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Sun / Jan 24
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
Waterfront area between Key Bridge and the Washington Harbour Plaza
Washington, DC 20007
Orange, Blue Lines: Foggy Bottom
24/7
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.
Rowdy Georgetown and George Washington University students, joggers, skaters, upscale young professionals, and tourists from all over the world, mid-20s to 40s+.
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.
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.
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.
Anything goes but trends upscale: preppy polo shirts, jeans, button-downs, baseball caps, little black sundresses, wedges, athletic attire.
Friday and Saturday nights for a full-on party scene and any warm day for outdoor activities.
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.
Georgetown Waterfront User Reviews