After years of planning, the District Wharf development in Southwest Waterfront is finally open to the public. The $2.5 billion project, which has branded itself as the place “where D.C. meets its water,” aims to provide residents and visitors alike with proximity to the river and the rest of the city.

The Wharf spans a mile long and boasts an array of new bars, restaurants, shops, galleries, music venues, and greenspace. For visitors looking for a place to stay and residents seeking long-term living options, The Wharf offers hotels and luxury apartment complexes with waterfront views.  

For others who are just visiting for a day, there are plenty of ways to get to and from the District Wharf. The water taxi transports visitors from the Wharf to other D.C. area waterfronts including Nationals Park, Old Town Alexandria, Georgetown, and National Harbor. Visitors will also have the option to ride the free Jitney Wharf across East Potomac Park. The Wharf will also introduce the Southwest shuttle, which provides free rides to patrons and makes stops at L’Enfant Plaza Metro station, the National Mall, and the International Spy Museum.

While the District Wharf itself is open, some of its restaurants are still under construction. “Many of [The Wharf’s] flagship restaurants will either be still under construction or operating with temporary or stripped down menus. Foodies might want to hold off at least a week or so before making that inaugural visit,” food writer Travis Mitchell advised in a recent DCist report.