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Stay in our nation's capital

These nearby hotels in the Navy Yard neighborhood will treat you well…but, keep scrolling. You’ll find a whole guide to food and fun in the Navy Yard & Capitol Hill neighborhoods — including all the “monumental” sights!

Hampton Inn
Navy Yard

1265 First St SE
Washington, DC
20003

Residence Inn
Navy Yard

1233 First Street SE
Washington, DC
20003

Homewood Suites
Navy Yard

50 M St SE
Washington, DC
20003

Marriott Courtyard
Navy Yard

140 L St SE
Washington, DC
20003

 
 
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Breakfast Bites

A full day in the city should be fueled by a good breakfast! Here's some recommendations for the most important meal of the day.

Bethesda Bagels
Navy Yard, 120 M. St. SE
You might not be in NYC, but you might feel like you are after devouring one of Bethesda Bagels' breakfast bagels. They even do lunch bagels, too!

Ted's Bulletin
Captiol Hill, 505 8th Street SE
Another DC staple, and while they serve food all day long, they are infamous for their hearty, homestyle breakfasts and fresh poptarts you can watch being made in the front window. You won't be disappointed.

Bullfrog Bagels
Capitol Hill, 317 7th St SE
Another bagel place? Yep, and it's just as good. Grab one of their breakfast bagel sandwiches for a perfect start to the day.

The Pretzel Bakery
Capitol Hill, 257 15th St SE
A favorite of Ashleigh & Jon's (also because it's just steps from her house), this little mom-and-pop joint makes the best pretzels in DC, even the Washington Post thinks so! Grab a few of their breakfast sliders and their delicious La Colombe coffee.

Pete's Diner
Capitol Hill, 212 2nd St SE
A breakfast and lunch haunt for Congressmen, staffers and locals alike - this DC institution is a classic diner at diner prices.

 
 
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Quick Eats

These restaurants typically have quick counter service with reasonable prices. You'll find spots in Capitol Hill and Navy Yard.

Sweetgreen
Navy Yard, 1212 14th St SE
Capitol Hill, 221 Pennsylvania Ave SE

Simple, seasonal, healthy salads and grain bowls made in-house from scratch with a build-your-own options.

Roti
Navy Yard, 1251 First St SE
Fresh, quick take on modern Mediterranean eats including wraps, rice plates and salads.

Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken
Navy Yard, 300 Tingey St SE
Legendary Portuguese flame-grilled Peri-Peri chicken. Nando's has every type of chicken cut you could imagine, plus sides you'll love! 

Shake Shack
Navy Yard, 54 M Street SE 
This NYC original is a modern day version of a roadside burger stand serving delicious burgers, chicken, hot dogs, shakes, frozen custard, beer, wine & more.

Taylor Gourmet
Navy Yard, 1259 First St SE
Hoagies & more on fresh-baked bread with high quality meats, veggies and toppings

We The Pizza
Capitol Hill, 305 Pennsylvania Ave SE
True NYC-style thin crust pizza pies featuring all kinds specialities pies as well as single slices.

Good Stuff Eatery
Capitol Hill, 303 Pennsylvania Ave SE
A DC original and staple you don't want to miss. Renown for their burgers, fries and custard shakes.

District Taco
Capitol Hill, 656 Pennsylvania Ave SE
The freshest, most authentic tacos and guacamole in DC. Originally started as food truck, this DC staple is work a stop for some delicious, quick and affordable grub.

 
 
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Main Meals

Looking for a little more than casual, quick eats? We've got you covered as well. Check out the top spots below if you're looking to have a great time for lunch or dinner with sit-down service.

Due South
Navy Yard, 301 Water St., SE
This Navy Yard favorite offers creative cuisine inspired by the Southern states with an emphasis on in-house smoked meats, locally sourced seafood and farm fresh produce.

The Salt Line
Navy Yard, 79 Potomac Ave SE
A riverfront restaurant affixed next to Nationals Park, The Salt Line is bringing the experience of classic New England dishes influenced by the bounty of the Chesapeake.

All-Purpose DC
Navy Yard, 79 Potomac Ave SE
This waterfront DC eatery hails local beer and seasonal dishes inspired by the Eastern U.S. and Italian Coastline featuring their tantalizing deck oven pizzas and other Italian-American specialties.

