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.
Aside from the fact that Washington DC is the capital of the USA, it's also special because it doesn't fall within the borders of any of the country's states. The District of Columbia, which is where the 'DC' in the name comes from, is entirely separate even though it lies between the states of Maryland and Virginia. DC is a great city for people who love spending time outdoors, with many green spaces and several great spots for being out on the water.
The western border of the District is formed by the Potomac River. This is one of the prime kayaking spots in the metropolitan area. Paddling down the Potomac, you may be able to spot landmarks such as the Watergate Complex, the Kennedy Center, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the US Capitol and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial to your left. To your right, the shore consists mainly of parkland.
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.
Aside from the fact that Washington DC is the capital of the USA, it's also special because it doesn't fall within the borders of any of the country's states. The District of Columbia, which is where the 'DC' in the name comes from, is entirely separate even though it lies between the states of Maryland and Virginia. DC is a great city for people who love spending time outdoors, with many green spaces and several great spots for being out on the water.
The western border of the District is formed by the Potomac River. This is one of the prime kayaking spots in the metropolitan area. Paddling down the Potomac, you may be able to spot landmarks such as the Watergate Complex, the Kennedy Center, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the US Capitol and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial to your left. To your right, the shore consists mainly of parkland.
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.
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