Best Places to Kayak Near Alexandria, VA

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Alexandria, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby18 Rivers6 Canals4 Creeks
← All paddling in Virginia

Top Picks Near Alexandria

blue sky over lake during daytime1

Georgetown Visitor Center

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

CanalBeginner6 mi away
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime2

Lake Burke

Standout kayak fishing on Burke Lake

LakeBeginner14 mi away
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline3

Anglers Inn - Canal

Just 14 miles from Alexandria — the closest quality launch

CanalBeginner14 mi away
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Capital Cove Marina (Bolling Air Force Base)

District of Columbia · 2.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Gravelly Point

Virginia · 3.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person rowing a boat

Gravelly Point Boat Ramp

District of Columbia · 3.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
yellow red and blue kayak lot

Columbia Island Marina Boat Ramp

District of Columbia · 3.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sky over lake during daytime

Georgetown Visitor Center

District of Columbia · 5.8 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Anacostia Park Boat Ramp

District of Columbia · 6.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person rowing a boat

Fletchers Cove

District of Columbia · 7.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Ft. Washington Marina

Maryland · 8.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Piscataway Park

Maryland · 9.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Marshall Hall

Maryland · 9.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Bladensburg

Maryland · 10.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Lake Burke

Virginia · 13.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Anglers Inn - River

Maryland · 14.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Anglers Inn - Canal

Maryland · 14.4 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Aqueduct Lock 20 - Canal

Maryland · 16.1 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Aqueduct Lock 20 - River

Maryland · 16.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Mattingly Park / Slavin's Dock boat ramp

Maryland · 16.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Swains Lock - Canal

Maryland · 17.6 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Swains Lock - River

Maryland · 17.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Patuxent River Wetlands Park / Wayson's Canoe & Kayak put-in

Maryland · 18.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Jackson's Landing boat ramp

Maryland · 19.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Sweden Point Marina

Maryland · 19.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Selby's Landing

Maryland · 19.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Wooten's Landing soft access

Maryland · 20.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Pennyfield Lock

Maryland · 20.7 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Queen Anne Canoe Launch

Maryland · 21.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Davidsonville Park soft access

Maryland · 21.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Violettes Lock / Lock 23

Maryland · 22.4 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Supplee Lane Recreation Area

Maryland · 23.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Seneca Creek Landing - boat ramp

Maryland · 23.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Alexandria.

Oxon Hill, MD4 miFt Myer, VA4 miFalls Church, VA5 miArlington, VA5 miWashington Navy Yard, DC5 miNaval Anacost Annex, DC5 miFort Washington, MD6 miTemple Hills, MD6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Alexandria, VA?

Top picks near Alexandria include Georgetown Visitor Center, Lake Burke, Anglers Inn - Canal. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, canals, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Alexandria?

Near Alexandria you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Alexandria?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Alexandria are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.