Bluejacket DC
Navy Yard, 300 Tingey St SE
Navy Yard's very own brewery, even named after Sailors, boasts a popular restaurant where you can enjoy their fresh in-house brews alongside top-notch cuisine.

Barrel
Capitol Hill, 613 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Barrel is not only known for its libations (hence the name "Barrel"), but also for its fantastic selection of chef-prepared entrees that will satisfy anyone looking for rich meal. Oh and their brunch is awesome, too!

District Winery
Navy Yard, 385 Water St SE
The city's first winery includes delicious eats alongside a comprehensive wine list including selections aged in DC. A great spot for a quiet meal alongside the river!

Whaley's
Navy Yard, 301 Water St., SE
A seafood restaurant and raw bar on the Anacostia riverfront prides itself on the fresh selection of seafood-focused plates and a rotating family-style platter for sharing.

Agua 301
Navy Yard, 301 Water St., SE
Agua 301 celebrates the culture and cuisine of Mexico taking contemporary Mexican cuisine and infusing it with modern flair. This is not Tex Mex! 

Medium Rare
Capitol Hill, 515 8th St SE
Medium Rare does one thing – and it does it well. Steak and frites. Featuring a reasonable prix fixe menu of Culotte steak, hand-cut fries, and a to-die-for secret sauce accompanied with freshly baked bread and delightful salad. You won't be disappointed by the first...and second (surprise!) round of steak frites you enjoy.

Cava Mezza
Capitol Hill, 527 8th St SE
Cava Mezze serves a modern take on traditional Greek recipes offering shared plates, an expansive wine and beer list, and handcrafted cocktails.

 
 
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Sweet Tooth

We couldn't leave you hanging without share some great places to finish out the day! Check out these diverse and delicious spots to get your sugar fix! 
 

Ice Cream Jubilee
Navy Yard, 301 Water St SE #105
This Navy Yard niche is a perfect parlor to grab homemade and unique ice cream flavors freshly made in-store! You can even go for a stroll along the waterfront while you enjoy your frozen treat.

The Sweet Lobby
Capitol Hill, 404 8th Street SE
Everyone thinks Georgetown Cupcakes is the place to be...but they're wrong. The best cupcakes in DC are from The Sweet Lobby thanks to their delectable icing and unique flavors – oh, and they won Food Network Cupcake Wars!

District Doughnuts
Capitol Hill, 749 8th Street SE
A local DC doughnut shop that hand-craft every part of every doughnut from scratch daily, from the doughs, glazes, and toppings to the pastry creams, jams, and ganaches.

 
 
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Caffeine Jolt

Looking for a good cup of Joe? Here's some great places to try around Navy Yard and Capitol Hill! 

Philz Coffee
Navy Yard, 1331 4th Street SE, Suite #101
A California-come-East-Coast coffee chain known for delicious cups of coffee crafted one at a time.

Lot 38 espresso bar
Navy Yard, 1001 2nd St SE
Locally-owned espresso bar that makes a killer cup of Joe with high quality ingredients, good wifi and plenty of seating.

Dunkin' Donuts
Capitol Hill, 801 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Cause everyone runs on Dunkin', right?

Starbucks
Navy Yard, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE
Capitol Hill, 237 Pennsylvania Ave SE

Your Seattle-based staple. Need we say more?

Firehook Bakery
Capitol Hill, 215 Pennsylvania Ave SE
A DC-bakery chain offering bread, rolls, pastries, light fare & coffee.

 
 
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Monumental Sites

Our nation's capital is full of so much to see, so we've tried to recommend the highlights so you don't miss the big ones!

Smithsonian Museums
National Mall, free
All of the Smithsonian museums are available at no cost to you – thanks to your tax dollars! Highlights are below:

Air & Space Museum
See everything from the beginning of flight – including the original flying machine made by Wilbur and Orville Wright – to the final frontier.
Open 10 a.m.– 5:30 pm, free

American History Museum
Featuring the Star-Spangled Banner, Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers, and other iconic American artifacts.
Open 10 a.m. – 5:30 pm, free

Natural History Museum
Don't miss the Hope Diamond, life size animals, and even a living coral reef.
Open 10 a.m. – 5:30 pm, free

 

United States Capitol
East Capitol St NE & First St SE, free
8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday – Saturday

The seat of our government – this is where our laws are made. You do not want to miss our magnificent Capitol Building (confession, it's Ashleigh's favorite building in DC). Ashleigh & Jon will try and organize staff-guided tours for those who are interested! Be sure to review rules on what is and is not permitted inside due to security. Timed tours needed.

