A Day Off the Mall: Georgetown, Canal and The Wharf

A riverside day away from the National Mall

A trip to Washington, D.C. centres on the National Mall, which runs from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, but give yourself one day away from the memorials and museums to walk the riverside neighbourhoods. This themed route links Georgetown, the city's oldest neighbourhood, the C&O Canal, Georgetown Waterfront Park on the Potomac and an evening at Southwest & The Wharf.

The standard 3-night, 4-day plan, with one day each for the National Mall, Capitol Hill and the museums, is in the post below. The recommended stay is 3 to 4 nights, so if you stay 4 nights, spend the extra day on the riverside like this.

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Morning: Georgetown's cobblestones and old mansions

Start the day in Georgetown. It is the city's oldest neighbourhood, with cobblestone sidewalks and 18th- and 19th-century mansions, and simply strolling here feels very different from the memorial-lined National Mall. Check WMATA's official information before you go for routes and journey times to Georgetown.

Shops and restaurants cluster around M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. After walking the historic streets, shop and have lunch around these two streets.

The C&O Canal: a quiet waterside walk and a replica canal boat

The peaceful C&O Canal is one of Georgetown's highlights. After the cobblestone sidewalks and mansions, a walk along the canal is the best way to feel the neighbourhood's calm.

On the canal section run by the National Park Service you can ride a replica canal boat. Check the official information for tickets and schedules before you go, and if you plan to ride, build your day around the boat times.

The C&O Canal begins at mile 0 in Georgetown near 29th Street NW, just south of M Street, and runs west alongside Canal Road for 184.5 miles to Cumberland, Maryland; cycling is permitted on the towpath. Georgetown Waterfront Park stretches along the Potomac from 31st Street NW to Key Bridge, with a seasonal fountain where Wisconsin Avenue meets K Street and a car-free path for walkers and cyclists. Check the visitor center's status and trail conditions on the park's official site before you go (National Park Service, checked 13 October 2026).

Afternoon: along the Potomac at Waterfront Park

In the afternoon, head to Georgetown Waterfront Park by the Potomac. Walk along the river and take in the views, or go kayaking. Check the official information before you go for how kayaking works and when it is available.

Evening: the fish market at Southwest & The Wharf

As the day winds down, move to Southwest & The Wharf, a riverfront district suited to seafood and evenings. It has the nation's longest continually operating open-air fish market, a good place for fresh seafood. The Wharf has more than 20 restaurants and bars, with free outdoor movies and other events in warm weather.

Check WMATA's official information before you go for how to get from Georgetown to The Wharf and how long it takes. The National Air and Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol are within walking distance of The Wharf, so it also sets you up for a National Mall day next. Admission to the National Air and Space Museum is free, but every visitor, regardless of age, needs a free timed-entry pass, so book ahead.

Transport costs, where to stay and when to go

Metrorail fares depend on time and distance: USD 2.25-6.75 on weekdays (5 a.m.-9:30 p.m.) and USD 2.25-2.50 after 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends, so doing this route at the weekend lowers your Metro fares. Metrobus is a flat USD 2.25 wherever you go; bus-to-bus transfers within 2 hours are free, and bus-rail transfers get a USD 2.25 discount. If you will ride several times, compare with the 1-day unlimited pass (USD 13.50).

To stay by the river, choose Georgetown for historic streets, shopping and the riverfront, or Southwest & The Wharf for the riverfront, seafood and evenings. Accommodation is most of the budget, so compare prices for your dates on booking sites.

This is a full day on foot, so April-May and September-October are ideal. According to WMO World Weather Information Service — National Weather Service data for Washington DC (WMO city data), 1981–2010, average highs and lows are 19/6°C in April, 24/11°C in May, 26/14°C in September and 20/7°C in October. July and August are hot, with average highs of 30-31°C, so carry water and a hat; December to February is cold, with average lows of -5 to -3°C, so pack a warm coat.

• On Metrorail, tap the same card when you enter and exit; everyone aged 5 or older needs their own payment method
• Paying cash on the bus? Bring the exact fare in coins and USD 1 bills (drivers can't make change)
• Check the official information before you go for replica canal boat tickets and schedules and for kayaking
• Check WMATA's official information for first and last trains at each station
• Check the U.S. government's official information on entry requirements (visa, travel authorization, etc.) before you travel

• Full Washington, D.C. travel guide →
• How Many Days in Washington DC? A 3-Night, 4-Day Route →
• Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington, D.C. →

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