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.
The DC in the name stands for 'District of Columbia'. It doesn't form part of any of the USA's fifty states but is completely separate. The state of Virginia lies to the south and the west, while Maryland lies to the north and the east. DC is a pleasant city with many parks and open spaces. It also has plenty of spots where you can go paddling or sailing.
The largest body of water in DC is the Potomac River, which forms its western border. This is one of the best places to go sightseeing by kayak. From the water you'll see the Lincoln Memorial with the Washington Monument and the US Capitol peeking out behind it. You'll also be able to spot the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and the Kennedy Center, not to mention the District's famous cherry trees.
Many kayak trips start at Washington Harbor, which is located in the Georgetown neighborhood. This is one of the most historic districts in the city and also home to Georgetown University. A wonderful way to explore Georgetown is to go paddling along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. This is an especially good option if you're nervous about the Potomac's rapids and boat traffic and would prefer calm waters.
Luckily being inexperienced is no reason not to go rowing. DC's most popular kayak rental businesses also offer lessons, not only in kayaking but also in canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Moreover, they offer guided tours of the city's waterways but also further up the Potomac and around the District. You can even go on overnight trips.
If you're an active traveler but would rather not run the risk of getting wet, there are other ways to see the capital city too. The majority of the most famous sights are concentrated within or near the small area known as the National Mall, which is best navigated on foot. The city is also very bicycle friendly with several trails and guided bike tours.
The best times to visit are in spring or in fall. The weather is at its most pleasant then. The cherry trees are in full bloom in spring while in fall, the trees are a riot of reds, oranges and golden yellows, making the banks of the Potomac and the canals a truly spectacular sight. Summer tends to be hot and uncomfortably humid. If you visit in winter, it's best to take a cruise down the Potomac because it's too cold to go paddling yourself.
There are several organizations and outfitters that rent kayaks in Washington DC, especially in or near Georgetown. You'll also find some rentals in nearby Maryland. Simply check online or ask at a travel agency and get ready to see the national capital from a different angle.
The DC in the name stands for 'District of Columbia'. It doesn't form part of any of the USA's fifty states but is completely separate. The state of Virginia lies to the south and the west, while Maryland lies to the north and the east. DC is a pleasant city with many parks and open spaces. It also has plenty of spots where you can go paddling or sailing.
The largest body of water in DC is the Potomac River, which forms its western border. This is one of the best places to go sightseeing by kayak. From the water you'll see the Lincoln Memorial with the Washington Monument and the US Capitol peeking out behind it. You'll also be able to spot the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and the Kennedy Center, not to mention the District's famous cherry trees.
Many kayak trips start at Washington Harbor, which is located in the Georgetown neighborhood. This is one of the most historic districts in the city and also home to Georgetown University. A wonderful way to explore Georgetown is to go paddling along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. This is an especially good option if you're nervous about the Potomac's rapids and boat traffic and would prefer calm waters.
Luckily being inexperienced is no reason not to go rowing. DC's most popular kayak rental businesses also offer lessons, not only in kayaking but also in canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Moreover, they offer guided tours of the city's waterways but also further up the Potomac and around the District. You can even go on overnight trips.
If you're an active traveler but would rather not run the risk of getting wet, there are other ways to see the capital city too. The majority of the most famous sights are concentrated within or near the small area known as the National Mall, which is best navigated on foot. The city is also very bicycle friendly with several trails and guided bike tours.
The best times to visit are in spring or in fall. The weather is at its most pleasant then. The cherry trees are in full bloom in spring while in fall, the trees are a riot of reds, oranges and golden yellows, making the banks of the Potomac and the canals a truly spectacular sight. Summer tends to be hot and uncomfortably humid. If you visit in winter, it's best to take a cruise down the Potomac because it's too cold to go paddling yourself.
There are several organizations and outfitters that rent kayaks in Washington DC, especially in or near Georgetown. You'll also find some rentals in nearby Maryland. Simply check online or ask at a travel agency and get ready to see the national capital from a different angle.
About the Author:
Read more about Kayaking In Washington DC Will Show You A Different Side To The City.