Urban Waterfronts: 3-Day Itinerary

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 Sugar Shack Donuts. 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 or savouring the Afro-Caribbean fare at Kith/Kin.