This mile-long waterfront haven in the U.S. capital is a popular place for alfresco dining, shopping, cultural festivals, or a leisurely stroll alongside the yacht-filled marina
Warm up this winter with some DIY s’mores, available year-round from the vintage Airstream trailer of Camp Wharf at the Firepit in front of District Pier. For less than $5, you’ll receive all the necessary ingredients, including chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows, and roasting sticks. After you’ve created your edible masterpiece, curl up in one of the chairs around the firepit for some prime people watching.
RECREATION PIER
With 17 acres of parks and piers to explore, The Wharf is where D.C. locals go to unwind — whether to dine, check out a cultural festival, see a show, or go for a long walk by the water. Take in views of the marina from one of the giant swings on Recreation Pier or, after a night out, relax and reflect near its mesmerizing fire feature.
Check to see who will be playing at D.C.’s premier stage, The Anthem, while you’re in town. Musicians including The Killers, Kesha, and Hozier, as well as a slew of popular comedy acts, have all performed here. From late November to February, don’t miss The Wharf Ice Rink on Transit Pier just outside; don’t worry about bringing ice skates — you can rent them.
Japanese whiskeys are the main focus at the chic rooftop bar, Moonraker, at Pendry Washington D.C. - The Wharf. Signature craft cocktails feature ingredients such as shishito pepper-infused tequila and banana-infused Hennessy. Also offering wine, mules, beer, spirits, sake, and a slew of Asian-inspired bar bites, Moonraker’s perch on the 14th floor also makes it a fun spot to see the planes take off and land across the Potomac River at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
FINE DINING
There’s no shortage of upscale restaurants at The Wharf. For incredible seafood dishes with views of the marina, head to La Vie. For modern takes on Thai, Korean, and Filipino fare, Kaliwa offers à la carte dining and a specialty family-style chef’s sharing menu, while ilili brings fresh takes to Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes with an everchanging menu featuring hot and cold meze options.
D.C.-CENTRIC SOUVENIRS
Commemorate your trip by picking up stunning jewelry and other gifts at Diament Jewelry, and show your support for local artisans by purchasing creative wares at Shop Made in DC. Bookworms and political enthusiasts should stop by Politics and Prose, an indie bookstore known for its thought-provoking reads and presentations by authors, community leaders, and celebrity guests.