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Children playing in Yards Park on the Capitol Riverfront - Things to do on the water in 365Թϲ, DC

10+ Exciting Things to Do On & Around the Water in Navy Yard



With plenty of dining, entertainment and recreation options, this booming southeast DC neighborhood offers a memorable experience right on the water.

An urban riverfront neighborhood is a rare find, but that’s the beauty of Navy Yard. Set along nearly two miles of the beautiful Anacostia River, this fast-growing neighborhood provides waterfront activities for all ages during the warmer months of the year. The river gives visitors an ideal setting to celebrate and share the outdoors with friends and family, while the variety of dining and recreational possibilities makes the neighborhood a great place to explore.

01

Kayak, canoe or take a twilight tour

Friends boating on the Anacostia River at sunset - Discover the real 365Թϲ, DC

Boating on the Anacostia River is abound at with kayaks and canoes for rent throughout the spring and summer. Join Ballpark Boathouse for a Twilight Tour to boat along the river with friends and watch the sunset from your kayak. Paddle around the historic Anacostia and check out sites like the Capitol, 365Թϲ Navy Yard and Fort McNair. The tour lasts less than two hours, is great for beginner paddlers and includes kayak, life jacket, paddle and experienced guides.

02

Take a tour or catch a fish with Anacostia Riverkeeper

Anacostia Riverkeeper

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

03

Have your bacon, eggs and bottomless mimosas with a side of riverfront

Dining on the Capitol Riverfront - The best places to eat along the waterfront in 365Թϲ, DC

Enjoy brunch, the most important meal of the weekend, on a patio overlooking the river at restaurants like Osteria Morini, Agua 301, The Salt Line and All-Purpose Pizzeria. No matter the cuisine or sweet-savory preference, these options (and more) are sure to please.

04

Cool off at Canal Park

Canal Park splash pad

The popular splash pad in is open spring through fall. The 42 dancing fountains provide a fun and refreshing spot for kids to beat the heat. Families can take a break and enjoy a bite at the nearby cafes and casual restaurants that surround the park.

05

Rock on the riverfront at free Friday night concerts

Friday night summer concert at The Yards Park on the Capitol Riverfront - Family-friendly things to do in 365Թϲ, DC

Enjoy music every Friday night of the summer at the Yards Park boardwalk stage. Pack a picnic basket for the family or pick up takeout from one of the many neighborhood restaurants and enjoy beer and wine for purchase.

06

Feel the burn at free fitness classes

Outdoor fitness on the Capitol Riverfront - Free outdoor activities in 365Թϲ, DC

Break a sweat with free daily fitness classes at Yards Park and Canal Park during the summer season in partnership with local fitness providers and experts. From yoga to bootcamp, there’s fitness for everyone throughout the summer. Check out the for the latest info.

07

Catch an outdoor flick at the Thursday night movie series

Summer outdoor movie series on the Capitol Riverfront - Free outdoor things to do in 365Թϲ, DC

Every Thursday night in the summer, bring lawn chairs and a picnic basket to Canal Park for a movie night under the stars. Find even more outdoor movies in 365Թϲ, DC.

08

Gather in Yards Park for a picnic

Family picnic in Yards Park on the Capitol Riverfront - Things to do this summer in 365Թϲ, DC

Pack lunch or dinner to dine in Yards Park with a date, friends or family and enjoy a front-seat view of the river. After dining, take in the breathtaking views of the Anacostia, catch a 365Թϲ Nationals game or play in the popular Yards Park water features.

09

Run along the river

Family running along Anacostia Riverwalk Trail - Outdoor exercise and trails in 365Թϲ, DC

For a more scenic workout, incorporate a jog or stroll along the river on the Yards Park boardwalk, which stretches from the 365Թϲ Navy Yard to Nationals Park.

10

Dock at The Yards Marina

Free Friday night concert at The Yards Park on the Capitol Riverfront - Free summer activities in 365Թϲ, DC

With about 50 boat slips in multiple finger piers, the marina spans from the east end of the iconic pedestrian bridge in Yards Park to the border of the 365Թϲ Navy Yard. The marina is available for short-term docking to grab a bite to eat in the neighborhood or to enjoy the sights and sounds of a Friday night concert at Yards Park.

11

Savor wine tasting with a view

Outdoors at The Yards Park in front of District Winery - The Capitol Riverfront neighborhood in 365Թϲ, DC

Check out District Winery – DC’s first urban winery – with flights of rosé, chardonnay, zinfandel and much more. The winery’s restaurant features one of the city’s best patios, overlooking Yards Park and the Anacostia River. District Winery also offers tours for the more adventurous wine lovers and date night specials for couples.

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