Thompson Boat Center
Thompson Boat Center, Washington DC: Hours, Address, Thompson Boat Center Reviews: 4.5/5
Thompson Boat Center
Thompson Boat Center
4.5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Georgetown
How to get there
- Foggy Bottom–GWU • 9 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,803 within 3 miles

Baked and Wired
1,052
0.3 mi$ • Bakeries • American • Cafe

Kingbird
515
0.1 mi$$$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options

Chez Billy Sud
252
0.3 mi$$$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly

Fiola Mare DC
1,087
0.2 mi$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean

il Canale
1,170
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Bourbon Steak - Four Seasons Washington DC
462
0.3 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options

Farmers Fishers Bakers
1,708
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood

La Chaumiere
502
0.3 mi$$$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly

Ristorante La Perla
484
0.3 mi$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly

DAS Ethiopian Restaurant
476
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • African • Ethiopian • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
598 within 6 miles

Potomac Park
66
400 ftParks

Georgetown Waterfront Park
63
0.1 miWater Parks

Washington Harbour
147
0.1 miHistoric Walking Areas

House of Sweden
2
0.1 miArt Galleries

Watergate Complex
83
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
1,744
0.3 miTheaters

Georgetown
3,001
0.4 miNeighborhoods

Lincoln Memorial
31,794
0.9 miMonuments & Statues

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
11,921
0.9 miMonuments & Statues

Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
474
0.4 miIslands • Parks
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
20 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
6
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Catherine P
Silver Spring, MD3 contributions
The important thing to know is to reserve a boat and fill out the waiver on line ahead of time. Once you get there, the staff can check you in quickly and you can get on the water. They're friendly and helpful. The kayaks are super stable and it's a beautiful place to paddle - you get to see the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Harbor, Key Bridge. $18 for an hour is very reasonable and parking, while somewhat limited, is cheap at $2 or so per hour. You can also access by metro from Foggy Bottom but not as easily. Highly recommend this for tourists as a fun way to see a part of the city you might not normally get to. For a long-time resident like me, it never gets old.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
StuS81
Potomac, MD76 contributions
While reservations are required, there were plenty of kayaks and all other watercraft available. It's convenient to get to, but parking nearby is $22, unless you can find parking at the end of K street, below the Whitehurst Freeway. You get pretty views of DC monuments and at high tide, can circle Roosvelt Island.
Written October 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniel K
Markethill, UK160 contributions
Friends
Rented an aqua bike for a few hours and paddled up and down the river and around the island. Such a fun way to see around, and get some exercise too. Weather was incredible and the group really enjoyed it.
Written September 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MGB724
New York City, NY51 contributions
Couples
This location is primarily a rowing facility, but offers kayaking and canoeing. Upon arrival, you fill out a form that is on a desk outside of the entrance. You are charged based on how long you are out on the kayak and they provide lifejackets for you for free (they do not have life jackets for dogs like the other DC boathouse). There are lockers available for use, but you must bring your own lock. We had to be on the look out for rowers, and there were boats that caused some small wakes, but overall we had a great experience! The location is great as it is located near a beautiful walkway with several shops and restaurants.
Written October 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Duco M
Leusden, The Netherlands30 contributions
Business
Good, fast and friendly service.
Sup boards and kayaks.
Nice to be on the water in hot weather!
Right in the middle of the city.
Sup boards and kayaks.
Nice to be on the water in hot weather!
Right in the middle of the city.
Written September 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WandertheWest
Moab, UT38 contributions
Couples
Don't expect much help when you rent a bike. Go in knowing what size you need before hand. It is also handy if you know how to adjust the seat yourself. Make sure you check the bike over carefully including tire pressure, condition of the brake pads and chain wear. Everyone seemed friendly enough just not into conversation or helping you out.
Written April 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rjelen1
Washington DC110 contributions
Family
There is no better way to see the Potomac then from a Kayak. Renting Kayaks at Thompson's is easy and convenient with parking just off of Rock Creek Park and the perfect launch position just above the Georgetown Water front. Head up river to see the three sisters islands and the beginning of Little Falls or down River to Lady Bird Island. If you're interested in birds head to the islands and more marshy areas where there are plenty of Crains and Blue Herons. If you like Architecture take a closer look at the Key Bridge. Views of Arlington and Georgetown form the water are great. Double Kayaks are available for couples and families with smaller children.
After your thru Georgetown is just a quick walk from the parking lot and the new Water Front park is a great place to relax and people watch.
After your thru Georgetown is just a quick walk from the parking lot and the new Water Front park is a great place to relax and people watch.
Written September 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ashley
1 contribution
My project team and I went kayaking for a team outing and we all had a great time! Booking was a breeze, there was more than enough parking when we went at 12pm, and the staff were all very friendly and helpful. Will surely be booking again in the future!
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
María Leonor R
6 contributions
Family
Could be fun but if you spend 30 min and the siren sounds they rip you off the rest of what you paid.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
marlin s
Silver Spring, MD6 contributions
we rented a double kayak one cloudy but warm Sunday afternoon. The ladies that were there to welcome us and give us our equipments were really friendly. Briefed us on how far to go and what not to do etc. It was really fun! would def do it again!
Written October 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Frequently Asked Questions about Thompson Boat Center
- Thompson Boat Center is open:
- Sun - Sun 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Hotels near Thompson Boat Center:
- (0.16 mi) The Watergate Hotel
- (0.26 mi) The River Inn
- (0.26 mi) The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
- (0.30 mi) Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC
- (0.30 mi) Rosewood Washington DC
- Restaurants near Thompson Boat Center:
- (0.10 mi) Sequoia DC
- (0.13 mi) Kingbird
- (0.12 mi) Farmers Fishers Bakers
- (0.11 mi) Tony & Joe's Seafood Place
- (0.12 mi) Guapo's of Georgetown