Navy Yard DC Neighborhood Guide
From historic shipyard to thriving riverfront hub, Navy Yard blends industrial roots with modern energy.
Once home to the nation’s largest naval shipbuilding facility, Navy Yard has transformed into one of D.C.’s most dynamic and fastest-growing neighborhoods. With scenic waterfront parks, trendy restaurants, and cutting-edge architecture, the area offers a vibrant mix of culture, entertainment, and urban living. Navy Yard draws young professionals, sports fans, and families alike thanks to its walkability, access to Nationals Park, and easy Metro connections.
Arts & History
Navy Yard is rich in cultural heritage and artistic expression. Here are some must-visit museums, galleries, and historical sites that capture the essence of this dynamic neighborhood:
Washington Navy Yard Historic District
Established in 1799, the Washington Navy Yard Historic District is the oldest shore establishment of the U.S. Navy and serves as the heart of the neighborhood’s rich maritime heritage.
Visitors can explore the free National Museum of the United States Navy, which showcases naval artifacts, interactive exhibits, and historical displays spanning from the American Revolution to modern day.
Address: 805 Kidder Breese Street SE (Building 76)
Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374
U.S. Navy Museum
The National Museum of the United States Navy is the only museum presenting a complete overview of U.S. naval history from the American Revolution to present day.
Housed in the historic Naval Gun Factory building at the Washington Navy Yard, this free museum showcases artifacts including the USS Constitution’s fighting top, WWII equipment, the deep-sea submersible Trieste, and exhibits on submarines, naval battles, and American sailors throughout history.
Address: 805 Kidder Breese Street SE (Building 76)
Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374
Willard Park
Willard Park is an outdoor exhibit at the Washington Navy Yard displaying impressive naval artifacts including 16-inch battleship guns, a USS Maine propeller blade, and a World War I naval railway gun.
Named after Admiral Arthur L. Willard, this open-air museum offers visitors a chance to examine authentic equipment from American naval history up close.
To Access Willard Park:
- Visitors must enter through the Visitor Control Center (VCC)
- VCC Address: 1022 O Street SE (11th & O Streets SE), Washington, DC
- Valid photo ID required
Casual Dining
Navy Yard offers a diverse selection of casual dining options that cater to different tastes and occasions. From award-winning pizza to international flavors, here are some popular spots:
Emmy Squared
Emmy Squared serves award-winning Detroit-style pizza with crispy, square-shaped pies featuring caramelized cheese “frico” crust. The spacious Navy Yard location also offers the acclaimed Le Big Matt burger, jumbo wings, and craft cocktails in a trendy atmosphere with dog-friendly outdoor seating.
All-Purpose Pizzeria
All-Purpose Pizzeria serves Jersey-style wood-fired pizza with crunchy, flavorful crust and creative toppings like the popular Buona with pepperoni and honey. Located on the waterfront across from Nationals Park, the restaurant features a rooftop deck, dog-friendly patio, and Italian small plates.
El Bebe Tacos + Tequila
El Bebe brings bold Mexican flavors to Navy Yard with wicked tacos, bangin’ queso, and frozen margaritas. This vibrant taco joint near Nationals Park features signature handcrafted cocktails, extensive tequila and mezcal selections, bottomless brunch weekends, and Taco Tuesday specials.
Address: 99 M St SE #120, Washington, DC 20003
GATSBY
Gatsby brings 1920s glamour to Navy Yard with Art Deco elegance and elevated American diner classics. Located across from Nationals Park, enjoy craft cocktails, bottomless brunch, and game-day dining in this stunning two-story restaurant.
CIRCA
CIRCA delivers seasonal American cuisine near Nationals Park and the Capitol Riverfront. This contemporary neighborhood bistro offers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch with an extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and local beers. Enjoy happy hour Monday-Friday, outdoor seating, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for casual gatherings or pre-game celebrations.
Bonchon Chicken
Bonchon serves authentic Korean fried chicken with signature double-fried crispiness. Choose soy garlic or spicy flavors, plus traditional dishes like bulgogi and bibimbap. Perfect for pre-game dining near Nationals Park.
