Potomac River Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Potomac River. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets

• Washington DC Memorials and Monuments Day Tour With 10+ Stops

• City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass

• City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise

• VIP Private Tour of Washington DC

Visiting the Potomac River is completely free, assuming you want to simply stroll by the banks or admire it from the Georgetown Waterfront Park. River boat cruises come at a cost, however: Expect to pay around US$60 for a lunch cruise, and over US$100 for a dinner cruise.

Yes, the Potomac River is absolutely worth visiting. It's a lovely sliver of natural beauty running through Washington DC (and beyond), and both locals and tourists love coming here to take water taxis between Northern Virginia neighborhoods, dine on The Wharf, and hike and bike on the surrounding trails.

Per one customer who booked DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets, "It was a great experience. Tour guide was knowledgeable friendly and an excellent host while the bus driver knew how to maneuver that big bus through tight spaces. They provided water on a hot humid day, and the boat ride was the icing on the cake. Perfect way to relax explore and take in the history."

The Potomac River is a major waterway in Washington DC. It drains into 14,670 square miles spread across four states. The scenic river flows from West Virginia through Harpers Ferry and into the Chesapeake Bay. It’s also famous for its role in American history—in shaping the colonies, as a site of Civil War battles, and as an Underground Railroad route.

Yes, there are sightseeing boats that cruise the Potomac River as it passes Washington DC. Some of the capital’s top sights—including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Thomas Jefferson Memorial—can all be seen from the water. You also can take brunch or dinner cruises on the river.

No, you can’t swim in the stretch of the Potomac River that runs through Washington DC. The currents can be extremely strong and dangerous to swimmers and boaters. Water quality also has been an issue in the past. However, studies investigating planned swimming areas are currently under review.

Yes, there are numerous walking trails along the Potomac River. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is among the best-known and one of the loveliest ways to explore the region. Other options include trails in Great Falls Park, on Theodore Roosevelt Island, and in other riverside parks in the area.

There are a number of historic landmarks along the Potomac River in and around Washington DC. Highlights include Mount Vernon (George Washington’s former estate), Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, the monuments and memorials of the Tidal Basin, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and many more.

The Potomac River supports hundreds of wildlife species. More than 120 bird species frequent the river, including bald eagles, osprey, cormorants, and great blue herons. Other notable animals include dolphins (which appear in the river and Chesapeake Bay during the summer), sharks, otters, and eels.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Potomac River. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Washington DC:

• U.S. Capitol

• The White House

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial

• Lincoln Memorial

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Washington DC.