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Capital Riverfront Family

12 Things to See & Do in the Capitol Riverfront Neighborhood



DC's Capitol Riverfront scores with pro baseball, riverside parks, cool restaurants and so much more.

Since Nationals Park opened in 2008, the buzzworthy Capitol Riverfront has become one of DC’s emerging neighborhoods. The experiences continue to grow, and we've compiled some of our favorites to get you started on your adventure.

01

Watch the ball fly and the presidents race at Washington Nationals games

Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals

Nationals games are a wonderful family-friendly experience. There's nothing like the national pastime in the nation's capital. For example: during the fourth inning, six jumbo-headed mascots costumed as U.S. presidents zip around the field in a comical-yet-competitive foot race (yes, there’s some cheating). Nats games are a hot ticket in DC, so make sure to score your exclusive discount and save big. Just go to the single game tickets page, select the game you wish to attend, and enter the promotional code VISITDC for up to 20% off. If you have a group of 13 or more, call the group sales department at 202-675-6287 for even bigger discounts and exclusive experiences. Want more info? Here are even more reasons to catch a Nationals game.

02

Make your way down to the waterfront

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Olivia Logan (@itsinstaliv)

Set along nearly two miles of the beautiful Anacostia River, this Capitol Riverfront is home to plenty of waterfront activities during the warmer months. Discover endless things to do in this booming neighborhood right on the water.

03

Catch D.C. United at the brand new Audi Field

Whether you’re a life-long soccer fan or you’ve never watched a game before, you’ll love the energy, excitement and experience of seeing D.C. United play in person. From cheering on legendary footballer Wayne Rooney to having one of the best stadiums in soccer, there are lots of reasons to hop on the band wagon and get tickets today.

04

Spend a sunny afternoon at The Yards Park

On nearly six riverfront acres between 2nd and 5th streets SE, this modern park rests beautifully alongside the Anacostia River, sporting plenty of places to relax, including an elevated overlook of the river. Kids will love the 11-inch deep “canal” and the park’s waterfall, and everyone can admire the impressive, light-adorned, ringed bridge that serves as The Yards’ centerpiece. The park also hosts a Friday night concert series throughout the summer.

05

Take a tour or catch a fish with Anacostia Riverkeeper

You can become an Anacostia River Explorer thanks to Anacostia Riverkeeper, which offers free, scenic and incredibly educational tours year-round. Don’t have a fishing rod and want to fish? No worries. Head to Diamond Teague Park for free catch and release fishing, a wonderful experience for kids and kids at heart with fishing equipment included.

06

Dig into rustic Italian fare at Osteria Morini

Even if home runs and strikeouts are not on the evening’s agenda, Osteria Morini offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the Capitol Riverfront. Located next to the scenic Yards Park, Osteria doles out authentic Italian cuisine typical of the Emilia-Romagna region (think rich pastas and grilled fish) and cocktails in a sophisticated setting. We recommend sitting on the patio during sunset.

07

Sip made-in-DC wines on the water at District Winery

Group of Friends at District Winery - Wine Bars and Restaurants in Washington, DC

Group of Friends at District Winery - Wine Bars and Restaurants in Washington, DC

The17,000-square-foot District Winery is home to a sleek winery and Ana, a new American restaurant specializing in unique dishes like Maryland crab beignets, a veggie-stuffed shawarma with carrot hummus and pastrami-spiced monkfish. Tours of the glass-enclosed winery include a trip to the tasting bar, where guests can enjoy a flight of five wines. At Ana, there’s space for 50-plus diners indoors, or take your meal riverside on the adjoining patio with seating for more than 80. A number of its pours were produced specifically for DC at Brooklyn Winery, although District Winery has begun serving its first made-in-DC wine: the 2017 dry rosé.

08

Try local brews at Bluejacket

Bluejacket Brewery on the Capitol Riverfront - Brewery and Restaurant in Washington, DC

A rotating menu of 25 made-here beers (including five English cask styles, which are served at room temperature) headlines at this jumbo, industrial-cool American restaurant and brewpub. Housed in a former munitions factory-turned-neighborhood brewery, Bluejacket offers brew-tasting tours as well as distinctive takes on classic bar food at its in-house restaurant, The Arsenal. The grub is as varied as the suds – hearty entree salads, charcuterie and seafood.

09

Learn to fly at Trapeze School

Swing from a trapeze 20-plus feet in the air, learn to juggle or explore the art of silks (those scarf-like suspension devices you’ve seen at Cirque du Soleil) during daily classes at this indoor-outdoor facility.

10

Get your pre- or post-game on at The Bullpen

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Bullpen (@thebullpendc)

With live music, a wealth of beer and food options and a happy-go-lucky pregame crowd, The Bullpen is an ideal spot to stretch out before watching one of Major League Baseball’s most exciting teams take the field. Next to Nationals Park, the fairgrounds open two hours before every Nationals home game and continue serving revelers two hours after games end. Frequent concerts up the appeal, as does Truckeroo, a monthly food truck festival held April through October.

11

Take a spin around the ice at Canal Park

Skate rentals and a rocking soundtrack make this wintertime, racetrack-like ice rink popular with kids and locals – it's one of our favorite places to ice skate in the District.

12

Explore U.S. history at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy

With the U.S. Navy such an integral part of the Capitol Riverfront and its history, no trip is complete without a visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Navy. Housed in the Old Naval Gun Factory, this kid-friendly museum showcases artifacts dating as far back as the War of 1812, including a Civil War ship wheel, Korean War-era uniforms and the foremast fighting top of the U.S.S. Constitution.

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