DC’s prime location on the Potomac River allows for many great on-the-water adventures. From kayaking to paddleboarding, there are many great options to choose from. Escape the hustle bustle of the city and explore the DC, Virginia and Maryland areas from the water.
These locations around the DC area offer the best kayaking equipment, scenic views and unique experiences. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, kayaking is a great way to explore the DC area and all of its sights and sounds. Whether it’s kayaking outside Nationals Park, seeing National monuments or paddling down the Shenandoah River, there is no shortage of kayaking fun to choose from.
Key Bridge Boathouse
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city! Enjoy the sights of the Potomac River as you paddleboard, kayak or boat past the Georgetown Waterfront, Roosevelt Island, the Lincoln Memorial and under the beautiful Key Bridge. You can also kayak and board your way up river to the C&O Canal for a relaxing day of tranquility.
Phone: (202) 337-9642
Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Hours are subject to change during inclement weather or holiday. Advanced reservations are encouraged.
Location: 3500 Water St. NW, Washington, DC
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What you’ll like
- Port-o-potties on site
- Changing tent
- Lockers available (locks for rent for $2)
- Private kayaks can be launched from our dock for a small fee
- Dogs are welcome (dog life jackets available)
- Snacks and beverages for sale
- Picnic tables can be reserved for a fee
- Fishing is allowed from boats
- Private boat storage is available
- Classes, camps and tours available
Review Highlight: “Wonderful location to go kayaking! It’s easy to reserve them online in advance. Beautiful views and next to the riverfront park and walking/biking trails,” shares Kimberly Kane, Google Reviews.
Shenandoah River Adventures
The Shenandoah River is calling — answer with a custom adventure that’s as relaxing or thrilling as you want it to be! Choose from a variety of vessels and customize your journey by route, duration or activity type. Shenandoah River Adventures offers canoes, kayaks, rafts or tubes tailored to specific routes so you can have the best river experience.
Phone: (888) 309-7222
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Location: 415 Long Ave, Shenandoah, VA
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What you’ll like
- Scenic views
- Friendly staff
- Extra equipment for rent/sale
- Fishing services available
- Haul/shuttle service available
- Convenient location to nearby attractions, lodging and entertainment.
Review Highlight: “I’ve come here twice, it’s magnificent! Love the peaceful river! The people who work there are truly helpful, they guide you, and are patient,” says Esmeralda Valladares Pineda, Google Reviews.
Capital SUP- Quiet Waters Park
Capital SUP is a clean water-driven company connecting people to the water. Their mission is to make the world a more active place by promoting the culture and sport of paddling. Offering kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats and canoe rentals to help you have the best experience on the water.
Phone: (410) 919-9402
Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Location: 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, MD
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What you’ll like
- Kayak, paddle board and pedal boat canoes available for rent
- Tours and lessons available
- Pet-friendly
- Kid-friendly
- Summer Camp offerings
- Special programs and events available, more info can be found online
Review Highlight: “The staff was super friendly and very accommodating! Took my dog paddle boarding, and we had a blast! Beautiful area to explore,” says Carrie Ewachiw, Google Reviews.
Ballpark Boathouse
Paddle the Anacostia River outside Nationals Park! Paddle your way around the Capitol Riverfront in Southeast DC right outside Nationals Park and enjoy all the Anacostia River has to offer. Its convenient location takes you right by sites like DC’s historic Navy Yard, Nationals Stadium or a concert at Yards Park. A variety of hourly rentals, special requests and group events are available to fit all your kayaking needs.
Phone: (202) 337-9642
Hours: noon-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Location: Diamond Teague Park, Potomac Avenue SE and First Street SE, Washington, DC
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What you’ll like
- Scenic views of historic sites
- Kid-friendly
- Convenient location to Yards Park
- Plenty of street parking available, especially on the weekends and a garage at Nationals Stadium.
- Season passes available. You’ll get early access to upcoming special events and a friend can paddle free of charge with you in a multi-occupancy boat.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
Review Highlight: “We enjoyed the kayaking, staff was super nice and professional. Very organized. Thanks!” shares T Km, Google Reviews.
Fletcher’s Cove
Paddle, fish, explore and then relax on the shore! With access to the Potomac River as well as the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Fletchers Boathouse has been a locally renowned paddling and unique fishing destination since the 1850s. Visit the Tackle Shack for expertly chosen fishing tackle suitable for local angling, not to mention snacks and refreshments.
Phone: (301) 714-2233
Hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
Location: 4940 Canal Road NW, Washington, DC
What you’ll like
- Bathrooms on site (in upper parking lot maintained by National Park Service)
- Private kayaks can be launched from the dock for a small fee
- Dogs are welcome (dog life jackets available)
- Snacks and beverages for sale
- There are picnic tables and grills on-site (first-come, first-served)
- Fishing is allowed from boats and the shore
- Classes and tours available
Review Highlight: “Fletcher’s Cove is one of my top three ‘nature’ spots in Washington, DC and my favorite place to drop a kayak for the evening,” says Sara Cottle, Google Reviews.
