Directions to DC's Waterfront

Pedal to the Waterfront

Ride your bike along the Riverwalk Trail System or see the sights and monuments of the National Mall before making your way to The Wharf. Once you arrive here, you’ll find plenty of places to secure your bike to explore this neighborhood further on foot.

Is Capital Bikeshare more your speed? With two stations along Maine Ave SW (one at 7th Street SW, the other at 9th Street SW) and hundreds throughout the city, you can pick up a bike and park it at your convenience. Explore the bike trails from Alexandria, VA, to Washington, DC—and discover your favorite new place at The Wharf.

Dock at The Wharf

From the Potomac River, travel north on the Washington Channel to arrive at The Wharf’s marinas and piers. Please check with the marinas for availability and docking fees.

Wharf Coordinates: N 38° 52.600’ / W 077° 01.334’

Driving Directions to The Wharf 

Whether you’re driving in from far away or coming from downtown DC, getting to The Wharf is easy—we’re just off I-395/I-695 and 7th Street SW. And parking is now even more convenient with our new garage off Maine Avenue SW, open 24 hours every day. Upon entering the garage, scan your ticket with ParkMobile (Zone 326) to make exiting a breeze!

Convenient for All

Washington, DC, has an extensive network of public transportation for our residents, guests, employees, and tourists. Whichever mode you prefer, you’re only a few blocks from two Metro stations, a VRE station, as well as several bus stations to connect you to wherever you want to go.

Hop on Our Free Neighborhood Shuttle

The Wharf offers a SW Neighborhood Shuttle that is free and open to the public. With daily service and 10-minute headways, it’s easy and convenient to take the shuttle from The Wharf to the National Mall, with stops at L’Enfant Plaza each way.

Roundtrip Shuttle Route

The Wharf at 800 Maine Ave. SW
L’Enfant Plaza Metro/VRE station at 7th St. and Maryland Ave. SW
National Mall at 7th St. and Independence Ave. SW
L’Enfant Retail on 10th St. SW (future home of the International Spy Museum)

Hours of Operation

Monday–Thursday: 6:30am–11:30pm
Friday: 6:30am–1:00am
Saturday: 9:00am–1:00am
Sunday: 9:00am–11:00pm

The low-emission CNG buses are sponsored by The Wharf, SWBID, JBG, and the International Spy Museum.

Take a Stroll Through the Neighborhood

From the scenic views off the wooden piers to window-shopping along cobblestone streets, The Wharf offers plenty of places to explore. So saunter down the promenade. Meander through the parks. Browse the stores. Or march right up to your favorite restaurants for a leisurely sit-down meal. At The Wharf, you’ll never run out of things to do and see.

Walking Distance to Nearby Attractions

10-minute walk to National Mall
15-minute walk to Jefferson Memorial
20-minute walk to Washington Monument
20-minute walk to Nationals Park

Getting to The Wharf on the Water

If you’re checking out the region’s waterfront destinations, there’s no better way to get there than by water taxi. Come to The Wharf’s Transit Pier to catch a ride to Georgetown in DC, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, or National Harbor in Maryland—and enjoy the scenic views of the nation’s capital from the Potomac.

Fares to Georgetown, DC, Alexandria, VA, and National Harbor, MD

One-Way: Adults starting at $10 | Children (Ages 2–11) starting at $7
Roundtrip: Adults starting at $18 | Children (Ages 2–11) starting at $12.60
Season Passes: $175

Ferry Over the Washington Channel

Take the Wharf Jitney from Recreation Pier to East Potomac Park and explore this man-made island’s surprising amount of amenities, from a public golf course, driving range, and miniature golf course to a public swimming pool, tennis courts, and several athletic fields. It is also a popular destination for fishermen, cyclists, walkers, inline skaters, and runners.

Hours of Operation

April–November: Daily service
March and December: Weekends and holidays only
Monday–Friday: 12:00pm until 30 minutes before sunset
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 9:00am until 30 minutes before sunset

Wharf Jitney scheduled hours of operation are weather permitting. Click here to check current status.