Boating in the Shadow of Our Nation’s Capital
Why You’ll Want to Go
As Bay boaters, we experience a deep connection to history every time we start exploring. Whether we’re adventuring creeks that were once the waterways of Native Americans, or finding quiet anchorages in spots favored by militiamen of the American Revolution, we are living in an area teeming with significance. And the apex of this is Washington, D.C., the capital of the free world and the seat of western democracy. The waterways around DC are in many ways some of the most fascinating in terms of what they offer. You don’t necessarily need to own a huge yacht, and you don’t need to be interested in early American history. You just need to be curious, have a sense of adventure, and be ready to have some fun.
What You Can Expect to Find
Beginning with the watery graveyard of Mallows Bay, you’ll start your ascent toward the Capital in the utter peace and tranquility of Occoquan Bay, with marshlands and state parks bordering you on both sides. The area is rich with wildlife (the Mallows Bay fleet has created an artificial reef structure to assist in this), and binoculars are advised. Some of the best bass fishing exists in this area, so a rod is also recommended.
Signs of civilization will begin to appear around corners, especially as Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home, looms into view. The sprawling lawns, architectural achievement, and exceptional landscaping are visible from the water, but Mount Vernon is also a fantastic place to come ashore and stretch your legs.
There’s a vibe shift as National Harbor’s massive Ferris wheel looms overhead, signaling your proximity to civilization. Airplane traffic and bridges become part of the view as you approach Alexandria, a boater’s paradise in its own right along with fun cultural activities and great restaurants.
When you start recognizing monuments, you know you’re close to Washington, D.C. The Wharf waterfront welcomes boaters in a safe harbor with exceptional dining, free museums, festivals and public events, and great shopping. While it’s often intimidating to ask for a slip in a marina that houses a multitude of megayachts, D.C. truly is an all-inclusive city where every boat is welcomed. So grab a slip, find your shoes, and get ready to have a great time in our nation’s capital.
Getting There
Washington, D.C., is a bucket list destination of sorts. Situated roughly 110 miles up the Potomac River from the Chesapeake, getting to D.C. requires time that many of us do not have. But if you do have the time to commit (or a fast boat), you’re in for countless treasures.
The river’s final approach to the capital sweeps by significant areas of interest to boaters. If you want to get into D.C. without spending days on the Potomac, we recommend using the boat launch at Fort Washington, on the Maryland side, where there are two boat ramps and over 150 parking spaces. On the Virginia side, the Mount Vernon boat ramp and Belle Haven Marina are both excellent spots to put in.
The first real stop on this approach is Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate which can be seen from the water. The highest point in D.C. is atop the National Harbor ferris wheel, a landmark you can’t miss. From Mount Vernon, expect the river to become narrower and busier with traffic. If you’re in a larger sailboat, you might consider avoiding the bridges by finding a transient slip at National Harbor Marina, which is on the D.C. water taxi’s route.
If you’re in a smaller boat, you can safely navigate to Alexandria, where you’ll find a great marina, fun shopping, and a thriving arts scene at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. If you’re staying overnight on the boat, know that the marina is on the approach of planes flying into Reagan National Airport, and the sky can be busy at night. Presidential helicopters fly below 1000 feet, so keep an eye out for them, too.
Getting closer toward the Capital, you’ll see the entrance to Washington Channel, the main artery of the district’s waterfront, situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. After rounding Hains Point, the two-mile long channel is characterized by a plethora of megayachts, patrol boats, water taxis, pleasure boats, and personal watercraft. The D.C. Harbor Master and police boats are all located here.
Where to Stay
Staying in D.C. proper can be challenging if you don’t have a slip (and these will be more expensive than elsewhere on the Bay), so looking south will provide you with a little less traffic and a little more privacy. These marinas are all accessible by the water taxis, too.