The Wharf Boathouse
Located at The Wharf in DC’s Southwest Waterfront, The Wharf Boathouse compliments the exciting activities of the area with superb water adventures. Paddlers can experience the DC area through a variety of services like paddleboard rentals and a water jitney for quick transportation across the channel. Kayakers, paddleboarders and jitney riders can also enjoy the water views of the crystal high rises reflecting the sun over fleets of the beautiful boats docked at The Wharf Boathouse’s extensive marina.
Phone: (202) 337-9642
Hours: 2 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; noon-7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Hours subject to change during inclement weather or holiday. Advanced reservations are encouraged. Jitney Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Location: 710 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC
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What you’ll like
- Shuttle service that is free and open to the public
- Provides life jackets
- Offers tours and classes
- Convenient location to shopping and dining options
Review Highlight: “Great place — the kayak staff are friendly and encouraging. Mr. Wilson took good care of us, made sure we had comfortable life jackets that fit and helped get everything organized, made sure everyone had fun. We’ll be back!” says Mike Thompsons, Google Reviews.
Thompson’s Boat Center
Whether you’re looking to explore national monuments, experience peaceful moments reflected in the calm waters or take a sculling class, Thompson Boat Center is the Washington, DC, destination you’ve been looking for. They offer a wide variety of boat rentals, inviting you to kayak, canoe, row or paddle board to your heart’s content in the nation’s capital.
Phone: (202) 337-9642
Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. daily; Scull Rentals: 6-10 a.m.; Paddle Rentals: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Location: 2900 Virginia Ave. NW, Washington, DC
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What you’ll like
- Bathrooms on-site
- Water bottle fill station
- Private kayaks can be launched from their dock for a small fee
- Lockers available with locks for rent at $2
- Dogs are welcome (dog life jackets available)
- Snacks and beverages for sale
- Merchandise available for purchase
- Fishing is allowed from boats
- Private boat storage is available, join the waitlist
- Classes, tours and special events available
Review Highlight: “Such a fun experience! My husband and I went out for a date and boy it was a ton of fun. We would go again and again. Great location and easy process to get on the water,” shares Sarah Monty, Google Reviews.
Columbia Island Marina
Columbia Island Marina on the Potomac River is the perfect place for boating, fishing or cruising by the monuments, offering kayak rentals and scenic views of the beautiful Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Grove on the Pentagon Lagoon. A variety of paddling adventures are available to suit your kayaking needs, including one to four hour rentals.
Phone: (202) 347-0173
Hours: Marina Office, Fuel Dock and Pump-Out Station: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily; Single kayak rentals are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
Location: George Washington Memorial Parkway, Arlington, VA
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What you’ll like
- Recycling services for glass, cans, newspapers, etc.
- Full-service restaurant on-site
- Columbia Island Marina is a member of the BoatUS Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Program for Kids! With this program, you can borrow a child-sized life jacket for free.
- WiFi available
- Ship store, offering various souvenirs and boating essentials
- Drinks, ice and snacks available for purchase
- Boat services including maintenance and hauling provided by Washington Sailing Marina
Review Highlight: “This is a nice, peaceful marina. Great place to launch your kayak,” says Sean Stidman, Google Reviews.
Penguin Paddling
Open from the weekend closest to April 15 through the end of September, Penguin Paddling focuses on providing great service, smiles and fantastic memories. They want to share the joys of paddling with others and actively participate in community beautification and awareness. Guided kayak tours are available showcasing historical buildings, ruins and a variety of animals and waterfowls.
Phone: (571) 409-1778
Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, all equipment must return to the dock by 7 p.m.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, all equipment must return to the dock by 8 p.m.
Location: 201 Mill St., Occoquan Historic District, VA
What you’ll like
- Kid-friendly
- Dog-friendly
- Tours offered in Occoquan, Neabsco Creek and Aquia Creek
- Convenient location near shopping and dining options
Review Highlight: “Had a great experience yesterday! Staff were very friendly and the check in/check out process was easy. The kayaking was a blast and the water was very calm,” shares Tim Busekrus, Google Reviews.
Tidal Basin
Tidal Basin is a seasonal destination featuring pedal, swan boat rentals and kayaking on the reservoir amid famous memorials. A variety of kayak rentals are available including single kayaks and sit-on-top Tribe Kayaks. It’s a great option to explore the sights and sounds of the DC area and is suitable for all skill levels.
Phone: (202) 479-2426
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m Saturday-Sunday
Location: 1501 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC
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What you’ll like
- Kid-friendly
- Scenic views of DC memorials
- Parking lot available at West Basin Drive, Ohio Drive SW and at the Tidal Basin parking lot along Maine Avenue SW
- Bike parking available
- Shuttle available that is free and open to the public
Review Highlight: “Great way to get some views of the Jefferson monument and the MLK memorial, while also getting to be out on the water,” shares Gili Reeves, Google Reviews.
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