Harbor cruises in Washington, D.C., include narrated sightseeing tours of area landmarks such as the Washington Memorial and Jefferson Memorial. Harbor cruises also can include stop-off tours of historical landmarks like Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Some companies offer cruises with meals and entertainment or cruises that cater specifically to people with pets and families with children. Harbor cruise companies also offer charters for special-occasion cruises in the Potomac River.
Board the "Nightingale" or the "Nightingale II" for views of Washington, D.C., from the Potomac River. In a 45-minute narrated harbor cruise tour, passengers can see D.C. landmarks including Roosevelt Island, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial and the U.S. Capitol.
For those in the mood for fresh-steamed Chesapeake Maryland blue crabs, the "Crab Boat" is available for a 3-hour charter for a very casual fare floating down the Potomac River in the open air. This cruise is all you can eat and drink for up to 42 people, including beer and wine and non-alcoholic beverages.
Capitol River Cruises
Washington Harbour, Georgetown
31st and K Street, Northwest
Washington, DC 20007
301-460-7447
capitolrivercruises.com
Several touring, as well as charter, choices are available through Potomac Riverboat Company for harbor cruises. The 40-minute narrated Seaport Cruise between Alexandria, Virginia, and Georgetown gives sightseers views of historical sites and monuments such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Another sightseeing tour option is Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens with stops along the way at Gaylord National Hotel and National Harbor.
For kids’ enjoyment, a Pirate on the Potomac Cruise--with tales and music about pirates on the Potomac River--is available. The 40-minute cruise features historic landmarks of Alexandria.
The Canine Cruise for four-legged cruisers and their owners is on every Thursday for the months of May through August. Owners can enjoy a 40-minute narration of the Alexandria seaport. Dogs ride for free and need to be on a 6-foot leash.
A water taxi operates daily from Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland. Operational in spring, summer and fall, it is a way to avoid traffic with just 20 minutes of travel time each way. Old Town Alexandria, with its 19th-century architecture, boutiques, art galleries and gourmet restaurants, offers visitors interesting places to go. National Harbor is a prime seaport location with retail stores, restaurants, a marina and premier hotels.
Potomac Riverboat Company
3050 K Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20007
703-684-0580
potomacriverboatco.com
Visit George Washington’s home in a day cruise aboard the "Spirit of Mount Vernon" direct from Washington, D.C. Cruise highlights on the Potomac include the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, the Torpedo Factory, National Airport, Alexandria, Virginia, the Washington Monument and Admiral’s Row. It sails from Pier 4 on 6th and Water Streets in D.C. The cruise includes a narrated Potomac River tour and 3 hours to spend at Mount Vernon, with discounted admission.
"Spirit of Washington" brings food and cruising together in its brunch, lunch, dinner and sunset harbor cruises. Tourists can extend the fun to include dancing, entertainment and historical views of Washington, D.C., and let the party cruise begin. "Spirit of Washington" cruises from southwest D.C. to National Harbor, Maryland.
Spirit Cruises
Pier 4
6th and Water Streets, Southwest
Washington, DC 20024
866-302-2469
spiritofwashington.com/dc/bridge.jsp
