Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals Travel Guide: Nationals Park

Getting to Washington D.C. & The Ballpark

• Flying In: Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) is by far the best option. It is only 5 miles from the stadium and has its own Metro stop for a cheap, easy ride into the city. Washington Dulles (IAD) is a massive United hub about 30 miles away, while Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) is another solid option about 35 miles north.

• Traveling by Train: Union Station is a massive transit hub in the center of the city, serviced heavily by Amtrak and regional rail lines. It is just 2 miles from the ballpark and the Wharf area, making it an incredibly easy ride (or even a walk) if you are coming from another Northeast city.

• Public Transit (The Metro): D.C. has one of the best public transit systems in the country. Take the Green Line to the Navy Yard-Ballpark Station, which drops you just a block away from the stadium gates.

• Parking & Traffic: Do not drive to Nationals Park if you can avoid it. Street parking is incredibly scarce, and team garages run $30-$40+. If you must drive into the area, use the Park-and-Ride lots at suburban Metro stations and take the train in.

• The Water Taxi: For a truly unique arrival, the Potomac Riverboat Company operates water taxis from Alexandria, VA, and Georgetown directly to the Wharf, dropping you off right by the stadium.

Where to Stay

Nationals Park is located in the Navy Yard neighborhood, bordered immediately to the west by the massive, buzzing Wharf district. Staying in this area gives you incredible access to the stadium, the water, and trendy restaurants.

Budget Options

• Hyatt House Washington DC / The Wharf: Located right on the banks of the Potomac River, this hotel is surrounded by trendy restaurants and walking paths. It features a seasonal rooftop pool, a free daily hot breakfast with an omelet bar, and suites with full kitchens. Points Update: Because of the Wharf's explosion in popularity, this is now a Category 5 property, requiring around 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

• Courtyard by Marriott Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard: If your trip is purely focused on convenience, this straightforward city hotel is an 8-minute walk to Nationals Park and a 10-minute walk to Capitol Hill. It features an indoor pool and an outdoor patio right amidst the city hustle. It is generally bookable for around 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Higher-End Options

• InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf: This is the premier luxury stay on the Potomac River. It features refined rooms with spa-inspired bathrooms and some of the best water views in D.C. It boasts a full spa, a stunning rooftop pool with a marina-view bar, and multiple high-end restaurants. It is an easy walk to the ballpark and just one mile from the National Mall.

• Grand Hyatt Washington: Located in the center of the city's main attractions, this classic, upscale D.C. hotel is about 2.5 miles from the stadium but walking distance to the White House and the Smithsonian. It features a massive inner atrium, a bistro, and a club lounge. It is also a Category 5 property, generally bookable for 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Nearby Activities

• The Wharf: Spend your afternoon walking this buzzing, revitalized waterfront district right near the stadium. It is packed with high-end dining, live music venues, and incredible views of the Potomac River.

• The National Mall: You cannot visit D.C. without walking the Mall. Start at the Capitol Building and work your way down past the Smithsonian museums to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial before heading to the Navy Yard for an evening game.

Pregame Food and Drink

The Navy Yard neighborhood has exploded with development, creating one of the best pregame scenes in baseball.

• The Ultimate Tailgate: You have to visit The Bullpen at Half Street Fairgrounds. Located right outside the stadium gates, this massive, outdoor shipping-container bar is the undisputed pregame headquarters for Nats fans. It features cheap beer, food trucks, cornhole, and live music.

• The Massive Sports Bar: Directly across the street from the stadium is Walters Sports Bar. It boasts dozens of massive TVs, a pour-your-own beer wall with two dozen taps, and fantastic elevated pub food.

• Craft Beer & Views: Head to Bluejacket, a massive, incredibly popular brewery offering 20 in-house beers and great American food (arrive early, it gets packed). For sweeping views of the city and the stadium, head up to Top of the Yard, the rooftop bar at the nearby Hampton Inn.

• Riverfront Dining: Walk down to the water to visit The Salt Line for upscale New England-style seafood and a massive oyster bar, or grab a slice and a beer on the outdoor patio at All-Purpose Riverfront Pizzeria.

Where to Sit at Nationals Park

• The Best Viewpoint: Look for tickets in the 200-level (specifically Sections 206-211). This level is perfectly elevated, offering an incredible, unobstructed view of the entire field and the action without feeling too far away.

• Away Fans: If you are cheering for the visiting team, look for Sections 116-117. These seats put you directly behind the visitor's dugout on the third-base side. Tip: The higher rows in these sections actually offer better sightlines over the dugout roof to the middle of the diamond.

• The Social/Budget Seats: Look for tickets in Sections 401-404. These are generally the cheapest tickets in the park and offer some of the best shade during day games. Better yet, they put you right next to the Budweiser Brewhouse, a highly social, open-air bar area that is incredibly popular before and during games.

• Family-Friendly: If you are bringing the kids, Sections 140-143 are a great lower-level value. They are priced lower than the infield seats and sit right next to a variety of kids' activities and concession stands.