Things to Do at The Wharf This Summer
Jun
24

Things to Do at The Wharf This Summer

Lifestyle

Looking for things to do this summer? Welcome to our newest local series, where we’ll give you an insider’s look into the hottest neighborhoods around. First up? The Wharf, a quintessential summer destination that you can experience without leaving the city behind. Home to the nation’s longest continually operating open-air fish market, The Wharf has recently been transformed into a world-class waterfront. The sustainable entertainment, dining, and retail connects the rest of the District to Southwest & The Wharf and features an accessible riverfront, including four different piers, each with its own theme and activities. The Wharf is conveniently located only four blocks from the National Mall, and nearby parking can be reserved with SpotHero. Read on for some of our favorite things to do at this iconic waterfront outpost!

Sample the culinary scene

A visit to The Wharf just wouldn’t be complete without digging into its eclectic culinary scene. Home to more than 20 restaurants and bars, The Wharf serves up something for everyone, including new concepts from award-winning and Michelin-starred chefs, fast-casual favorites, and even a distillery. The culinary creations of Fabio Trabocchi are no secret, but the Michelin-starred toque behind Fiola brings Spanish fare – specifically coastal dishes native to Mallorca – to DC’s waterfront with Del Mar. Check out the full lineup here!

Visit the Maine Avenue Fish Market

Without the Maine Avenue Fish Market, there would be no Wharf. Crab- and oyster-stocked barges have been serving up fine seafood here since 1805, making it one of the Southwest quadrant’s most revered landmarks. Make your way to Jessie Taylor Seafood, The Virgo Fish House, or Captain White’s Seafood City for ready-to-eat delights. All vendors are open while their spaces are being upgraded with modern fish-cleaning facilities and a restored oyster shed, plus the new Market Square, rum distillery, coffee and doughnut shops, and more.

Hit the shops

The Wharf isn’t just a dining destination — it’s a mecca for shoppers who travel from near and far to browse its selection of both local artisans and global name brands. Head to Ligne Roset for contemporary home designs, Harper Macaw for delectable chocolates with a mission to assist in tropical reforestation, or Anchor, a boaters’ one-stop shop for everything from snacks and gear to sailing advice. Then, continue your shopping excursion at these shops at The Wharf.

Attend an event

From national festivals to local favorites, The Wharf is host to an impressive lineup of events you don’t want to miss this summer (or all year long).

Toast s’mores at Camp Wharf

Nothing says summer quite like toasting s’mores by the fire. This season, channel your inner child by taking a visit to Camp Wharf, where you’ll find a wood-burning fire and a vintage Airstream trailer with everything you need for the perfect s’more—marshmallow, chocolate, graham crackers, and even a roasting stick.
Looking to buy or sell at The Wharf? The Jenn Smira Team is here to help!