 

Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave SE
8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday – Saturday

Part of the US Capitol Complex, this is one of the most beautiful buildings in DC. Not only will you get to see the stunning atrium and Main Reading Room (where Nicholas Cage visited during National Treasure!), but you'll also get to view Thomas Jefferson's personal library and more! Not to mention, it has a fantastic gift shop.  Be sure to review rules on what is and is not permitted inside due to security. No tickets needed.

 

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, free
Tours of The White House are not readily available due to long wait times & availability , but Ashleigh and Jon will do their best to see if we can secure tours for those who are interested. Regardless, you can still view the exterior of the President's home from the North and the South.

 

Arlington National Cemetery
& Iwo Jima Memorial

Arlington Website - 8am-5pm, Daily, free
Iwo Jima/History of the USMC Memorial Website
Visit our nation's most hallowed grounds to pay respect to those who have truly given their all. You will be able to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Solider as well as President Kennedy's grave and more. Honor. Remember. Explore. While at Arlington, you can easily get to Iwo Jima, the History of the United States Marine Corps Memorial, with its depiction of an iconic moment of World War II and panoramic views of the city.

Washington Monument
National Mall, free
While the Washington Monument is open 24 hours a day, you won't be able to go up in the District's tallest structure due to ongoing elevator repairs.

 

Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial
National Mall, free
These monuments compose the western end of the National Mall, beginning with the expansive World War II memorial and ending with the majestic Lincoln Memorial (where Jon proposed to Ashleigh). The Korean War Memorial and Vietnam War Memorial are nestled on either side of the infamous Reflecting Pool.

 

Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
National Mall, around the Tidal Basin, free
hese monuments compose the southern of the National Mall encompassing the Tidal Basin. Jefferson stands opposite of the White House while FDR and MLK, Jr. wrap around the Tidal Basin among the infamous Japanese Cherry Trees.

 

National Archives
700 Pennsylvania Ave NW (just off the National Mall), tickets suggested, free
10:00am – 5:30pm, Daily

See the founding documents of our country including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. While not required, securing timed entry tickets ensures you'll get to visit these historical giants. Also, it's known to have one of the best gift shops in DC.

RESERVE TICKETS

 

Ford's Theatre and The House Where Lincoln Died
511 10th St NW, $3.00 ticket fee
alk through the theatre where Lincoln's last moments were lived and then cross the street to see the house and very bed where he passed away, still preserved as it was that fateful evening.

RESERVE TICKETS

 
 
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Getting Around Town

While everyone thinks of DC's metro first, don't be shy about using Uber, Lyft or even the National Mall Circulator Bus and bike shares! 

Uber
Cost depends on distance and demand
Uber is an easy and effective way to get around the city (except maybe during rush hour). If you've never used Uber before, download the smartphone app and use the code – uberALG88 – to sign up. 
 

Metro (underground subway)
Fares depend on time of day and distance
DC's clean, but less expansive version of the NYC subway system. Metro can be useful if stops are near where you're trying to go – but if not, it will be more of pain (i.e. there's no Metro stop near Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling where our ceremony and reception is). Make sure to check Metro directions before you head out and if you've never ridden on Metro, read this handy guide before you take the plunge!
 

Capital Bikeshare
$2 per 30 minutes, additional after first 30 min
or $8 for a 24-hour pass

Feeling adventurous or want some exercise with your sightseeing? Pick up a bike at one of hundreds of stations around town. Take as many short rides as you want while your pass is active. End a ride by returning your bike to any station. You'll find stations all around the National Mall, Capitol Hill and Navy Yard.

Lyft
Cost depends on distance and demand
Lyft is just like Uber and an easy and effective way to get around the city (except maybe during rush hour). If you've never used Lyft before, download the smartphone app and use the code ASHANDJON for $20 off your first ride!
 

National Mall Circulator
Fares are a $1 per 2 hours of riding (hop on, hop off route around the Mall)
This Circulator Bus Route is perfect for cruising the National Mall without breaking the bank! It stops at all the major monuments and memorials while giving your feet a rest!