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
Inspiring architecture, magnificent museums and the icons of American history await on Washington’s famous two-mile (three-kilometer) strip.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.
United States Capitol
Sitting on top of Capitol Hill is a Washington landmark that’s been the home of American democracy for more than 200 years.
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.
University of Maryland, College Park
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Maryland, College Park during your travels in College Park. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.
Things to do
Arlington National Cemetery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Washington DC Monuments & Highlights: Small-Group Electric Cart Tour
Full Day: City Tour with 10 Stops, Boat Cruise, Admission Tickets
Capitol Hill Tour with US Capitol & Library of Congress Admission
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook
Night of Lincoln Assassination: from White House to Ford Theatre
Top hotels in Southwest Waterfront
Washington Plaza Hotel
Just the right feel for us.
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Washington D.C.
Clean. Delicious breakfast!
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol
Everything was great
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Generator Hotel Washington DC
Good for the price!
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
Salamander Washington DC
Staff was wonderful. I'd offer people more water in the room, not sure I understood why minibar doesn't come stocked. But every staff person we encountered was just lovely.
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center
Great location, friendly service, and fantastic breakfast.
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Check Southwest Waterfront hotel availability
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 The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf.
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 United States Capitol, 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 United States Capitol and Folger Shakespeare Library, 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.
