Nearby Attractions

A New Destination Among DC Landmarks
No other city in the United States has as many monuments and museums as Washington, DC. Located just south of the National Mall, The Wharf is within easy reach of most of the attractions of our nation’s capital.

The National Mall
Stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, and from the White House to the Jefferson Memorial, the National Mall is among the top visitor destinations in Washington, DC. In spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival is a big draw along the Tidal Basin. In summer, the Mall serves as backdrop to dozens of events, including Fourth of July Fireworks. Fall’s more temperate weather brings out people to play ball, bike, and have picnics.

Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian is a collection of 19 world-class museums, galleries, gardens, and a zoo. All Smithsonian establishments are free and open year-round. The following Smithsonian museums are located within a mile of The Wharf:

• National Air and Space Museum
• National Museum of African American History and Culture
• National Museum of African Art
• National Museum of American History
• National Museum of the American Indian
• National Museum of Natural History
• Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
• The Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) and Smithsonian Gardens

Nearby Museums 
Besides the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, visitors to The Wharf are also within blocks of the following world-class museums:

• Holocaust Memorial Museum
• International Spy Museum (New L'Enfant Plaza location, just one block from The Wharf)
• Museum of the Bible
• US Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Arena Stage
Across the street from The Wharf is Arena Stage, DC's flagship theater dedicated to the production, presentation, development, and study of American theater. Their three stages feature a year-round collection of diverse and innovative plays and musicals. Arena Stage has earned multiple Tony Awards (most recently for the world premiere of Dear Evan Hansen) and garnered many other accolades, including being the first regional theater to transfer a production to Broadway. Arena Stage offers performances almost almost every night of the week—view tickets here.

East Potomac Park & Hains Point
Right across the Washington Channel—accessible via The Wharf Jitney or a quick trip across the bridge—lies East Potomac Park. This 300-acre man-made island has a 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.

Nationals Park & Navy Yard
Just a few blocks east of The Wharf, baseball fans can cheer on their team at the Nationals Park—or root for their favorite president in the traditional Presidents Race during the fourth inning. The surrounding Navy Yard neighborhood invites visitors to explore the historic naval facility that is its namesake, as well as a park with views of the Anacostia River and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Buzzard Point & Soccer Stadium
Less than a half-mile downriver of The Wharf, at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, is the Buzzard Point neighborhood. This peninsula features Audi Field, the new home of DC United Major League Soccer team, as well as Fort Lesley J. McNair, a United States Army base where John Wilkes Booth and the Lincoln assassination conspirators were put on trial in 1865.

Nearby Waterfront Destinations
Explore beautiful waterfront destinations in DC, Maryland and Virginia for music, shopping and dining, sports, water activities, historic sites, and much more. Many—including Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor—are accessible by water taxi. Visit Destination DC for a comprehensive guide.