Potomac
Washington DC, Virginia & Maryland
The Potomac flows from the Appalachian foothills through Washington, DC, and into the Chesapeake Bay, and river cruises here typically combine a day or two in the capital with a run south into the Bay's historic colonial towns and working watermen's harbors — an itinerary built as much around American history as scenery.
Sailings run aboard small American ships, usually well under 200 passengers, over four to seven nights, and are timed less around seasons of natural beauty than around the capital's own calendar — cherry blossom season in late March and early April is by far the most in-demand sailing window, followed by summer and fall departures built around the region's Revolutionary and Civil War sites.
Ports of Call
Washington, DC
Most Potomac River cruises begin or end in the capital, with time to see the National Mall's monuments and museums, the Capitol, and the White House before or after sailing.
Mount Vernon, Virginia
George Washington's plantation home sits directly on the Potomac and is a common stop just downriver from the capital, with the mansion, gardens, and his tomb open to visitors.
Alexandria, Virginia
Old Town Alexandria's cobblestone streets and colonial-era waterfront predate the founding of Washington DC itself, and remain a popular stop for shopping and dining along the river.
St. Michaels, Maryland
A classic Chesapeake Bay waterman's town, St. Michaels is home to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and a harbor still used by the Bay's traditional oyster-dredging skipjacks.
Yorktown, Virginia
The site of the final major battle of the Revolutionary War, Yorktown sits where the York River meets the Chesapeake and is often visited alongside nearby Williamsburg and Jamestown.
