Boating or other water activities

Question

We will be in DC the first week of June with our 19 year old grandson. We have our plans and tickets for museums and a monument tour secured but would like to have some down time by the river or other water. What's the best place to rent a kayak or paddleboard or take a boat ride or otherwise enjoy the waterfront scene? Any recommended restaurants - not fast food and not super fancy -

Thanks for all the great Trip Advisor advice.

Answer

Washington DC offers a variety of water-based activities along the Potomac River and nearby waterways, perfect for a relaxing break from sightseeing. Early June is a great time for kayaking, paddleboarding, or taking a scenic boat ride as the weather is usually warm and comfortable.

For kayaking or paddleboarding, there are several rental options that provide equipment, brief instruction, and access to calm areas of the river:

Key Bridge Boathouse: Located near Georgetown, this facility rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. It’s convenient for paddling along the Potomac with great views of the Kennedy Center, monuments, and the Key Bridge itself.
Thompson Boat Center: Located in East Potomac Park, this center offers rentals of kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The area is scenic and less crowded, providing a more peaceful experience.
Boating in the Tidal Basin: Some guided paddle experiences allow you to rent a paddleboat or kayak near the cherry tree area, giving iconic views of the Jefferson and Washington Monuments.

For motorized or sightseeing boat rides:

Potomac Riverboat Company: Offers guided sightseeing cruises along the river, including views of the monuments and bridges.
DC Water Taxi: Connects Georgetown, the Wharf, and National Harbor, and can double as a fun sightseeing experience while offering transportation between waterfront neighborhoods.
Canal Boat Tours: Operates on the C&O Canal in Georgetown for a slower, relaxing ride with historical commentary.

After enjoying water activities, there are several casual dining options along the waterfront that offer quality food without being overly fancy:

Fiola Mare (Georgetown): Upscale-casual Italian seafood with excellent river views. Reservations recommended but dress code is relaxed.
The Wharf area: Offers multiple casual options such as Hank’s Oyster Bar, Pearl Street Warehouse, and Officina for pizza and pasta, all with waterfront ambiance.
Founding Farmers DC (Foggy Bottom, near the Watergate): Farm-to-table American cuisine in a relaxed environment; within walking distance from the river if you finish paddling near Key Bridge.

Overall, the Georgetown waterfront and The Wharf are the main hubs for combining light water activity and casual dining. Renting kayaks or paddleboards early in the day avoids crowds, and then you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a scenic view to round out your relaxing downtime on the water.

Boating or other water activities

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