Washington Navy Yard is one of DC’s most transformed neighborhoods. When Nationals Park opened for fans in 2008, local fandom drew large crowds to cheer on DC’s MLB baseball team.
Projects continued to break ground, introducing new restaurants, hotels, and shops to the already-established celebratory atmosphere.
Today, Navy Yard DC strikes the perfect balance of waterfront views, hip breweries, and fabulous outdoor park space for strolling and pre-game picnics.
Why Visit Navy Yard
From a baseball point of view, Washington Navy Yard is THE place to be, home to the Washington Nationals and Nationals Park. But this ever-evolving neighborhood offers so much more than extra innings.
Bordered by the Anacostia River to the south and Capitol Hill to the north, Navy Yard DC is the perfect nook with plenty of green space, waterfront views, and delicious food. Once a major hub for naval vessels, the area has a deep naval history dating back to its time as the nation’s primary shipyard. Today, the Southeast Federal Center has transformed into a lively mixed-use district with a blend of historic industrial buildings and modern development.
One of DC’s more child-friendly neighborhoods, the area has ample space to run around, kid-friendly dining options, and a large outdoor water pool at The Yards Park. The largest concentration of industrial architecture in DC is easily apparent, complemented by hip restaurants and breweries, rooftop views, and big Ballpark energy. Recent residential projects have further reshaped the neighborhood, making it a vibrant place to live, work, and explore.
How to Get to Navy Yard
Navy Yard Metro stops
Navy Yard-Ballpark (Two entrances: M Street & New Jersey Avenue)
Bus stops
The Capitol Riverfront/Navy Yard neighborhood has a total of 19 bus stops.
- Half & M Street SE (Closest to Nationals Ballpark)
- Local Bus routes: P6 & V1
- Circulator Bus Routes: Blue Route
- Virginia Commuter Bus Routes: D300
- M Street & New Jersey Ave South SE (Capitol Waterfront neighborhood)
- Local Bus routes: A9, P6, V1, V4
- Circulator Bus Routes: Blue Route
- Virginia Commuter Bus Routes: D300
- Maryland Commuter Bus Routes: 315, 735, 850
Capital Bikeshare
Nine stations throughout the Navy Yard/Capitol Riverfront neighborhood.
Navy Yard Hotels
Thompson Washington DC by Hyatt
Located just steps from the waterfront, The Yards Park, and the Navy Yard’s top restaurants, including those near national parks in Washington DC, the area offers excellent in-house dining options, including Roman-trattoria-style Maialino Mare, farm-to-table inspired Anchovy Social, and The Thompson Bar Room for happy hour cocktails. Pets allowed.
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Courtyard by Marriott Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard
It is a fifteen-minute walk from Nationals Ballpark and across the street from the kid-friendly Washington Canal Park. Amenities include access to an indoor pool, express check-in and check-out, and in-house dining options. Pets allowed.
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Hampton Inn & Suites
Centrally located with rooftop views of Nationals Ballpark from the outdoor rooftop terrace, this spot is gaining attention as one of the best rooftop bars DC visitors should check out. Complimentary breakfast available.
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Homewood Suites
Kiddy corner from the energetic, post-baseball’s ‘Half Street’. Amenities include an indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and guest room kitchenettes. Pets allowed.
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Residence Inn by Marriott
An ‘all-suite hotel’ with kitchens, pullout sofa beds, and separate bathrooms in every suite. Complimentary breakfast available.
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Find more hotels and DC Vacation Rentals
Navy Yard History
Early renditions of Washington DC’s Navy Yard district took shape in 1799 when the first ever US naval yard was constructed along the Anacostia River to ensure a nationwide, long-lasting military presence and solidify the area’s naval history.
According to DC Historic Sites, the site played a critical role in ‘expanding nationalism, serving as a naval weapon manufacturing site leading up to World War I and II. Proving indispensable to America’s military standing, the site still shows historic remnants of 19th-century ingenuity and invention.
In 1963, ownership of 55 acres of the Washington Navy Yard Annex, including the western side of the Yard and Building 170, was transferred to the General Services Administration, marking a shift in the site’s management and use.
Old industrial buildings—once used to manufacture ordnance technology and naval guns—now play house for modern-day business store-fronts and restaurants.
Boilermaker Shops
The Boiler Shops are the heart of Navy Yard’s industrial architecture and history, once serving as critical manufacturing space during World War I and II. Today, the historic boiler shops house Bluejacket Brewery, Steadfast Supply DC, and Pacers Running Store, among others.
Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge
A newly renovated addition to Washington Navy Yard, the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge serves both as a functional Navy Yard and Anacostia go-between and a tribute to the tireless abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass.
The original bridge was built in 1950, but when wear-and-tear caused safety concerns, city-wide enthusiasm pushed for a newly renovated bridge that would safely serve 77,000 daily D.C. commuters.
The new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge opened in 2021 and drives car traffic and foot traffic from one corner of the District to the other.
