There are so many places to see and stay at while visiting Washington D.C. Recently a new neighborhood opened in the Southwest section of D.C. that offers luxury accommodations, an award winning culinary scene and fun water activities along the Potomac River.

Staying at the red brick, metal and glass waterfront InterContinental Hotel for one night, I enjoyed the lively rooftop bar and sparkling pool looking out at the harbor, river and National Mall.

The elegant beige, gold, brown and nautical blue rooms offer contemporary maritime decor, high-quality cotton linens and down and non-allergenic foam pillows. Guests can relax in plush bathrobes while wearing complimentary slippers. The luxurious bathroom features a large walk-in glass enclosed rain shower with two shower heads.  

Exploring the lively recreation pier at The Wharf, I noticed locals and tourists launching kayaks and paddleboards that are available to rent. Dotting one side of the pier are sturdy swings for two and bright orange lounge chairs for guests to enjoy during the popular sunset hour.

Throughout the day, people come to dine at one of the 20 restaurants and bars along the Wharf featuring award-winning chefs and some fast-casual favorites. Inside the InterContinental Hotel is Kith & Kin by Bravo’s Top Chef Season 13 alumni Chef Kwame Onwauachi featuring North African and Caribbean cuisine. Chef Fabio Trabocchi perpares coastal Mallorca dishes at Del Mar, and waterfront Mexican cuisine can be enjoyed at Mi Vida. There is also a Shake Shack and Ben and Jerry’s for a quick meal or snack.

The beginning of The Wharf begins at the Maine Avenue Fish Market offering Chesapeake Bay’s freshest seafood at Captain’s White, Jessie Taylor Seafood, and The Virgo Fish House. Just select shrimp, lobster, oysters, blue and jumbo crabs and a fish mongers will cook them up ready to eat.

After dinner, take a complimentary Southwest Neighborhood Shuttle to the political and historical sites in the city including The White House, The National Mall and monuments. It arrives in front of the CVS and makes a loop to pick up and drop 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 every 10 to 15 minutes. Hop on to see the National Memorials at night when the weather is cooler, there aren’t as many people and the marble and metal statues are spotlighted. My four favorites include the 19 ghost-like soldier statues at the Korean War Veterans Memorial; the dramatic Lincoln Memorial looking straight out to the towering Washington obelisk; the 30-foot statue of Dr. King, carved into the Stone of Hope; and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial displaying his four terms representing the Great Depression to World War II. Memorial with Eleanor Roosevelt and their dog Fala.

Now visitors to the Nation’s Capital have a new community to explore. For more information about The Wharf, go to https://www.wharfdc.com.