath taking views...planning 2 bring my son 4 the drumming gathering on Saturdays; so happy I found this park again

Great people watching. Go often enough and stay long enough you’ll see the best DC has. It’s a menagerie of good city life. Daylight hours are the only time to visit. When the fountains are on, it’s majestic and almost magical. Seeing the dogs play is a bonus, they bring folks together and entertain. The burbs don’t have this. Nice vibe.

Disappointing park. Unfortunately this park has fallen into disrepair due to neglect. It's overgrown, littered with trash and plant debris. The signature water stair and reflecting pool are empty and dry with weeds growing in them. Unfortunately the statuary in the James Buchanan memorial has been vandalized as well. Not recommended.

This is an amazing park tucked away in DC. There was live music when I was walking through last. Great place to walk around and it's definitely big enough to take a while to explore and find all the hidden gems. There are nice views of the surrounding neighborhood at the front and back of the park. And plenty of open seating area.

Nice park in the middle of the city it's on a hill so it has a vibe and different levels to enjoy, it's got a view of the Washington monument, lots of people chilling in hammocks and people having picnics and reading books , dogs playing sometimes people are slacklining and playing in drum circles. It's always buzzing

Meridian Hill Park is one of my favorite photography spots in DC! I go here to photograph engagement sessions and this elopement pictured below! DC is crowded with chaos and noise but Meridian Hill Park is an amazing place to get away and just relax with the ambience and coolness of the fountain. KJLBphotography . com

Historically know as Malcom X Park. Many historical moments with Martin L King. And other activist. Newly up graded great place for gatherings and the drum circle. Always active good blend of the new and old. The area continues to grow and the park is a central part.of the neighborhood. Continues to flourish

Love this park but needs major renovations(some of which have been ongoing forever it seems). Unfortunately the fountains have been empty for years-which is not how the park is shown in most pics. The grassy upper terrace is a really lovely place for people watching, a picnic, or to read a book.

Cutest dogs, great people watching, hammock spot, drum circles in the summer! Can’t wait for the weather to warm up again to picnic and stargaze here (surprisingly a great spot for stars- I might have gotten lucky because some of the lights weren’t working and it was a super clear day maybe!)

Was probably gorgeous at one point but very neglected now. Fountain looks like it hasn’t been on in a decade. Kids were skateboarding in it. Grassy area was either overgrown or just hard dirt. Few families walking around, few dudes just sitting around smoking weed, but not much to look at.

This park could be truly beautiful, but it’s not. The fountains are broken. The two lower entrances are fenced off. The grass, what of it there is, hasn’t been cut or weeded. A giant dead oak is primed to fall in a storm. How the NPS allows this to continue is a travesty. Very sad.

Park would have great potential, but is in bad shape. Earth patches on the lawn, they don't mow the lawn, infrastructure run down and with graffiti, fountain not working, trash lying around. A great example of what the dysfunctional political system does to cities in this country.

The bathrooms close too early on Sundays. It was still daylight and the bathrooms were closed. A crowd running the drum circle with no bathroom to go. Of course, the bushes became the bathroom.
Playground
There isn't a playground.
Restrooms
Bathrooms close too early.

Best place to hammock without going out to rock creek. Always something going on, I saw belly dancers the other day and there's a drum circle every Sunday while the weather is nice. The lower section is under construction and makes entering from the south a super pain though

I wish they would restore this place!! Bones still beautiful but no longer what it once must have been. Drum circle on Sunday starts around 4/5 until dusk or later and is located at the top of the park. Beautiful vibes. Dog friendly for sure. Great place for picnics.

Great city park with lots to see. Activities all week long: zumba, yoga, capoeira, drums and always dog romping.
Restrooms
Restrooms available.
Dog-friendliness
Super pet friendly!
Picnic area
Throw a blanket just about anywhere and grab a snack.

Great park located in the middle of the city. It feels as though it's about 3/4 of a mile in length and about an eighth of a mile in width. One end is under complete construction and blocked off. It is nice and will be even nicer when the construction is completed.

Ok, I saw the photos of this place, went there (May 4- 2018) to explore it and to see the water fountains, then I just shocked “seriously?! Where is the water?”. It’s beautiful park with trees and many seats, walking area, but with no water, it doesn’t look good.

A truly sad site to see. No water features and in fact they are now defaced with graffiti and overgrown with weeds. What grass there was is now overgrown weed as well. Breaks your heart as you know a lot of thought and meaning went into this once beautiful space.

Unless you are in the neighbourhood don't waste time visiting this small piece of grass and statues. OK, in the summertime the fountain is...nice I guess but again not worth visiting unless you are there anyway. If you have a dog though it's a great dog place.

