Washington DC, the capital of the United States, is a popular tourist destination. Visitors come from all over the world to see the iconic landmarks such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and the National Mall.
Many tourists also look for opportunities to explore the city by water. One question that often arises is – does Washington DC have a cruise port?
Washington DC and its Surrounding Areas
The city of Washington DC is situated on the banks of the Potomac River. Although it is not a coastal city, it has access to several bodies of water such as Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean via ports in nearby cities such as Baltimore and Norfolk.
Cruise Ports near Washington DC
Baltimore Cruise Port, located about 40 miles northeast of Washington DC, is one of the closest cruise ports to the capital. It serves as a homeport for several major cruise lines such as Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.
Another option for those looking to embark on a cruise near Washington DC is Norfolk Cruise Port, located about 200 miles south of the capital. This port serves as a homeport for several major cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruises.
Exploring Washington DC by Water
Although there is no dedicated cruise port in Washington DC itself, visitors can still enjoy sightseeing on water by taking a boat tour or riverboat cruise. There are several options available including Potomac Riverboat Company and Spirit Cruises that offer narrated tours of famous landmarks along the Potomac River.
Visitors can also rent paddleboats and kayaks at Tidal Basin Paddle Boats or Thompson Boat Center for a more active way to explore the city’s waterways.
In Conclusion
While there isn’t a dedicated cruise port in Washington DC, visitors can still enjoy exploring this beautiful city by water with several options available including boat tours, riverboat cruises, and water sports. And with nearby ports in Baltimore and Norfolk, travelers can easily access major cruise lines to embark on their next adventure.