D.C. is full of places to kayak or engage in other outdoor activities. Most of the kayaking opportunities are along the Potomac River or its connecting waterways, and this vantage point gives you a unique view of the nation’s capital.
You can paddle past historical monuments, contemporary buildings, and bustling neighborhoods, but you can also explore the banks of some quiet, forested areas of the city. There are many places to kayak in D.C., and this guide goes over some of the best.
Top Kayaking Locations in Washington, D.C
- Key Bridge Boathouse offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, with scenic views of Georgetown and special events like moonlit kayak tours and yoga classes.
- Fletcher’s Boathouse provides rowboats, kayaks, and bikes, as well as guided canoe tours. It’s conveniently located near the Chain Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
- Georgetown Waterfront Park is perfect for those with their own kayak, or you can rent from the nearby Thompson Boat Center. It provides a scenic, 10-acre park along the Potomac River.
- Rock Creek Park offers over 1,700 acres of forests and natural areas, ideal for beginners and experts alike. Kayak rentals are available from the nearby Georgetown Waterfront Park.
- District Wharf features beautiful cherry blossom views in spring, and you can rent kayaks from the Hyatt boathouse or bring your own. It provides a peaceful kayaking experience near the historic fish market and upscale dining.
- Navy Yard is a great spot to explore the Anacostia River. The Ballpark Boathouse offers kayak rentals, or you can bring your own to paddle toward Hains Point or the Nationals ballpark.
- Washington Sailing Marina in Alexandria, VA, is an excellent day-trip location, offering paddling between D.C. and Virginia with scenic views of the city and airport.
- National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD, offers a unique kayaking experience with views of Alexandria and Potomac River Waterfront Park. Rentals are available at the National Harbor Boathouse.
- Boating in D.C. provides kayak rentals at various locations, including Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, and the National Harbor, with seasonal passes and special events for kids.
- Live Near the Best Kayaking Locations: D.C. offers apartments near the best kayaking spots, with flexible leasing options and luxurious amenities.
Key Bridge Boathouse
3500 Water Street NW
The Key Bridge Boathouse, directly below Key Bridge, rents out single and double kayaks. It also offers canoes and paddleboards, as well as special events like yoga classes and kayak tours under the full moon. This spot allows you to kayak past the charming row houses and tree-lined streets of Georgetown, making it one of the best places to kayak in the city.
You can get to the boathouse by taking the footbridge across the canal to the stairs on Water Street Walk, and if you live in another area of D.C., simply get to the Foggy Bottom Metro Station and follow the waterfront park until you reach Key Bridge. The boathouse is just 2.4 miles from The Archer apartments in Cathedral Heights and is also convenient for people who live in one of our communities in the northwest part of the city, including the Upper 16th, 1900 Lamont, and The Vintage on 16th.
Fletcher’s Boathouse
4940 Canal Road NW
The historic boathouse at Fletcher’s Cove offers rentals of rowboats, kayaks, and bikes, and you can take guided canoe tours or even rent fishing tackle. This boathouse is conveniently located near The Archer in Cathedral Heights and The Vintage on 16th and 1900 Lamont apartments in Columbia Heights. You can paddle the kayaks through The Chain Bridge to the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Wisconsin and K Street
The Georgetown Waterfront Park is one of the best places for those who have their own kayak, and it also offers inexpensive rentals from the Thompson Boat Center at the end of the park. The beautiful 10-acre park sits on the banks of the Potomac River, and it runs from 31st Street to the Key Bridge.
This waterfront park is located near the Georgetown neighborhood, and it’s also convenient for people who live in the Circle Arms and sits just 2 miles from The Archer. You can walk or bicycle along the promenade and take in scenic views of the city in addition to kayaking.
Rock Creek Park
5200 Glover Road NW
Beautiful Rock Creek Park is situated in the West End neighborhood and is easily accessible from Georgetown, Cathedral Hill, Foggy Bottom, and other areas. It offers over 1,700 acres of green forests and quiet natural areas, and once you’re done exploring the land, the waters of Rock Creek near the Potomac are the perfect place to kayak. The creek has waters that are welcoming to beginners, and faster waters offer a challenge to expert kayakers. The closest rentals are down the river at the Georgetown Waterfront Park. This park is just 2.3 miles from Parkwest Apartments and 2.5 miles from The Archer.
District Wharf
700 Water Street SW
The wharf features D.C.’s historic fish market, upscale restaurants, and high-end apartments. The cherry blossoms make kayaking through this neighborhood especially beautiful when they’re in bloom. You can rent a kayak from the boathouse at the Hyatt or bring your own and journey from the wharf to the Navy Yard. The wharf is just 2 miles from The Rodney and 2.5 miles from the Sixteen Hundred Apartments.
