Plaza

Georgetown Waterfront With its stunning views of the Potomac River, the Georgetown Waterfront is a popular place to spend relaxed sunny afternoons that can quickly fade into rambunctious evenings. Washington, DC United States 38.9025224567897 -77.064414024353

3.83 12

Georgetown Waterfront - Nightlife Area | Outdoor Activity | Park | Plaza in Washington, DC.

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8 User Reviews

User Reviews (8)

Ratings:

Lucas

Adriana

Jonah

Emma

Party Earth Review With its stunning views of the Potomac River, the Georgetown Waterfront is a popular place to spend relaxed sunny afternoons that can quickly fade into rambunctious evenings. The cornerstone of the area is the Washington... ... read full review

Neighborhood:

Georgetown
Address:

Waterfront area between Key Bridge and the Washington Harbour Plaza
Washington, DC 20007

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Metro:

Orange, Blue Lines: Foggy Bottom

Hours:

24/7
Recommended as:
- Day Spot
- Night Spot

0c6836730c21827e7eab67dd63ccaaaf_192 First to review Jimmy D.

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Party Earth Georgetown Waterfront Review

The Scene

With its stunning views of the Potomac River, the Georgetown Waterfront is a popular place to spend relaxed sunny afternoons that can quickly fade into rambunctious evenings.

Georgetown, Washington, DC –

With its stunning views of the Potomac River, the Georgetown Waterfront is a popular place to spend relaxed sunny afternoons that can quickly fade into rambunctious evenings.

The cornerstone of the area is the Washington Harbour Plaza, where four restaurants take ready advantage of their location with ample outdoor seating that fills to the gills – especially during the summer months – with a diverse mix of college students from nearby Georgetown and George Washington Universities, upscale professionals, and tourists of every ilk.

The eco-conscious smart set enjoys artisan pizzas and locally-sourced delicacies at Farmers and Fishers, while high-spirited frat-types bond over ice cold Coronas at Nick’s Riverside Grille.

Across the large fountain that anchors the Plaza, chic jet-setters and Washington’s glitterati pack the outdoor bar and multiple dining terraces of Sequoia, where they flirt over margaritas and watch the yachts pull into the docks just steps away.

After a late night, clusters of girlfriends gossip over bottomless mimosas at Tony and Joe’s, while fresh-eyed first-time visitors head out on river trips with National River Tours or Capitol River Cruises.

Thompson Boat Center, meanwhile, attracts athletic types looking to rent kayaks for their own self-powered excursions, and cyclists, skaters, and joggers make their way west along the river’s edge to Georgetown Waterfront Park, where ten acres of green space and front row views of practicing crew teams await.

For fun in the sun, races in the water, or drinks on the docks, Georgetown Waterfront has no trouble keeping visitors as busy – or as relaxed – as they please.

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Tip from Lucas:

If you need some inspiration to hit the gym, just check out the rowers at the Thompson Boat House.

Crowd

Rowdy Georgetown and George Washington University students, joggers, skaters, upscale young professionals, and tourists from all over the world, mid-20s to 40s+.
Entertainment / Music

Boat and bike rentals from Thompson Boat Center (2900 Virginia Avenue NW). Boat tours with National River Tours and Capitol River Cruises on the docks in front of the Washington Harbour Plaza. Multiple TVs in the Plaza restaurants.
Food / Miscellaneous

Plaza restaurant options include fresh seafood with a water view at Sequoia (3000 K Street NW), Latin-American fare at Cabanas (3000 K Street NW), sustainable farm-sourced meals at Farmers and Fishers (3000 K Street NW), and steaks and pasta at Nick’s Riverside Grille (3050 K Street NW).

Parking lot beneath the Plaza.
Prices

Food and drink prices vary, but entrées typically run $10–$65 and drinks range from $5 beers to $13 cocktails.

Rentals: kayaks $10–$17/hr or $28–$40/day, canoes $12/hr or $24/day, rowing shells $16/hr, sculls $26/hr, sailboats $10/hr, bikes $7/hr or $28/day. Cruises $11–$14, more during special events like July 4th.

What to Wear / Dress Code

Anything goes but trends upscale: preppy polo shirts, jeans, button-downs, baseball caps, little black sundresses, wedges, athletic attire.
Hot Nights / When to Go

Friday and Saturday nights for a full-on party scene and any warm day for outdoor activities.
Close By

M Street (the main Georgetown drag a few blocks north) is home to some of the District’s most popular restaurants, bars, and high-end shops.

Tags:: 20s30s40sAll TypesBicycle RidingBurgersDiverseFreeGood for GroupsGreat ViewGroupsInternationalLaid backMid 20sPeople WatchingRowdySandwichesSeafoodSkatersSportySteakStudentsSummerTerraceTourists

Georgetown Waterfront User Reviews

Rachel Wolf May 2, 2013 3.0 stars Outdoor Drinking + Great People Watching Sure, beer and food may be overpriced down at the Georgetown Waterfront, but don't let that deter you. This is one of the prime outdoor drinking locations in the city. Not only do you have an amazing view of the water, but you'll also find some of the best people watching around. From people partying on yaghts to prepsters in salmon pants to tourists milling about, there is plenty to take in. This is a great spot to grab a beer and soak up some sun after work on a weekday or during the weekend. Highly recommend Bangkok Joe's for post-boozing Thai food.

