Boat to Baseball: The Yards Marina and Nationals Park

By May 7, 2019May 29th, 2021Explore
Nationals Park from top | The Yards Marina | Snag-A-Slip

Baseball season has just begun and we took a trip to Washington, D.C. to check out Nationals Stadium and The Yards Marina. We got a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium and took a walk down the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to let our boaters know what this area of D.C. was all about!

Nationals Park opened its doors in 2008 along the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. to house to Washington Nationals baseball team after they played three years in RFK Stadium. The construction ended up costing more than $611 million and the stadium is one of the first to be built below street level, so most fans won’t need to climb even one set of stairs to reach their seats! Of course, we took the elevator up to the top — we recommend this if you go for a game. Our first stop? The renowned red Nationals organ! Yes, that classic baseball tune is actually made by Nationals Park’s own talented organist. The views from up there? Unlike anything you could imagine!

Crews were busy at work finishing the final details of the park. This included power washing all the seats, painting, leveling the dirt of the diamond with a laser (so cool) and cutting the grass, which is done daily! Teams also practiced the running of the Presidents or The Presidents Race. This occurs during the fourth inning of every Nationals home game, where a big-headed George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Rooservelt race each other along the outside of the infield. It is a site I am sure you can guess, is as amusing as it seems.

The President's Run | The Yards Marina | Snag-A-Slip
Anacostia Riverwalk | The Yards Marina | Snag-A-Slip

After our tour of the stadium, we took a walk down the beautiful Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to The Yards Marina, which I could see during my stadium tour! The marina really is that close. It is the perfect place to stay if you are visiting the ballpark for a game-or games. The walk takes mere minutes and the destinations on either end are well worth it!

The Yards Marina is located right along the Anacostia River in the newly constructed Yards Park Town Center. Visitors can walk right off the docks and experience luxury living in Washington, D.C. Visit The District Winery or Aqua 301 for happy hour! We recommend a visit to Whaley’s Raw & Bar Restaurant and Morini as well. Looking for some adventure between eating and watching the game? Head down New Jersey Avenue to the Trapeze School New York where you can learn to fly!

While staying at the marina, guests will have access to a variety of great amenities. There are bike rentals, a picnic area, and a pool nearby, and you will have full access to a health club. Everything you need is within walking distance including grocery stores, shops, hotels, and even a pet hospital in case you are traveling with your furry friend! The Yards Marina also has an education dock for kids and a paddler dock for kayaks, personal boats, or paddleboards.

If you head directly past the marina, you will pass through a set of gates for The United States Navy Yard! This beautiful walk along the water and government buildings will have the kids (and maybe adults) oohing and ahhing at the various retired vessels on display outside, like the USS Balao (SS-285) Submarine just inside the gates.

The Yards Marina is funded and operated by Living Classrooms, which is a great local non-profit that works to make a difference in the lives of Baltimore and D.C. youth communities. When you stay at The Yards Marina, you are helping Living Classrooms provide youth outreach and employment training for jobs! How awesome is that?

The USS Balao | The Yards Marina | Snag-A-Slip
The Yards Marina Docks | The Yards Marina | Snag-A-Slip

Book now for The Yards Marina

Things to keep in mind: The Yards Marina has a maximum air draft of 40 feet due to the South Capital/Fredrick Douglass Memorial Bridge. The bridge can be opened, but there is a required 3-week notice for bridge operations. This marina’s power pedestals do use an Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter.

Don’t miss out on baseball season and all that Washington, D.C. has to offer this summer and book your boat slip today!

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Becca

Author Becca

Becca: When she isn't at Towson University full time, Becca is at work for the Snag-A-Slip's marketing department having an awesome time as an intern! She is a lover of Beyoncé, superheroes, and good vibes. Commonly has bio's stating "waffles are life."

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