Top 10 Things To Do in Navy Yard

Heading out to Navy Yard tonight or over the weekend? You couldn’t do better for an exciting night out! This neighborhood is a hub of cocktails, food and fun – the perfect place to spend time with friends and family.

You’ll find all sorts of unique attractions and outdoor activities here, not to mention tons of shopping. However, if you’re new to town or haven’t spent much time in the Navy Yard area, you might not know everything it has to offer! On that note, here’s our guide to the top 10 things to do in Navy Yard, so you can plan for an amazing weekend (and beyond!).

1. Swingers Crazy Golf

We couldn’t write a guide to Navy Yard without mentioning one of our newest Swingers Crazy Golf locations. Swingers Navy Yard offers three quirky new mini golf courses covering over 23,000 square feet of space. With immersive decor inspired by traditional English pubs and seaside fairgrounds, they’ll transport you to a whole different world.

Fancy a drink? Choose from one of three bars complete with unique themes and plenty of cocktails, like the Easy Does It Spritz: a refreshing blend of elderflower gin, cucumber-mint vodka, lemon juice, Prosecco and simple syrup. Whether you’re in the mood for mini golf or exceptional drinks, Swingers is the perfect spot for some fun before or after a game or concert – especially with National Park stadium just minutes away! Keep the party going late into the evening with great entertainment, live DJs and delicious street food. We’ll see you there!

2. Washington Nationals Game

Speaking of Navy Yard’s iconic stadium, you could always take yourself out to a ball game and watch the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park! Or if you’d prefer to stretch your legs, book yourself onto a ballpark tour – afterwards, you can impress your friends with fun facts about the stadium and the Nationals team. Not a baseball fan? Keep an eye on the stadium’s events schedule; that band you absolutely love might just be coming into town soon!

3. District Winery Tour

For a quality wine tasting and tour, how about a trip to District Winery? DC’s very first winery opened up just a few years ago, and is one of the best watering holes in Navy Yard that’s actually on the water! On this winery tour, you’ll learn all about boutique urban winemaking and (most importantly) sample some of the good stuff yourself. Of course, trying all that wine can build up quite the appetite, so don’t forget to book a table afterwards. With gorgeous views and a modern American menu, the District Winery restaurant lets you continue your boozy journey with a comprehensive wine list, flights and delicious cocktails.

4. Ballpark Boating

There’s nothing quite like a leisurely paddle on the open water, particularly during those unbelievably hot DC summers. Make the most of Navy Yard’s proximity to the Anacostia River by heading over to Ballpark Boathouse and renting a kayak or canoe! Enjoy views of historic landmarks, as well as the nearby Nationals Park. Rentals start at $16/hour for these two-to-four-person boats. Classes and twilight tours are also available… the latter of which would make for a great date with someone special.

5. US Navy Museum

This one’s for the history buffs – an afternoon at the National Museum of the US Navy, which features countless detailed and fascinating exhibits on US naval history. Highlights include photographs and artifacts from Admiral Richard Byrd’s 1928 polar expedition, and the Dive! Dive! U.S. Navy Submarines exhibition. The museum also frequently holds special events and tours, so look out for those on their events listings. And like any great museum, they’ve got a maritime-tastic gift shop to poke through at the end of your visit.

6. Trapeze School

You’ll need a head for heights for this one! Live out your running-away-with-the-circus fantasies with a class at TSNY in Navy Yard. From trapeze and aerial silks to trampolining and gravity-defying acrobatics, there’s a vast range of options here (all of which would terrify your mom). Sessions range from 1-2 hours, and are accessible for different experience levels. In other words, you don’t need to be Zendaya from The Greatest Showman to get started – though after a few sessions, you won’t be able to get enough thrilling trapeze tricks!

7. Bluejacket Brewery

Beer connoisseurs, get pumped: Bluejacket Brewery is renowned for its craft beers and delectable menu. Based in a 100-year-old historic factory, this combination microbrewery and restaurant is chock full of character and upscale-industrial aesthetics. With three stories of brewing equipment towering over the beautifully refurbished space, it’s a real sight to behold. There’s also a constant rotation of 20+ Bluejacket beers, some only available at this location. We’ll drink to that!

8. The Bullpen

It’s a DC institution for a reason! The Bullpen outdoor venue is just steps away from the National Park, and will seriously hit the spot if you’re after a cold beer or hot dog. Head here for concerts and pre-game snacks from local food trucks, as well as plenty of DC brews. The Bullpen is all about cultivating a cheery, energetic atmosphere, with pop-up festivals, family days, and live music happening throughout the year. Best of all, it’s dog-friendly! So grab a drink and go make some furry new friends.

9. Yards Park

Cool things down and take a breather at Yards Park along the river. These calm green spaces are perfect for a picnic, a stroll, or escaping the busy streets of DC with a book. Look out for the popular dancing fountains, lit up in rainbow colors and wonderfully refreshing during the hot weather! Yards Park also hosts a number of great outdoor events: local concerts, movies under the stars, charity fundraisers and more. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll want to bring your bathing suit – there’s a wading pool just wading for you to splash around in it.

10. Ice Cream Jubilee

Is there anything better than a cold, sweet treat in the heart of humid DC? Ice Cream Jubilee puts a cool spin (literally) on DC dessert, with unique flavors to tantalize your taste buds. How about a scoop of banana bourbon caramel or Thai iced tea? Look out for limited-time seasonal flavors too, such as boozy eggnog for the holidays and redbean almond cookie for Lunar New Year. All these flavors are made in small batches using all-natural ingredients, so you can be sure your ice cream will be fresh and delicious. Enjoy sitting inside the light and airy parlor, or take your cone with you as you explore Navy Yard.