Washington DC ATTRACTIONS See all
Potomac River
From its source in West Virginia to where it empties out in Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River is an area rich in American history, so much that’s often called "the Nation’s River." George Washington, the first President of the United States, was born along the river, and all of Washington, D.C., the nation's capital city, lies within the watershed.
In Washington D.C., the West and East Potomac parks, both downtown and divided by the Tidal Basin, are pleasant, green, cherry-blossomed lined spaces, lovely for walking, picnics, and fishing. West Potomac Park is home to the Constitution Gardens; the Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln, Jefferson, World War II, and FDR memorials; a small island where ducks live; and the Reflecting Pool.
East Potomac Park is more of recreational spot, with picnic grounds, tennis courts, three golf courses, a large swimming pool, and biking and hiking paths. Across the river is Arlington National Cemetery.
Upriver, the Potomac flows through the National Zoological Park; Mount Vernon, the country home of George Washington; and the Great Falls, where the normally placid Potomac cascades 77 feet(24 meters) down a series of beautiful rapids. Parks line both sides of the river.
Practical Info
The park has many access points along its route. All those outside Washington D.C. are best accessed by car. In downtown D.C., the West and East Potomac parks are behind the National Mall, and are easily accessed on foot or car; there is no convenient metro stop near here. Ferries also ply the waters around here, most of which can be found docked on the downtown piers.
Tours & Tickets
Viator VIP: Best of DC Including US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Access, the White House and Lincoln Memorial
Experience Washington DC’s most sought-after attractions like a true VIP insider. Beat the long entrance lines and enjoy reserved entry to the US Capitol ... Read more
Location:
Washington D.C., District of Columbia
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
Washington DC Duck Tour
See Washington DC from the land and water on a unique duck tour! Traveling in an original WWII amphibious vehicle, this 90-minute tour takes you to the famous ... Read more
Location:
Washington D.C., District of Columbia
Duration: 90 minutes (approx.)
Washington DC Dinner Cruise
Come aboard Washington's premier dining ship! This 3-hour dinner cruise takes you along the Potomac River for panoramic views of the nation's greatest ... Read more
Location:
Washington D.C., District of Columbia
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
In the Footsteps of George Washington: Day Cruise to Mount Vernon
Seeking an activity in Washington DC that offers culture, history, sightseeing and a lot of fun, all in one package? This round-trip cruise from Washington DC ... Read more
Location:
Washington D.C., District of Columbia
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
