The Washington Harbour is a mixed use development along the bend of the Potomac River in the southeast corner of the Georgetown District. Additionally it is an attraction along the riverwalk of the Georgetown Waterfront. What the Washington Waterfront isn't is visible on Google Maps. When you view the Washington Harbour on Google Maps "Embassy of Sweden" shows up. Understandably new visitors to Washington DC can end up thinking that the offices, shops (very very few), and restaurants on the lower two levels are the gateway into the Embassy of Sweden and upper level apartments are offices serving the embassy. The upshot is that I spent time here but did not check in.
The Washington Harbour as far as being a genuine harbor is small. All I saw were a few boats. The harbor does service the boat cruises touring the Potomac River. When I was standing on the upper lever of the building, I took in more than a few boats and lots of geese. This is first-rate photo spot of the Potomac River flowing south towards the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, Kennedy Center, Watergate, and public spaces of Washington DC. When I looked to the right, I took in the contradiction of the pristine landscape of Theodore Roosevelt Island and towering high rises of Rosslyn, Virginia. If I looked straight and above at the right moment I could watch the airplanes using the Potomac River as a landing path into Ronald Reagan Airport (the airspace over Washington DC is limited).
Washington Harbour is a port of entry for dining and coffee. There are eleven restaurants that include Farmer's Fisher's Bakers, Best Sandwich Place, and Nick's Riverside Grill. Of course there is a Starbuck's. The first-rate photo spot views of the Potomac River carry-on to the patio dining of the restaurants.
When I looked at the Washington Harbour from the Georgetown Waterfront Riverwalk, I saw a semi-circular building bordering a pedestrian plaza. The centerpiece of the pedestrian plaza are the fountains. If I glanced at the exact fountain from November and March I'd be admiring the largest ice skating rink in the Nation's Capital over an eggnog latte from the upper level Starbuck's.
Regardless that this is a harbor, it is transportation challenged. The Metro is nonexistent in Georgetown. This requires a long walk to the nearest Metro station. In similar fashion to the majority of Washington DC, inexpensive parking is out of fashion. From Monday to Sunday parking is $12 an hour with a daily max of $20. It is a flat rate of $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Taxi transportation is plentiful. Being that this is a Harbor, it would be nice to have a water taxi service to West Potomac Park.
After spending time in Washington Harbour, I view it as a supporting attraction to the Georgetown Waterfront. It is an ideal spot to take a break from exploring Georgetown with the Potomac River while enjoying a meal or Starbuck's at a first-rate photo spot overlooking the Potomac River. read more