potomac river cruises from alexandria va

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Top 10 River Cruises of the DMV

Experience Alexandria, National Harbor + Washington DC from the water. From romantic cruises to peaceful sightseeing tours, these are VIP's Top 10 Local River Cruises of 2023.

1. FIREWORKS CRUISE FROM ALEXANDRIA

City Cruises | Departs from Water St., DC |  3 hours

This dinner Cruise is the ultimate way to kick off summer’s biggest celebration. The spectacular Washington D.C fireworks will captivate you as you enjoy the show from your front row seats on the water. Includes a chef-prepared buffet, live music and dancing and gorgeous views of Washington’s spectacular architecture while soaking in the beautiful summer weather from our climate-controlled interior and open-air roof decks.   Marvel at famed city landmarks, such as Old Town Alexandria, and the National Harbor.

2. OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA PADDLE BOAT BOOZE CRUISE

Washington DC Paddleboat Cruises | Departs from Old Town Alexandria | 2 hours

Passengers are given the option of cruising Southbound underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, past the Jones Point Lighthouse, and around the channel markers to National Harbor and back OR cruising Northbound towards either the Wharf or Navy Yard for 60 minutes before circling back to Old Town for a total cruise time of 2 hours. This cruise is BYOB and guests are empowered to drink any canned beer, wine, seltzer, or cocktail. Passengers are also welcome to bring their own food to enjoy. 

3. MARGARITAS + MONUMENTS CRUISE

Capitol River Cruises | Departs from Washington Harbour | 1 hour

Sail down the Potomac River while taking in the most spectacular views of the illuminated monuments of Washington, DC. Enjoy $5 margaritas while mingling and jamming out to today's top hits!

4. SUNSET SAILS

Tall Ship Providence | Departs from Old Town Alexandria | 2 hours

Set sail aboard Tall Ship Providence! Help the crew haul lines to set the sails, visit the Captain’s Cabin and explore the hold to see where sailors lived and learn what life was like aboard a tall ship during the 18th century or simply sit back and relax with a drink from the ship’s bar. 

5. WASHINGTON DC TIKI BOAT BAR CRUISE

Potomac Tiki Club | Departs from Georgetown | 1 hour 45 min

Potomac Tiki Club is DC’s first and only tiki boat bar on the Potomac River! Fitting up to 18 people, this floating tiki bar in Georgetown is the best way for friends, families, and colleagues to sip, cruise, and celebrate out on the water!

6. FAMILY FUN TREASURE HUNT CRUISE

Boomerang Boat Tours | Departs from K Street NW, DC   |  1 hour

You see, me mateys, we are friendly pirates protecting the Nation’s Capital from any boisterous buccaneers that might get too close. The city’s most valued treasure is on board, but recently the keys to the treasure chest were stolen! Help search the waterways looking for the scallywags who stole the keys to the precious loot during this one-hour family, friendly experience.

7. DC BOAT TOUR

Embark | Departs from various locations | 1.5 - 4 hours

Depending where you start, where you want to go, and how fast you want to go, cruises can be as short as you like (note: min. charge is 1.5 hours), or can last all day; “Living the Boat Life” is an 8-hour tour, and allows you to feel like you’ve got your own boat, and can include swimming, sightseeing, sunbathing, dining, watching the sunset, and more.

8. FREE-FORM CRUISE

Reflections DC | Departs from Wharf Marina, DC | 2 or 3 hours

A private outing on the water. Go anywhere, do anything! See the sights of the city with the sun in your face and the wind in your hair, on the beautiful open-air runabout Cortina. The crew will show you the most beautiful spots on the Potomac River. BYOB/BYOF.

9. SUNRISE KAYAK MONUMENT TOUR

Boating in DC | Departs from Wharf Marina, DC | 90 minutes

Enjoy a guided paddle around Theodore Roosevelt Island and past iconic D.C. locations where you'll see the sun rise in the background. No previous kayaking experience required.

10. FLOAT DC

GOBOAT | Departs from Wharf Marina, DC | 2 hours

Fitting 8 people, you'll enjoy a unique social sailing experience with friends, family or colleagues. You are your own captain on your own private tour when renting our electrically powered 18-foot boats. Enjoy the Wharf's sights from the water in our nation's capital. You're in for a totally new experience seeing these sights with loved ones from the water.

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Things to do, experience the alexandria waterfront.

Old Town Waterfront

A busy seaport for centuries, Alexandria’s waterfront juxtaposes historic authenticity and new happenings among a growing scene of  D.C.-area waterfront destinations . Named one of the Best River Walks in the USA by Fodor’s Travel , Alexandria’s waterfront is the best place to take in picturesque views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. Enjoy al fresco drinks and dining with street performers and music, take a riverside run or set sail with water taxis and river cruises by  City Cruises Alexandria , offering scenic commutes between Alexandria and The Wharf, Georgetown and National Harbor .

