Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC—our nation’s Capital Region is all connected through reinvigorated water ways and waterfronts.
The banks of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers are flourishing with some of the DC region’s most exciting destinations for live music, sports, dining and on-the-water activities. Hop on the water and head to Maryland’s National Harbor, the port at Virginia’s Old Town Alexandria, or the bustling waterfront’s of DC’s Georgetown and Wharf neighborhoods. You can even visit Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic estate on a relaxing river cruise!
For your boating needs, there’s plenty to choose from—begin at The Wharf, the hub for City Cruises’ offerings of dining cruises, sightseeing tours, and the Water Taxi. Enjoy a reproduction of the Tall Ship Providence, the first sailing ship authorized to serve in the Continental Navy along with 20 restaurants, smore’s pit, kayaking, and pier activities. Nearby you can also get a guided tour of DC’s sustainability practices with Anacostia Riverkeeper.
Next, hop on the Spirit of Mt. Vernon, a three-level dining vessel with interior, climate-controlled dining decks and huge exterior observation decks. Or head to Georgetown while admiring DC’s famous monuments from the river. Enjoy the fountain at the Georgetown Harbour before heading to the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, a quiet and serene canal offering a totally unique view of Georgetown. This is a great location for shopping, tours of the Old Stone House, or guided ghost tours of DC’s oldest neighborhood. Grab a bite at Pinstripes – a warm and inviting indoor/outdoor venue complete with 14 bowling lanes, 6 bocce courts, exceptional bistro, an outdoor patio and fireplace, and beautiful event and party rooms.
Jet on over to Old Town Alexandria for plenty of history. Visit the Carylyle House, a Georgian manor and 1700s social hub; the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, which hosted the first five U.S. presidents; the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, a historic shop turned museum with more than 15,000 objects, herbs and medical devices. Aspiring wizards can even brew up a potion!
Your last stop is National Harbor. Soar 180 feet in the air on the area’s only observation wheel, which spins right on the waterfront. The Capital Wheel features 42 climate-controlled gondola cars that seat up to eight and circle every day and night of the year, providing stunning views of Alexandria, Va., DC’s monuments and the Potomac River. Take a group picture with the notable “The Awakening” metal sculpture emerging from the ground by J. Seward Johnson, score bargains at Tanger Outlets, or eat on Fleet Street.
Whether you want modern fun, time in nature, or to experience history first-hand, the DC region’s waterfronts have it all.
For much more information, visit washington.org.
