As graduating seniors wrap up their time in Foggy Bottom, it’s time to plan a last hurrah with your friends or family to reminisce on your experiences living in the nation’s capital.
From enjoying a pedal boat ride on the Washington Harbor to attending one final Nationals game, here are some fun group activities to enjoy with your friends or family to close out your college experience.
Potomac Paddle Club
Take a pedal boat ride with your friends to catch a final glimpse of the District’s most iconic landmarks and attractions.
Potomac Paddle Club, located in the Washington Harbour, offers private group “Cycleboat” rides ($45 to $55) in which a group of eight to 16 passengers pedal on their own bike seats as the captain of the boat navigates the ride down the Potomac River. Passengers sit at a bar with 10 bike seats, so not everyone needs to paddle the entire time if you bring more people than there are bike seats.
Each 90-minute boat ride travels from the Washington Harbour in Georgetown to Columbia Island Marina near the Pentagon for a short break, before returning to the Harbour. Customers are encouraged to bring their own alcoholic beverages and coolers aboard the boat. While liquor is not permitted, you and your friends may bring hard seltzers, beer or wine to toast to your last adventure in the District.
The Chocolate House
If you and your chocolate-loving friends are looking to splurge a little for your last hurrah, check out The Chocolate House for a large variety of artisan chocolate from brands all around the world.
Located between Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle, the chocolate shop sells luxurious truffle boxes ($25.50 to $49), along with bars and confections ($8.50 to $30), including vegan chocolates for non-dairy consumers. You and your friends can opt to visit the store to shop for chocolates in person or purchase the chocolate online. Regardless of the option you choose, the chocolate would make for a lovely addition to a celebratory picnic or an at-home chocolate tasting to close out your college experience.
Rock Creek Park
Plan an excursion away from the city and enjoy some greenery in the nation’s third oldest national park. Composed of 32 miles of hiking trails, historical Civil War fortifications and outdoor activities like horseback riding and biking, Rock Creek Park provides a lovely corner of nature to take an adventure with your friends.
For history buffs, the Milkhouse Ford Hike winds through historical attractions like a Civil War fort, a poet’s cabin and a creek crossing that people used to drive through in the 20th century. For walkers or hikers looking for a scenic trail, try the Three-Mile Rolling Meadows Bridge Hike for the serene creek views.
Nationals game
Catch one final Nationals baseball game with your friends and family to celebrate your graduation. The Nationals’ schedule contains a number of home games at Nationals Park over the next few months, facing off against teams like the Orioles, Rays and Mets.
The park provides discounted tickets for groups of 13 or more, making this an attractive opportunity for seniors with a big family or friend group to take advantage of. The Nationals Park currently operates at 25 percent capacity, spacing out guests and creating an overall safer environment in light of the ongoing pandemic.
Brunch Cruise
Enhance the typical D.C. brunching experience by cruising along the Potomac River as you and your friends enjoy your meal. Odyssey D.C.’s two-hour Premier Brunch Cruise ($81.90) offers unlimited beverages, an expansive brunch buffet and scenic river and landmark views to see from the glass-enclosed deck or outdoor observation lounge.
Opt for a table reservation ($106.90) by the window for the best views or upgrade your ticket to include creative cocktails ($127.80) if you’re looking to make the most out of your experience. Tables can hold up to 10 diners, so the getaway is a compelling option for the whole friend group.
