St James's Park and the surrounding neighborhood are authentic and exude a calm and elegant atmosphere. St. James's Palace to the north, Buckingham Palace to the west, Wellington Barracks to the south and Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade and the Cabinet War Rooms to the east are in close proximity to the park, which spans 23 hectares.

St James's Park has a small lake with two islands, Duck Island ("Island duck"), which serves as a reserve of waterfowl, and the West Island. The bridge which spans is in line between the Foreign Office and Buckingham Palace.

The park is part of a series of almost continuous natural areas, towards the west, including Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Closest underground stations are St James's Park, Westminster and Victoria.