More about the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge

Paddling out from Georgetown's waterfront, the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge rises before you as one of the most iconic sights on the Potomac River. Connecting Georgetown in Washington, DC to Rosslyn, Virginia, the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge carries the name of the lawyer and poet who penned the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" while watching the bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814. Slipping beneath its graceful arches in a canoe offers a perspective most visitors never experience, with the river quiet around you, the city humming softly in the distance, and the bridge framing the skyline overhead.

The canoe rental from the Key Bridge Boathouse puts you right at the foot of this historic span, making it the natural centerpiece of your time on the water. As you paddle, you can drift toward the bridge's stone piers, look up at the broad arches overhead, and feel the cool air rising off the Potomac. The contrast is striking: above, traffic rolls between DC and Virginia, while below, herons glide along the shoreline and rowing shells slip past. Looking downstream, the Watergate complex and the Kennedy Center come into view, and upstream the wooded banks lead toward the rapids near Three Sisters Islands. The Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge anchors the whole scene, a steady landmark that helps you get your bearings on the river.

This experience is perfect for couples looking for an unhurried afternoon, families introducing kids to paddling in calm water, and travelers who want to see DC from an angle the monuments crowd never does. History lovers will appreciate floating near a bridge named for the author of the national anthem, while photographers will find the arches of the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge an irresistible backdrop at golden hour. Whether you have an hour to spare or want to linger longer, paddling beneath the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge turns a simple canoe rental into a quintessentially Washington memory.

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Best results for Canoeing in Washington DC

Canoe Rental on the Potomac River in Washington, DC

Canoe Rental Under Key Bridge in Georgetown DC