The options of what to do in Washington's D.C.'s Navy Yard are endless, an entity forever in flux. The ever-changing landscape ensures no end to the number of experiences you can enjoy when visiting, so you may wish to set aside several days to get the most out of your time there. Visiting bars in Navy Yard all throughout your visit is a great way to experience the dining atmosphere and get out on the town. 

Because there are so many possibilities, it may be appropriate to look at the individual interests of everyone traveling with you. While it can be challenging to please everyone, if children are involved when deciding which sites to visit in Washington, D.C.'s Navy Yard, it opens up another realm of possibilities. 

Navy Yard Boundaries

The Navy Yard area is bordered on the north and east sides by federal highway 695. To the south lies the Anacostia River. And the western border is South Capitol Street. The area is about 63 acres in the southeast of Washington, D.C.

Sports and Fitness

If you like baseball, you are in luck. The Nationals Park is home to the major league home team, the Nationals. The National League East division team has called the Nationals Park stadium home since 2008. Nationals Park was the first "green" area certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). LEED is a universally respected green certification entity.

Are you a gym rat? The auspicious workout opportunities at the Washington Navy Yard Fitness Center are in the Washington Navy Yard Town Center. It features three floors of diverse fitness equipment available by appointment. The facility also provides group exercise classes and nutritional counseling.

Culture: Art

The National Gallery of Art resides in the Navy Yard at 6th and Constitution Ave. The free admission exposes the visitor to the world-class works of renowned artists in many media. Examples in the permanent collection include Leonardo da Vinci's portrait of Ginevra de' Benci; "The Farm" by Joan Miro; and James McNeil Whistler's "Symphony in White, No. 1: The White Girl". 

At Independence Ave and 7th Street, you can find the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. This national museum of modern and contemporary art invites visitors to view the spectacular works of living and relatively unknown artists. A six-segment series on the Smithsonian channel called The Exhibit: Finding the next Great Artist is based on the museum.

Culture: Music

The Anthem music venue at The Wharf presents concerts along every line of musical tastes, with a variable capacity between 2,500 and 6,000. The seating difference is due to a movable stage and backdrop to the 57,000-square-foot interior space. The concert schedule remains booked with artists like the Foo Fighters, Seal, Meek Mill, and Little Big Town.

Also found at the Wharf is the Wharf Floating Stage. Different live bands perform every Wednesday from 6:30 PM until 9 PM. The specially constructed stage floats alongside the Transit pier. Several establishments are across from the floating stage to enjoy adult beverages and tapas while enjoying the show. 

The United States Marine Band headquarters is at 7th and L Streets. While the performing band is often on tour around the country or performing at special events, you can catch a jam session or rehearsal. Called "The President's Own," the United States Marine Band includes The Marine Chamber Orchestra and Marine Chamber Ensembles. They are the oldest professional instrumental organization in America. 

Fine Dining

Whether a gastronome or gourmand, many fabulous dining establishments are located in Washington D.C.'s Naval Yard. The Salt Line Oyster and Ale boast indoor and outdoor patio waterfront dining at 79 Potomac Avenue SE. The theme fuses traditional New England dishes with Chesapeake dishes. The service is professional, the food is delicious, the cost is reasonable, and the view is unbelievable. 

Pescatarian? Chole's by Haidar Karoum is a high-end restaurant with a menu from chef Haidar Karoum's Lebanese roots and extensive travels in Southeast Asia. Find 13314 4th Street SE and enjoy dining inside with the open-view kitchen or outside on the patio in warmer weather. 

For a little less reserved environment, try All Purpose Riverfront. Artisanal pizza, antipasti, and Italian wine are some Italian American offerings. A full bar and rooftop seating compliment this fast-paced riverfront popular eatery. 

History Museums

Given that the Washington D.C. Navy Yard was the first on-shore U.S. Naval facility and is still the administrative and ceremonial center for the Navy, it houses the Navy's museums. As a result, the National Museum of the U.S. Navy is a treasure trove of Naval memorabilia, historical information, and eye-opening revelations. 

The U.S. Navy Museum is one of ten museums under the control of the Naval History and Heritage Command at the Navy Yard. Other museums nearby include The Cold War Museum, the U.S. Constitution Museum, the U.S. Naval Aviation Museum, the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, Naval Underwater Museum, and the U.S. War College Museum. 

Other museums not directed by the Navy include the National Museum of the United States, Planet World, the International Spy Museum, and the National Children's Museum. Within a short distance is a museum to satisfy every interest and age group. 

Children at the Navy Yard

The Yard's Park on the Anacostia River in the Navy Yard is kid friendly. A playground and a swimming canal will delight children of all ages. The set up of the park consists of exterior "rooms." Each has a different activity or exhibit or just a restful garden space. 

The Albert Einstein Planetarium at the National Air and Space Museum will surely be a hit, not just with academic children. The planetarium displays using "Sky Vision" and surround sound will mesmerize all that experience seeing the universe outside of earth. 

Just the Tip of the Iceberg

Plan accordingly before visiting the Washington D.C. Navy Yard, as narrowing down the "must see and do" list may be a challenge. In fact, you may have to return several times to get the most out of what such a renowned venue offers, especially since ongoing development presents new opportunities to see, do, learn, relax, and enjoy.