Washington, D.C., is more than the seat of the national government. The DMV—the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia—is home to broad, diverse communities and neighborhoods that offer history, good eats, parks and waterfronts—much of it a quick Metro ride away. Once a month during the academic year, Getting to Know the DMV will offer a glimpse of selected neighborhoods.
The Southeast D.C. neighborhood gets its name from the Washington Navy Yard established there in 1799. For decades, it was the nation’s largest naval shipbuilding facility. It lost the distinction when the yard’s own commandant, Thomas Tingey, burned it to the ground to prevent seizure by the invading British during the War of 1812.
Recently, the riverside neighborhood has seen extensive commercial redevelopment and has grown into a destination for dining, entertainment and night life. If you go, here’s a guide to some amazing places you can experience in Navy Yard:
What to Do:
Take in a baseball game at Nationals Park or a soccer game at Audi Field
Game-day tickets can sell as low as $15. Look out for special ticket events like “Pups in the Park," a day you can bring your furry friend to watch the game! While you’re there, make sure to hit the concession stand that has some of the best food you can find in any ballpark. Located a few blocks away from Nationals Park is the Audi Field where D.C. United plays pro soccer. Take in the energy and excitement as you cheer for the home team!
Enjoy the beautiful spring weather at Yards Park
You’ll find dancing fountains at the entrance to Yards Park that glow with color-changing lights at night. Located along the Anacostia River, the park is a destination for those wanting to spend more time outdoors. Take a walk, enjoy a picnic or join in one of the many special events the park hosts.
Learn the Circus Arts at Trapeze School
If you’re feeling daring, you can learn to swing from 20 feet in the air at Trapeze School. The organization teaches acrobatic skills and the importance of health and wellness. Beginners are welcome as the program is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of people.
Explore the Anacostia River with a Free, Educational Boat Tour
Thanks to Anacostia Riverkeeper, you can spend a sunny, spring day out on a boat while learning about efforts to protect the river and its wildlife. And it is free! Public tours launch from either Yards Marina or Anacostia Park and are one-hour long. Tours are from April through October and the boats can accommodate up to 20 passengers at a time.
Take a Wine Tour
If you’ve ever wanted to learn about wine making, District Winery has the tour for you. It covers everything from how they source their grapes to blending and bottling. Each tour includes a seated tasting of five District Winery wines.
Explore the National Museum of the U.S. Navy
The National Museum of the U.S. Navy collects, preserves, displays and interprets historic naval artifacts and artwork. The museum showcases artifacts dating as far back as 1812, including a Civil War ship wheel and Korean War-era uniforms. Visit the website to plan you visit.
Where to Eat:
Bluejacket Brewery
This brewery and restaurant, located at 300 Tingey Street SE, serves craft beers and American eats in a century-old former factory.
Rasa
This fast-casual Indian restaurant, located at 1247 First Street Southeast, focuses on serving flavorful and healthy dishes that are made with care.
Bonchon
This global-restaurant chain based in South Korea is popular for its fried chicken, savory signature sauces and a unique pan-Asian menu. Give it a try at 1015 Half Street Southeast.
Ice Cream Jubilee
There’s nothing better than ice cream on a hot day and this Navy Yard parlor offers unique, locally made flavors like Thai Iced Tea or Banana Bourbon Carmel. It is located at 301 Water Street Southeast.
La Famosa
This restaurant, located at 1300 4th Street Southeast, brings soulful Puerto Rican cooking to Navy Yard.
Pink Taco
This eatery, located at Located at 100 M Street Southeast, serves delicious tacos and creative drinks in a fun atmosphere. Be sure to check out their Happy Hour and Taco Tuesday specials!
TaKorean
This eatery, located at 1212 4th Street Southeast, started off as a food truck and has since expanded to two locations in D.C. The menu offers a delicious combination of Korean flavors with a Mexican twist all made from scratch.
How to Get There:
From Foggy Bottom
- Metro:
- Take Blue, Orange or Silver line train from Foggy Bottom to L’Enfant Plaza, transfer to the Green Line toward Branch Avenue and take the train to Navy Yard.
- If you’d rather not transfer and you’re comfortable with a short walk, take the Blue, Orange or Silver lines to Capitol South. Then walk south down First St., SE, and continue south on New Jersey Ave., SE, for about half a mile.
- Capital Bikeshare: You can rent a bike at any of the several bikeshare docks in Foggy Bottom and bike the four miles to Navy Yard. Make sure to follow all traffic laws.
From Mount Vernon
- Campus Shuttles: The Vern Express runs between the Mount Vernon and Foggy Bottom campuses. The shuttle will only make stops on campus, so once you are in Foggy Bottom follow the suggested travel routes mentioned above.
