Visiting The Wharf DC in Washington
The Wharf DC is a popular upscale destination to enjoy a concert, eat a meal, or stroll along the waterfront.
The giant multi-billion dollar development along the Potomac River features many restaurants, hotels, multiple music venues, private apartments, and a very active marina.
It’s the perfect spot to spend the evening after a day of sightseeing in Washington DC.
We decided to visit after walking along the Tidal Basin and visiting the Jefferson Memorial, which is close by.
The Wharf DC really embraces its location along the Potomac River (technically it’s on the Washington Channel) making it a unique spot in the Nation’s Capital.
Getting to the Wharf DC
As with everything in Washington D.C. it’s best to take public transit or walk.
Both L’Enfant Plaza and Waterfront metro stations are a short walk from Wharf DC.
It took us about 15 minutes to walk from the Jefferson Memorial to Warf DC then about 15 minutes to walk to the L’Enfant Plaza metro station for the ride back to our hotel.
The Metro is usually the best way to go in Washington DC.
There are multiple Capital Bikeshare docking stations if you prefer to bike there.
The free Southwest Shuttle operates a loop between Wharf DC and the National Mall with stops along the way. You can track the live position of the shuttle here.
There are numerous public parking garages located at Blair Alley, Sutton Square, and 7th Street.
The garages use the ParkMobile app so payment is easy.
A fire pit at Wharf DC.
Cruising from Wharf DC
The Wharf DC is a busy marina with many options to explore Washington via the water.
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No shortage of crab at The Fish Market.
Eating at the Wharf
We found the restaurants at Wharf DC to be very nice but also very expensive.
The first two restaurants, Bartaco and Falafel Inc are reasonably priced.
Bartaco
Features various tacos and bowls. They also offer drinks including beer and wine.
Falafel Inc
Socially conscious restaurant featuring sandwiches and bowls at amazing prices. Don’t forget to try their zaatar fries.
Rappahannock Oyster Bar
Located in a restored oyster shed steps away from the Municipal Fish Market it features shellfish as well as burgers and other fish dishes.
The Brighton
Multi-story restaurant with a huge bar, features fish and chips, burgers, BLTs, etc….
Del Mar
We love Spanish food and this spot has it all; tapas, cured meats, all types of seafood. They even feature crispy suckling pig. We don’t really eat suckling pig but if you see that on the menu then you know the restaurant is the real deal.
Related - you can read our post What To Eat in Spain.
Shoppers at the Fish Market.
The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf
Last but certainly not least is The Fish Market. Opened in 1805 it is the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the United States.
There are several vendors serving all sorts of fresh seafood, there is no shortage of variety.
Music Venues and Theaters
The exterior of The Anthem.
The Anthem
The venue has been a central part of the Wharf DC ever since The Foo Fighters performed the inaugural concert in 2017.
The stage can be moved to The Anthem can host concerts for audiences between 2,500 to 6,000
You can search for upcoming shows here.
Pearl Street Warehouse
A smaller music venue serving a solid menu of bar food. The menu includes tacos, burgers, wings, and nachos.
Check out upcoming shows here.
Arena Stage
Arena Stage is a not-for-profit regional theater founded in 1950. It was the first racially integrated theater in Washington.
Its awards include the Tony Award for best regional theater.
The floating The Wharf stage.
The Wharf
The Wharf features the best kind of concerts - free concerts!
Throughout the summer The Wharf features bands playing all types of music.
Sunset at The Wharf DC.
This post was researched and written by John of the Empty Nest Explorers. You can learn more about the Empty Nest Explorers here
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