This would be a nice park, if it weren't half-closed for construction and filled with garbage. People need to respect the park, and pick up after themselves. Can't even count the number of used male contraceptive devices I found while walking around …

This park is an amazing and somewhat hidden gem. Drum circles on the weekends, picnics and sunbathers galore, an awesome place for a killer workout (hello stairs), and just a beautiful place to reflect with a good book any day or time of the week in NW DC

A dope little luxurious landmark. I stumbled upon this spot while on a commercial shoot. I felt like I was in a different country. Great views and nice shady solitude. Minus one star because they need to spray the park for the swarms of mosquitos.

A hidden gem among the many others eclipsing it, this place is the "Holy Grail" of public gathering venues, bar none! Multiculturalism thrives here...group activities (mostly during weekends) are abounding...yoga, ‍♀️ meditation ‍♂️,

Everybody goes to this big spacious park to get a little bit of freedom. Exercise, walking your dog, fresh oxygen from surrounding trees, and a beautiful overview of Washington, DC, especially during the fireworks display on the fourth of July.

Had a great time at the park over the Valentine's day weekend. I photographed a couple for their engagement pictures. Big day is in September of this. So happy to be working and sharing in this special moment. Great park, lots to see and do.

A great local neighborhood park with impressive stairs and stonework, gardens and landscaping, benches, and plenty of green space to have a picnic or do whatever. Not close to the metro, and parking is tight, but if you're in the area, it

This is a very beautiful location for almost anything.
Picnic area
There is a grassy area on the top level of the structure. Not sure if there are grills but I saw a few people with blankets in the grass. People were playing Frisbee

This is a great park! Lots of space to picnic, exercise, do yoga, chill with your family and friends, picnic, etc. On Sundays, everyone gathers to play drums. Everyone is welcome to join in. People also come to shoot special event photos.

Really nice place to have a picnic, to jog, play some frisbee or soccer, walk your dog, take a walk. Great place for kids to run around. Overall a nice park to spend a sunny afternoon in. You can see the National Monument from this park.

Malcom X Park! Loved passing by here for school everyday would either take 16th or 14th to get over to Saint Augustine. Brought my girls to the old neighborhood to show them the difference between Saint Paul, MN and DC, they loved it!

It was dry a-lot of homeless & weed I went there with my baby in stroller, couldn’t go up (not wheels accessible) And all fountains was dry and not good looking
Dog-friendliness
Yes , many people was walking their dogs

Meridian Hill Park is a great park on the top of a hill. A beautiful place for any event. Awesome atmosphere and peaceful. I love this place to read meditate or sit and see beauty. It's always good the spend time between trees!

If you need an accessible entrance, enter on the East side of the park! There is a food giveaway here with very helpful workers. It's a very nice looking park, I noticed online that there is park beautification happening here.

The park would be a lovely historic location if not for all the rats. Keep a close eye on your pets and belongings. Literally saw at least 6 rats leaping and jumping around while sitting on a bench here. Ah city life. Lol

Meridian Hill Park is a beautifully designed park with a wonderful cascade fountain in the lower area. The upper park has great areas to picnic, play soccer, do yoga and, of course, enjoy the drum circle on Sundays.

Great place for pictures and a stroll, unfortunately the fountains are not functional at the moment and looks like its been neglected. Needs some attention but still a decent place to visit if you are in the area.

This is a really nice place inside the city that makes you feel like you aren't there. It needs a lot of work and updates, though, mostly the fountains...
Restrooms
they are OK. it is only one for each sex

This place is so beautiful, I wish I could afford to live in this neighborhood. The park itself is a wonderful place to come and workout and then sit in the many shady areas to meditate. I did while I was there.

One of Washington DC oldest and historical parks. Just need the neighborhood residents with dogs to thank about preserving the ground and leashing their pets while in the parks. It’s not really a dog park

[posted Spring 2023] Meridian Hill park no longer has cascading water features (sadly!) but with some imagination one can still enjoy this park's formerly beautiful Italianate architecture and aesthetic.

Have not met anyone but the part is beautiful late at night. There is a fairly large organized group of young men here also, who very unobtrusively do whatever they are here at the park at 1:30am to do.

Beautiful park with plenty of places to walk about. Also, it’s very active, which makes it all the more enjoyable. Some interesting overlooks of the city too. Check out the water lily pool in summer!

It's a disgrace that the fountains have been off for so long, and that there's nothing on the park's website saying so. Every weekend people show up hoping to see the fountains and are disappointed.

Photographers perfection. Great place to take photos. Can feel a bit bare at certain times of the day- as any park would feel in s city when no one’s around. Great place for wedding photography,

Beautiful. Many pot smokers. Surprised the multi-year renovations didn't fix the water falls. Very sad.
Restrooms
Exist on upper level
Dog-friendliness
Many dogs on and off leash.

