Potomac River Tours and Tickets

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.