From its iconic landmarks and monuments to some of the nation’s very best museums, Washington DC is the epicenter of American history. There’s so many options for every type of tourist and the best part is that a lot of DC’s attractions are free or low cost. But out of all the endless things to do in Washington DC, my favorite way to see the city would probably be from the waterways that surround it.
As a DC local, I had always found myself bringing friends from out of town to the National Mal or the Smithsonian Museums. All of these are great but they’re more of the typical tourist attractions. So to switch things up, I’ve been recently taking my friends from out of town to the DC waterfronts. They’ve actually ended up liking those areas more than the tourist areas! Here are my favorite waterfronts in and around the DC area:
1. Georgetown Waterfront
Georgetown has got to be one of my favorite neighborhoods in Washington DC. On a lazy Sunday, I love bringing a picnic blanket down to the Georgetown Waterfront Park and just enjoying a nice, sunny day. It’s overall just the perfect place to lounge and people watch.
Along the waterfront you’ll also find plenty of dining options (even boat restaurants!). Make sure to also walk up the street to M Street. It’s a charming, bustling street with plenty of shopping.
If you’re looking for something more unique, rent a kayak around sunset from the Key Bridge boathouse for the best views of DC from the water or catch a show at the Kennedy Center.
2. The Wharf
The Wharf is the perfect spot for a nice dinner night out. Recently, its boasted some iconic, award winning restaurants like Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. The Wharf is also home to DC’s very own Fish Market. In this open-air market, you’ll find vendors selling fresh caught fish, shrimp, and even freshly steamed Maryland blue crabs. It’s definitely one of the more unique and surprising things to to do in Washington DC.
3. The Yards
Just under 2 miles from The Wharf, The Yards is another great waterfront area to visit. Situated between Nationals Park and the Washington Navy Yard and right on the Anacostia river, The Yards has plenty of shops and dining options to choose from during your visit.
My favorite part of The Yards is its pedestrian bridge and The Dancing Fountain right underneath.
4. Old Town Alexandria
Right outside of DC, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia is the epitome of charming. This historic neighborhood sits right along the Potomac Waterfront and has plenty to offer. From its waterfront parks to the shopping and dining options you’ll find on King Street, Old Town is a perfect place to spend the day.
If you’re here during the summer, be sure to check out the Old Town Farmers’ Market which takes place every Saturday morning. The market is located right in Market Square in front of the Alexandria City Hall. It’s also one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the country. They even sold the produce grown at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate here.
From downtown DC, Old Town is about a 20 minute drive and is also accessible by the yellow and blue line on the Metro.
5. National Harbor
Down the river from Old Town, Alexandria is National Harbor. Located in Maryland, National Harbor is home to the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Inside, you’ll find the Gaylord a gorgeous garden atrium that is always decorated depending on the season. Outside on the National Harbor, there are plenty of shops and dining options. Walking along the harbor, you definitely won’t miss the Capital Wheel, National Harbor’s very own ferris wheel.
For those who like to shop, be sure to also check out the Tanger Outlets right up the hill from the National Harbor area. And for great views of National Harbor, the Woodrow Wilson bridge, and the DC area, head on up to the patio area of the MGM Casino.
6. Roosevelt Island
While Roosevelt Island isn’t really a waterfront area, it’s still a great area to check out, especially if you want to get away from the tourist areas. Located right across the river from Georgetown, Roosevelt Island is perfect for nature lovers. Across its 88 acres of forests and wetlands, there are 2 miles of trails for visitors to explore.
From the island, you’ll be able to get clear views of the Georgetown Waterfront, Key Bridge, and the Washington Harbor Complex. The island is a quick 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn metro station. By car, it is located on the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The National Park Service provides more information on getting to the island here.
Bonus Tip
You may have noticed that some of these waterfronts are quite far from downtown DC. If you’re wanting to visit all of them in one day, you may want to consider a tour with the Potomac Water Taxi.
The water taxi service makes stops at the Wharf, Georgetown, Old town Alexandria, and National Harbor. While on the water taxi, you can choose to do an audio tour of the area as well. Reservations for the water taxi do need to be made in advance. The cost of a one-way adult ticket will vary between $18-$27 depending on the route that you take and the day of the tour.
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