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6 Activities Guaranteed to Prevent 4th of July Weekend FOMO

With so many great Fourth of July activities happening all across the United States, the odds you miss out on something are very high. Don’t experience FOMO (fear of missing out) this year! Ditch the boring backyard fireworks and celebrate this amazing nation at one of these gorgeous properties located around Boston, Washington D.C., and all across Florida.

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Where: Key Bridge Boathouse, National Harbor Boathouse, Thompson’s Boat Center, Washington Sailing Marina, The Wharf Boathouse

What: Round up your family and friends and join the Boating in DC team for an Independence Day weekend full of the #1 DC recreational activity; boating! With kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats, pedal boats, and even bikes, there is something for everyone of every skill level.

When:

Key Bridge Boathouse: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Weekends 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The 4th of July fireworks paddle at Key Bridge Boathouse is one of the best Independence Day celebrations in the metropolitan area! Enjoying the legendary annual DC firework show while paddling is a true, authentic American experience. Get your tickets as soon as possible because they sell fast!

National Harbor: Weekdays 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Weekends 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Thompson’s Boat Center: Every Day – Rowing Rentals with Lights 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Other Rentals 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Washington Sailing Marina: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Where: Newton Boathouse, Hopkinton State Park Boathouse, Natick Boathouse, Spot Pond Boathouse, Wakefield Boathouse

What:

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some 4th of July weekend paddling in Boston, look no further than Boating in Boston Boathouses. With convenient, beautiful destinations scattered throughout the area, their team can’t wait to send you on your next paddling adventure!

When:

At all locations rentals are available from 10:00 am – 6:30 pm.

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Where: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

What:

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of Florida’s most distinctive destinations and offers guests access to a spring-fed water park, riverboat cruise, live mermaid shows, and some of the state’s best boating. Kayak and paddleboard through crystal clear waters in the company of manatees and stunning natural beauty.

When:

*Reservations are required*

Saturday, June 30th – Wednesday, July 4th

Rentals and Private Boats: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Private Boats ONLY: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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Where: Rainbow Springs State Park

What:

Much like Weeki Wachee, Rainbow Springs State Park offers some of the clearest waterways in Florida. The rich natural splendor and cultural history has been bringing fans back for decades, and is a wonderful spot to visit for your July 4th weekend!

When:

Rentals are available every day 8:00 a.m. – Sunset.

Where: Flamingo at EvergladesWhat:

Experience the magnificence of Florida’s subtropical wilderness in the globally acclaimed Everglades National Park. From adventurous hiking trails with diverse wildlife to world-class fishing sites, kayaking and paddleboarding, there is an endless amount of exciting things to do at this unique destination!

When:

Every day boat rental hours are 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

All boats back to the dock by 4:30 p.m.

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Wakulla Springs State Park

Where: 550 Wakulla Park Drive, Crawfordville, FL, United States

What:

Wakulla Springs State Park is home to the world’s deepest freshwater spring and the beloved Lodge at Wakulla Springs, perfect for a fourth of July getaway. Book with the Bed, Breakfast, & Boat Package to receive delicious daily breakfasts at the Edward Ball Dining Room as well as the fan-favorite and locally famous scenic boat tour through the gorgeous State Park.

Call 855.632.4559 to make reservations.

Top 5 Things to Do in DC over the 4th of July Weekend

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Lounging on a bed of beautifully manicured grass, family and friend’s enjoy celebratory beverages under a sky lit by the patriotic explosions of fireworks. Unfortunately, your view is through a television screen and you’re lying on the couch. Don’t be that person this year! Free yourself of this boring fate on 2017’s Independence Day weekend with one of these five festivities!

Boating in DCWhat: Boating on the Potomac with Boating in DC
Where: Key Bridge Boathouse, National Harbor, Thompson’s Boat Center, Washington Sailing Marina
When: Friday, June 30th – Tuesday, July 4th

Key Bridge Boathouse: Friday, Monday, & Tuesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The “4th of July Fireworks Paddle” has limited boats left. Reserve now!

National Harbor: Friday, Monday, & Tuesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thompson’s Boat Center: Friday–Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Washington Sailing Marina: Monday & Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bring your friends and family out to sail, kayak, paddle board, or even bike your way around some of the most legendary locations in the country.

