PARK OVERVIEW
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. All visitor attractions are located at the southern end of the park. Here you will find the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac, the Navy and Merchant Marine Memorial, picnic tables, short trails, restrooms, and a marina that also features a restaurant.
Dedicated in 1976, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove 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.

View of the Washington Monument from Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac in Virginia
The Navy and Merchant Marine Memorial was authorized in 1922, but it took until 1939 to complete the project. The memorial honors sailors who died at sea in World War I. The aluminum sculpture rests on a granite base and depicts seven seagulls flying above a wave.
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.
The Mount Vernon Trail, which is part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic 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 Potomac Heritage 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.
The Columbia Island Marina is also located at the southern tip of the island. Operated by a National Park Service concessionaire, the marina has 385 slips for annual or seasonal rent, 4 transient slips, and 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.
GETTING THERE
The southern end of Lady Bird Johnson Park can be reached by vehicle, bike, or on foot. I personally arrived on foot, taking the paved Mount Vernon Trail from the Arlington Cemetery Metro, a 1.5-mile, one-way hike.
You can also arrive by vehicle, but only from the southbound lane of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Follow the signs to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove, which will take you to a large parking lot for the Columbia Island Marina.
There is also a parking lot in Virginia right next to the Pentagon, and a wooden footbridge leads from it to the park. However, the lot may be for Pentagon employees, so just stick to the marina parking lot on the island.
OPERATING HOURS
Lady Bird Johnson Park is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.
FEES
There are no fees to enter Lady Bird Johnson Park.
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Last updated on January 8, 2025