Urban Waterfronts: 3-Day Itinerary
Easily visit three riverfront locations by jumping aboard the Potomac Riverboat Company’s water taxis.
Easily visit three riverfront locations by jumping aboard the Potomac Riverboat Company’s water taxis.
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Easily visit Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia by water taxi

The Wharf waterfront neighborhood in Washington, DC

Historic King Street in Alexandria, Virginia

National Harbor, Maryland

The Anthem live music venue at The Wharf in Washington, DC

Easily visit Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia by water taxi

The Wharf waterfront neighborhood in Washington, DC

Historic King Street in Alexandria, Virginia

National Harbor, Maryland

The Anthem live music venue at The Wharf in Washington, DC
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Day 1
After a leisurely lunch of fresh bivalves at Rappahannock Oyster Bar in Washington, DC, spend time exploring the rest of what The Wharf has to offer — from shopping to parks.
Later, board a water taxi for the 45-minute ride to Alexandria, Virginia. Walk up King Street for a delectable dinner at Vermilion, a long-time favourite known for its farm-to-table ethos. Go for a nightcap at intimate speakeasy Captain Gregory's, housed within Elizabeth's Counter. Pull the raised whiskey flag to open the false door to the bar.
Day 2
Take a ride down King Street toward the waterfront aboard the free trolley. After visiting the Torpedo Factory Art Center — home to a large collection of artists’ studios, seven galleries and two workshops — grab lunch at Virtue Feed & Grain, an 1800s feed house repurposed into an American tavern.
In the afternoon, take the water taxi to National Harbor, Maryland, an exciting destination teeming with entertainment, dining and more. As evening falls, marvel at the views from the Capital Wheel, which spins right on the waterfront. Then make a night of it at the MGM National Harbor, a resort that boasts Las Vegas-style gaming, a 3,000-seat theatre and dining options from acclaimed chefs like José Andrés.
Day 3
This morning, score bargains at the Tanger Outlets National Harbor. After you’ve indulged in retail therapy, take advantage of the National Harbor circulator bus to return to the waterfront.
For your mid-day meal, snag a seat on the patio at the Crab Cake Cafe — whose star menu item comes in traditional, Hawaiian, Tex-Mex and other varieties.
Walk off lunch with a stroll on the boardwalk whilst admiring outdoor murals, statues and other public art — including “The Awakening,” a dramatic metal sculpture of a giant emerging from the ground.
Catch a boat back to DC, where you can soak up more of The Wharf’s activities on your final night — perhaps catching a concert at The Anthem.

Come see the Nation's only high wheel bike race. Racers make as many laps as they can on a half mile course in beautiful Downtown Frederick.
The town of Chincoteague is known worldwide for its annual Pony Penning & Auction.
This award-winning 5-day celebration of music and art nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia features more than 100 performers on 8 stages.
The Annapolis Crab Feast is all-you-can-eat and drink, including large and #1 male crabs (the big ones) plus Maryland vegetable crab soup, sweet Maryland corn on the cob, beef barbeque sandwiches,
Hosted since 1969, Citi Open is one of DC’s longest-standing sports traditions.
During the 2nd week of August of each year the City of Galax has the world tapping its feet as the Old Fiddlers' Convention. Musicians and fans from around the world travel
Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is a week-long celebration of the region’s restaurants.
With more than 200 craft breweries throughout Virginia and being named one of the Top Seven Beer Destinations by Travel Channel, it's no surprise that the state dedicates the entire month of August
The annual Library of Congress National Book Festival features celebrated authors, discussions, and book sales in this free, open-to-the-public event.
One of DC’s most exciting annual events, DC JazzFest celebrates the sounds, stories and personalities that make this uniquely American art form sing and swing across its wealth of performances.
In the Streets invites residents and visitors to explore all that historic downtown Frederick has to offer.
No other event provides so much food, fun & family entertainment for so little: tame & thrilling rides and games; traditional Fair & local farm fresh food; thousands of livestock, horse
Fleet Week celebrates the rich maritime traditions of the Chesapeake Bay with visiting Navy and local ships as well as a variety of vessels, large and small.
This high-energy block party in Washington, DC’s H Street neighbourhood stretches 11 blocks and has 14 stages featuring music, dance, poetry readings, programs, and more.
Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull is a fun annual event that benefits Special Olympics of Virginia. The Plane Pull is a team competition to see which group can pull an airplane the fastest.
Wine enthusiasts are invited to sample Maryland wine, shop from juried artisans, and enjoy live music on the beautiful grounds of the Carroll County Farm Museum.
Cultural Tourism DC showcases the incredible walkability of the nation’s capital during this week-long public tour program that is annually held in September.
Described in Frommers Travel Guides as "an outdoor all-you-can-eat affair featuring crabs, clams, fish, corn on the cob, and watermelon, and in election years, lots of politicians", the J.
Come see Virginia's finest animals and agriculture, exhibits and shows, toe-tappin' music, fine arts and crafts, blue ribbon competitions and more!
This end-of-summer festival hosted in Virginia beach features wine tastings, a world-class sandcastle competition, numerous athletic competitions, an open-air art show along the Boardwalk, an air s
Celebrating the arrival of the oyster season and the local seafood industry, the Chincoteague Oyster Festival features oysters all ways – raw, steamed, fritters, singled fried, and more.
The Richmond Folk Festival is one of Virginia's largest events, drawing visitors from all over the country to downtown Richmond's historic riverfront.
This annual five-day festival celebrates the beauty of autumn foliage with concerts, corn mazes, art exhibits, craft vendors, parades, and more.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival provides a unique outdoor entertainment experience to patrons from all over the world.
Celebrate Halloween at the Smithsonian National Zoo! Boo at the Zoo is a special evening event featuring treat stations, animal demonstrations, keeper chats, decorated trails, and more.
Founded in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is one of the most prestigious, competitive, and exciting equestrian sporting events in North America.
Virginia celebrates its more than 300 wineries and vineyards throughout the month of October with wine specials and events at wineries, restaurants and retailers across the state.
The “official” oyster festival of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Urbanna Oyster Festival draws oyster-lovers from near and far.
The Virginia Film Festival, now in its third decade, is one of America’s leading regional film festivals, and one of the premier cultural events in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Discover the best of local wildlife, nature, art, heritage, food, and fun at the Waterfowl Festival.
Experience the nation’s capital during the popular Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series.
Washington, DC’s most anticipated annual festival celebrates the arrival of spring.