Washington DC was built on marshland and used to be a swamp. The district stays true to those roots by offering plenty of waterfront destinations for DC area residents and tourists. If you are looking for beautiful views, visit one of these 11 waterfront spots around Washington DC. Don’t forget your camera for gorgeous photos!
- Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
Flickr/volcrano The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is a 20-mile trail that is designed for runners, walkers, skaters and cyclists. The trail is still being developed and will connect the entire community with scenic views of the water.
- Washington Marina
Flickr/Frank Gruber The Washington Marina was established in 1951 and is a perfect place to store your boat or hop out onto the Potomac for a quick sail.
- Maine Avenue Fish Market
Flickr/Lynford Morton The Maine Avenue Fish Market is the oldest continuously operating open air seafood market in the nation. You can find the freshest prepared and raw seafood in the city here!
- Key Bridge Boathouse
Flickr/TrailVoice A perfect place for kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, the Key Bridge Boathouse in Georgetown is the area’s go-to destination for water activities.
- C&O Canal
Flickr/Aaron Garza The C&O Canal towpath is 184.5 miles of hiking and biking towpath running along the Potomac River and cuts through Georgetown. It’s a beautiful place to exercise and enjoy waterfront views.
6.Washington Harbour
Flickr/iheartpandas The Washington Harbour in Georgetown is the best place to find delicious food, excellent cocktails and beautiful views of the Potomac River. This is a popular spot for parking boats while owners grab a quick lunch.
- Capitol Riverfront
Flickr/Daniel Lobo Capitol Riverfront is an up and coming area along the Anacostia River that offers plenty of green space, shops, restaurants and events and beautiful views.
- National Harbor
Flickr/beliefbeyond Although it is technically in Maryland, everyone needs to experience the National Harbor if they are in DC. Shop, dine, rent kayaks, or see the views from the featured attraction: the Capital Wheel.
- Theodore Roosevelt Island
Flickr/Richard Ricciadri On this 88.5 acre island located right in the Potomac River, you will feel as if you are hundreds of miles away from the city.
- Kingman and Heritage Island Park
Flickr/Andrew Turner Kingman and Heritage Island Park is best known for the Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival. But this recently redeveloped wildlife area is DC’s own little island and you can find it by crossing the bridges of Anacostia River.
- The Tidal Basin
Flickr/Nicolas Raymond Probably the most well known waterfront area in the District, the Tidal Basin is breathtaking all year round. It’s a perfect place for photo ops of the monuments or for a fun paddleboat ride.
Discover even more amazing waterfront views at these 10 incredible waterfront restaurants.
Flickr/volcrano
The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is a 20-mile trail that is designed for runners, walkers, skaters and cyclists. The trail is still being developed and will connect the entire community with scenic views of the water.
Flickr/Frank Gruber
The Washington Marina was established in 1951 and is a perfect place to store your boat or hop out onto the Potomac for a quick sail.
Flickr/Lynford Morton
The Maine Avenue Fish Market is the oldest continuously operating open air seafood market in the nation. You can find the freshest prepared and raw seafood in the city here!
Flickr/TrailVoice
A perfect place for kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, the Key Bridge Boathouse in Georgetown is the area’s go-to destination for water activities.
Flickr/Aaron Garza
The C&O Canal towpath is 184.5 miles of hiking and biking towpath running along the Potomac River and cuts through Georgetown. It’s a beautiful place to exercise and enjoy waterfront views.
Flickr/iheartpandas
The Washington Harbour in Georgetown is the best place to find delicious food, excellent cocktails and beautiful views of the Potomac River. This is a popular spot for parking boats while owners grab a quick lunch.
Flickr/Daniel Lobo
Capitol Riverfront is an up and coming area along the Anacostia River that offers plenty of green space, shops, restaurants and events and beautiful views.
Flickr/beliefbeyond
Although it is technically in Maryland, everyone needs to experience the National Harbor if they are in DC. Shop, dine, rent kayaks, or see the views from the featured attraction: the Capital Wheel.
Flickr/Richard Ricciadri
On this 88.5 acre island located right in the Potomac River, you will feel as if you are hundreds of miles away from the city.
Flickr/Andrew Turner
Kingman and Heritage Island Park is best known for the Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival. But this recently redeveloped wildlife area is DC’s own little island and you can find it by crossing the bridges of Anacostia River.
Flickr/Nicolas Raymond
Probably the most well known waterfront area in the District, the Tidal Basin is breathtaking all year round. It’s a perfect place for photo ops of the monuments or for a fun paddleboat ride.
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