On this kayaking date, every stroke brings you closer together. Are you ready to plunge into a world of stunning monument views and serene waters?
The Background
Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, Key Bridge Boathouse has been a cherished neighborhood institution for years. Their services exceed expectations season after season. It’s no wonder the National Park Service entrusted them to oversee this historic place. Make this your go-to spot when the weather’s warm. You’ll be glad you did.
The Standout Features
To summarize, this date makes a splash for many reasons.
- Soak in the Scenery – Take in the charming local landscapes. Sharing this stunning environment with your partner guarantees a memorable experience.
- Escape the City – When you’re on the water surrounded by nature, it’s hard to believe you’re still in DC. Kayaking provides a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. When things slow, you can spend much more enjoyable, relaxing quality time together.
- Easy Conversation – As you explore the river, use your environment to spark discussion. See a fish in the water? Ask your date if they enjoy fishing. Spot a restaurant on shore? Ask if your date’s been there. If not, maybe that’s a future date idea. If a ferry or water taxi catches your eye, has your date traveled on one? Another potential date.
- Outdoors Lover? – This date is perfect to find out if your potential partner enjoys outdoor activities and has an active lifestyle. Kayaking opens the door to the conversation.
- Set Time – After an hour, it’s easy to add another destination to your date. If you’re not clicking with your boat mate, it’s helpful to have a set end time so you can part ways.
The Experience
Get River Ready
I park my Capitol Ride Share bike and head to the boathouse beneath an overpass. While I enjoy the sun, it’s refreshing to take a break from its rays in the shade. As I walk, I watch the cheerful people strolling through Georgetown. No one’s in a hurry. At the entrance, I spot my date. After a quick embrace, we get in line to check in for our session.
We’ve booked an hour, the perfect time. As a result, we can enjoy the experience and not be in the sun too long. We’re there 15 minutes early so we can be on the river when our hour starts. If we’re running late, it eats into our time. I appreciate the staff’s strictness on times because it ensures that the Potomac isn’t crowded, resulting in a much better experience.
When we reach the front, I give the person at the small check-in hut my name and ID. Once we get our wristbands, we stroll down the stairs and hang a left. Next, the attendant at the nearby stand points us to the gear and we snag lifejackets and oars. I coat myself in sunblock, put on my life jacket, and we move to the boats. From there, the staff bring two single kayaks and help us into them. Finally, I push off the dock with my oar with my partner is close behind me.
On The Water
First, let me give you advice on routes. If you’re hustling, you can get around Roosevelt Island in 60 minutes, but I don’t recommend it. To illustrate, a guy paddled so hard during a date to make it around the island that I couldn’t keep pace or talk to him. It wasn’t fun. Kayaking is a relaxing way to connect with your partner and appreciate the breathtaking surroundings. Don’t rush it. There are many wonderful sights to see if you don’t round the island.
We paddle under the bridge, engaging in leisurely conversation. Time slows, and I’m relishing the calm setting. Even with others enjoying water activities, it feels like it’s just the two of us. There is ample space to claim our own part of the river. After some time, I challenge my boat mate to a race. Ultimately, we decide the winner gets a free drink back on shore.
The flirtatious competition ends with me losing and pretending to complain that he got a head start. I demand a rematch and he laughs. As I look towards the dock, I see people waving to us. Of course, we gesture back. Everyone’s in a good mood and so are we. To capture the moment, I take a picture of my plus-one in action through my new waterproof phone sleeve. It’s a great memento of the day.
Back to Shore
At some point, I check the clock. It’s time to return. We slowly make our way back. Before long, we’re waiting our turn to approach the dock. Then, a staff member ushers us in and holds our boats as we disembark. Once back on dry land, we tell the attendant we’re returning our gear. Energized by the experience, we’re eager to keep going. A cool drink in an air-conditioned establishment is the perfect cherry on top of a lovely day. We wander deeper into Georgetown, to our next destination. After all, it’s only the beginning.
The Planning
No need to figure out all the logistics. We did it for you.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for... | ✔ First date ✔ A few dates in ✔ Steady couple |
| Seasons | Spring, Summer. Runs end of April to the beginning of August |
| Typical Hours | Bookings can be made seven days a week from 11am - 5pm every 15 minutes |
| Duration & Cost | 1 hour - $23/person 2 hours - $46/person 3 hours - $69/person 4 hours - $92/person Rentals are 30% off every Thursday during the season. No need for a code. The discount is automatically applied at checkout. |
| Website | |
| Address | 3500 Water Str. NW Washington, DC 20007 |
| Transportation | There are parking spaces on Water St. near the boathouse, but they may be limited during the busy season. An alternative is parking at Georgetown Parking (3333 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007), Uber, or biking over from Rosslyn. The closest Capitol Bike Share is on 34th St. & Water St. |
| Attire | Recommend exercise clothes and comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting a little wet |
| To Bring | You can bring a bag on the kayak at your own risk. I also recommend a waterproof sleeve for your phone. |
| Special Features | Take things up a notch and rent a double kayak here! |
| Cancellation Policy | If you cancel at least 72 hours in advance of your reservation, you will receive a full refund or credit. If you cancel less than 72 hours in advance, you will receive a gift card for a future booking. |
The Post-Date Options
Are you two vibing? Instead of ending the date, let’s keep it going! If you need it, here’s a cheat sheet to guide you to your next destination. The map shows the boathouse (purple) and post-date options (green) in one place, just for you. Before you go, though, always double check opening times in case something’s changed.
- Walk along the Georgetown Waterfront: Head east from the boathouse and take a leisurely stroll along the water. On the way, consider grabbing an ice cream at Hershey’s Ice Cream.
- Blue Bottle Coffee (7 min walk): There’s a reason this cafe is so popular. Come grab a drink and sink into delightful conversation. Mon & Tues, Thurs & Fri: 6:30am-8pm, Wed: 6am-7pm, Sat & Sun: 7am-9pm.
- Kafe Leopold (7 min walk): Be transported to Austria as you enjoy this modern take on authentic Central European cuisine. It’s wonderfully charming with a host of new flavors for you to explore. Open Sun-Thurs: 8am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 8am-11pm.
- The Tombs (9 min walk): This converted Federal-style townhouse from the mid-1800s offers American favorites you’ll love. Check out the stairs from the famous Exorcist scene on your way! Open Mon & Tues: 11:30am-1am, Wed & Thurs: 11:30am-2am, Fri: 11:30am-3am, Sat: 11am-3am, Sun: 10am-1am.
- AMC Georgetown 14 (10 min walk): If you want to extend the date, consider popping in for a movie. The AC is a welcome reprieve from the heat, and the film gives you plenty to discuss afterwards. Open daily from 11am-11pm
- Pinstripes (10 min walk): This prominent place is a restaurant, bar, and eye-catching bowling alley all wrapped in one. Strike up a conversation as you split your time between a drink and knocking down pins. It’s just up the street, waiting for you to discover it. Open Mon-Thurs: 12-9pm, Fri: 12-11pm, Sat: 10am-11pm, Sun: 10am-9pm.
- 90 Second Pizza (10 min walk): With pizza’s ready in 90 seconds, this spot puts the fast in fast casual. Enjoy a slice and a soda at this chill, down-to-earth joint. Vegan options are available too. Open Sun-Mon: 11am-10:30pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-12am.