Don’t Miss Your Chance to Set Sail on These 5 DC Kayaking Adventures Before Summer Ends
DC may not be on the Atlantic Ocean, but it has many rivers running through it, which creates fun opportunities for water adventures with friends that are unique to our large metropolitan area.
The Potomac and Anacostia Rivers are the two main bodies of water that stream through the city, and with these rivers come so much fun.
The summer heat is still going strong and people all across DC are trying to find ways to beat the scorching heat index. What’s better than grabbing some friends and heading to cool off on a personal or shared kayak?
Kayaking is a mix of exercise and relaxation, as the original geography of the city allows for multiple converging rivers, but calm currents, that is the ideal scenario for a chill kayak ride with friends. Views of the monuments? Check. Views of stadiums? Check. Views of DC’s coolest neighborhoods? Check. Kayaking around the city is a great way to experience the place you live in a whole new and exciting way.
No need to drive hours away for a fun kayaking experience. Assemble your squad and come to these five places that are guaranteed to add some water-themed aesthetics to your Instagram feed.
For $16 an hour through Boating In DC you can rent a single kayak ($22 for a double kayak) at all the following locations:
Georgetown (M Street)
Before you stroll down M Street, take a self-guided cruise with your friends up and down the Potomac River right off the coast of Georgetown’s glamorous waterfront. Float up the river or paddle under the Key Bridge towards views of the Kennedy Center and the Washington Monument on your own personal kayak. Get some exercise in before you indulge in the famous Georgetown restaurants and bakeries. Hop on one today at the Key Bridge Boathouse.
Location – Key Bridge Boathouse:
3500 Water St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
Navy Yard
Catching a National’s game? Watching Wayne Rooney’s latest DC United heroics at Audi Field? Or just hanging around the new bars and restaurants in Navy Yard? Add to your day out with a trip out on the water by renting a kayak from the Ballpark Boathouse. Coast by one of the most popular new neighborhoods in DC on the Anacostia River. Maybe you’ll even catch a mammoth home run ball hit outside the ballpark.
Location – Ballpark Boathouse:
Potomac Ave SE and First Street SE
Washington D.C. 20003
The Wharf
Feeling bougie? Make it a day trip with your squad to The Wharf. What better way to see the new developments and take in all The Wharf has to offer than by getting panoramic views from your own kayak on the Washington Channel. Hop on your own kayak from The Wharf Boathouse before trying out some of the cities’ newest lunch spots, or get a pre-happy hour cruise in followed by delicious cocktails at the new bars on The Wharf.
Location – The Wharf Boathouse:
690 Water St SW
Washington D.C. 20024
National Harbor
There are few areas around DC that are as unique as National Harbor right across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Maryland. Whether you’re pushing your luck at the MGM casino, dining at one of the highly rated restaurants, or attending a business conference at the Gaylord, National Harbor serves many people from all walks of life. Take a break from exploring the harbor by foot and do it by kayak instead! Push off from the National Harbor Boathouse and see the harbor in a brand new way. Sailing by the Capital Wheel is sure to create FOMO among your friends who couldn’t join you and your group that day.
Location:
National Harbor
165 Waterfront Street
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Georgetown (Rock Creek Park)
Just down the river from the M Street location, is a large multi-purpose water recreation center on the Potomac within earshot of the famous Watergate Hotel and George Washington University. The Thompson Boat Center offers many opportunities for water sports, including kayaking, for a day out in DC. Paddle up towards the Washington Harbor and cruise by the yachts parked out front of the harbor. Hungry? Hop off and grab some brunch or drinks at the riverfront restaurants and bars that make up the Georgetown waterfront.
Location – Thompson’s Boat Center:
2900 Virginia Ave NW
Washington D.C. 20037
Have you ever been kayaking in DC? Hit us up and let us know where you love to go by tagging #FrayLife #DCFray on social.
Want other fun ways to experience the water here in DC? These are our favorite places for standup paddleboarding and if that doesn’t do it for you, how about a water taxi bar crawl?
View More Articles By Adam Rothe