Southwest Waterfront Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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
The National Mall is where America comes to play, protest and promenade, with some of its best-known icons lined up along this long green strip.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Walter E. Washington Convention Center, a top convention centre in Washington. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.
Capital One Arena
Catch an event at Capital One Arena during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene and notable monuments.
MGM National Harbor Casino
Why not try your luck with a visit to MGM National Harbor Casino during your visit to National Harbor? Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its lively bars.
Activities
National Mall Tour with 10+ Stops, Boat Cruise, Entry Tickets
One day tour Washington & Philadelphia from New York
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook
Night of Lincoln Assassination: from White House to Ford Theatre
Washington DC Icons at Night: Small Group & Eco-Friendly Electric Cart Tour
Our pick of the best Southwest Waterfront Hotel Deals
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Had a small issue with Airco on first night but the Hamilton hotel team quickly responded and, change rooms and provided an upgraded room. Hotel staff is super friendly, knowledgeable and in gagging. Perfect location, wry central.
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
citizenM Washington DC NoMa
Staff was accommodating and the hotel is super cute!
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
Hotel Lombardy
The room was very clean and comfortable. Staffs were nice.
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Staff from the check in to check out was friendly and helpful. Rooms got cleaned everyday and were in great conditions. Bed was very comfortable and room size was great.
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
Hotel Washington
Beautiful hotel, very clean
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
Washington Plaza Hotel
Had a great stay room was nice staff was courteous
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
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 Gangplank Marina.
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.
Southwest
Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Southwest. Check out top attractions like Smithsonian Institution and Fort Lesley J McNair, 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.
Capitol Hill
Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Capitol Hill. Check out top attractions like Folger Shakespeare Library and Library of Congress, 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.
