Welcome to the nation’s capital!
Looking for the best places to paddle board in Washington, DC?
Discover the hidden gems awaiting you in this bustling city.
Get ready to explore the calm, tranquil waters of Washington, DC, in style. Let’s dive in!
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Table of Contents
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Where to Paddle Board in Washington
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Tidal Basin
- ????️ ️Location Type: Artificial Inlet
- Access Point: Tidal Basin Paddle Boats (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, light wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring and Summer
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, occasional fish
- ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Cherry Blossoms
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid collision with paddle boats, follow boating rules
The Tidal Basin, located in the heart of Washington, DC, offers scenic views of the city’s famous landmarks.
Paddling during the cherry blossom season is an added treat, creating the perfect setting for a photo-worthy adventure.
#2 Potomac River
- ????️ Location Type: River
- Access Point: Key Bridge Boathouse (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light to moderate currents
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl, occasional turtles, and herons
- ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Theodore Roosevelt Island, Watergate Steps, Georgetown Waterfront
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of boat traffic, follow river rules, be cautious of currents
The Potomac River offers paddleboarders a mix of urban adventure and nature’s beauty.
Paddling along the Georgetown Waterfront, you can explore the nooks and crannies of Theodore Roosevelt Island or relax near the serene Watergate Steps.
#3 Anacostia River
- ????️ ️Location Type: River
- Access Point: Ballpark Boathouse (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light currents
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, herons, turtles, beavers
- ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Yards Park, Kingman and Heritage Islands, Navy Yard
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of boat traffic, follow river rules, respect wildlife
Anacostia River offers a lesser-known but equally enjoyable paddleboarding experience.
Glide past the bustling Navy Yard and explore the tranquil Kingman and Heritage Islands for an urban adventure mixed with a touch of nature.
#4 Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
- ????️ ️Location Type: Canal
- Access Point: Fletcher’s Boathouse (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal currents
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, occasional blue herons
- ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Historic canal locks, tree-lined scenery
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of shallow points, follow canal rules, respect wildlife
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, adjacent to the Potomac River, provides a serene escape from the city.
Enjoy the picturesque scenery and historical canal locks as you paddle along the tranquil waterway.
#5 Burke Lake
- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Burke Lake Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, geese
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Forested shoreline, quiet natural surroundings
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Lake rules apply, be cautious around fishing areas
Located just outside Washington, DC, Burke Lake offers a peaceful paddleboarding experience surrounded by lush forests.
This tranquil lake is perfect for a relaxing day on the water away from the bustle of the city.
#6 National Harbor
- ????️ ️Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: National Harbor Marina (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild ocean swell
- Popular Seasons: Year-round
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: The Capital Wheel, American Way, MGM National Harbor
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow bay regulations, respect wildlife
National Harbor, located on the Potomac River just south of DC, provides a scenic bay area paddleboarding experience.
Paddle along the bustling waterfront, take in the stunning views of the Capital Wheel, and explore the American Way.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Washington?
Popular locations for paddle boarding in Washington include Alki Beach, Shilshole Bay, Puget Sound, and Lake Union.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Washington?
No, paddle boards do not need to be registered in Washington.
When is the best time to paddle board in Washington?
The best time to paddle board in Washington is from late spring to early fall, thanks to the warmer weather.