Fort McNair
Strategically located between the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, Fort McNair was built in 1791. Aligned with the overall Navy Yard defense strategy, Fort McNair served as a site of power and protection.
Although British troops brought destruction to the fort in the late 18th century, commitment to the rebuild was a no-brainer. The fort continued to gain acreage, adding a prison and hospital in the 19th century.
After World War II, the fort was renamed after Lesley J. McNair, who served as division commander and died in France in 1944 while serving on ‘Operation Cobra’.
Today, the National Defense University and Military District of Washington Headquarters operate within Fort McNair walls.
A day at the Navy Yard: Self-guided tour
10:00 am: Grab a coffee and a bite of breakfast at Philz Coffee, Yellow, Toastique, or La Famosa.
11:00 am: Stroll down Tingey Street towards The Yards Park, making sure to admire the Walking Museum of Transportation. Once you arrive at Yards Park, you’ll be greeted with ample green space and a playful water area for kids.
12:30 pm: Walk across Yard Park Bridge and snap some great photos! Then stop by Due South’s ‘Dockside’ waterfront dining patio for nibbles and refreshing drinks (weather permitting).
1:30 pm: Enjoy lunch at Yellow, The Salt Line, ABC Pony, All-purpose or Bluejacket Distillery.
3:00 pm: Grab an ice cream cone from Ice Cream Jubilee and sit on the nearby lawn. The ‘cookies and cookie dough’ is superb.
Recharge/nap time!
4:30 pm: Walk the Anacostia RiverWalk Trail towards Dacha Beer Garden or Bardo and grab a drink before heading to an evening Nationals baseball game.
5:30 pm: Before game time, make one more pitstop for self-pour drafts and nibbles at Walter’s Sports Bar. The outdoor seating is lovely, with plenty of TVs to keep sports fans up to date on the latest and greatest sports news.
6:30-6:45 pm: Get your tickets ready and head into Nationals Ballpark for a 7:05pm game. Root, root, root for the home team!
Postgame: Exit the stadium and walk down Half Street for live music and other baseball fandom festivities. Pop into Atlas Brew Works for pizza, beer growlers, and high-pint energy.
Alternative to an evening baseball game: Make a dinner reservation at Albi, Chloe, or Hatoba. After dinner, stop by District Winery for after-dinner drinks on the lovely outdoor patio. Then, take an evening stroll to see the glowing waterfront lights.
Navy Yard Nightlife and Culture
Walking Museum of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Avenue, Washington, DC 20590
The Walking Museum of Transportation is the perfect stroll for kids and history buffs alike in need of exploration and movement. Life-size transportation parts and descriptive signs engage all ages under a green tree canopy above the walkway.
Up Top Acres
Up Top Acres reimagines underutilized green space, sporting a colorful rooftop garden, monthly happy hours, comedy shows, workout classes, and an epic view of Washington DC. Check out the Up Top Acres website for an updated events calendar.
NOTE: For DC residents, Up Top Acres has a 9-week Capital Riverfront Farm Membership/CSA featuring 6-7 items from the rooftop garden.
Capital Turnaround
Address: 700 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Once a historic 19th century car barn, Capital Turnaround now serves as a hip event and performance space. Recently renovated, the large brick warehouse tastefully incorporates a rustic and modern aesthetic—perfect for social and corporate events.
Check out Capital Turnaround shows and schedules here. If you don’t attend any indoor events, stop by to admire the old warehouse, and if possible, pop in to see the indoor space.
Tour at District Winery Navy Yard
Address: 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Explore District Winery by booking a guided wine tour to learn about the winemaking process and get a behind-the-scenes look at this urban winery.
Now offering tours Thursday through Sunday, each tour includes a 60-minute guided experience and a tasting of five wines. Tickets range from $40 to $55 per person, and tours can be booked up to one month in advance.
Check out the website for up-to-date events in the Washington Navy Yard neighborhood.
Navy Yard Restaurants
Albi
Address: 1346 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Levantine cooking is reaching new heights at Albi, where coal-fired dishes meet a modern, coastal-inspired ambiance. Albi, meaning “my heart” in Arabic, delivers a menu influenced by Turkish, Lebanese, and Palestinian flavors, complemented by expertly curated wine pairings for a well-rounded dining experience.
The Salt Line
Address: 79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
For an elevated seafood and ale experience, make an outdoor patio dinner reservation at The Salt Line. The patio—dotted with freshly shucked oysters, New England classics, and Chesapeake Bay delicacies—faces an illuminated Anacostia River.
The airy marble decor, vast bar, and seafood towers are the perfect spot for any celebration dinner.
All-purpose Capitol Riverfront
Address: 79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Neighbor to The Salt Line, All-Purpose is dishing up the best Italian-American deck-style pizza in the District.
Although All-Purpose has two DC locations, the indoor/outdoor restaurant is perfectly situated between DC United’s Audi Park, Nationals Ballpark, and the Anacostia River. Make sure to order the cheesy ‘sedgwick’ and ‘eggplant parm ‘Jersey-style’’.