Address: 1015 Half St SE, Washington, DC 20003
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Upscale Dining
Navy Yard features an impressive collection of upscale restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments and award-winning chefs. From elevated American fare to innovative international cuisine, here are the premier fine dining options:Retry
Albi
Albi is a Michelin-starred Palestinian restaurant showcasing wood-fired Levantine cuisine. Chef Michael Rafidi’s James Beard award-winning dishes blend traditional flavors with Mid-Atlantic ingredients. Offers à la carte and Sofra tasting menu.
Address: 1346 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Chloe
Chloe is a Michelin Guide restaurant featuring Chef Haidar Karoum’s eclectic international shareable plates. Blending Lebanese, Southeast Asian, and European influences with Mid-Atlantic ingredients. Contemporary dining with global flavors.
Address: 1331 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Osteria Morini
Osteria Morini showcases award-winning Chef Michael White’s northern Italian cuisine with stunning Anacostia River views. Features handmade pastas, regional specialties from Emilia-Romagna, and waterfront dining perfect for special occasions.
Bars & Breweries
Navy Yard offers a vibrant nightlife scene with craft breweries, sports bars, and cocktail lounges. From local beer favorites to waterfront drinking spots, here are the top destinations for drinks and socializing:
Visit District Winery
District Winery is DC’s first commercial urban winery on the Anacostia River. Offers house-made wines, guided tastings, winery tours, wine classes, and seasonal small plates in the waterfront Tasting Room.
Explore Bluejacket Brewery
Bluejacket Brewery is a three-story craft brewery in the historic 1919 Boilermaker Building. Features twenty rotating house-made beers on tap, cask ales, outdoor seating, and classic beer hall fare at The Arsenal restaurant.
Trouble Bird
Trouble Bird is a neighborhood cocktail bar featuring creative drinks, frozen cocktails, boilermakers, and classic riffs. Late-night vibes with comfort food bites in a playful “punk grandma’s living room” setting next to Albi.
Address: 1346 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Walters Sports Bar
Walters is Navy Yard’s neighborhood sports bar featuring 24 self-pour beer taps and 40+ TVs including DC’s largest 220″ 4K screen. Offers burgers, wings, bottomless brunch, and pre-game atmosphere near Nationals Park.
Address: 10 N St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Outdoor Activities & Parks
Navy Yard offers beautiful outdoor spaces along the Anacostia River waterfront. From scenic parks to recreational trails, here are the best spots to enjoy nature and outdoor activities:
The Yards Park
The Yards Park is a 5.4-acre award-winning waterfront park featuring Dancing Fountains, Canal Basin, Great Lawn, dog run, sculptural bridge, 60-foot Light Tower, and connections to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail.
Canal Park
Canal Park is a 3-acre sustainable urban park in Navy Yard featuring seasonal attractions year-round. Enjoy dancing fountains and splash areas in summer, or ice skating in winter.
With open green spaces, public art, dining options, and easy Metro access, it’s perfect for families, dates, and community events.
Address: 200 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is a scenic 20-mile paved multi-use path along the Anacostia River, perfect for walking, running, biking, and skating.
Free and open year-round, the trail connects Navy Yard to numerous parks, Nationals Park, and waterfront attractions. Ideal for outdoor recreation with beautiful river views and easy Metro access.
Address: Along Anacostia Riverfront (The trail is a 20+ mile continuous system, not a single address. Navy Yard access points include Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station at 200 M Street SE)
Diamond Teague Park
Diamond Teague Park is a scenic 39,000-square-foot waterfront plaza on the Anacostia River across from Nationals Park.
Featuring water taxi service, public piers for canoes and kayaks, fishing opportunities, and beautiful river views, this open-air destination connects to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and offers 24/7 access year-round.
Waterfront Activities
Navy Yard boasts beautiful Anacostia River access with parks, trails, and water-based recreation. Here are some top waterfront activities and destinations in the neighborhood:
Ballpark Boathouse
Ballpark Boathouse offers kayak and canoe rentals on the Anacostia River at Diamond Teague Park. Paddle past historic Navy Yard, the U.S. Capitol, and Fort McNair, or catch Nationals games from the water.
Classes and Capitol Riverfront Twilight Tours available during operating season.
