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Family-friendly outdoor water activities like boat tours, kayaks, paddleboarding and fountains make a splash in Washington, DC.
The Wharf features so many things to do, eat and drink – including awesome waterfront views, an array of stylish restaurants, four distinct piers, three new, state-of-the-art hotels, multiple music venues and a free water jitney that takes you to the gorgeous East Potomac Park. We know you want to check it out.
Located near Nationals Park and at the center of the bustling Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, The Yards Park sits next to the Anacostia River in resplendent fashion. Its bridge is an architectural marvel while its modernized “outdoor rooms” make the park a perfect place for playtime. Nearby, waterfront outfitter Ballpark Boathouse offers kayak rentals complemented by views of the river's wildlife.
Georgetown’s river waterfront is home to tons of great restaurants – many, including Sequoia, Tony and Joe's Seafood Place and Farmers Fishers Bakers, offer patio seating in warm weather – and plenty of outdoor activities. In summer, children (and adults, too) can splash in the sprinkler-style water fountain, watch the boats and feed the ducks. Before or after, get your shopping on in the historic neighborhood.
Located in Georgetown on the Potomac River, Key Bridge Boathouse is a great place to go for on-the-water adventures. Rent a kayak, canoe or even a standup paddleboard and make the river your personal playground. You should be able to catch views of the gorgeous Georgetown waterfront, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and even the Washington Monument. You can also paddle over to Theodore Roosevelt Island, which is an attraction unto itself.
Gaze at the gorgeous Jefferson Memorial and an array of cherry blossom trees as you glide around the Tidal Basin on either a pedal boat or a swan boat from Tidal Basin Paddle Boats. Expect picturesque views of the National Mall as you navigate one of the most scenic areas in the District.
Located on Southwest & The Wharf, City Cruises offers sightseeing tours daily, providing stunning visuals of the memorials and monuments from an on-the-water perspective. Its boats offer lunch and dinner cruises, as well as themed excursions, so your options are plentiful. There's also Embark DC, which offers private tours for small groups that depart from all major docks in the area, and Potomac Paddle Club, a rain-or-shine pedal boat that doubles as a BYOB booze cruise. Those looking for a personalized way to party on the Potomac can also set sail with Mahogany Yacht Charters. Full or half-day charters are available for up to 10 guests, with options to bring your own food and beverages or purchase a package with your reservation.
Both the Mount Vernon Trail and the Capital Crescent Trail are ideal for a leisurely hike or an eye-popping bike ride. The Mount Vernon Trail winds for 18 miles, starting at George Washington's Mount Vernon (see below for more on the estate) and ending at Theodore Roosevelt Island, with gorgeous views of the Potomac River all along the way. The Capital Crescent Trail starts in Georgetown and winds all the way to Silver Spring, Md., flanking the Potomac throughout.
The historic and elegant George Washington's Mount Vernon sits right next to the Potomac River in Virginia, providing jaw-dropping scenery and plenty of period-authentic features. The property includes the iconic mansion, outbuildings, a tomb and even a working blacksmith shop and farm. The entire family will also love the interactive exhibits and artifacts inside the Museum and Education Center.
Set just south of Washington, DC on the Maryland banks of the Potomac River, National Harbor presents numerous recreational options, including an exceptional roster of restaurants and hotels. The kids will love riding the Capital Wheel, which sports amazing vistas of the River, Old Town Alexandria and even Mount Vernon. There's also REI, which offers kayaking, cycling, hiking and climbing tours for all ages and a wealth of additional programming.
You can become an Anacostia River Explorer thanks to Anacostia Riverkeeper, which offers free, scenic and incredibly educational tours year-round. Don’t have a fishing rod and want to fish? No worries. Head to Diamond Teague Park for free catch and release fishing, a wonderful experience for kids and kids at heart with fishing equipment included.
The southeast pocket of DC has undergone significant development in recent years, including a continuous new 20-mile Anacostia Riverwalk Trail that runs along both sides of the Anacostia River through the Capitol Riverfront and Anacostia neighborhoods. Run, bike or stroll down the 10-12-foot-wide trail that winds next to the revitalized waterway.
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