City Cruises in Washington

Embark on a fun cruise to see the Washington skyline while enjoying an unforgettable party on the Potomac.

Isabel Catalán

Isabel Catalán

6 min read

City Cruises in Washington

Cherry blossoms on the banks of the Potomac | ©Sean Robertson

One of the coolest things to do in Washington during a vacation is to take a boat ride on the Potomac River. Not only will you get to see some of the most famous monuments from a different perspective, but you can also enjoy a delicious feast followed by a nice dance party on board. Ready for a memorable day?

1. Take a night cruise with dinner included

Night cruise on the Potomac River| ©krishanu_seal
Night cruise on the Potomac River| ©krishanu_seal

Do you dare to live a different night in Washington? Take advantage of your stay in the capital of the United States and put on your best clothes to take a night cruise with dinner included on the Potomac River.

During this type of tour you will have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the most beautiful monuments of the city while the sun sets and the landscape is illuminated with small twinkling colored lights. It is a magical experience!

Exploring the waters of the Potomac River by taking a leisurely boat ride to gaze at Washington' s illuminated skyline is a great way to start the evening.

Take a seat and relax with the view as the evening gets more exciting. You'll need your strength to dance the night away aboard the boat with live music after dinner - bring your camera because you'll experience Washington like never before!

Book your cruise in Washington

2. Take a scenic cruise with lunch included

Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument from the Potomac River| ©F Delventhal
Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument from the Potomac River| ©F Delventhal

Daytime souls or those traveling as a family can also take a fun morning cruise on the Potomac River with lunch included if you have other plans to enjoy the evening in the U.S. capital.

Taking a boat ride around Washington is a very original way to get to know the city's skyline, as it will give you a more complete and at the same time different view of the city as you observe it from the water.

During the tour you will be able to contemplate some of the most beautiful monuments of the city comfortably seated on the deck of the boat and take some of the coolest pictures of your trip while the captain tells you anecdotes about the history of Washington.

Afterwards you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and in the evening a fun party with a DJ will start. You will have a great time on the dance floor!

Book your cruise in Washington


How much does it cost to take a cruise in Washington?

Georgetown University from the Potomac| ©F Delventhal
Georgetown University from the Potomac| ©F Delventhal

There is no doubt that Washington is an exciting city full of history and amazing monuments. Most tourists to know the city usually take a walking tour or bus through its streets sometimes forgetting that from the Potomac River you have amazing views of the capital of the United States.

That's why if it's your first time in Washington and you want to get a complete view of the city, my advice is to also take a cruise on the Potomac, there are many tours available! They are also super fun, because not only will you sail down the river taking a relaxing ride but there are cruises that also include lunch or dinner and they even have parties on board with DJ's. Doesn't that sound great?

So if you are looking to do something original and different during your vacation, you should definitely include a cruise in Washington among your plans. You can find options from almost 70 euros.

In Hellotickets you can compare prices, schedules as well as availability of tickets and day or night cruises, you will surely find the tour that best suits you!

Book your cruise in Washington

How long are the cruises in Washington?

The Capital's Ferris Wheel| ©Gary Lopater
The Capital's Ferris Wheel| ©Gary Lopater

The Potomac River is one of Washington's main tourist attractions and tours along the river usually vary in length depending on the theme of the cruise.

There are some tours that are limited to a brief tour on the water to enjoy the views of the riverbank but if we are talking about cruises in Washington that in addition to a walk include lunch and a party on board, they usually last from 2 to 3 hours.

Since they are not too long, these types of activities are perfect to do in the morning or evening and rest your legs for a while after so much sightseeing. Then you can dedicate the rest of the day to other visits around Washington.

Which is better, a daytime or nighttime cruise?

Enjoy the beautiful views of Washington lit up at night.| ©soomness
Enjoy the beautiful views of Washington lit up at night.| ©soomness

It depends on your taste but in my opinion Washington at night is something worth seeing.

Taking a quiet boat ride at sunset while you contemplate the main monuments of the city illuminated and sailing along the Potomac River is a magical experience that you can not miss.

If you add a good party with music on board, I think it is the best finishing touch to a unique and very special evening that you will live during your vacation.

How to book a cruise in Washington?

Cruise under the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge| ©Ron Cogswell
Cruise under the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge| ©Ron Cogswell

You can book your place for a cruise in Washington online and in advance of your travel date. You will only have to choose the time to do the activity, the number of travelers and the day you want to go to check availability.

Then you will have to fill in the requested fields to make the reservation and finally proceed with the payment. It's that easy!

This is a very original activity so by booking online and from home you won't have to worry about getting the tickets once you are in Washington, you will be sure to take them with you before landing and instead of waiting in line at the ticket office you can spend that time doing other things!

Book your cruise in Washington

Why is it worth taking a cruise in Washington DC?

Capitol Dome seen from the cruise ship| ©F Delventhal
Capitol Dome seen from the cruise ship| ©F Delventhal

Because it's a super fun and original plan to explore the city from another perspective!

On board the boat you will not only see some of Washington's most beautiful landscapes and a lot of monuments but you will also spend some relaxing time cruising along the river before enjoying a delicious dinner and a party with music and dancing. What more could you ask for?

You'll have a great time and take home an unforgettable souvenir of your stay in the capital!

In addition, with day and night cruises available, you can choose the one that best suits your tastes or circumstances. For example, if you are traveling as a couple you can spend a romantic evening on the night cruise while watching the sun go down and the Washington skyline gradually light up before enjoying dinner and dancing.

On the other hand, if you are traveling with your family, you can opt for the daytime cruise with buffet lunch and dancing with DJ. The kids will surely love to ride a boat and have a great time on the Potomac River, a very original plan that they will not forget!

What will I see on a Washington DC cruise?

Jefferson Memorial| ©David Tato
Jefferson Memorial| ©David Tato

Along the tour, some of the most popular sites you will see are:

  • The Potomac River
  • George Washington Monument
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • Abraham Lincoln Memorial
  • Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
  • Thomas Jefferson Memorial
  • Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge
  • Reagan National Airport
  • The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
  • Historic Downtown Alexandria