Triple CraftWhat: Burgers, beers and shakes with DC skyline views at Triple Craft
Where: Triple Craft, 1 Marina Drive, Alexandria, VA
When: Friday, June 30th – Tuesday, July 4th 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Triple Craft has an “over-the-top” menu of burgers, beer, and milkshakes that will have you drooling. The only thing that is more impressive than a Triple Craft meal is the unforgettable view provided by the Potomac River and the Washington D.C. skyline. This year’s 4th of July event includes delicious beers from the Honor Brewing Company, live music, and a special one-time-only menu!

Directions to Triple Craft

Jazz in the GardenWhat: Jazz in the Garden
Where: National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Pavilion Café, 7th Street and Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC
When: Friday, June 30th 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Treat yourself to a refreshing signature sangria from the Pavilion Café, and then sit back, relax, and enjoy the Jazz show! After all, just like Victor Provost who will be performing that week’s show, Jazz was born in America. The Pavilion Café menu includes a variety of drinks, toasted sandwiches, fresh salads, pizzas cooked to perfection, and a number of other menu items like an assortment of wonderful pastries!

Directions to Pavilion Cafe

island time bar & grillWhat: Indulge at the Island Time Bar & Grill
Where: Columbia Island Marina, George Washington Pkwy, Arlington, VA
When: Friday, June 30th – Tuesday, July 4th 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Island Time Bar & Grill menu offers an affordable variety of appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches, and a refreshing array of beer and drink options. Spoil yourself this Independence Day with the sights and sounds of the Pentagon Lagoon while washing your exquisite meal down with a cool beverage!

Directions to Island Time Bar & Grill

 

 

swan boats at tidal basin

What: A “Monumental” Swan Boat Ride
Where: Tidal Basin, 1501 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC
When: Friday, June 30th – Tuesday, July 4th 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Under the gaze of Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson, the glimmering Tidal Basin is waiting for you to join the Tidal Basin Pedal Boat crew in floating around some of the most iconic monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C.

Directions to the Tidal Basin

 

Guest Services to Operate Three Potomac River Boathouses

The National Park Service (NPS) will enhance and expand unique national park experiences along the Potomac River by offering new and exciting water based activities. Services will also become more accessible with new equipment that can be rented or dropped off at three different locations.

NCR Guest Services, LLC will provide services on the Georgetown Waterfront under a 10-year contract, National Capital Regional Director Bob Vogel announced today. The concessioner will provide non-motorized boat storage, rentals, instruction, bike rentals, and additional services at The Boathouse at Fletcher’s Cove, Key Bridge Boathouse and Thompson Boat Center. In addition, NCR Guest Services, LLC, will become Clean Marina certified to further protect water quality.

What to look forward to:

  • You can pick up and drop off rental equipment at any of the three locations, expanding the variety of recreational experiences on and along the river.
  • Learn how to kayak, canoe, stand-up paddle board, and row with the new instructional programs.
  • Rent new and updated equipment at all three locations.
  • You can still store and rent non-motorized vessels at The Boathouse at Fletcher’s Cove, Key Bridge Boathouse, and Thompson Boat Center.
  • New programs and equipment for people with disabilities.
  • New youth canoe and kayak development programs and junior fishing programs.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
  • Previously, these three boathouses were managed under separate contracts. This new combined concession contract for all three locations provides connected services for visitors and ensures more efficient operations.

For nearly a century, NCR Guest Services, LLC’s parent company, Guest Services, Inc., has earned the reputation as a premier hospitality management company and national and state park concessioner that has taken great care and pride in delivering best-in-class food, lodging, retail and recreation services. The Fairfax, Virginia-based company and its subsidiaries employ over 3,500 staff at more than 250 facilities, which welcome approximately 30 million guests annually across the United States. Guest Services, Inc. is proud to welcome visitors at Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park and Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Washington, several parks in the Washington, D.C. Metro area, and state parks like Bear Mountain in New York and Missouri’s newest state park in the Ozarks – the much anticipated Echo Bluff State Park.

The National Park Service accepted bid proposals Aug. 25 through Nov. 13, 2015. A panel of NPS technical experts found NCR Guest Services, LLC to be the most qualified. NCR Guest Services, LLC was selected under the provisions of the 1998 Concessions Management Improvement Act. Guidelines used to evaluate proposals can be found online at nps.gov/commercialservices.

Learn how to join us on the water this season by visiting boatingindc.com.

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