Explore the Waterfront

Featured Waterfront Activities

Waterfront dining.

Waterfront Public Art

Torpedo Factory Art Center

Outdoor Dining in Alexandria

Get Out on the Water

Activities on the Potomac

Water taxis.

Boat Cruises

Sail, Kayak, or Paddleboard

Tall Ship Providence

Enjoy Riverside Recreation

Riverside Fun

Great walks in alexandria.

Waterfront Parks

African American Heritage Trail

Mount Vernon Trail

Waterfront Restaurants and Activities

Ada’s on the River

Alexandria Archaeology Museum

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar

Blackwall Hitch

Cedar Knoll

Chart House Restaurant

City Cruises

Hummingbird

Jula’s on the Potomac

Lady Camellia Pastry & Tearoom

Mai Thai Restaurant

#visitalx photos submitted by alexandria visitors like you., from our partners.

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Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC.

From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!

Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen".

The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.

Need primary and secondary sources, videos, or interactives? Explore our Education Pages!

The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.

Visit Mount Vernon by Boat

Travel down the Potomac River by boat to Mount Vernon.

City Experiences Round Trip Cruises from D.C.

Listen to a narrated riverfront tour as you pass historic and modern landmarks, including the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol.

General admission to Mount Vernon is included, and passengers will have 3 hours to explore the estate before returning to D.C.

Options for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Nautiste Private Yacht Cruises from D.C.

Cruise to Mount Vernon in the same fashion as generations of presidents and their VIP guests.

Your cruise will take place on a vintage yacht and can accommodate up to 13 guests. After arriving at Mount Vernon, you and your guests will receive a VIP guided tour of George Washington's estate.

Cruises must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.

One-way and round-trip experiences with curated dining packages are available.

Private Vessels

Private vessels are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Our  docking agreement  must be signed and returned to Wharf Master.

Wharf Policy Personal Vessel Docking Agreement

Already at Mount Vernon? Take a Sightseeing Cruise

See Mount Vernon from a different perspective during a 45-minute narrated cruise on the Potomac. This ship departs from and returns to the Mount Vernon wharf.

Available seasonally.

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Alexandria to Georgetown Water Taxi (And Reverse) | City Cruises

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Sightseeing and Dining Cruises

City cruises.

City Cruises (formerly known as Hornblower Cruises & Events) offers water experiences beyond compare. Choose from a variety of cruises including: dinner cruises, brunch cruises, lunch cruises, cocktail cruises, sightseeing cruises, and holiday cruises. All of the vessels are conveniently docked at The Wharf, giving you the perfect launch point to explore the nation’s capital from the water.

Odyssey Savor delicious entrees and desserts as this glass-enclosed vessel drifts by the sights—accompanied by a relaxing atmosphere and live music.

Spirit of Washington Cruises A unique mix of dining, entertainment, and views, Spirit of Washington offers offers lunch, dinner, and holiday cruises, plus a variety of themed cruises.

Elite Private Yachts Host your own event or plan an unforgettable jaunt on the Potomac by chartering one of our two private yachts. Our sleek vessels are the perfect backdrop for weddings and other special occasions.

Water Taxi   Come to The Wharf’s Transit Pier to catch a ride on the Water Taxi to Georgetown in DC, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, or National Harbor in Maryland—and enjoy the scenic views of the nation’s capital from the Potomac. Sightseeing Cruises See the famous monuments of Washington, DC from an entirely new perspective on this narrated sightseeing cruise. You’ll travel along the Potomac River while taking in breathtaking views of the Washington monuments and famous landmarks.

Sightseeing cruises depart from Transit Pier (970 Wharf St SW). Dining cruises (all others) depart from Pier 4 ( 580 Water St SW ).

Learn about Getting to The Wharf , including metro and parking directions.

Get Your Fill at The Wharf

Fresh seafood is a given on the waterfront. But The Wharf offers more, including a wide selection of distinctive choices for food, drinks, and entertainment while you eat. Watch the chefs prepare your meal. Listen to music. Or just people-watch while you savor the flavors of The Wharf.

Do It All on the Waterfront

Whether you like to be on the Potomac or prefer the sparkling views from land, The Wharf offers ample things to do and ways to enjoy the water. Dine in one of our fabulous restaurants. Browse our shops. Or join us during one of our festivals. Take a look at our upcoming events to plan your next visit.