Every Sunday afternoon there is a “drum circle” playing! Dozens of people come to watch, dance or play their own drums. You can also have a picnic or take a nap under the trees. Lovely park!!

I’m sure due to the pandemic this has place has been neglected. There is no water in the fountain or reflection pool. The statues and fountain would be amazing if the area was kept up with.

I go to the drum circle often (especially spring and summer) and it's always awesome. Love the park. Parking really isn't that bad on Sunday. Highly recommend going Sunday at around 4 or 5.

I really love this Park every Sunday I come here to release and relax my mind amongst all walks of .Be free, free your mind body and soul see you there next Sunday bring a friend. …

This park was once clearly stunning. Beautiful architecture, landscaping, bathrooms (not working), and an incredible fountain and reflecting pool. Would love to see the park cared for.

Went here on a Sunday night for the drum circle... Amazing!!! Must go if you are available between 530-8pm. Lots of drums, dancing, observing, several vendors, and lots of diversity.

This park is beautiful it has educational information about local plants and you can even purchase them. The park is larger than I expected with garden grounds and a pond. …

One of the best places to see DC's famous night squirrels (night or day), Malcolm X Park is a great place to walk the dogs (on leash, of course) or sit and enjoy a beautiful day.

A nice neighborhood park. The fountain is not functioning otherwise this would be a great park. There are restrooms and also several placards with snippets of information.

Saturdays and Sundays are really great if you catch the drum circles everyone's out. Having a really good time. Tons of people watching, bring a blanket and a few friends

Most beautiful park in DC hands down! Great location for photoshoots. You must get there early though. @Rebel_Svage is the stylist. @favecolorblu is the photographer.

I enjoyed an educational cultural tour called "Egypt on the Potomac" field trip curated by IKG Cultural Resource Center which included a visit to Meridien Hill Park.

A nice neighborhood park with a great history, which you can read about on the many informational plaques. Lots of benches and space to play on a sunny January day.

The energy here during the drum circle events on Sunday is great! For a moment you can forget the busy work life and immerse yourself in the music and feel alive!

Water features have been dry for a while, and the landscaping needs a little work, but a beautiful park on the whole, can’t wait to go back in the warmer weather

A beautiful park. Has always been a favorite. We visited in this month (June) and there is no water at all in the whole park. I hope the issue is resolved soon.

Lovely grounds with tons of mature trees. Looking forward to the fountain repairs and new grass areas being done. Great place for letting the kids run around.

Been riding past for 6 years and finally went into the park. Lots of places to relax in shade and great place for learning about the city from a hilltop view.

Like to cool down after my return from my bicycle ride beyond the 'Colony'. Always colourful crowds, street venders of sorts and of course the drum circle.

Nice park in structure. Horrible decay of infrastructure and water. No dog park just area where dogs owners meet DC do better. Park overall is beautiful

this place is great for dog and people watching! could use some freshly planted grass though as it’s a bit dry and dirt like. overall fun times here!

Beautiful big park for walks...still a lot of work to be done to regrow grass...but can see why it is hard to grow as the park is so heavily used.

Park looks abandoned. Benches are so dirty and my clothes were filled with bugs. It such a beautiful park needs to be maintained desperately.

One of D.C's best kept secrets. They are currently reconstructing certain parts of the park and the park is due for some landscaping.

Nice place to go walk around. Too bad the fountain wasn’t up and running. Also the grass needs to be trimmed back in certain parts.

Wonderful park. Stunning architecture. Great people. The drum circle is just the icing on the cake. Such a heartwarming vibe …

Thought I would see water cascading down but the water wasn't turned on. Some drummers were playing and a few ppl were dancing.

Beautiful grounds! We attended a clothing swap and it was a lovely space to shop. Lots of benches and shady areas to picnic.

They have a drum circle that plays, lots of space for dogs to run around and play. My dog loves it here (it's the squirrels)

Great place to walk around and relax, it seems like they are in the process of doing some maintenance to fix it back up.

I loved the park. History and pretty views at once! Glad I visited! Hopefully the water will running next time tho!

I love the place! It is great to hangout and people watch. There is tremendous amount of shade from the tall trees.

So beautiful! And it's bigger then you think it is. The fountains are beautiful and appear to be well maintained.

Wish the fountain worked, some areas of the park smell strongly of urine. Otherwise a great spot to walk around.

Every Sunday there is a drum circle. Gritty and shirtless. YUMMY lol Please hear the short videos below. More

Wonderful place to go with your family and pets!! I wish I would've found this hidden gem in the summer.

It's an amazing park with a deep and interesting history. Google it, but would recommend going at night.

Sadly the water was all drained, and the park was in ill repair. Hopefully it will be cleaned up soon.

Cool park. I liked the statues, look for Joan of Arc. Could use a little more upkeep but still nice.