The Wharf: Dining, Music, and Everyday Convenience

Photo credits: The Wharf

Less than a mile from Annex on 12th, The Wharf has turned DC’s Southwest Waterfront into a dense mix of restaurants, music venues, shops, and public spaces along the Potomac River. Stretching roughly a mile from the Tidal Basin toward Fort McNair, the development gives residents quick access to waterfront dining, year-round events, and connections to the National Mall and downtown.

A Waterfront Destination Minutes from Annex on 12th

From Annex on 12th, the walk to The Wharf is about ten minutes straight down 12th Street SW, with multiple routes connecting to Maine Avenue and Wharf Street. Once there, pedestrian-only piers, promenades, and public seating areas line the water, while the Parks & Piers network includes recreation areas, lookouts, and access points to the river. For residents who prefer bikes, Capital Bikeshare docks, protected lanes, and shared paths make it easy to move between The Wharf, L’Enfant Plaza, and the National Mall.

Dining with a View

The Wharf’s restaurant mix ranges from fine dining to fast casual, with many spaces oriented directly toward the river. Notable options include:

• Del Mar for Spanish seafood and panoramic views over the Washington Channel.
  
• Mi Vida for contemporary Mexican dishes and a large waterfront patio.
  
• Hank’s Oyster Bar for oysters, seafood plates, and dog-friendly outdoor seating along Wharf Street.
  
• Officina for house-made Italian specialties with an upstairs rooftop bar overlooking the river.
  
• Shake Shack and Toastique for quick burgers, breakfast toasts, juices, and coffee between Metro, the piers, and L’Enfant Plaza.

For residents, this cluster of restaurants functions as an extended neighborhood dining room: morning coffee by the water, lunch between meetings, or a last-minute dinner without crossing the city.

Live Music and Entertainment

The Wharf is also one of DC’s largest live-music hubs. The Anthem anchors the waterfront with a 6,000-capacity concert hall that hosts national touring acts across genres. Smaller venues such as Pearl Street Warehouse and Union Stage add intimate spaces for local and mid-sized bands, stand-up shows, and late-night sets.

Outdoor stages on District Pier and Transit Pier regularly feature free programming listed on The Wharf’s Things to Do and Music & Nightlife calendars, making it possible to catch live music without planning far in advance or traveling beyond the neighborhood.

Shopping and Everyday Convenience

Although best known for dining and entertainment, The Wharf also supports day-to-day needs. Shop Made in DC showcases local makers and DC-branded goods.

Basic services such as pharmacies, grab-and-go food, and fitness studios are located within or near the development, and The Wharf’s car and parking facilities make rideshare and short-term parking straightforward for visitors and residents.

Year-Round Waterfront Events

The Wharf programs its public spaces with a full calendar of seasonal activities. Transit Pier hosts the Wharf Ice Rink in winter, converting the pier into DC’s only over-water skating rink. Warmer months bring outdoor movies, fireworks, holiday festivals, and regular events listed on the Upcoming Events page.

Residents can treat many of these events like neighborhood gatherings rather than special trips, deciding day-of whether to stop by for an hour or stay for an entire evening.

Connectivity to Metro, the Mall, and Beyond

Living near The Wharf also means streamlined access to the rest of the city. A short walk from L’Enfant Plaza, where multiple Metro lines connect to downtown, Capitol Hill, and Northern Virginia. On the water side, the water taxi services at Transit Pier link The Wharf with Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor, offering alternatives to driving or Metro for regional trips.

For daily routines, this translates into flexible commuting options and easy weekend movement between the waterfront, the National Mall, museums, and other neighborhoods

Apartments Near The Wharf DC

Choosing an apartment near The Wharf DC is largely about access and connectivity: a walkable waterfront district, major transit lines at L’Enfant Plaza, and a direct link to the National Mall and Tidal Basin. Residents of Annex on 12th can reach The Wharf on foot in about ten minutes, Metro in under five, and key monuments in around fifteen, all without relying on a car.

For renters comparing neighborhoods across DC, Southwest’s position along the river and immediate proximity to The Wharf make it one of the few areas where dining, entertainment, and major cultural landmarks intersect within a tight, walkable radius. The result? Straightforward access to some of the city’s most-used public spaces and amenities.