Dacha Beer Garden
Address: 79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Kid-friendly, dog-friendly, and happy hour-friendly, Dacha Beer Garden is the pre-game and post-game respite of choice for Nationals and DC United fans alike. The food is seasonal, and the beers take cues from the US, Belgium, and Germany.
Need more happy hour options around Washington? Check out our happy hour in DC guide for more information.
Bluejacket
Address: 300 Tingey St SE #180, Washington, DC 20003
Cask-conditioned ales are a rare find on this side of the pond. Luckily, local beer enthusiasts can order the dying breed at Bluejacket in Washington Navy Yard.
Built in 1919 as a ‘boiler shop, ’ the dining space perfectly compliments the neighborhood’s industrial modern vibes with tall wired ceilings, a long iron bar, and metal focal points. The menu offers classic American pub fare like tater tots, freshly baked pretzels with beer cheese, and satisfying burgers.
Chloe
Address: 1331 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
With a mix of Mediterranean flavors, Chloe delivers an elegant and modern menu of inspired small bites.
James Beard-nominated chef Haidar Karoum weaves his Lebanese roots and culinary experiences into Chloe’s dining experience, with rich, bright flavors, nurtured fresh produce, and succulent meats. With lots to choose from and lots to share, Chloe is the perfect date-night destination.
La Famosa
Address: 1300 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
With the slogan ‘Born in Puerto Rico, Made in DC,’ La Famosa lures in playful eaters with a bright and lush dining room filled with Puerto Rican soul food. Tropical cocktails, richly seasoned mains, and Puerto Rican pastries are cause for celebration any day of the week.
NOTE: La Famosa serves breakfast daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.
Navy Yard Off the Beaten Track
Ballpark Boathouse
Address: Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
To change up daily tourist activities, take to the Anacostia for boating and water fun.
Right outside Nationals Ballpark, Boating in DC offers Navy Yard boating to tour the city with a paddle in hand. Boats for rent include paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes.
NOTE: You must reserve your boat/boats in advance at HERE.
Trapeze School
Address: 10 I Street, SE, Washington DC, 20003
The New York Trapeze School has a DC location where locals and visitors can train like the trapeze pros. Sessions include flying trapeze, silks (aerial fabrics hanging from a single point), static trapeze (close to the ground), and trampoline practice.
NOTE: For ages 6 and up only.
Washington Canal Park
- Address: off of 2nd and M street
This hidden treasure park features summertime child-friendly water fountain play, outdoor dining space at WiseGuy Pizza, and lush green space for running around.
The winter season invites a figure-eight-shaped ice rink and hot cocoa for winter fun.
DC Water Headquarters
Address: 1385 Canal Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Environmental junkies will love learning about DC Water, DC’s world class water utility operation for District customers. In the words of DC Water, “Our mission is to exceed expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.”
DC Water pursues a city-wide effort to provide clean and low-cost drinking water, collect water and reduce waste overflow, and efficiently treat wastewater and stormwater.
NOTE: DC Water tours remain suspended indefinitely, with no current timeline for reopening. While DC Water hopes to resume tours in the future, they are not accepting tour requests at this time. However, the exterior of the DC Water building is remarkable in scope—be sure to stop by to admire its design and learn more about DC Water’s mission.
Navy Yard Shopping
Steadfast Supply DC
Address: SE Entrance on, 301 Tingey Street, Water St SE #120, Washington, DC 20003
For unique and quirky gifts, stop into Steadfast Supply DC on Tingey Street in one of the old ‘boiler shop’ buildings. Time passes quickly while browsing the large selection of food gifts, cards and stationery, and home goods.
What’s New in Navy Yard DC for 2025?
New Developments & Attractions
- Waterfront Expansion: The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail has seen further enhancements, with new pedestrian bridges and extended walking and biking paths. This makes for an even more scenic and accessible experience, with plenty of green spaces to enjoy.
- Nationals Park Upgrades: Nationals Park has rolled out new fan experiences, including enhanced digital ticketing, upgraded food and beverage vendors, and an expanded family-friendly section, making it one of the best things to do in the area.
Transportation Updates
- DC Circulator Expansion: The DC Circulator’s Blue Route has expanded to improve connectivity between Navy Yard and nearby neighborhoods like Buzzard Point and Southwest Waterfront.
- More Bike Lanes & Scooter Parking: Navy Yard now has additional dedicated bike lanes and improved e-scooter parking zones, making alternative transportation even easier.
New Events & Entertainment
- Outdoor Movie Nights & Concerts at The Yards Park: The popular summer series now includes live performances from national and local artists, providing some of the best things to do in the nation’s capital
- New Brewery Openings: With Navy Yard’s love for craft beer, expect new brewery concepts coming in 2025, adding to the mix of Bluejacket and Atlas Brew Works, all while maintaining reasonable prices for visitors and locals alike.
