A vista from the bow of the boat
A few weeks before the first predicted cherry blossom peak, I scooped up a deal from Certifikid for a family sightseeing cruise on the Potomac that promised great views of the trees in bloom and other iconic DC attractions. I figured it would be a novel way for us to see the blossoms and enjoy an outing on the water, something we very rarely get to do.
Well, two peak date predictions later, we still hadn’t taken that cruise. Whether it was the late bloom or my own disorganization/laziness/procrastination that threw off our plans, I really can’t say, but by the time we put the deal to use, the blossoms had come and gone.
However, the offer was good for several months, so I decided to use it when my brother was in town for a visit in late April. It was easy enough — we already had our voucher, so we just headed over to the Washington Harbour in Georgetown where Capitol River Cruises launches The Nightingale for 45-minute tours on the Potomac to see the sights along with historical narration provided by the crew.
We didn’t follow the tour talk so much, but still enjoyed views of the places it covered — the Watergate, Kennedy Center, Key & Memorial Bridges, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Roosevelt Island, and LBJ Memorial were among the sites we saw. It was relaxing to be out on the water on a pretty spring day, enjoying a perspective of the city we don’t usually get to see. And the kids, they were just excited to be on a boat.
Concessions are available for purchase — we grabbed some drinks and snacks to tide over our hungry kids (and thirsty adults) before a late lunch back in Georgetown.
Capitol River Cruises has daily departures April through October from 11am – 9pm. Cost is $14/adults, $7/ages 3-12 on location. Purchase in advance online for $11/adults, $6/children. Tours launch from the Washington Harbour at 31st and K Streets NW.
The local deal sites offer discounted river cruises all the time — ours was a steal at $20 for two adults and two kids, while it’s regularly $14 per adult. Groupon and the Capitol Deal both have them going on right now.
I like it ok