National Harbor Marina
Smoots Bay on the Potomac is home to National Harbor Marina, a sprawling waterfront resort with amenities fit for a king. If you’re looking for a slip for the night, rates start at $150 and offer full facilities. If you’re looking to dock and dine, there are dozens of slips available on a first-come, first-served basis. All National Harbor restaurants, shops, and markets will deliver directly to your slip, so there’s no reason to leave the boat. But if you do, there is great dining, miles of trails for biking and walking, and water taxi service around the capital.
Columbia Island Marina
Situated on the southwest shore of the Potomac and adjacent to Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Grove, Columbia Island Marina offers everything a boater needs in an atmosphere that is significantly more laidback than others in the area. Directly adjacent to the Pentagon, the Marina is an excellent place to launch your boat (just $10). If you do manage to grab one of the Marina’s four transient slips (just $3/foot), you can hop on the water taxi and check out the district while leaving your boat in a safe spot. The Island Time Bar and Grill is a favorite with the dock-and-dine crowd.
The Wharf Marina
This is the absolute heart of the action. The Wharf Marina on the Washington Channel sets you in the middle of the best restaurants, concert venues, museums, shopping, and so much more, opening up an experience for boaters that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re looking to grab a slip for a few hours (they have over 300 slips), you can dock for up to four hours for roughly $50. Moorings (there are eight) are more affordable at $50/night on the weekends. The marina can accommodate drafts up to 23 feet.
What to Do
Dining & Entertainment
The Wharf, DC’s waterfront expansion project, has quickly become the most exciting place in the city and a significant East Coast destination. There is live music 365 days a year, from household-name bands to emerging artists. With over 60 restaurants, there’s something to please even the pickiest eater. If you’re craving seafood, the Municipal Fish Market is a DC mainstay, dating back to 1805, and you can check out the historic oyster shed where it all began.
Modern Fun in Old Town
The Old Town Alexandria Waterfront is a destination unto itself. The boardwalk features great restaurants, shops, and waterside attractions, all while being just steps away from one of the most unique neighborhoods in the area. The King Street Trolley runs along the city’s busiest mile, making stops every two blocks, so that you can cruise the strip before deciding on your destinations. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, you can check out the oldest continually-operating farmers’ market in the country in the shadow of City Hall.
Monuments and the Mall
You would need several hands to count all the attractions that are less than a mile away from the Wharf. We love walking toward the Tidal Basin and spending time checking out the monuments before getting lunch from a food truck on the lawn and hitting the museums. From the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum to the National Gallery, the amount of free entertainment in D.C. is mind-blowing. If you feel overwhelmed with options, a walking tour of the monuments might be the best place to start. E-bikes and scooters are available all over the city, so don’t hesitate to get out and explore. If you’d prefer to see the monuments by water, there are several cruise operators that offer various styles of boating experiences (brunch-ing while monument-ing sounds great to us).
Shopping
Our favorite shopping in D.C. exists just west of the city, in Georgetown. There you’ll find both name-brand options (lululemon, Everlane, Tuckernuck) and independently owned boutiques with unique clothing and accessories. And while the lines may be long, we highly encourage you to try Georgetown Cupcakes for a quick sugar fix. After all, you’re walking a ton.
By now, it should be obvious that we here at Chesapeake Bay Magazine love a good bookstore. And D.C. has some of the very best, hands down. In particular, Politics and Prose at the Wharf is a top-notch bookstore and cultural hub, with author events, speaker series, and much more. It’s an experience in learning something new every time you walk in the door, so check it out.
Back in Alexandria, Torpedo Factory Arts Center is a sprawling collection of resident artists all actively creating, building, and making magic. The country’s largest collection of resident artists’ open studios under one roof, the Factory features a vibrant collection of all mediums as well as an archaeology museum that explores Alexandria’s history. And it’s just near King Street, offering a chance to explore some of Alexandria’s best boutiques and shops.
And if you’re looking to simply shop until you drop, the Tanger Outlets at National Harbor offer all the mainstays, but a few extra upscale options, as well.
