Capitol Riverfront

Yards Park bridge Captiol Riverfront by Destination DC

Capitol Riverfront

See how newly-created public parks and industrial buildings repurposed as residences and restaurants are attracting locals and visitors to Capitol Riverfront, a 500-acre from-scratch neighborhood along the Anacostia River that has grown by leaps and bounds since the first developer’s shovel broke ground in 2003.  Yet the area was once home to D.C. landmarks of a different sort:

  • Countless members of Washington’s LGBTQ+ community danced the night away at the iconic nightclub Tracks (remember the volleyball court?);
  • Thousands of government employees arrived to work each day at the Washington Navy Yard Annex and Southeast Federal Center;
  • Black congregants worshipped at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church for over 100 years.

Discover not only where these sites once stood, but where evidence of the neighborhood’s historic past can still be seen.  And because absorbing D.C. history requires energy, the walking tour will stop to fuel up at Ice Cream Jubilee, a Capitol Riverfront (and Washington Walks) local business favorite.  

 

What's in the Navy Yard?  Adjacent to the residential section of Capitol Riverfront is the Washington Navy Yard, the nation's first naval yard and first home port.  In the 19th century is was the major site for U.S. naval gun manufacture.  Production stopped in 1962.  Today the Navy Yard serves as a ceremonial and administrative center for the U.S. Navy.  The campus was designated an historic district in 1976 due to its buildings dating from 1799 to 1920.  The National Museum of the U.S. Navy is located there, too!

 

Discover more great D.C. walking tour adventures: Historic Southwest Waterfront and Renewing Urban Renewal

 
Guides that may lead this tour: 
Portrait of Carolyn

CAROLYN attributes her devotion to walking tours to perambulations through her new hometown when she arrived to earn an M.F.A. in Acting from The Catholic University of America. She is the founder of Washington Walks.

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When 

Available for private bookings. Email info@washingtonwalks.com for more information.

Duration 
Approximately 2 hours
Reservations 
Reservations REQUIRED and limited to fifteen (15) participants on public tours.
Cost 

Please email us for a private tour quote.

Where 
Embarks from outside the Navy Yard Metro station's New Jersey Avenue, SE exit (200 M Street, SE).
Questions? Answers here.

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