Meet the only line that cruises from Washington, DC. Here’s where it’ll take you

Picture cruises from Washington, D.C., and you'll likely envision a behemoth like Royal Caribbean 's Icon of the Seas clogging up the Potomac River. Fortunately, that's not the case with the only ship to sail voyages from the U.S. capital.

American Cruise Lines — the largest river cruise line in the U.S., which operates small-ship voyages exclusively on U.S. rivers and coasts — has positioned two of its vessels, fittingly named American Constitution and American Glory, at The Wharf along D.C.'s southeast waterfront.

As the first ships in more than 60 years to sail round trip from that location, they take passengers along the Potomac and York rivers and into the Chesapeake Bay. Here's a rundown of when the cruises depart, how much they cost and where you'll stop along the way.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

When you can cruise from Washington, DC

These voyages, dubbed American Revolution itineraries, operate in the spring and fall, with the first voyage of 2024 setting sail on March 26, just in time for passengers to enjoy the area's famed cherry blossoms .

Sailings on both 100-passenger American Glory and 170-passenger ship American Constitution run on a regular 10-night rotation through early June and pick up again from early October to early November.

Where you can cruise from Washington, DC

If you're a history buff, you'll salivate over the places this itinerary will visit.

Your trip will begin with a pre-cruise package that includes a stay at the Four Seasons in Washington, D.C., where you can tour the Capitol Building and spend time at the Smithsonian museums.

After departing the capital, you'll stop in Annapolis, Maryland, home of the Naval Academy and a charming downtown area. Follow that up with highlights in Norfolk, Williamsburg and Yorktown, Virginia, where the Revolutionary War came to an end.

Finish off the trip with a call on Alexandria, Virginia, where you can spend a day exploring the historic old town, and a visit to Mount Vernon, the former home of George Washington.

How much are cruises from Washington, DC?

Prices start from $5,275 per person for a cabin with a window as part of a promotion the line is running, which includes fare discounts and free round-trip airfare if you're not someone who lives within driving distance of The Wharf. You can check more prices on the American Cruise Lines website .

Other cruise ports to consider

If you'd prefer a sailing on a larger oceangoing ship, the closest big-ship embarkation ports within a reasonable driving distance are Baltimore and Bayonne, New Jersey.

A variety of ships depart from those locations, including Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Legend and Carnival Pride and Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas from Baltimore. Liberty of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, as well as Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Eclipse, depart from Bayonne.

Norfolk, Virginia, is also a drive-to port for the D.C. area, but no large ships are scheduled to depart from there in 2024. Look for cruises on Carnival Sunshine in 2025.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• 5 ways cruise lines are nickel-and-diming worse than ever
• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Potomac River Cruises and Tours

From georgetown to national harbor, there are more than a dozen sightseeing cruises and tour boats, including a network of water taxis. several are available for charters. click on a marker or choose a site below for details., potomac river guide interactive maps, the lower potomac the potomac estuary mount vernon to anacostia river mall area georgetown-great falls potomac piedmont upper potomac the north branch boat ramps monitoring sites bridges and ferries cruises and charters search potomac sites also explore, potomac river crossings, alexandria to national harbor water taxi alexandria washington monuments cruise alexandria water taxi to the wharf boomerang boat tours capital elite charter capitol river cruises cherry blossom riverboat dc cruises dc sail/american spirit charters georgetown to alexandria monuments tour georgetown water taxi to the wharf matthew hayes charters miss ann charters mount vernon tour from alexandria mount vernon tour from dc national harbor water taxi to alexandria nationals park baseball water taxi odyssey cruises spirit cruises wharf water taxi to alexandria wharf water taxi to georgetown, from georgetown to national harbor, there are more than a dozen sightseeing cruises, tour boats, including a network of water taxis. several are available for charters. click on a marker or choose a site below for details..

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Take to the Water with These Fourth of July Cruises

Catch the fireworks from a new point of view or spend the day with a picnic on the water.

By Maggie Roth June 24, 2024

Instead of packing onto the National Mall for a glimpse of DC’s fireworks this year, spend Independence Day on the water. With these Fourth of July cruises, you can spend the holiday relaxing on the river, taking in views of the fireworks without the crowds, and enjoying special dining opportunities on the water.  

