Things to do / Travel Guide
Paddle boating can be a relaxing pastime and can be done within DC itself, in the shadows of the Jefferson Memorial, at the Tidal Basin. Paddleboats are available for rental there from late February until mid-October. Paddling in this area can be an ideal way to appreciate the latter hours of a summer day when the weather has cooled down a bit. The basin is set amongst the famous cherry blossom trees and is a welcome escape from the fast pace of the city without the need to drive too far.
Canoeing in the Potomac River is best enjoyed from April through late October and scenic tours are available near the downtown DC area. A six-mile-long tour which takes boaters through the lush scenery takes about half a day. The areas of the Potomac River close to DC are relatively calm and warm enough for canoeing in the summer months. In addition to the winding river and plant life located along the shore, canoe rides are an ideal way to see some of the region's wildlife.
Boats can be rented from Thompson's Boat Center and Fletcher's Boat House.
America's largest estuary in Chesapeake Bay welcomes all sorts of fans of water sports. Kayaking is common in the bay in the warmer months of the year. Options exist for kayaking individually or with coordinated tours, and kayaking events are held there regularly. There are a wide variety of sites designed for kayak launches on the Chesapeake shores in Maryland and Virginia.
Additional information in regard to kayaking events and conditions on the Chesapeake Bay can be obtained from the Chesapeake Paddlers Association.
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