While there’s still a ban on swimming in the District’s rivers, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the water this summer

Kayaking among the westmoreland park cliffs

Our local waterways are even more alluring during the steamy days of summer. In fact, about a century ago, the Potomac River was dotted with popular swimming beaches – including along the Tidal Basin, for instance – all offering residents of the capital area a way to beat the heat.

However, as water quality deteriorated, a swimming ban was imposed in 1932 – and it still hasn’t been lifted. But, water quality in the Potomac River has been improving in recent decades – and the swimming ban is being re-evaluated. In fact, prospective sites for beaches have even been proposed. Regional forests also play a significant role in ensuring the health of the Potomac River region. While swimming in the capital is still banned, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the river. For starters, here are six ways to get your feet wet this summer:

Fishing at Fletcher's Cove, DC

Canoes in the water at fletcher’s cove in Washington dc

Fletcher’s Cove has been a go-to destination for local residents escaping the heat for over a century. Situated just below Little Falls, the protected cove is a natural place for fish to congregate – especially famous shad and striped bass.

Fun fact: about four years ago a shortnose sturgeon was even hooked near the cove.

The Fletcher family set up shop beside the famed fishing hole in the late 1850s and operated a riverside concession for more than a century.

While the family no longer manages the spot, Fletcher’s Boathouse still rents canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, along with offering seasonal classes and guided tours (just be sure to get a fishing license if you plan to drop a line in the river).

On land, there are plenty of places to picnic beside the river, and the cove is located at the nexus of the Capital Crescent Trail and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal’s towpath. The leafy cove is also situated adjacent to the historic Abner Cloud House. Built in 1801, it was the home of Abner Cloud and his family for nearly 40 years, and today, it is among the oldest remaining buildings along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal.

2. Kayaking at Point Lookout State Park, Maryland

Summer sunset at Point Lookout State Park, Maryland

Situated at the southern tip of Maryland, where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay, Point Lookout State Park occupies a peninsula with a rich history – located about two hours from the District.

The strait’s lighthouse is also still a fixture of the park. Built by lighthouse designer John Donahoo in 1830, the structure presided over the peninsula for more than 135 years. Today, it has a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Maryland.

In addition to providing a glimpse into the region’s colorful history, the park also offers plenty of ways to spend time on the water. There’s a trio of paddling trails, a sandy swimming beach open during the summer, and three different fishing areas. If you don’t have your own kayak, there are some to rent and launch from one of six finger piers for temporary day use docking on a first-come, first-served basis. Plus, the facility is certified as a Clean Marina!

Beyond the beach, there’s a Nature Center and Museum, along with a family-friendly trail through the park’s marshy wetlands. For an overnight getaway, the park’s campground offers sites with both water and electric hookups, including spots along Lake Conoy, perfect for admiring the sunset. What a bonus!

3. Canoeing at Mason Neck State Park, Virginia

Photo credit: CC BY 2.0 DEED Virginia State parks. Sunset paddle mason neck state park

Spread over a peninsula cradled by the Potomac River, Belmont Bay, and Pohick Bay, about 25 miles outside Washington, DC, Mason Neck State Park is a hotspot for birdwatchers. In fact, the protected area was even established to protect bald eagles discovered nesting in the region during the 1960s.

But it’s also a great place to get on the river. From the park’s boat launch, paddlers can explore expansive Belmont Bay or head for the more secluded waters of Kane’s Creek.

The park rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards during the summer. Once a month, it also offers ranger-guided paddling trips at sunrise and sunset (reservations required).

On dry land, there are nearly 10 miles of trails to explore – including a shot path along the beach. And, while bald eagles are still frequently sighted, ospreys, belted kingfishers, and great blue herons are also easy to spot along the water.

The park is also adjacent to the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge. This 2,227-acre protected area is another hotspot for birdwatchers, harboring Northern Virginia’s largest freshwater marsh and four miles of hiking trails.

4. A beach getaway along the Potomac at Westmoreland State Park, Virginia

Kayaks on the beach at Westmoreland state park, virginia

Situated about 80 miles south of the District, Westmoreland State Park is spread along a stretch of the tidal Potomac River that’s renowned for fossils. A little more than a decade ago, a half-ton whale skeleton was even discovered on the park’s beach! One of Virginia’s original six state parks, many of the facilities were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, earning the protected area a place on the National Registrar of Historic Places.

To spend some time by the water, head for the park’s Fossil Beach – a half-mile hike along the Big Meadows Trail. The sandy shoreline is named for the fossils washed ashore by the river – and prehistoric shark teeth and whalebone fragments.

Beyond the beach, the park offers more than five miles of trails. And, it’s easy to appreciate the park from the water, too – kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are available to rent seasonally. The park also has cabins and campsites available for an overnight excursion – and all three campgrounds are pet-friendly.

5. Swimming at Colonial Beach, Virginia

PHOTO CREDIT: CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Maggie McCain. Scenic view of Colonial beach virginia

Looking for a beachy getaway – that can be done as a day trip? Head for the town of Colonial Beach. Situated on a wedge of land bounded by the Potomac River and Monroe Bay, about 60 miles south of the capital, the waterside town has enticed vacationers for over a century. Incorporated in 1892, the resort town once served as a getaway for vacationing Washingtonians, ferried downriver by steamboats.

The hamlet is still studded with a handful of Victorian-era homes and historic summer cottages. In fact, the family of inventor Alexander Graham Belle once owned a vacation home in the town, and it’s still easy to enjoy the water.

The town features a two-mile public beach divided into five sections, including a boardwalk studded with restaurants and shops – and best of all, swimming is permitted. For paddlers, there’s a public boat launch near the town’s Castlewood Beach, a network of water trails traversing Monroe Bay. Just outside Colonial Beach, the Voorhees Nature Preserve offers four miles of trails showcasing a patchwork of wetlands and mature forest beside the Rappahannock River.

6. Sailing at Belle Haven Marina, Virginia

Photo credit: CC BY-ND 2.0 DEED Mr.TinMD. Sailboats on the potomac river

Ever wanted to learn to sail? The Potomac River is the perfect place to start! Situated just south of historic Old Town, Alexandria, the Belle Haven Marina has various options for boaters of all experience levels.

During the summer, the marina offers sailing camps for kids and lessons for adults, including private instruction courses. The riverside spot also rents sailboats, along with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).

And the Belle Haven Marina is the perfect launch spot for exploring the adjacent Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, a 485-acre expanse of tidal wetlands and marshes – one the largest remaining in the capital area. On land, the marina is also accessible from the Mount Vernon Trail, a multi-use path that parallels the Potomac River for 18 miles.

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