You can't visit the capital city of the USA and not go see the sights. There are so many, after all, and they are incredibly famous. Besides, a place such as the White House is one of those where one wishes the walls could actually talk and tell of the many internationally important events they've witnessed. The one drawback about seeing the sights here is that thousands of other people have exactly the same idea. Luckily you can avoid them by opting for sightseeing with a difference. Simply go kayaking in Washington DC.
The DC in the name stands for 'District of Columbia'. It doesn't form part of any of the USA's fifty states but is completely separate. The state of Virginia lies to the south and the west, while Maryland lies to the north and the east. DC is a pleasant city with many parks and open spaces. It also has plenty of spots where you can go paddling or sailing.
The largest body of water in DC is the Potomac River, which forms its western border. This is one of the best places to go sightseeing by kayak. From the water you'll see the Lincoln Memorial with the Washington Monument and the US Capitol peeking out behind it. You'll also be able to spot the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and the Kennedy Center, not to mention the District's famous cherry trees.
Probably the most historic of DC's neighborhoods is Georgetown, where you'll also find Georgetown University and Washington Harbor. It's from the latter that many kayak trips along the Potomac start. Georgetown also offers the perfect alternative for paddlers who would rather avoid boat traffic or rapids. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal has very calm waters and is very scenic too, with the historic buildings along its banks.
You have the option of renting a kayak and following your own itinerary but a good choice is to get a guide who can point out the sights. Most kayak rental businesses offer a variety of guided trips. They also offer lessons in kayaking and other paddle sports.
There are other ways to explore DC too and they don't always involve tour buses. In fact, the National Mall, where most sights are located, is small enough to explore on foot. If you'd rather pedal than paddle, simply rent a bike and explore the many bike paths in the area. You may even consider a guided bicycle tour.
Winters in the city are cold and aren't the best time to be out on the water unless it's on a cruise in a covered boat. Summers tend to be hot and humid. The best times to go paddling are in spring and fall, both of which are pleasantly warm. In spring you'll also get to see the cherry trees in bloom while fall offers the spectacle of leaves in bright red, yellow and orange.
There are several organizations and outfitters that rent kayaks in Washington DC, especially in or near Georgetown. You'll also find some rentals in nearby Maryland. Simply check online or ask at a travel agency and get ready to see the national capital from a different angle.
The DC in the name stands for 'District of Columbia'. It doesn't form part of any of the USA's fifty states but is completely separate. The state of Virginia lies to the south and the west, while Maryland lies to the north and the east. DC is a pleasant city with many parks and open spaces. It also has plenty of spots where you can go paddling or sailing.
The largest body of water in DC is the Potomac River, which forms its western border. This is one of the best places to go sightseeing by kayak. From the water you'll see the Lincoln Memorial with the Washington Monument and the US Capitol peeking out behind it. You'll also be able to spot the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and the Kennedy Center, not to mention the District's famous cherry trees.
Probably the most historic of DC's neighborhoods is Georgetown, where you'll also find Georgetown University and Washington Harbor. It's from the latter that many kayak trips along the Potomac start. Georgetown also offers the perfect alternative for paddlers who would rather avoid boat traffic or rapids. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal has very calm waters and is very scenic too, with the historic buildings along its banks.
You have the option of renting a kayak and following your own itinerary but a good choice is to get a guide who can point out the sights. Most kayak rental businesses offer a variety of guided trips. They also offer lessons in kayaking and other paddle sports.
There are other ways to explore DC too and they don't always involve tour buses. In fact, the National Mall, where most sights are located, is small enough to explore on foot. If you'd rather pedal than paddle, simply rent a bike and explore the many bike paths in the area. You may even consider a guided bicycle tour.
Winters in the city are cold and aren't the best time to be out on the water unless it's on a cruise in a covered boat. Summers tend to be hot and humid. The best times to go paddling are in spring and fall, both of which are pleasantly warm. In spring you'll also get to see the cherry trees in bloom while fall offers the spectacle of leaves in bright red, yellow and orange.
There are several organizations and outfitters that rent kayaks in Washington DC, especially in or near Georgetown. You'll also find some rentals in nearby Maryland. Simply check online or ask at a travel agency and get ready to see the national capital from a different angle.
About the Author:
For a fun and educational outdoor experience, try kayaking in Washington DC. Let Atlantic Kayak Company take care of your adventurous trip by booking through this site at http://www.atlantickayak.com.
