Washington DC: Potomac River Lunch Cruise & Buffet

Lunch on the Water: Washington Monument Views Without Leaving Your Seat

You board 45 minutes early, find your seat, and spend two hours cruising the Potomac with a lunch buffet, unlimited tea and coffee, and DJ music playing. The Washington Monument, Old Town Alexandria, and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge pass by as you eat. You're back on land by the time the afternoon gets too hot, and you've seen the main sights without navigating a single museum line.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Washington Monument10m
2. Potomac River10m

Potomac River scenic lunch cruise

• Board the cruise ship
• Enjoy 2-hour Potomac River cruise
• View Washington Monument
• Pass Reagan National Airport
• Cruise by Alexandria, Virginia
• See Torpedo Factory and Admiral's Row
• Cruise under Woodrow Wilson Bridge
• View US Naval Research Lab
• Enjoy lunch buffet and drinks
• Listen to onboard DJ music

The experience

Most people see the Washington Monument from the National Mall, standing in the heat with a thousand other tourists. On a City Cruises lunch cruise down the Potomac River, you're floating past it instead: the 555-foot stone monument rising up while you're halfway through the buffet, coffee in hand, no crowds between you and the water. The whole thing takes two hours, and the boat leaves from the dock with enough time to see Old Town Alexandria, the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and the Naval Research Lab slip by as you eat.

The buffet isn't fancy, but it's real: fresh entrees, salads, a dessert table, and unlimited coffee and iced tea while a DJ plays music in the background. Boarding starts 45 minutes before departure, which matters because the boat doesn't wait for stragglers. You need to be there early. The ship uses cabaret-style seating, so you might end up at a table with other groups, though if your party books together they'll keep you seated as one. The dress code is casual: khakis, jeans, a button-up shirt, nothing formal.

What you actually get is the view. The Washington Monument from the water looks different than it does from the ground, and you see it without planning an itinerary or fighting for a spot on the National Mall. Reagan National Airport sits right on the river too: one flight every 30 seconds during peak hours, so you'll see planes coming in while you're eating. Alexandria, first settled by Scottish and English tobacco merchants in the 1600s, lines the far bank. It's the kind of afternoon that works when you want to see the city but don't want to spend it walking.

What’s included

• Two-hour lunch cruise on the Potomac River.
• buffet with entrees, salads, and desserts.
• unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.
• onboard DJ entertainment.
• tax and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SaturdayDepartures at 11:30 and 12:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Pier 4 • 580 Water Street SW • Washington, DC 20024 Please arrive at the meeting point early – boarding begins 45 minutes prior to departure.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by City Cruises

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see Washington DC's main sights (the Washington Monument, Old Town Alexandria, the Woodrow Wilson Bridge) without planning stops or walking between them. The fixed two-hour route and included lunch mean you're not arranging transport, timing, or where to eat. You just board and float past everything.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the cruise?

Two hours on the Potomac River, with boarding 45 minutes before departure.

What's included in the buffet?

Freshly prepared entrees, salads, desserts, unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Will I be seated with other people?

The ship uses cabaret-style seating with tables for 4 to 8 people. Guests are sometimes seated with other parties, though groups booked together stay together. Specific deck seating cannot be guaranteed.

What should I wear?

Casual, comfortable clothing: khakis, nice jeans, dresses, or casual button-up shirts. No formal attire needed.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the ship and transportation options are wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed.

What if I arrive late?

Boarding closes before departure. Late arrivals will likely miss the boat, so plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early.

Do I need to bring ID?

Yes, a valid photo ID is required for all guests at check-in.