United States Washington, D.C. 10 Things to Do on the Capitol Riverfront in Washington, DC By Rachel Cooper Rachel Cooper Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 10/20/21 Fact checked by Erin Medlicott Fact checked by Erin Medlicott LinkedIn Twitter New York University Rutgers University Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. She earned a TripSavvy's fact-checking Westend61 / Getty Images After decades of neglect and misuse, the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood of Washington, D.C., was given a multi-million dollar facelift in the early 2000s and quickly turned into one of the city's hottest neighborhoods. It's located along the banks of the Anacostia River just south of the Capitol Building and has become a vibrant urban neighborhood and entertainment district. Flexible spaces in the area host a variety of events throughout the year, so there's always something to enjoy in this up-and-coming neighborhood. 01 of 10 Sip Craft Beer at Bluejacket Brewery Bluejacket Brewery View Map Address 300 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA Get directions Phone +1 202-524-4862 Web Visit website There are countless places to enjoy a drink in the booming Capitol Riverfront, but one of the local favorites is the neighborhood brewery Bluejacket. Located in one of the original Navy Yard buildings, it's one of the few authentic industrial warehouses that remain in the area. The bar and restaurant brews all of its craft beers right on the premises, so visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look of how the beer is made while imbibing. If you want to do a tasting, 4-ounce glasses are available so you can try them all without committing to a whole pint. 02 of 10 See a Working Rooftop Farm Up Top Acres View Map Address 55 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA Get directions Phone +1 202-258-1269 The middle of a huge cosmopolitan city isn't where you would expect to find local farms, but the organization Up Top Acres specializes in turning neglected spaces into productive farmland. One of the flagship farms is located on the rooftop of 55 M St. in the Capital Riverfront district, which isn't just an urban farm but also an event space. Throughout the year, you can visit this scenic garden and enjoy a drink, pick up fresh produce, take part in a yoga class, or attend one of the learning workshops. 03 of 10 See a Ball Game at Nationals Stadium Mitchell Layton / Getty Images View Map Address 1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA Get directions Phone +1 202-675-6287 Web Visit website One of the cornerstone pieces of the Capitol Riverfront development project was Nationals Park, home to the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball team. The state-of-the-art baseball stadium was built in 2008 and hosts more than 80 home games each season, so there is plenty of opportunity to partake in America's national pastime. At most ballparks, you want to avoid the nosebleed seats far away from the players, but at Nationals Stadium, the upper decks offer views of the nearby Capitol Building and Washington Monument. 04 of 10 Cool Off at Yards Park TripSavvy / Miller Taylor View Map Address 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA Get directions Web Visit website Yards Park on the riverfront is one of the top destinations in the neighborhood. There's always a reason to visit, whether it's the unbeatable views, summer concerts, family events during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, or daily fitness classes. But one of the biggest draws on a hot summer day is the water fountains and Canal Basin pool. When D.C. gets muggy, you'll find kids, teens, and adults splashing around in the water to stay cool. So bring some snacks or pick up food at one of the nearby restaurants to enjoy a picnic while soaking up the park's vibrant energy. Continue to 5 of 10 below. 05 of 10 Walk the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail Lorie Shaull / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 View Map Address Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, Washington, DC, USA Get directions On a warm day in Washington, D.C., the best plan is to take in the surrounding scenery, and nowhere is better for that than the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. The trail is a continuing project along the east and west banks of the Anacostia River stretching from Prince George’s County, Maryland, to the Tidal Basin and the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Even though it's a work in progress, there are already nearly 20 miles completed, plenty of space for a walk, jog, or bike ride along the river with sweeping views of the city. 06 of 10 Visit the Washington Navy Yard NCinDC / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0 View Map Address 600 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA Get directions Phone +1 703-545-6700 Web Visit website The former shipyard for the United States Navy serves as the headquarters for the Naval Historical Center in Washington, D.C. Visitors can explore the Navy Museum and the Navy Art Gallery to learn about the Navy's history from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Admission is free and to enter the campus, a photo ID is required for all persons over age 18. 07 of 10 Fly in the Sky at the Washington Trapeze School Simon Bruty / Getty Images View Map Address 10 I St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA Get directions Phone +1 202-479-6861 Web Visit website Not just for aspiring circus performers, the Washington Trapeze School offers flying trapeze classes for all levels plus unique parties, corporate events, and team-building workshops. Located near the Navy Yard, classes are held indoors and outdoors to learn how to use the flying trapeze, trampoline, aerial silks, conditioning, and even juggling. It's without a doubt one of the most unique attractions not just on the Riverfront, but in all of Washington, D.C. 08 of 10 Ice Skate at Canal Park Westend61 / Getty Images View Map Address 617 Ridgely Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA Get directions Phone +1 410-224-3257 Web Visit website From November through early March, Canal Park, located in the heart of the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, offers public skating, learn to skate programs, birthday parties, and special event rentals. The ice rink is a fun place to enjoy some outdoor recreation in Washington, D.C., during the winter months. Continue to 9 of 10 below. 09 of 10 Go Canoeing or Kayaking TripSavvy / Rachel Cooper View Map Address Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA Get directions Phone +1 202-337-9642 Web Visit website What's better than getting out on the water on a nice day? Washington, D.C., is one of the best cities in the nation for outdoor recreation and has easy access to paddling sports. Rent a boat and explore on your own or sign up for a class to hit the water with some guidance. Ballpark Boathouse offers canoe and kayak rentals, classes, and twilight tours beginning right on the Capitol Riverfront. 10 of 10 Visit the Walking Museum of Transportation Elvert Barnes / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 View Map Address 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20590, USA Get directions Phone +1 202-366-4000 Web Visit website The Walking Museum of Transportation is an outdoor museum and tree-shaded walking trail that surrounds the new Department of Transportation headquarters building in Washington, D.C. Walk the trail and learn the history of how people move around in the country with interpretive panels and life-size elements of transportation. The trail is located about a block from Yards Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email