The capital of the United States is a sightseeing paradise. The city is not only home to many famous monuments and excellent museums, but also to sites where key events in both American and world history took place. Naturally there are thousands of tourists in the District of Columbia at any given time and if you want to avoid the crowds, get active and see the city in a new way, you may want to consider kayaking in Washington DC.
Washington is the only major US city that isn't located in a particular state. The District of Columbia instead is a separate entity nestled between the states of Virginia and Maryland. The District has lots of green spaces and about 10 percent of it consists of water bodies, making it a wonderful destination not only for rowing but also for sailing.
The largest body of water in DC is the Potomac River, which forms its western border. This is one of the best places to go sightseeing by kayak. From the water you'll see the Lincoln Memorial with the Washington Monument and the US Capitol peeking out behind it. You'll also be able to spot the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and the Kennedy Center, not to mention the District's famous cherry trees.
Many people start their Potomac kayak trips in historic Georgetown, which lies to the northwest of the city's most famous attractions at the National Mall. Georgetown University is located here, as are numerous embassies and the Washington Harbor. The Potomac has some rapids in places so if you're not very experienced or if you're paddling with small children, a great alternative is to row along the calm waters of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal which flows through the neighborhood.
You have the option of renting a kayak and following your own itinerary but a good choice is to get a guide who can point out the sights. Most kayak rental businesses offer a variety of guided trips. They also offer lessons in kayaking and other paddle sports.
There are other ways to explore DC too and they don't always involve tour buses. In fact, the National Mall, where most sights are located, is small enough to explore on foot. If you'd rather pedal than paddle, simply rent a bike and explore the many bike paths in the area. You may even consider a guided bicycle tour.
Winters in the city are cold and aren't the best time to be out on the water unless it's on a cruise in a covered boat. Summers tend to be hot and humid. The best times to go paddling are in spring and fall, both of which are pleasantly warm. In spring you'll also get to see the cherry trees in bloom while fall offers the spectacle of leaves in bright red, yellow and orange.
There are several organizations and outfitters that rent kayaks in Washington DC, especially in or near Georgetown. You'll also find some rentals in nearby Maryland. Simply check online or ask at a travel agency and get ready to see the national capital from a different angle.
Washington is the only major US city that isn't located in a particular state. The District of Columbia instead is a separate entity nestled between the states of Virginia and Maryland. The District has lots of green spaces and about 10 percent of it consists of water bodies, making it a wonderful destination not only for rowing but also for sailing.
The largest body of water in DC is the Potomac River, which forms its western border. This is one of the best places to go sightseeing by kayak. From the water you'll see the Lincoln Memorial with the Washington Monument and the US Capitol peeking out behind it. You'll also be able to spot the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and the Kennedy Center, not to mention the District's famous cherry trees.
Many people start their Potomac kayak trips in historic Georgetown, which lies to the northwest of the city's most famous attractions at the National Mall. Georgetown University is located here, as are numerous embassies and the Washington Harbor. The Potomac has some rapids in places so if you're not very experienced or if you're paddling with small children, a great alternative is to row along the calm waters of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal which flows through the neighborhood.
You have the option of renting a kayak and following your own itinerary but a good choice is to get a guide who can point out the sights. Most kayak rental businesses offer a variety of guided trips. They also offer lessons in kayaking and other paddle sports.
There are other ways to explore DC too and they don't always involve tour buses. In fact, the National Mall, where most sights are located, is small enough to explore on foot. If you'd rather pedal than paddle, simply rent a bike and explore the many bike paths in the area. You may even consider a guided bicycle tour.
Winters in the city are cold and aren't the best time to be out on the water unless it's on a cruise in a covered boat. Summers tend to be hot and humid. The best times to go paddling are in spring and fall, both of which are pleasantly warm. In spring you'll also get to see the cherry trees in bloom while fall offers the spectacle of leaves in bright red, yellow and orange.
There are several organizations and outfitters that rent kayaks in Washington DC, especially in or near Georgetown. You'll also find some rentals in nearby Maryland. Simply check online or ask at a travel agency and get ready to see the national capital from a different angle.
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