The Municipal Fish Market

The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf is the oldest continuously-operating open-air fish market in the United States, dating back to 1805. The Fish Market remains an iconic DC destination for hungry locals and savvy visitors seeking fresh fish, crabs, cooked seafood.

Address: 1100 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024

Parking: Visitors arriving by car may park in the underground garage at a rate of $2 for the first hour, with validation of purchase from the Municipal Fish Market. Learn more about parking and validation here. In addition, limited short-term surface parking is available in the Fish Market Lot and Market Square Lot at the following rates: Under 30 min: $5. 30 min-1 hour: $12. 1-2 hours: $25

Current Seafood Offerings and Prices: The Municipal Fish Market is home to multiple vendors. To learn more about the current seafood offerings and prices, please contact Jessie Taylor Seafood at 202-554-4173.

Other Shops and Restaurants: In addition to having the nation's oldest fish market, The Wharf neighborhood is home to thousands of residents and employees, four hotels, a 6000-seat music venue, and over 80 shops and restaurants. 

History

Opened in 1805, The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf—often simply called The Fish Market—is the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the United States, predating New York City’s Fulton Fish Market by 17 years. Through the centuries, the Fish Market has been home to an ever-changing array of vendors and eateries, including produce vendors, oyster boats, bait and tackle shops, and lumber distributors. 

Nestled between the Potomac River and the National Mall (1100 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC), this DC landmark is a true local gem. Choose from unique and vibrant seafood vendors. You can get fresh or cooked seafood: heaping bushels of blue crab, shucked oysters, clams, shrimp, and freshly caught fish. Stock up for special occasions, grab something for lunch or dinner, or walk over to one of The Wharf’s plazas or parks—or the Tidal Basin—for a scenic picnic. Whatever you do, don’t miss this hometown favorite, chock full of fresh seafood and local flavor.

Restoration and Preservation
We've recognized the Municipal Fish Market as a gateway to The Wharf—an iconic fixture for the District of Columbia and for the entire region that we are preserving and reenergizing for years to come.

The reimagined Municipal Fish Market includes the restoration of the historic oyster shed, a new market operations building, a new distillery, as well as a new market hall and retail additions that include a market shed and two small market pavilions. To reduce congestion, we also added new below-grade parking and a Maine Avenue signaled intersection that improve vehicular access at the site.

Finally completed, a new Market Plaza, Market Pier, and Market Square enhance the public enjoyment of this one-of-a-kind market experience on the waterfront.