6 Exciting Things to Do By the DC Waterfront
Washington DC has plenty of things to do in the city streets, but what about on the water? DC has a beautiful waterfront scene right on the Potomac!
Looking for a nifty way to spend a day on the water without leaving home? There are plenty of places to start.
Top Things to Do at the Washington DC Waterfront
- Washington DC’s waterfront along the Potomac offers a variety of activities, combining water-based fun with city views.
- Stand-up paddleboarding is a popular activity, with rentals and tours available near the National Harbor and Tidal Basin. Options include beginner classes, fitness sessions, and seasonal passes.
- Boating opportunities range from pedal boats and kayaks to unique options like hydro bikes and motorized Swan boats.
- Cruises along the Potomac provide entertainment and sightseeing, with options like the Odyssey, Spirit of Washington, and Spirit of Mount Vernon offering meals, games, and themed experiences.
- The DC Wharf Fish Market is a must-visit for fresh seafood and dining, featuring a variety of vendors and deals on items like blue crabs and oysters.
- Scuba diving is available through local schools offering courses for all skill levels, including beginner, advanced, and family-friendly options. Certification allows for future diving opportunities during vacations.
- The Capital Wheel at National Harbor provides stunning views of the Potomac and the city, making it a perfect spot to enjoy sunsets and conclude a day of waterfront activities.
- The DC waterfront combines scenic beauty with a variety of activities, making it a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors.
1. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
The Potomac might not be the ideal river to swim in, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your feet wet!
Take a shot at stand up paddle boarding on the river. You can rent these boards and cruise around the National Harbor, the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees, or the monuments.
There are plenty of different stand-up paddle boarding tour options. Try a fitness class and see if you can manage to do a pushup on a moving platform! Or, take a beginner class and learn the ropes.
Love paddle boarding? Season passes are available so that you can keep coming back all Spring.
2. Boating
Stand-up paddleboarding isn’t for everyone. If you like having something a little more solid under your feet, try your hand at a boat trip.
There are boat options for everyone. For the kids in the family, a peddle boat might be the best choice. If you’ve got a big family, take everyone in a canoe and cruise down the river as a group! Or, if you want to go solo, take a seat in a kayak.
Some of the more unique boating options out there include the Swan boats. These beautiful boats are paddle boats, but they have a motor. When your legs get tired, take a rest and let the engine do the work!
Another quirky boat to try is a hydro bike. These are bikes with pontoons attached to them so that they float on the water. You’ll feel pretty cool as you maneuver your way along the river, and discover DC adventures.
3. Go On A Cruise
Who said you had to go to the Bahamas to go on a cruise? DC has some sweet entertainment cruises that float along the Potomac.
And, better yet, there are plenty of different options. Entertainment cruises don’t just have one or two boats; they have an entire fleet.
This beautiful boat is styled after European river cruisers like those you’ll find in Paris. When you book a trip on the Odyssey, you don’t just get the sights of DC; you get the tastes and sounds of the city as well!
All tickets on the Odyssey include a three-course meal with craft beer and excellent wine pairings. You can also enjoy live music and the dance floor on board!
As you sail past the white house, the Washington Monument, and the other gorgeous spots along the national mall you won’t be disappointed! This season, you can even book special tickets on The Odyssey to see the cherry blossoms.
Spirit of Washington
This unique boat is similar to the Odyssey, but it’s a little more family friendly. Not only can you enjoy a sit-down meal with dancing, but you can also play fun games!
The ship offers giant Jenga, foosball, and more for anyone who is feeling competitive. Better yet, free coffee and tea are available on the ship so you can stay caffeinated and ace those games.
Spirit of Mount Vernon
The Spirit of Mount Vernon isn’t just a short trip down the Potomac. This cruise takes you for a roundtrip visit to George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon!
Cruises depart in the morning, and the ride down the Potomac is about an hour and a half. Once there, you’ll be granted entry to the park where you can enjoy a tour of the mansion and walk around the grounds.
The boat sets sail again in the afternoon when it will take you back to the nation’s capital and home to your cozy apartment.
4. Catch Some Fish
Well, maybe not catch any fish, but you can definitely eat some delicious fish at the Fish Market down by the DC Wharf!
This market on the district wharf has been in operation for over 17 years and has some sweet deals on fresh seafood. There are dozens of vendors at this open-air market selling all kinds of sea creatures.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can grab some raw bushels of blue crabs or take a pound of oysters home to fry up. Or, if you’d rather just enjoy a nice meal, catch a bite to eat at any of these vendors stalls.
The Fish Market is currently being renovated, so it’s going to get even better! Be sure to check it out in its current state and to keep an eye out for new updates.
5. Get Your Scuba On
For this one, you’ll need to put in a little bit of work before you can enjoy the fun.
Washington DC has several great scuba schools that can teach you how to dive your way under the Potomac River. These schools have classes ranging from beginner to advanced.
If you’re looking for a class for newbies, take your first breaths underwater with a basic course. Or, you can take special classes for advanced learners; check out sessions for eco-friendly diving or underwater rescue sessions! If you want to bring the whole family, there are special scuba classes for teens and children that your kids can participate in.
What’s really cool about scuba diving in the city is that once you get your certification, you’ll be able to dive when you go on vacation, too.
6. Ride the Ferris Wheel by the Washington DC Waterfront
National Harbor has a beautiful Ferris wheel overlooking the Potomac. It’s a great way to end a busy day in the city — with a ride on the wheel!
The capital wheel has been open just five years and is positioned right out on the Potomac.
It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunset from. Take in the beautiful views of the city from the DC waterfront. There are so many fantastic waterfront activities to do in the district; that’s one of the many reasons why we love to call DC home! Call up our office today and get your own home in this gorgeous city.
Connect With Us
Have questions or need assistance finding your perfect DC apartment? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Washington DC Waterfront
What is stand up paddle boarding like on the Potomac River?
Stand up paddle boarding on the Potomac River offers a unique way to experience DC’s waterfront. You can rent boards and enjoy the sights of the National Harbor, Tidal Basin’s cherry trees, and monuments. There are also beginner classes and fitness tours available, with options for season passes if you fall in love with paddleboarding.
What types of boats can I rent at the Washington DC waterfront?
At the waterfront, you can rent a variety of boats depending on your preference. You can choose from pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and even unique options like Swan boats with motors and hydro bikes that float on water. It’s a great way to explore the river with family or on your own.
What kind of cruises can I take along the Potomac River?
There are several entertaining cruises along the Potomac River, offering different experiences. The Odyssey offers a European-style river cruise with a three-course meal and live music, while the Spirit of Washington is more family-friendly with games like giant Jenga. The Spirit of Mount Vernon offers a scenic trip to George Washington’s estate, Mount Vernon, for a more historic experience.
Where can I catch some fresh fish in DC?
You can visit the Fish Market at the DC Wharf for fresh seafood, where dozens of vendors sell a variety of sea creatures. From blue crabs to oysters, the market has it all. It’s an open-air market that’s currently being renovated, so it’s only going to get better in the future.
Can I go scuba diving in Washington DC?
Yes, you can take scuba diving classes in DC at several local schools. There are beginner classes for newcomers and advanced courses for eco-friendly diving or underwater rescue. There are also specialized classes for teens and children, and once certified, you can dive on vacation as well.
What can I expect from the Ferris wheel at National Harbor?
The Ferris wheel at National Harbor is a must-see, offering stunning views of the Potomac River and the city. It’s a perfect way to relax and enjoy the sunset after a busy day. This relatively new Ferris wheel has quickly become a popular way to take in the sights from the DC waterfront.
