The city’s hottest destinations for dining, shopping and entertainment – all on the water.
Home to the nation’s longest continually operating open-air fish market, The Wharf has transformed into one of DC’s most exciting waterfront destination. 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 their own theme and activities. Make your way down by water, shuttle bus or bike and enjoy public piers and parks, locally grown dining concepts and a show at the city’s newest music venues. The Wharf is conveniently located only four blocks from the Hilton Washington National Mall hotel.
Stunning New Hotel - 5 minute walk to DISTRICT WHARF - at L'Enfant Plaza
Located 5 minutes from The Wharf, our brand new hotel is the only one in DC with either 1 or 2 kings beds in all of our spacious rooms. Access The Wharf via the Southwest shuttle or take a quick walk down L’Enfant Plaza past the Benjamin Banneker Park. Your well appointed guest room will be a comfy landing place after your adventures in The Wharf District.
Catch a show at The Anthem
The Anthem solves the age-old problem prominent rockers and hot hip-hop stars face when performing in DC: What’s bigger than the legendary 9:30 Club but more intimate than an arena? The answer is the acoustically optimized, 6,000-seat concert hall operated by I.M.P. (of 9:30 Club fame). We urge you to find tickets early, as the venue’s first show, Foo Fighters, sold out in about three minutes.
Eat all the food!
The Wharf brings more than 20 restaurants and bars to DC, 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. The James Beard Foundation's 2019 Rising Star Chef of the Year Kwame Onwuachi reigns over the kitchen at Kith/Kin, which pays homage to the chef's heritage with flavors from West Africa to the Caribbean and New Orleans to New York.
District Pier
Jutting out 450 feet, The Wharf’s largest pier was designed to be a photo-friendly, awe-inspiring open space for hosting events. Driving this point home is its Dockmaster Building found at the end of the pier, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and hosts weddings and other private functions. The pier serves as The Wharf’s most brilliant backdrop for public festivals and private events, and it hosts large galas as well as outdoor performances.
Southwest Shuttle
Set to run daily every 10 minutes, the free, open-to-the-public shuttle bus seats 50+ passengers and makes four stops. The bus is outfitted in a sleek, all-water wrap, and picks up and drops off at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro/VRE station, the National Mall at 7th Street and Independence Avenue SW, L’Enfant Plaza on 10th Street SW and The Wharf.
Pearl Street Warehouse
A stroll down the cobblestone-lined Pearl Street will lead you straight to Pearl Street Warehouse, The Wharf’s cozy venue channeling the Americana vibes of legendary music halls around the country. Get up close and personal with your favorite rock, country or blues artist, where every seat is a front-row seat and you’re never more 25 feet from the stage. The harmonious pairings of classic all-American diner fare, craft brews and cocktails make a trip to The Pearl a musical experience you won’t soon forget
Local Shopping
In addition to a cadre of dining destinations, The Wharf is home to a wide variety of shopping options, from local artisans to 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.
Union Stage
The Anthem and Pearl Street Warehouse aren't your only options for concerts at The Wharf. Union Stage offers a packed calendar that includes a wide range of independent acts. The intimate setting means you’ll get to enjoy a healthy dose of sound, and you can also order up beers and pizza from their Tap Room. We highly advise getting well-acquainted with this dynamic spot, as it’s set to become a popular Wharf destination.
The Torch
The Wharf’s official beacon greets vessels slowly passing through the no-wake zone. But it’s also good for pier-goers, too, who can crowd around The Torch and marvel at the 14-foot gas-powered flame.
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