Krisna Bharvani Apr 22, 2013 3.0 stars Bangkok Joe's Rumors had it that this weekend was the last time there would be beautiful warm weather in the district. Consequently, I made sure to spend a large portion of my weekend outdoors. On saturday, a few of us decided to spend our afternoon at the Washington Harbor. We strolled down the boardwalk overlooking the Potomac River and basked in the sun. For lunch we decided to eat at Bangkok Joe's, a Thai fusion restaurant located at 3000 K Street NW, DC 20007. The restaurant had indoor and outdoor seating - we started off outdoors, but ended up getting too hot so we moved inside. The decor inside was interesting! There were dark brown wooden tables, white chairs, and accents of the color red highlighted throughout the restaurant. Scattered along the sides of the booths were these twisty silver and gold metal embellishments that reminded me of Oompa-Loompas! There was a very extensive menu which caused me to take ages to pick what I was going to eat! I love having tons of options to pick from but at the same time it stresses me out because I am indecisive and each dish looks better than the one I read about previously. It took me a while to even start the decision-making process as I couldn't decide whether I was craving rice, noodles or dumplings! I ended up getting a noodle bowl - stir-fried lomein noodles in a teriyaki sauce with grilled salmon and vegetables ($13.95). Ended up being extremely satisfying. I obviously had to try everyone else's dishes (Drunken Noodles with Chicken ($9.95) & Basil Chicken Rice Bowl ($9.95)) and they were all amazing. Each dish was extremely flavorful incorporating the five fundamental tastes of Thai food: salty, sour, spicy, sweet and bitter. As a Thai food lover, I am always on the look-out for new good restaurants. I highly recommend Bangkok Joe's as the food is great, portions are large, value is good and location is fantastic!

Elidiard Apr 21, 2013 3.0 stars A perfect location Maybe it was the fascinating debate of two uni students sitting beside me or the way golden rays of the sunset landed on the choppy sea, but whatever it was there is definitely a magical feel created at this spot I spent one captivating late afternoon watching kayakers and sailing boats gliding on the Potomac River, while sipping an ice cold beer at this inspiring location. No matter what time of day there seemed to be a buzz in the air. It was a great position to sit back and people watch. I was spoilt for choice when deciding where to eat but was finally won over by Tony & Joe's Seafood Place - serving up tasty cuisine with friendly staff. Then as the twight skies were setting in I took a stroll through the park, which boasted fountains, mounds of carefully designed lawns and well carved-out paths, stretching off for miles. Here there was an abundance of people on dates which added to the romantic mood. Next time I return I'd like to jump on a river tour as I've been told great things about them.

egham Dec 12, 2012 4.0 stars Amazing riverside spot! The Potamac is such a pretty river, and I love how lush and natural DC is! It’s always so much fun whenever there are regattas here, I love watching boats row by! It’s always really sunny and pretty in the summer and there’s a lovely breeze that makes this the perfect running destination! I’ve never seen it get too crazy here at night, but I went on a date where we went walking on the waterfront afterwards and it was sooooo romantic. Really the Waterfront is so clean and pretty and one of the best parts of Georgetown!

tartars Dec 9, 2012 3.0 stars Hard not to like Georgetown is my favorite part of the city, and it’s hard not to love its waterside. The Potomac is prettier than most city rivers, and getting up close and personal is Washington’s favorite sport. There’s green space with inevitable street performers or groups from the neighboring university. There’s a movie theatre that plays everything commercial and Hollywood you could possibly want. There’s a nightlife that, even if it closes relatively early, features students from the neighboring university as well as Washington’s politico and yuppie set.

Josh Pollara Dec 1, 2012 3.0 stars nice waterfront this is a really nice place to walk around, especially when the weather is nice. it gets pretty busy here in the summer time but you will see why when you go there. it is a beautiful waterfront in the georgetown area. it is also pretty close to the main georgetown shopping area and georgetown university. there are a lot of good restaurants in the area. you can't really go wrong when you pick a place to eat lunch. there are also some decent bars that have good beers and good happy hour specials. definitely a nice place to go away from downtown DC.

Jody Pollara Nov 30, 2012 3.0 stars Nice Place to walk around on a sunny afternoon Although it gets pretty busy here when the weather is nice in D.C., it is still fun to walk around the waterfront. There are tons of really good bars and restaurants in the area and you can get great happy hour specials. One time, some girlfriends and I took an evening Capitol River Cruise which was a lot of fun. Even though the cruises are pretty touristy and I was raised in the area, it is stil nice to be on a boat in the evening and I really did learn a thing or two about D.C. Not to mention the cruise we took had a bar on board. There is nothing better than sailing along on a cool summer evening with a nice cocktail and some good friends.

Jimmy D Aug 16, 2012 3.0 stars Packed in Summer Expect huge crowds during summer happy hours at all the waterfront bars in Georgetown. Easy to hop from Sequoia's to Nick's and back and forth. Crowds tend to overflow the outdoor areas during Thursday-Sat nights in the summer. Great place to go for an entire evening, making your way from one bar to another and grabbing dinner along the way.