Things to do nearThe Wharf DC

The Southwest Waterfront has a long history as a working waterfront, home to fishermen, markets, and maritime commerce stretching back centuries. For much of the twentieth century, the area fell into decline following urban renewal projects that isolated it from the rest of the city. The transformation into The Wharf DC, completed in phases beginning in the late 2010s, represents one of the most ambitious waterfront redevelopment projects in Washington history, reconnecting the neighborhood to the Potomac and to the broader city fabric.

Today, visitors move between piers and plazas lined with restaurants, bars, and independent retailers. The waterfront promenade offers unobstructed views across the channel toward East Potomac Park, and the floating docks host kayak rentals, water taxis, and private vessels. The Municipal Fish Wharf, preserved through the redevelopment, remains a working market where vendors sell crabs, oysters, and fresh fish directly to the public, as they have for generations.

The dining and entertainment options at The Wharf DC span a wide range, from casual waterside seafood spots to more refined restaurants with views over the water. Live music is central to the identity of the district, with The Anthem serving as a major concert venue capable of hosting national touring acts in a relatively intimate setting, while smaller stages and outdoor programming keep the energy present throughout the week.

What makes The Wharf DC worth visiting is the way it manages to feel both purposefully designed and genuinely lively, a waterfront destination that has earned its place in the daily life of the city rather than simply existing as a tourist corridor.