Potomac River

Travelers in DC can cruise along the Potomac River on a sunset dinner cruise, water taxi, Washington monuments cruise, DC duck tour, or even a cherry blossom springtime sail. Alternatively, keep your feet on solid ground and admire the Potomac from the Mount Vernon Trail or the East and West Potomac Parks. The latter—a stop on many sightseeing tours—is home to several popular monuments, including the Jefferson Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial.

• Well-timed visits will bring spectacular views of spring cherry blossoms and fall foliage.

• Many boat tours are not accessible for wheelchair users; it's best to double-check before you book.

• Don't forget sunscreen and a hat when you're out on the water.

• Keep in mind that some Potomac River activities are seasonal.

The Potomac River has many access points throughout the DC area, including in the East and West Potomac parks. For visitors riding the Washington Metro, the station nearest the river is Foggy Bottom/George Washington University. Various sightseeing cruises and boat tours on the river depart from the downtown waterfront, Georgetown, Alexandria, and Mount Vernon.

While the Potomac River is free to enjoy throughout the year, the views are arguably at their best during the spring cherry blossom season and in autumn when colorful leaves create a picturesque frame for the monuments on the shore. Expect high temperatures and high humidity from June to August.

To get a feel for the Potomac River, plan to see it from multiple locations. Besides downtown DC, the river flows through the National Zoological Park, Mount Vernon, and Great Falls, where the waterway cascades down a series of beautiful rapids. Public park land lines both sides of the river, offering ample places for a picnic.

The Potomac River is a major waterway in Washington DC. Flowing from West Virginia into the Chesapeake Bay, the river is known for its scenery. It’s also famous for its role in American history—in shaping the colonies, as a site of Civil War battles, and as an Underground Railroad route.

Yes, there are sightseeing boats that cruise the Potomac River as it passes Washington DC. Some of the capital’s top sights—including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial—all can be seen from the water. You also can take brunch or dinner cruises on the river.

No, swimming in the stretch of the Potomac River that runs through Washington DC is not currently permitted. The currents can be extremely strong and dangerous to swimmers and boaters. Water quality also has been an issue in the past. However, studies investigating planned swimming areas are currently under review.

Yes, there are numerous walking trails along the Potomac River. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is among the best-known and one of the loveliest ways to explore the region. Other options include trails in Great Falls Park, on Theodore Roosevelt Island, and in other riverside parks in the area.

There are a number of historic landmarks along the Potomac River in and around Washington DC. Highlights include Mount Vernon (George Washington’s former estate), Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, the monuments and memorials of the Tidal Basin, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and many more.

The Potomac River supports hundreds of wildlife species. More than 120 bird species frequent the river, including bald eagles, osprey, cormorants, and great blue herons. Other notable animals include dolphins (which appear in the river and in the Chesapeake Bay during the summer), sharks, otters, and eels.