Directions to DC's Waterfront

Get to The Wharf

Centrally situated in the Greater Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area, The Wharf neighborhood is located near two Metro stations which are only a short walk or free Southwest Shuttle ride from the water. Of course, you can always ride your bike or even take the Water Taxi to get here.

Driving to The Wharf is not the best option due to frequent special events, traffic congestion, and limited parking. If you can’t avoid driving, check out our nearby off-site parking locations.

View The Wharf transportation map

Southwest Shuttle

arrow

The free Southwest Neighborhood Shuttle carries visitors between The Wharf, SW Duck Pond, L'Enfant Plaza Metro, and the National Mall. The shuttle is easy and convenient to ride—making a continuous circuit throughout the neighborhood all day long.

Learn More

Public Transportation

arrow

Convenient for All

The Wharf is only a few blocks from two Metro stations, a VRE station, and several bus stops. Our free SW Shuttle runs all day to connect you to wherever you want to go.

Learn More

Bike

arrow

Pedal to the Waterfront

Bicycle is one of the best ways to travel around Washington, DC and to The Wharf. It's easy to ride along the National Mall to the monuments and museums. Local trails like the Anacostia Riverwalk TrailMount Vernon Trail, and Maine Avenue Cycletrack will bring you right into the neighborhood. Once you arrive here, you’ll find plenty of places to secure your bike and explore on foot.

Don't have a bike? Rent one from Unlimited Biking or try Capital Bikeshare (three stations at The Wharf: Maine and 7th St SW, and Maine and 9th St SW, and Waterfront Park SW). If you're staying at Canopy by Hilton Washington DC-The Wharf, use one of the free bicycles in the lobby.

Learn More

Water Taxi

arrow

Get to The Wharf on the Water

If you’re checking out the region’s waterfront destinations, there’s no better way to travel 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.

Learn More

Wharf Jitney

arrow

The Wharf Jitney is a free boat service operated by The Wharf that ferries passengers between Recreation Pier and East Potomac Park. 

The Wharf Jitney operates 12:00pm - 6:00pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through November.

Jitney operations are subject to weather conditions. View the current operating status through Boating in DC.

Learn More

Walk

arrow

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

Learn More

Car & Parking

arrow

Driving Directions to The Wharf 

The Wharf is conveniently located just off I-395/I-695 and 7th Street SW. However, driving to The Wharf may not be the fastest way to get here due to frequent special events, traffic congestion, and limited parking. We highly recommend taking Metro and our free SW Shuttle instead. If you can’t avoid driving, check out our additional off-site parking locations for easy access.

Learn More

Boat

arrow

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’

Learn More
“Our partnership with The Wharf offers a refreshing way to experience our beautiful city, as well as a convenient way to access Alexandria, National Harbor, and Georgetown.”
— Mary Rinaldo, Regional Vice President of City Cruises

Get Your Fill at The Wharf

Fresh seafood is a given on the waterfront. But The Wharf offers more, including a wide selection of distinctive choices for food, drinks, and entertainment while you eat. Watch the chefs prepare your meal. Listen to music. Or just people-watch while you savor the flavors of The Wharf.

Explore Restaurants

Browse the Shops

Whether you’re looking for something specific or simply like to spend a few hours in our unique collection of stores, chances are you’ll find just what you’re looking for at our shops at The Wharf. And, of course, you can always treat yourself to a delicious dessert—or celebrate your shopping finds with a drink at one of our restaurants.

Explore Retailers