The Wharf: Concert Venues, Restaurants, and Shopping!
On the prowl for new things to do in DC? Looking to go to a restaurant you’ve never tried before, check out a new neighborhood, go to a cool concert?
Well, maybe it’s time to visit the Wharf. Practically a miniature city within the city, the wharf has hotels, restaurants, shops, even a pharmacy and dry-cleaner.
If you are overwhelmed by all of the things to do here, don’t worry! We can break it down for you.
Get a Healthy Glow
You might be surprised to find that the Wharf is actually a beauty and health destination! You can find a yoga studio, a skin care clinic, a nail salon (and a hair salon) a rowing gym, and a spa!
What do we recommend?
This one is located in the InterContinental hotel and offers treatments and olfactory delights utilizing their hundreds of essential oils they have on-site. Massages, facial treatments, and special treatments of all kinds. Look through their official brochure here.
Want to get on your Vinyasa? Ready to heat it up with some Bikram? Yoga Factory offers 45, 60, and 90 minutes classes of all kinds for all levels!
What’s fun about them is that they also host outdoor classes in multiple locations along the Wharf, so you can do your yoga on a rooftop, on the waterfront, even on a dock!
Check out what they have to offer.
Restaurants + Bars
There are plenty of restaurants to check out at the Wharf! Let’s go over a few of our favorites that you shouldn’t miss!
Want handcrafted donuts? Like supporting local businesses that started in DC? Interested in gourmet flavors like blueberry glaze, brown butter, or cherry blossom? Take a look at their yummy treats here (one look and you’ll be seduced!)
Want to try the only Afro-Caribbean restaurant in Washington DC? This upscale spot is in the InterContinental hotel and offers scenic venues and a unique menu designed by celebrated chef Kwame Onwauchi.
This is the rooftop bar at the Canopy by Hilton, a ritzy spot that’s great for dates or a night out with friends who appreciate the good life.
A light food menu complimented by a great menu of specially crafted cocktails, this special spot closes at midnight, making it a great spot to start your night and enjoy the sunset this summer!
Catch a Show
You have two very different options available to you.
The Anthem is a large concert venue with a capacity of 6,000 people, but can actually be rearranged into a cozier venue that seats about 2,500 for more intimate concerts and comedy events, thanks to a a moving stage and removable seating.
The Anthem has boasted acts like Ariana Grande, Kenny Chesney, The 1975, Passion Pit, and the National Symphony Orchestra. Find an awesome show to go see here.
Other cool things The Anthem offers include a way to pay your bar tab through your phone (via the Rooam app), seating for people with disabilities, and devices for those hwo need hearing assistance as well as sign language interpreters (available upon request).
If you are looking for a DARO recommendation, this is it. While the Anthem can handle large crowds and host your favorite major artists, Pearl Street has more of a jazz-lounge feel.
You can come here, order food, and either sit on the balcony and watch the show or congregate around the small stage and feel somehow timeless on the classic black and white checkerboard floor.
They host plenty of local acts, so coming out here helps support a more local scene. Check out their lineup here.
Stay the Night
Maybe when you go out and party you like to make it last for a whole weekend with your friends.
Or, maybe you are from out of town and looking for a place to stay unlike any other.
DARO’s recommendation? That depends on what you are looking for.
InterContinental is the kind of hotel that wins Conde Nast traveler’s choice awards and, if we are being honest, really deserves them.
Stay here if you want to be dazzled for a weekend — or if you want to host a work conference that your cohort will remember for a long time to come!
A Hyatt House has landed in the Wharf and it’s here to stay. This is the place to go if you are going to be in DC for a few weeks (or months!) and need a home base full of creature comforts. Designed to be a home away from home!
Another option is the Canopy (a Hilton hotel, also great!)
Honorable Mentions
There are plenty of other things to check out on the Wharf that didn’t make the official cut. You can check out the full directory of shopping options on the official Wharf DC website, but here are a few more things we want you to know about!
Shops:
Diament Jewelry Martha Spak Gallery Politics and ProseFood and Drink:
Harper Macaw Del Mar de Fabio Trabocchi Kaliwa La VieParking FAQs:
Parking
The Wharf garage is open 24 hours a day off of Maine Ave SW.
If you use the ParkMobile app you can scan your ticket there (Zone 326) to make exiting as fast and easy as possible.
Rates:
1 hour: $10
2 hours: $17
3 hours: $22
4 hours: $25
Over 4 hours: $35
Parking rates reset at 4 am.
If the Wharf garage is full try the L’Enfant Plaza garage at 420 10th St. SW!
DARO Knows DC
We here at DARO care a lot about our DC city. We love being able to recommend places for our residents to explore see! Check out our DC Guide for date ideas, neighborhood info, and cool new things to do.