The Boating in D.C. company owns the kayak rental outfit at District Wharf and at Ballpark Boathouse, Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, National Harbor, The Thompson Boat Center, Tidal Basin, and Washington Sailing Marina. This company runs some of the best places for kayaking in D.C., and you can buy season passes that allow you to rent kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboats at any of the company’s locations in the city. Special events and camps for kids round out this company’s offerings.
Navy Yard
10 Water Street SE
Navy Yard is close to the eastern neighborhoods of Washington D.C. It’s 4 miles from the Sixteen Hundred Apartments and 4.4 miles from The Rodney, but whether you live close by or need to travel, this kayaking site is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the Anacostia River. The Navy Yard, the Nationals ballpark, and Anacostia Park line this river in one direction, or you can go the other way to Hains Point in East Potomac Park. Bring your own or rent a kayak from the Ballpark Boathouse.
Washington Sailing Marina
1 Marina Drive, Alexandria, VA
You have to leave the D.C. proper area to reach this marina in Alexandria, Virginia, but it offers hours worth of paddling between D.C. and Virginia, making it a great day trip from any of our apartments. Kayakers near the marina have fun views of the planes landing at Ronald Reagan Airport, and ample kayaking waters are available in either direction.
You can kayak to East Potomac Park in D.C. from the marina or vice versa. The marina has boathouses that rent out kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and more.
National Harbor
165 Waterfront Street, Oxon Hill, MD
You need to drive or use public transit to reach this kayaking spot from apartments like the The Parkwest or the 1830 R Street NW Apartments, but it’s worth the trip. The harbor feels like a classic boardwalk, with a Ferris wheel, tourist shops, restaurants, and a casino, but you can also dip into nature with your kayak. The National Harbor sits on the Potomac River across from Alexandria, and it’s a unique place to kayak in the city. You get views of old Alexandria as well as Potomac River Waterfront Park. Rentals are available from the National Harbor Boathouse.
Live Near the City’s Best Places to Kayak
Washington, D.C., offers a lot of natural beauty, and we have a home for you close to it all. We have 20 apartment buildings with flexible leasing throughout the D.C. area, and many of them are near the city’s best places to kayak.
Our apartments have luxurious amenities and come in various styles, so we can find one customized to your style. Contact our team today to talk about leasing your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Kayaking Locations in Washington, D.C.
What can I rent at Key Bridge Boathouse?
The Key Bridge Boathouse rents out single and double kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. They also offer special events such as yoga classes and full moon kayak tours, making it a great spot to enjoy the scenic Georgetown area.
What activities are available at Fletcher’s Boathouse?
Fletcher’s Boathouse offers rentals for rowboats, kayaks, and bikes, and provides guided canoe tours. It’s also a popular location for fishing, with tackle rentals available.
Can I rent a kayak at Georgetown Waterfront Park?
Yes, Georgetown Waterfront Park has inexpensive kayak rentals available from the Thompson Boat Center at the end of the park. It’s also a great spot for those who have their own kayak to launch from the scenic 10-acre park along the Potomac River.
What makes Rock Creek Park a great kayaking spot?
Rock Creek Park offers over 1,700 acres of forested land and quiet natural areas. It’s a great place for both beginner and expert kayakers. Rentals are available nearby at Georgetown Waterfront Park, and the park itself offers both calm and fast-moving waters for a variety of experiences.
What can I do at District Wharf in D.C.?
District Wharf is a fantastic location for kayaking, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. You can rent kayaks from the Hyatt boathouse or bring your own to explore the historic fish market area and scenic Potomac waterfront.
What is the kayaking experience like at Navy Yard?
Navy Yard is located along the Anacostia River and is ideal for exploring the waterway. You can rent a kayak from the Ballpark Boathouse or bring your own, kayaking towards the Nationals ballpark or Hains Point for a beautiful, scenic journey.
What can I expect at Washington Sailing Marina in Alexandria?
The Washington Sailing Marina, located in Alexandria, VA, offers a great day-trip kayaking experience. Kayakers can enjoy scenic views of the D.C. skyline and Ronald Reagan Airport while paddling between D.C. and Virginia.
What is the kayaking experience like at National Harbor?
National Harbor, located in Oxon Hill, MD, provides a unique kayaking experience with views of old Alexandria and Potomac River Waterfront Park. Rentals are available at the National Harbor Boathouse, and it’s a great spot for sightseeing and outdoor recreation.
Where can I rent kayaks from Boating in D.C.?
Boating in D.C. offers kayak rentals at various locations throughout the city, including Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, and the National Harbor. They also provide seasonal passes, allowing access to multiple rental locations, and host special events for kids.
Are there apartments near the best kayaking locations in D.C.?
Yes, there are many apartments near D.C.’s best kayaking spots, including flexible leasing options and luxurious amenities. These apartments are located close to popular locations such as the Key Bridge Boathouse, Georgetown Waterfront Park, and more.
