In this blog post, we will explore 10 of our favorite waterfront activities that you can do in our nation’s capital.
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Anacostia Riverkeeper
The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, which runs along both sides of the Anacostia River via the Capitol Riverfront and Anacostia communities, is a continuous new 20-mile trail that runs along both sides of the Anacostia River through the Capitol Riverfront and Anacostia neighborhoods.
It offers kayaking, canoeing, fishing, jogging, biking, and Segway tours. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars located near the trail if you need a break or want to grab a bite.
The trail has multiple entrances and is open the whole year from 5 am to midnight.
2. The Yards Park
The Yards Park, near Nationals Park and in the heart of the Capitol Riverfront district, sits resplendently alongside the Anacostia River. The park’s bridge is an architectural masterpiece, and its updated “outdoor chambers” make it a great area for kids to play.
It’s a popular spot for picnics, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. The park also has a playground, a dog park, and plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.
The Yards Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.
3. City Cruises
If you’re looking for a more leisurely way to explore the waterfront, City Cruises offers narrated boat tours of the National Mall, Georgetown, and Alexandria. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and includes a stop at Gravelly Point Park so you can enjoy the views of Reagan National Airport.
Tickets are $27 for adults and $15 for children, and discounts are available for seniors, students, and military personnel.
4. National Park Service
The National Park Service offers a variety of boat tours throughout Washington, D.C. While most of these tours focus on the history and architecture of the city, some also offer great views of the waterfront.
Their services offer free kayaking and canoeing tours on the Potomac River and Tidal Basin. These tours are a great way to see some of Washington, D.C.’s most famous landmarks from a different perspective.
Tours are offered from April to October and depart from the Washington Sailing Marina, located just south of the 14th Street Bridge.
5. Capital Bikeshare
If you’re looking for a more active way to explore the waterfront, Capital Bikeshare offers bike rentals throughout Washington, D.C.
Capital Bikeshare offers bike rentals starting at just $2 per hour. With over 400 stations located throughout the city, you can explore any of the city’s neighborhoods. Some would even say that the Capitol Riverfront and Georgetown areas offer some of the best waterfront views.
Capital Bikeshare has stations located throughout the city, and a single trip costs $2.00. A day pass costs $8.00, and a 30-day membership costs just $85.
6. Segway of Washington
For those who want to explore the waterfront in a more unique way, Segway of Washington offers guided Segway tours throughout Washington, D.C.
Their most popular tour is their “Waterfront Tour,” which takes you on a 2-hour journey through some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. You’ll see sights like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building.
Segway of Washington also offers a variety of other tours, including a “Monuments by Moonlight” tour and a “Presidential Tour.” You can find out more about their tours on their website.
Tickets for the tour start at $59 per person.
7. Embark DC Boat Tours
If you’re looking for a great way to spend an afternoon or evening away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Embark DC Boat Tours offers narrated boat tours of the National Mall, Georgetown, and Alexandria. The tour lasts about 2 hours and includes a stop at Gravelly Point Park so you can enjoy the views of Reagan National Airport.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children, and discounts are available for seniors, students, and military personnel.
8. National Harbor
National Harbor, located just south of Washington, DC on the Maryland banks of the Potomac River, offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities as well as an outstanding selection of restaurants and hotels.
The focal point of National Harbor is a 165-acre waterfront park with a wide range of attractions, including a Ferris wheel, carousel, and arcade. The park also offers sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. The park also has a playground, a dog park, and plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.
National Harbor is also home to the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. The resort offers over 2,000 rooms, a spa, an 18-hole golf course, and a variety of restaurants. It also has one of the largest conference centers in the country.
9. Washington Harbour
Washington Harbour is located in the heart of Georgetown. It offers a variety of restaurants including Sequoia, Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place, Farmers Fishers Bakers, bars, and shops. It is also home to the Washington Harbour Marina, which offers a variety of services, such as boat rentals, fishing charters, and kayak rentals.
Every December, the Harbor Lights Festival takes place at Washington Harbour. A variety of musical events, seasonal decorations, and a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony are all part of the celebration.
10. Key Bridge Boathouse
Key Bridge Boathouse, located on the Potomac River in Georgetown, is a terrific site to go for on-the-water excursions. Make the river your personal playground by renting a kayak, canoe, or even a standup paddleboard.
Views of the beautiful Georgetown riverfront, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and even the Washington Monument should be available. You can also kayak to Theodore Roosevelt Island, which is a separate attraction.
No matter what your interests are, Washington, D.C. has a waterfront activity for you. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon on a boat tour or an adrenaline-pumping Segway ride, the nation’s capital won’t disappoint.
So get out and explore all that the city has to offer!
