Things To Do — Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park

THINGS TO DO

At The Park

From strolling along the river to splashing in the fountain, the park is full of ways to get outside and enjoy it.

Rowing

The Potomac has been a rowing river since the 1800s and that tradition is very much alive today. From high schoolers training before sunrise to elite athletes chasing Olympic dreams, the Potomac River in Georgetown is home to many high school and college crews. Come spring and fall, the river steps fill with spectators cheering on crews during regattas.

Ready to get on the water yourself? There are a few great options nearby. Thompson Boat Center, operated by the National Park Service, rents rowing shells, canoes, kayaks, and bikes to the public. Just up the way, Key Bridge Boathouse offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals.

Fountain Splashing

During the summer, the park's signature fountain hosts children from far and wide who enjoy splashing through water jets of all heights that arch and spray across the pavement. When the sun goes down, the fountain is lit, making it an iconic feature at the center of the park.

Nature Walks

Walk the full length of the riverfront promenade and you’ll find beautiful water views, native trees, and perennials that change with the seasons. The rain gardens are worth a closer look too. They are filled with wildflowers, sedges, and rushes that naturally filter water runoff, a little reminder that nature finds a way even in the middle of the city.

Cycling

The park is located near the Rock Creek and Potomac River bike trails, and the Capital Crescent Trail, a scenic 13-mile route that winds from Georgetown through to Bethesda, Maryland. If you cycle to the park, out of respect for everyone enjoying the waterfront, cyclists are asked to walk their bikes when visiting the park.