Address: 100 Potomac Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003
Anacostia River Tours
Anacostia River Explorers offers free guided boat tours departing from Yards Marina in Navy Yard. Learn about the river’s history, wildlife, and environmental restoration on one to two-hour motorized or canoe tours.
Funded by DC’s bag fee, these educational experiences run April through November with registration required.
Address: Yards Marina, 301 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Note: Tours also launch from other locations including Anacostia Park, Kenilworth Park, Diamond Teague Park, and Bladensburg Waterfront Park.
Yards Park Boardwalk
Yards Park Boardwalk offers a scenic quarter-mile riverside walk along the Anacostia River in Navy Yard. Made of IPE decking, this waterfront promenade connects to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, features marina access, waterside dining, and stunning river views. Open sunrise to two hours after sunset year-round.
Sports & Entertainment
Navy Yard is DC’s sports and entertainment hub with professional stadiums, live music venues, and year-round events. Here are some top sports and entertainment options in the neighborhood:
Nationals Park
Nationals Park is home to Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals and Navy Yard’s premier sports and entertainment venue.
With capacity for over 41,000 fans, the LEED-certified stadium offers exciting MLB action, Capitol views, the Racing Presidents, and year-round events including concerts and private functions. One block from Navy Yard Metro.
Audi Field
Audi Field is a 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium home to D.C. United (MLS), Washington Spirit (NWSL), DC Power FC, and DC Defenders.
Opened in 2018 in Buzzard Point near Navy Yard, this state-of-the-art venue hosts year-round sporting events, concerts, and private functions. Accessible via Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro station.
Capital Turnaround
Capital Turnaround transforms the historic 1891 Navy Yard Car Barn into a state-of-the-art entertainment venue featuring a 982-seat concert hall with LED screens, exposed brick aesthetics, and multiple event spaces.
Host to concerts, live podcasts, and performances managed by Union Stage, this Romanesque Revival landmark offers unique entertainment experiences year-round.
Address: 700 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 (entrances on 7th St and L St)
Coffee Shops & Cafes
Navy Yard’s vibrant cafe culture provides the perfect spots to fuel up before a game, catch up with friends, or work remotely along the waterfront. Here are some top coffee shops and cafes in the neighborhood:
Compass Coffee
Founded in 2014 by two Marines, Compass Coffee is DC’s locally-roasted specialty coffee brand committed to ethical sourcing and peak roasting.
Known as “Real Good Coffee Made in DC,” this beloved chain offers expertly crafted espresso drinks, pour-overs, and pastries in welcoming spaces perfect for work or community gathering.
Address: 82 I St SE, Washington, DC 20003
maman
maman brings French charm to Navy Yard with rustic South of France ambiance, featuring antique décor and floral accents.
This beloved bakery and café serves childhood-inspired French favorites including famous nutty chocolate chip cookies, fresh pastries, savory quiches, artisan coffee, and hearty breakfast and lunch options in a welcoming, event-ready space.
Lot 38 Espresso Bar
A family-owned Navy Yard staple since 2011, Lot 38 Espresso Bar serves premium Illy espresso and expertly crafted lattes in a cozy, two-level space with views of Canal Park.
Known for fresh breakfast sandwiches, homemade pastries, and friendly service, this hidden gem offers quality coffee and free Wi-Fi in a welcoming atmosphere.
Address: 1001 2nd St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Toastique
Toastique is a bright, modern gourmet toast and juice bar serving fresh breakfast, brunch, and lunch with responsibly sourced ingredients.
Located near Nationals Park and The Yards, this boutique café features specialty coffee, cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and creative artisan toast in a welcoming, health-focused atmosphere.
Address: 1331 4th St SE
Washington, DC 20003
Explore more neighborhoods
Explore more of the vibrant neighborhoods around the D.C. metro area. Check out our other neighborhood guides to discover the best attractions, dining, and living options in:
Each guide offers a unique look into local culture, housing, and activities, helping you find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle.
Guide Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide provides information that is as accurate as possible at the time of posting. We recommend contacting individual venues or checking their websites for the latest information regarding hours, events, and services. Always plan ahead to confirm availability and details.
