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.
Aside from the fact that Washington DC is the capital of the USA, it's also special because it doesn't fall within the borders of any of the country's states. The District of Columbia, which is where the 'DC' in the name comes from, is entirely separate even though it lies between the states of Maryland and Virginia. DC is a great city for people who love spending time outdoors, with many green spaces and several great spots for being out on the water.
The Potomac River flows along the west of the District and actually forms its border with Virginia. Rowing down this waterway not only gives you the opportunity to see the beautiful parks along its shores. Many of the most famous DC landmarks are located close enough to the river so that you can easily spot them from a kayak. For example, keep an eye out for the Lincoln Memorial. When you see this, you can't miss the obelisk known as the Washington Monument or the dome of the US Capitol a little further back.
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.
It's easy to find a kayak for rent in DC. Travel agents will be able to help or you can look online. Most outfitters are located in the area around Georgetown or a little further afield in Maryland.
Aside from the fact that Washington DC is the capital of the USA, it's also special because it doesn't fall within the borders of any of the country's states. The District of Columbia, which is where the 'DC' in the name comes from, is entirely separate even though it lies between the states of Maryland and Virginia. DC is a great city for people who love spending time outdoors, with many green spaces and several great spots for being out on the water.
The Potomac River flows along the west of the District and actually forms its border with Virginia. Rowing down this waterway not only gives you the opportunity to see the beautiful parks along its shores. Many of the most famous DC landmarks are located close enough to the river so that you can easily spot them from a kayak. For example, keep an eye out for the Lincoln Memorial. When you see this, you can't miss the obelisk known as the Washington Monument or the dome of the US Capitol a little further back.
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.
It's easy to find a kayak for rent in DC. Travel agents will be able to help or you can look online. Most outfitters are located in the area around Georgetown or a little further afield in Maryland.
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