Bladensburg Waterfront Park offers access to the Anacostia River for boating, fishing, birdwatching, and sightseeing at the "head of tide" just below the confluence of the Northeast Branch and Northwest Branch. Canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals are offered on weekends from May through October.

Interpretive signs provide historical information about the area, which was occupied by Native Americans, served as a major shipping port in the colonial period, and played a pivotal role in the War of 1812. A variety of public programs are offered, including river tours by canoe and pontoon boat, canoe and kayak lessons, slide-illustrated nature lectures, a summer concert series, and children's nature crafts and science programs.

Open daily from 7 am to sunset. Actual daily closing time varies seasonally and is posted next to the park entrance road. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Use of the park, fishing pier, and boat ramp are all free. Free 45-minute public pontoon boat rides are offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at noon, from April 15-November 15, and on Sunday evenings at 6 pm from May-September. Resident and non-resident fee schedules apply to other activities such as boat rentals, canoe tours, canoe and kayak lessons, and pavilion rental.