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BOAT TOURSMost water tours go up and down the Potomac river, offering pretty passing views of the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Washington Monument, and the Kennedy center. Some even make their way to Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor, The Wharf, and Mount Vernon (read their maps carefully so you know where they go). You don’t even have to make advance reservations; although, here again, it will likely save you time and money. Be sure to read the guidelines and restrictions (alcohol included) on each company’s website.
From May through September, Capitol River Cruises (capitolriver cruises.com) leave on the hour starting at 11 a.m. and depart from Washington Harbour in Georgetown for a 45-minute cruise past the Kennedy Center, the Capitol building, the LBJ and Maritime Memorials, the Custis-Lee Mansion, and other points of interest. Potomac Riverboat Company (potomacriverboatco.com) has a varied and intriguing fleet, including a couple of double-deckers, an authentic split sternwheeler, and a 1906 skipjack that takes 90-minute cruises from National Harbor. PRC also operates the water taxi between Georgetown, The Wharf, Old Town Alexandria, and the National Harbor complex. They are known for their quirky canine cruise and their popular fireworks and cherry blossom tours as well.
If you can stand the “wise quacks” or if your party includes kids, consider the DC Ducks (dcducks.com) tour aboard renovated WWII amphibious vehicles. The ducks leave Union Station between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., roll through the Mall, and then plop into the Potomac river near Georgetown and cruise down to Gravelly Point, under the National airport flight path. Tours run from April through October, and only if the weather permits.
Spirit Cruise (spiritcruises.com) offers a variety of tours in D.C. The Spirit of Washington yacht tour incorporates a 3-hour lunch or dinner cruise departing from 580 Water St. near The Wharf. Some have a live DJ and dance floor. Reservations are required and prices range from $55 to $109. The Spirit of Mount Vernon, which also leaves from The Wharf, is another upscale option that runs from March through October and includes admission to Mount Vernon with 3 hours to explore the estate and gardens.
A local family favorite is the National Park Service’s hour-long barge trips (nps.gov/choh), drawn 19th century–style by mules through the locks of the C&O Canal at Great Falls Visitor Center in Potomac, Maryland. Park service rangers in costume explain the workings of the lock system and the history of the canal.
The recently refurbished Odyssey (odysseycruises.com) offers entertaining options, such as a Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise, a Mother’s Day cruise, festive holiday cruises, and traditional dinner cruises. The glass-topped luxury ship departs year-round from southwest Waterfront, near The Wharf, and most passengers dress for the occasion. The three-course plated dinners range from $113 to $135 per person.