4th of July Fireworks Cruise and Celebration  

Enjoy the fireworks with an unbeatable view from the Potomac on this Independence Day cruise. You’ll get to watch the display from the water, get a tour of the monuments by moonlight, and explore Georgetown in an optional nightlife tour after the cruise. Washington Harbour: 3050 K St. NW, Washington, DC, $145  

City Cruises Fireworks Dinner Cruises  

Enjoy a meal while you watch the fireworks over the river with this cruise experience. Choose either a signature dinner cruise experience with a buffet dinner or a premier dinner cruise with a three-course plated dinner. Both options last around three hours and bring guests around the Potomac to see sights like Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor from a climate-controlled boat. 580 Water St., Washington, DC, $245 for signature, $275 for premier

City Cruises Fireworks Cruise from Alexandria  

Don’t want to brave the traffic to get into DC? Take the Potomac Water Taxi from Alexandria for a two-hour cruise on the Potomac. Concessions are available on board, including beer, wine, soda, and snacks.  0 Cameron St., Alexandria, $175

Boomerang Boat Tours  

Where better to celebrate July 4 than on a double-decker party yacht? This 21-and-up option offers an open bar throughout the two-hour ride, with “immersive surround sound music” to keep the party going. The company has two Fourth of July cruises leaving at 7:30 p.m. Washington Harbour: 3050 K St. NW, Washington, DC, $125

Tall Ship Providence  

While it won’t sail during the fireworks show, Alexandria’s Tall Ship Providence makes for a fun Fourth of July activity for the whole family. Sail at 1 or 4 p.m. on this replica of an 18th-century ship and enjoy a picnic of hamburger sliders, hot dogs, and apple crumb cake.  1A Prince St., Alexandria, $85

Sea Suite Cruises  

Want a private experience for your group? Book a private tour on one of Sea Suite Cruises’ boats, taking off from The Wharf, Georgetown, and Navy Yard. There are options for groups up to 16 people. Book a time slot to enjoy the holiday on the water.  Multiple locations, price varies

Feature image courtesy City Cruises

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Human Services Specialist II - Therapist, Jail Sober Living Unit / Medication Clinic Coordinator

Job posting for human services specialist ii - therapist, jail sober living unit / medication clinic coordinator at city of alexandria.

Human Services Specialist II

Therapist - Jail Sober Living Unit / Medication Clinic Coordinator

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Human Services Specialist II - Therapist, Jail Sober Living Unit / Medication Clinic Coordinator  position.

An Overview

The Human Services Specialist II, Therapist - Jail Sober Living Unit / Medication Clinic Coordinator is responsible for prioritizing and scheduling psychiatric services for incarcerated clients who are referred from therapists in the behavioral health team. This position works closely with the jail medical contractor and outside pharmacy providers to coordinate care and ensure that medication orders remain uninterrupted.

The position also involves providing direct care including risk assessment/crisis intervention; intake assessments; individual and group therapy; and case management services to incarcerated clients with a range of psychiatric and substance use disorders. The clinical work will mainly be focused within the Men’s Sober Living Unit upon the re-opening of the program but will initially be focused in other areas of the jail. The Sober Living Unit (SLU) is a 90-day substance use disorder treatment program housed within the jail which has been in operation for over 30 years.  Specific responsibilities related to the SLU Program, include identifying and evaluating inmates in population who are prospective clients of the program; provision of group and individual treatment within the program; managing the Therapeutic Community milieu; and developing comprehensive discharge/release plans for clients leaving the program/facility.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate will have good knowledge of the theories and principles of psychology; good knowledge and understanding of substance use and available treatment and prevention methods; strong knowledge of group dynamics; good knowledge of commonly practiced approaches to counseling; good knowledge of psychopharmacology as it relates to the properties, actions, and health effects of illicit drugs, and commonly prescribed anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, and anti-psychotic medications; good knowledge of available City medical, mental health, legal, social and supplemental services available through other community agencies and organizations; ability to work effectively with clients having alcohol/substance use, emotional, behavioral, or other related problems; ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing; ability to use a computer.

The Opportunity 

• Performs related duties as assigned.

About the Department 

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or a related field; three years of experience in the provision of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services, including some experience at the level of Caseworker; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of their residence.

Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or Psychology, or Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) credential. At least one year of conducting group and individual interventions for individuals with substance use disorders in Spanish and English. Excellent administrative and organizational skills. 

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; Verification of education/certifications; Drug screening; and Driver's license.

Schedule:  Monday through Friday, 8:00AM – 4:30PM.

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Salary.com Estimation for Human Services Specialist II - Therapist, Jail Sober Living Unit / Medication Clinic Coordinator in Alexandria, VA

$71,378 - $87,697

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Not the job you're looking for here are some other human services specialist ii - therapist, jail sober living unit / medication clinic coordinator jobs in the alexandria, va area that may be a better fit., we don't have any other human services specialist ii - therapist, jail sober living unit / medication clinic coordinator jobs in the alexandria, va area right now..

Senior Therapist – Detention Center (Women's Sober Living Unit)

City of Alexandria , Alexandria, VA

Senior Therapist – Detention Center (Men's Sober Living Unit)