The Southwest Waterfront district has a rich history. In 1791, city planner Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed the street layout of what is now The Wharf. L’Enfant incorporated a maritime community that ran from the Anacostia River to Georgetown. The waterfront neighborhood was also one of the first areas of private development in the area. In the early 19th century, the neighborhood was regarded as a destination for nice residences and businesses. Due to its location by major rivers and the railroad tracks, the neighborhood was the main commercial waterfront of D.C. in the 1820s and 1830s.
Over the years, the neighborhood went through many changes, including the period of development starting in the early 2000s that resulted in what is now The Wharf. The walkable waterfront neighborhood has exploded into an entertainment hub since 2017. The Wharf routinely hosts events including live music, dance lessons, group yoga activities and much more. The neighborhood is also home to new bars and restaurants with more slated to open in 2023.
What to Do
Get on the Water
If you want to spend a sunny day out on the Potomac River, The Wharf offers several options to rent a boat or join a boat tour.
City Cruises has various sightseeing cruises, including brunch or cocktail cruises, that depart from Transit Pier at The Wharf. The Water Taxi is also docked at Transit Pier. Passengers can hop on and take a scenic ride to Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria or National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Prices start at $22.
The Wharf Jitney is a free boat service operated by The Wharf that ferries passengers between Recreation Pier and East Potomac Park. The Wharf Jitney operates from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from late March through early December.
If you want to drive the boat yourself, GoBoat offers electric boat rentals that can seat up to eight people. Prices range from $160 to $420 depending on the duration of the rental.
Roast S’mores
Walk up to the vintage airstream trailer at Camp Wharf and purchase a s’mores kit filled with graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows. The wood burning fire is surrounded by lounge chairs overlooking the Potomac River.
Camp Wharf is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. S'mores are $4.50 each, or four for $16. A portion of the proceeds benefit charities in Southwest D.C.
See a show at the Anthem
The 6,000-seat concert venue routinely hosts internationally celebrated artists and has been home to not only concerts but also charity galas, lectures and seminars. The Anthem opened in 2017 and continues to bring large names to D.C. Ticket prices for shows range from about $31 to quite pricey—in line with what the most popular artists are charging fans.
To get tickets, visit https://theanthemdc.com/.
Join a bike tour
Unlimited Biking offers guided tours of the city on bicycles and Segways with stops among all of D.C.’s famous attractions. Leave from The Wharf and explore the city on wheels with a guide. You can even see the monuments lit up at night with the three-hour Monuments at Night bike tour. The company also offers bike and rollerblade rentals. Prices for tours start at $45.
Games and events at the Pier
From live music, to movie screenings and festivals, there’s always something to do at Transit Pier at The Wharf. During the summer, the Wharf hosts “Rock the Dock,” a free concert series that features live performances of a variety of music genres including rock, pop, r&b, jazz and reggae. You can also catch free movie screenings by attending Sunset Cinema during the summer. On certain days, people can be spotted dancing the salsa on the pier while taking dance lessons or stretching out on yoga mats. There are games for kids and adults alike at the Pier. Hop on a giant swing as you watch the sunset or play a game of giant Jenga or Connect Four.
Where to Eat
Colada Shop
This Cuban restaurant with colorful décor has a welcoming atmosphere and serves as a gathering space for good food, coffee, cocktails and conversation. The menu features Caribbean-style pastries, empanadas, sandwiches and tropical drinks. Most entrées range from $15 to $20.
Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips
Gordon Ramsay’s fast-casual restaurant serving up the popular English street food, fish and chips, opened its fourth location in the country at the Wharf. The menu features fish with sustainably caught cod coated with custard powder and fries with dipping sauces like parmesan and chives. Combo options are priced around $16 to $20.
Fat Fish
The multicultural restaurant has a strong commitment to serving dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Their menu consists largely of raw seafood and plants. Fat Fish offers poke bowls, sushi style hand rolls and vegan soft serve with seasonally rotating flavors. Entrée prices start at $16.
Boardwalk Bar and Arcade
Play arcade games–both vintage and modern– at this waterfront, beach-themed restaurant. Boardwalk also offers basketball games, pinball, table football, Skee-ball and more.
The menu features classic boardwalk favorites like homemade corn dogs and hot dogs, thin-crust pizzas, fish tacos, and club sandwiches. Boardwalk offers great happy hour prices and regularly priced meals start at around $12.
Shake Shack
This popular national chain has a waterfront location at The Wharf. Stop in for a classic meal of burgers, fries and a shake. The menu also rotates with special, limited-time offerings based on the season. Most menu options range from about $5 to $10.
