American Boating Association....

WASHINGTON, DC:
CAPITAL BOATING

When Pierre Charles L'Enfant gazed northward along the banks of the Potomac River in 1791, he envisioned a magnificent water-based city, calling the area a "pedestal waiting for a monument." Washington, DC has been welcoming boaters ever since, with an array of colorful neighborhoods, culture, government buildings, museums, memorials, and lots of monuments.

Strategically located midway along the eastern seaborad and right on the Potomac River, the Washington, DC metropolitan area actually refers to the District of Columbia, seven Maryland counties, five Virginia counties, and six Virginia cities (historic Alexandria in Northern Virginia is a particular favorite for boaters).

The area is about 100 miles up the Potomac River from the Chesapeake Bay. The Potomac runs up the western side of DC proper, with the Arlington Memorial Cemetery, The Pentagon, Alexandria and more along the river's western shoreline and the city. East and West Potomac Park, Washington Channel, and the Tidal Basin are along the eastern shore.

A boating-based visit to Washington, DC is quite easy, thanks to a wide variety of convenient marinas that place visiting boaters within easy walking distance or Metro rides of many DC-area attractions. Visiting boaters should keep in mind that transient space throughout the area can be tight, so its definitely best to make contact in advance. Some possible marina bases include: Anacostia Marina; James Creek Marina; The Gangplank on the Potomac; and the historic Capital Yacht Club. This list gives just a sampling of the geographically diverse options.

For those who'd like to dock and then spend the night off their boat, there are many convenient options. The Channel Inn bills itself as Washington, DC's "only waterfront hotel." Other options near the water include a new Courtyard by Marriott and the upscale Mandarin Oriental. Many waterfront restaurants await those who don't want to cook every meal on their boat (the flagship Phillips Seafood on Washington Channel is a boater favorite--including a gut-busting buffet).

Of course, any list of sightseeing options could almost stretch across the wide Potomac. The possibilities, which are generally less crowded in the fall, include: the Washington Monument; the Smithsonian museums; the White House; the U.S. Capitol; the Jefferson, Lincoln, Vietnam, and World War II Memorials; the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum; the intriguing International Spy Museum; the National Geographic Explorers Hall; and the neighborhoods of Georgetown (including the boater-friendly Georgetown harbor!) and Adams-Morgan. Boaters might especially appreciate the Naval Historial Center and The United States Navy Memorial.

Located along the western banks of the Potomac south of Washington, DC proper and known as "The Fun Side of the Potomac," historic Alexandria is also very boater-friendly. Several waterfront parks and the convenient City Marina make visiting Alexandria easy. Once docked, highlights of very walk-able Old Town Alexandria might include: the Torpedo Factory (marina, shops, restaurants, and more in an old World War I torpedo parts plant); the recently-reopened Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum; Gadsby's Tavern Museum; Christ Church; The Lyceum (Alexandria's history museum); cobblestone Prince Street; and dozens of other historic homes and buildings. Washington's Mount Vernon is a short drive away--though the view from the water is also well worth it!

Even if you can't dock there, the historic Old Dominion Yacht Club, founded in 1880, is well worth a visit. There are many other marinas and yacht clubs in or near Alexandria, along with several waterfront dining and accommodations options (making many boaters want to make Alexandria more than a DC daytrip!).

Thus, from Washington, DC proper to more Potomac pleasures in Alexandria, this is surely one of America's capital boating destinations. Whether you want fall colors or lots of red, white, and blue, our nation's capital and the rest of the capital region await.

Contact the Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation at 800-422-8644 or visit www.washington.org. For boating around the Capital Region (to Alexandria and more), visit www.funside.com (Alexandria) or www.capitalregionusa.org (general Capital Region). Potomac River Yacht Clubs (www.potomacriveryachtclubs.org) is also another good resource.