Boating and Sailing
The Chesapeake Bay is one of the great sailing basins of the world. For scenic and historical sightseeing, take a day trip to Annapolis, Maryland, the home of the U.S. Naval Academy. The popularity of boating and the many boating businesses in Annapolis make it one of the best civilian sailing centers on the East Coast.
Potomac River. Canoeing, sailing, and powerboating are popular in the Washington, D.C., area. Several places rent boats along the Potomac River north and south of the city. You can dip your paddle just about anywhere along the "Nation's River"—go canoeing in the C&O Canal, sailing in the widening river south of Alexandria, or kayaking in the raging rapids at Great Falls, a 30-minute drive from the capital. The Potomac Conservancy is a great resource for information about efforts to clean up and improve this great waterway, but more than that it can serve as a starting point for the many activities available, including maps and links to organizations offering paddling, biking, and fishing opportunities. Washington, District of Columbia. 301/608–1188; www.potomac.org.
Rentals
The Boathouse at Fletcher's Cove. In business since the 1850s, The Boat House at Fletcher's Cove, on the D.C. side of the Potomac, rents rowboats, canoes, and bicycles and sells tackle, snack foods, and D.C. fishing licenses in season (early March through fall). Here you can catch shad, perch, catfish, striped bass, and other freshwater species. Canoeing is allowed on the canal and on the Potomac, weather permitting. There's a large picnic area along the riverbank. 4940 Canal Rd. at Reservoir Rd., Georgetown, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007. 202/244–0461; www.fletcherscove.com.
Thompson Boat Center. The center rents nonmotorized watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (from $16 per hour). Rowing sculls are also available (from $22 per hour), but you must be certified and validated for rental. Bikes are also available for rent ($11 per hour). The location provides a nice launching point into the Potomac, right in the center of the city and close to the monuments. In addition to its access to the river, Thompson is conveniently sited for getting onto the Rock Creek Trail and the C&O Towpath. Note: Thompson closes from Halloween through mid-April, based on the water's temperature. 2900 Virginia Ave. NW, Foggy Bottom, Washington, District of Columbia, 20037. 202/333–9543; www.boatingindc.com.
Tidal Basin Boathouse. Paddleboat rentals are available from mid-March through mid-October. The entrance is on the east side of the Tidal Basin. You can rent two-passenger boats at $18 per hour and four-passenger boats at $30 per hour. Visit the website for the option of prepaid guaranteed parking nearby. 1501 Maine Ave. SW, The Mall, Washington, District of Columbia, 20024. 202/479–2426; www.boatingindc.com.
