Boating In DC at Tidal Basin Pedal Boats — Attraction in Washington

Great experience pedalling around the Tidal Basin! Service is straight forward: reserve a time online, sign the waivers for each person who will be joining, pay, suit up with the provided life jackets, and get to pedalling! They also do walk ups if you are feeling spontaneous. Each boat holds up to 4 people, 2 pedalers in front and 2 passengers facing backwards in the back. Make sure to put your most athletic friends as the pedalers, steering is with a simple steering wheel in the center. Basically, the only limit (other than the physical boundaries) is your group's stamina and endurance. If you want to pedal the entire Tidal Basin you're free to do so. When you're done, head back to the docks to park and an attendant will assist.

Some quick tips: use the restroom before you go (closest ones would be at the Washington and Jefferson Memorials); drink plenty of fluids; keep items like wallets or keys or phones in your pocket closest to the interior of the boat, preferably keeping them in a bag with a zipper secured safely on your person; there's no head covering or canopies so wear sunscreen or a hat for protection from the sun; don't feed the ducks if they approach unless you want to get mobbed by them; and of course have fun and enjoy the unparalleled scenery!

It's a fun experience, try going during spring or fall. I believe on Thursdays they have discounted rates, so...

If you're a tourist and aren't scared off by steep price tags, renting a paddle boat for one hour (note: you'll be too tired for more than hour so don't even try to get it for longer) isn't the worst idea. Per hour, it's $18 for a two person paddle boat, $30 for a four person boat, and $34 for a swan paddle boat (seriously, don't cave for this option- it's cheesy).

It's a good way to see DC's key monuments up close (the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument) and from afar (Lincoln Memorial and US Capitol) without the crowds. All you need to worry about is not peddling into other boaters.

Warning: You may think it's a quick trip to the Jefferson Memorial and back to dock, but it's a longer, more exhausting trip than you think. Paddling with someone else takes a lot of communication and coordination. Be prepared to fight, but push through. By the end of the hour, your legs will be sore and ready for a break.

Pro-tip: If you're going to do this, go during the Cherry Blossom Festival. It's beautiful. Book months in advance as they fill up...

We were on our way, walking to the Jefferson Memorial, until my two sons, age 10 and 12 saw this. Please dad, please, ..., we will do all the work. Sigh, sure, not like we visit DC often.

The price is $40 for an hr for the boat, you can seat between 1 to 4 people. Since there was four of us, $10 each person, not too bad. And we get to see the Jefferson Memorial from the water instead. And I have two kids saying they would do all the work. What can go wrong right?

The guys attending to the boats, helping us get on and off the boat was bunch of funny guys, very friendly. So it all started pretty good, until we are about 20ft away from the dock. The 12 year old is yelling, why aren't you peddling? The 10 year old yell back, I am, you are just weak, sigh, this goes on for the next 45 mins. Lesson learned. Just peddle the boat...