Visit Southwest Waterfront
Popular places to visit
White House
Explore the home and workplace of the president of the United States. See entertainment areas and state rooms and learn about the history of this famous building.
National Mall
Inspiring architecture, magnificent museums and the icons of American history await on Washington’s famous two-mile (three-kilometer) strip.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's entertainment choices and notable monuments.
United States Capitol
Sitting on top of Capitol Hill is a Washington landmark that’s been the home of American democracy for more than 200 years.
Arlington National Cemetery
Pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for their country in the best-known military cemetery in America.
University of Maryland, College Park
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Maryland, College Park during your travels in College Park. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.
Things to do
City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Lunch Cruise
George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission
Capitol Hill Tour with US Capitol & Library of Congress Admission
One day tour Washington & Philadelphia from New York
Top hotels in Southwest Waterfront
Washington Plaza Hotel
Other than providing if and credit card, everything went smoothly
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
The hotel had four elevators that made it easy to get up or down The QR code on the room card wasn’t easy to get accepted to go to a particular floor
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol
Most staff was great. The managers weren’t as welcoming. Hotel is fine but it didn’t feel like a Hilton Hotel. Felt a little dated. You could tell the carpets weren’t super clean. The color helped hid dirt and stains. Also, the AC didn’t work well.
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025
Glover Park - Georgetown
The hotel was quite nice, however, the staff at the front desk, not so much. Whomever checked us in was wonderful; warm, friendly and personable. The lady who checked us out...would be an awesome front desk receptionist at the IRS or maybe an abortion clinic. She had the personality of a kidney stone, ...
Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025
Salamander Washington DC
Great staff, loved the room. Especially liked the drop offs in the car.
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Room was perfect for my partner and myself get away!
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Check Southwest Waterfront hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Southwest Waterfront
The Wharf
You'll enjoy the restaurants and riverfront in The Wharf. You might want to make time for a stop at The Anthem or The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf.
Southwest
Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Southwest. Check out top attractions like Smithsonian Institution and United States Capitol, and jump on the metro at Waterfront Station or L'Enfant Plaza Station to see more of the city.
Navy Yard
While you're in Navy Yard, take in top sights like Washington Navy Yard and jump on the metro at Navy Yard Station to see more of the city.
Southwest Federal Center
While you're in Southwest Federal Center, take in top sights like Smithsonian Institution or L'Enfant Plaza, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.
Capitol Hill
Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Capitol Hill. Check out top attractions like United States Capitol and Folger Shakespeare Library, and jump on the metro at Capitol South Station or Eastern Market Station to see more of the city.
Penn Quarter
While you're in Penn Quarter, take in top sights like United States Navy Memorial and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.
Southwest Waterfront Travel Guide
- Arena Stage
- Benjamin Banneker Park
- White House
- National Mall
- United States Capitol
- Arlington National Cemetery
- University of Maryland
- Capital One Arena
- Union Station Shopping Center
- Smithsonian's National Zoo
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Lincoln Memorial
- George Washington University
- Washington Monument
- Pentagon
- National Air and Space Museum
