The Southwest Waterfront is one of the most historic areas in the city. It’s home to the nation’s longest continually operating open-air fish market, houseboats and a vibrant riverfront community offering panoramic views, ample recreational activities and easy access to Washington DC’s most beloved monuments and memorials. At the same time, it’s also poised to become one of DC’s hottest neighborhoods with The Wharf, a new waterfront dining and entertainment destination with plenty of activities and things to do. With two hotels nearby, the luxurious Mandarin Oriental and spacious Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall – and more to come as part of The Wharf development, the Southwest Waterfront is within walking distance to renowned sites including the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden and the U.S. Capitol. The neighborhood features beloved waterfront landmarks of its own, including a two-century-old seafood market, and Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, a cultural powerhouse showcasing the best of American theater.The neighborhood offers an eclectic collection of architecture, from 18th-century Federal to Mid-Century Modern, and everything in between. Four buildings were designed by I.M. Pei, the architect for the stunning prism outside of The Louvre. Join the locals at restaurants like Muze East West Kitchen, an Asian-fusion restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental, and Masala Art for Indian cuisine. The Wharf’s phase one brings more than 20 new restaurants and bars to the neighborhood opening now through spring 2018, including Mike Isabella’s French brasserie Requin, Kwame Onwuachi's Afro-Caribbean concept Kith/Kin in the InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf and Fabio Trabocchi's foray into Spanish coastal fare with Del Mar. The Southwest Waterfront offers a strategic home base for enjoying sublime views of the Potomac River and gaining easy access to the National Mall. While this close-knit community experiences a renaissance and redevelopment, they welcome visitors to sample an authentic DC lifestyle and culture.

[Source: Washington.org]