After starting the 2026 season with a 5-0 victory in Port of Spain, Trinidad on Wednesday in the their first leg of Concacaf Champions Cup opening round, the Philadelphia Union now shift their attention to the MLS regular season as they head to nation’s capital to MLS Eastern conference foe, D.C United, kicking off their first of a 34 regular season match slate.

If you have been following the site for the past two years, then you might be familiar with our travel articles from previous seasons. Most of the 2026 of the travel articles will contain some places from previous years, plus a few new stops that were either recommended that I have have visited while traveling in our coverage of the Philadelphia Union.

So with that said, let’s dive into the first travel article of places to visit if you are heading down to the match on Saturday.

Places to Visit

From the late 19th century through World War II, the Capitol Riverfront blocks south of the U.S. Capitol were home to the industrial Washington Navy Yard, an area that has been reborn as a haven for sports fans, nature lovers and food lovers alike.

Below are a few places to check out whether you want make it a day trip or hang out before or after the game.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Established in 1910 and located on the National Mall, this prestigious museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, holds the world’s most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts including the remains of dinosaurs and tools used by early man.

Website: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/

National Museum of the United States Navy

U.S. Navy Museum is the flagship museum of the United States Navy and is located in the former Breech Mechanism Shop of the old Naval Gun Factory on the grounds of the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., United States. This place is filled with U.S. Naval history lore and recommended to check out!

Website:https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmusn.html

The Yards Park

The Yards Park, a premier waterfront destination, provides green space and water features for all to enjoy the outdoors along the Anacostia River. This award-winning park is an ideal place for recreation and special events for the Capitol Riverfront community.

Lots of great views and just a really relaxed environment prior to game time.

National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is one of the most iconic museums in the world, showcasing the history of aviation, space exploration, and scientific innovation. Located along the National Mall, the museum features legendary artifacts such as the Wright brothers’ 1903 Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia.

Website: https://airandspace.si.edu/

United States Botanic Garden

The U.S. Botanic Garden campus includes the Conservatory, the gated outdoor gardens, and Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens. The Garden features more than 44,000 plants with major collections including orchids, roses, plants native to the United States, economic plants, carnivorous plants, and more.

Website: https://www.usbg.gov/

Places to Eat and Drink

The District of Columbia offers a wide variety of places to grab and a bite before and after the match. With many establishments right around Audi Field and Nationals Park, here are a few to check out while in the vicinity.

Solace Outpost

So you want to know my favorite brewery in D.C? It’s this place! The Outpost offers something for every craft beer lover’s taste. There will be a lot of D.C. United fans there since it is one of their bars, but people are cool, so highly recommend it! We will be there for a bit prior to kick off, so come say hello.

Hours: Saturday: 12 PM – 1 AM

Website: https://solacebrewing.com/?site=navy-yard

Bluejacket Brewery

Bluejacket is a three-story microbrewery, restaurant & bar located on the corner of Tingey & 4th Street SE in the heart of the Navy Yard / Capitol Riverfront neighborhood of Washington, DC. From the minds behind ChurchKey, The Sovereign, Shelter & more, Bluejacket serves a rotating selection of 20 beers and five cask ales every day. Try pours like Belgian blonde ales, dry-hopped lagers, sweet stout with coffee, or sour blond ale with pink guava and passion fruit.

Website: https://www.bluejacketdc.com/

District Winery

District Winery is a boutique winery set in the heart of The Yards, a bustling community in DC’s Navy Yard along the Anacostia River. Winemaker Phil Arras produces their premium small batch wines, combining the quality of tradition with the freedom of innovation. Visit them to tour DC’s first operational commercial winery and learn about how their wines are produced, then settle into the restaurant and enjoy wines made onsite while indulging in their seasonal menu.

Website: https://www.districtwinery.com/dc-winery-restaurant-about/

Dacha Beer Garden (Navy Yard)

This is a neat outdoor spot near the Anacostia River and an easy walk from Audi Field. They have a wide variety of brews to go along with their beer garden food menu. They serve the beers from an Airstream trailer and have long communal tables in the German style.

Website: https://www.dachabeergarden.com/

Walter’s Sports Bar and Restaurant

Walter’s is built for watching games. With huge TVs everywhere and even a self-pour beer wall, it’s designed so you never miss the action while enjoying your drink. Whether it’s MLS, NFL, NBA, or international matches, the atmosphere feels like being inside a stadium with fellow fans.

Website:https://www.waltersdc.com/

Atlas Brew Works Navy Yard Brewery & Tap Room

Located steps away from Nats Park in bustling Navy Yard, this Half Street brewery and taproom features fifteen taps, a dozen TVs, delicious pizza + wings by Andy’s Pizza and a huge outdoor patio.

Website: https://atlasbrewworks.com/

Parking tip

Audi Field does not have its own parking, so your best bet is to use the Spot Hero app and find parking nearby. There is parking close to the Nationals stadium, but it is pricey. You can find parking garages that require a little bit of a walk, but very doable and are far cheaper. We have one that we use when we go near the Safeway- you can find it on Spot Hero. They also have lots of shared bikes and electric scooters you can rent if you want to get there more quickly. You could also utilize the Metro light rail system.

That’s all for today’s travel tips. Wishing everyone who is traveling a safe trip and memories that last a lifetime.

Have a place that you would recommend? Please comment below.

Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union