Lady Bird Johnson Park

Lady Bird Johnson Park is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The park is an entire island in the Potomac River, one formerly known as Columbia Island until it was renamed in 1968 to honor Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, the wife of President Lyndon Johnson and a staunch advocate for preserving America’s natural beauty. Graceful plantings and picturesque views recall her conviction that beauty can make the world less grim and tense. Lady Bird Johnson earned many awards, including a Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work to transform the American landscape and preserve its natural beauty as a national treasure. Learn more about the Lady Bird Johnson Park Cultural Landscape and Legacy of Lady Bird Johnson.

 

Lady Bird Johnson Park segment of the Mount Vernon Trail

NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg

Dedicated in 1976, the LBJ Memorial marks a favorite spot of the Johnsons. They would often stop here to relax and look out over the Potomac River before returning to the hustle and bustle of Washington.

 

Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial at Lady Bird Johnson Park

NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg

Things to Do

Landscape architects have acted subtly on most sections of the parkway, but their work in Lady Bird Johnson Park is a bit like the finale of a fireworks display. Thousands of daffodils and hundreds of tulips trumpet the arrival of each spring; careful compositions of bright hardwood trees highlight the best of fall foliage. Photography, picnicking, and quiet contemplation are ways to enjoy the show.

Memorials

Two memorials are located inside Lady Bird Johnson Park: the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac and the Navy and Merchant Marine Memorial. Here you will also find picnic tables, short trails, restrooms, and a marina that also features a restaurant.

Picnic tables and paved trail

In addition to the memorials, there are a number of short trails leading up to and around the LBJ Memorial Grove, as well as picnic tables spread throughout the area. There are no grills, only tables.

Mount Vernon Trail

The Mount Vernon Trail runs from one end of the island to the other, following the Potomac for most of the way. You can hike or bike south to Mount Vernon, and if you head north the trail connects to other National Scenic Trail segments, allowing you to travel all the way to Pittsburgh. The terrain through Lady Bird Johnson Park is mainly out in the open and exposed to the sun.

Marina

The Columbia Island Marina is also located at the southern tip of the island. Operated by a National Park Service concessionaire, the marina has 256 annual and 126 seasonal slips for rent, plus a restaurant that is open to everyone. Those wanting to launch a boat, canoe, or kayak for the day can use the boat ramp for a small fee.

To request a ranger program at Lady Bird Johnson Park call 703‑235-1530.

 

• Lady Bird Johnson describes LBJ Presidential memorial

  
  

  Recording of an audio clip on-site at the LBJ Grove Memorial, Pentagon parking lot entrance. First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson describes the selection of this site for her husband's presidential memorial.

  Credit / Author:

  NPS

  Date created:

  12/26/2023

  Audio Transcript

  Washington is a city of monuments and memorials. Now among them, across the bridge is a living memorial to my husband, Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th President of the United States. This memorial of trees, flowers and shrubs with a megalith of pink granite from the hill country of Texas is a most fitting memorial to Lyndon. His concern for the improvement of the environment and the quality of life in this country is reflected here. Those who knew him well believe he would have liked this kind of tribute because of its simplicity, its openness, its setting of natural beauty. It is a donated gift of thousands of American people: school children, elder citizens, and lots of friends and strangers who cared about Lyndon. This site along the Potomac was a special place for us. Many times, through the years as Lyndon and I drove from Texas we paused here to drink in the beauty of our capital city’s panoramic skyline. On the left, the Lincoln Memorial, then the tall shaft of the Washington Monument. And glimpse beyond the trees the White House. Then the classic beauty of the Jefferson Memorial across the Tidal Basin. And finally on the right, the pearl dome of the Capitol. I hope generations of citizens in the future will come here to pause for rest and relaxation in a lovely grove of white pine trees and recall the goodness that is America.

 

Hours & Seasons

The grounds at Lady Bird Johnson Park are open year-round from 6 am to 10 pm.

Directions

Lady Bird Johnson Park is on an island in the Potomac River near the Pentagon. While it is part of the District of Columbia, it is located much closer to the Virginia side of the river.

By Car

The entrance to Lady Bird Johnson Park can only be reached from the southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

From the southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, follow the sign to the Columbia Island Marina to turn right to enter the parking lot.

From I 395 south (the 14th Street Bridge), take exit 10C and merge onto the George Washington Memorial Parkway north. Exit left toward US 50 west/Memorial Bridge/Arlington Cemetery. Exit Memorial Circle onto VA 27 south (Washington Boulevard). Exit left and merge onto the George Washington Memorial Parkway south. Follow the sign to the Columbia Island Marina to turn right to enter the parking lot.

Parking is available at the Columbia Island Marina. A paved multi-use trail leads from the parking lot, through a tunnel under the parkway, to the Potomac River side of the park.

On Foot or by Bicycle

The Mount Vernon Trail passes through the park. Follow signs on the trail to pass underneath the parkway at the Humpback Bridge and into the parking lot.

Facilities

Restrooms, water fountains, and trash cans are located in the parking lot near the Columbia Island Marina.

Meals and snacks are available at the Columbia Island Marina.

Rules and Regulations

Commercial activities and activities by organized groups, including commercial photography/filming and weddings, require a permit. For information about permits please call 703‑289‑2513.

For a complete list of rules, please read the Laws & Policies.

 

Daffodils in bloom in Lady Bird Johnson Park

NPS Photo / Maureen Joseph

 

Footbridge between Lady Bird Johnson Park and the Pentagon parking lot

NPS Photo