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Suggest a Feature →Washington, D.C. — Capitol Hill & Navy Yard
8th & I — the oldest post of the Corps. Ceremonial duty in the nation's capital.
Marine Barracks Washington at 8th and I Streets SE is the oldest active post in the Marine Corps — established 1801, continuously occupied ever since. Home of the Silent Drill Platoon, the Marine Band ("The President's Own"), the Evening Parade, and the ceremonial missions that represent the Marine Corps at the highest levels of American government and diplomacy.
You live in Washington, D.C. That is the defining reality. The Capitol is 6 blocks north. The Navy Yard (revitalized waterfront neighborhood) is 5 blocks east. Every major cultural, political, and historical institution in the country's capital is accessible from this location. The assignment is prestigious, the standards are extremely high, and the city is extraordinary.
Must Eat
The spots worth eating at before you PCS out.
Navy Yard & Capitol Riverfront Dining
"The DC neighborhood that grew up around the Washington Nationals ballpark."
The Navy Yard neighborhood (5 blocks east of 8th & I) has been the fastest-growing DC restaurant corridor — Osteria Morini, Bluejacket Brewery, All Purpose Pizzeria, and a waterfront promenade along the Anacostia River. The Yards Park is the social infrastructure for the neighborhood.
Bluejacket Brewery in the historic Navy Yard building is the best craft brewery in DC. The rotating tap list includes some of the most interesting beers in the Mid-Atlantic.
Eastern Market (Capitol Hill)
"DC's historic public market. Saturday outdoor market is the neighborhood's center."
Eastern Market on 7th Street SE has been Capitol Hill's public market since 1873 — indoor market with butchers, cheese, and produce vendors, and a Saturday outdoor flea market and farmer's market that is the heartbeat of the Capitol Hill community.
The Saturday morning market runs 7am-4pm. The South Hall indoor market (open daily) has the best breakfast — the Saturday morning waffle and egg sandwich line from Market Lunch is an institution.
Immigrant Food (Pennsylvania Avenue)
"A restaurant celebrating American immigrant food culture. Near the Smithsonian."
Immigrant Food on Pennsylvania Avenue near the National Mall serves dishes from refugee and immigrant communities who built American cuisine — a concept restaurant with real quality and the right location near the Smithsonian.
The location near Federal Triangle makes it excellent for pre-museum lunches. The menu changes to reflect current immigrant and refugee stories.
Outdoor
Get outside. The land around military installations is usually the best reason to be there.
National Mall & Tidal Basin
"The world's greatest concentration of free museums and memorials."
The National Mall — 2 miles from 8th & I — has 19 Smithsonian museums (all free), the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, WWII Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The Tidal Basin cherry blossoms in late March-early April are one of the great free natural events in the country.
Cherry Blossom Festival (late March) sees 1.5 million visitors. Peak bloom is typically 3-5 days. Tidal Basin access at dawn before the crowds is the way to experience it.
Culture & History
Places with stories. Most military towns sit on deep history — dig in.
Smithsonian Institution
"19 museums, 21 libraries, 9 research centers. All free."
The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum and research complex — the National Air and Space Museum, American History, Natural History, the National Zoo, the Freer (Asian art), the Hirshhorn (contemporary art), and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). All free, all within walking distance of 8th & I.
NMAAHC requires timed entry passes (free) that book up months in advance. Get them immediately on reporting for duty. The Air and Space Museum annex at Dulles (Steven F. Udvar-Hazy) has the Space Shuttle Discovery and SR-71 Blackbird.
Family
Stuff to do with the kids. Rated by people who have brought actual children.
Washington Nationals Baseball
"Nationals Park is 5 blocks from 8th & I. One of the best ballparks in the country."
Nationals Park — 5 blocks east — is one of the finest baseball stadiums in the country with views of the Capitol dome beyond the left-field wall. The Navy Yard neighborhood built itself around the park.
The President's Race (between the 4th and 5th innings) is a DC institution. Military Appreciation Night games have discounted tickets. The standing room tickets for sold-out games are the best value.
Day Trips
When you need to remember there's a world outside the gate.
"The most important battlefield in American military history. 1.5 hours north."
Gettysburg National Military Park is 80 miles north — the decisive battle of the Civil War, July 1-3, 1863. The visitor center and museum are among the best in the NPS system.
"Skyline Drive along the Blue Ridge. 1.5 hours west."
Shenandoah National Park is 80 miles west — Skyline Drive along the Blue Ridge crest, Old Rag Mountain (one of the best day hikes in the Mid-Atlantic), and fall foliage that attracts the entire DC metro area.
"Naval Academy and Chesapeake Bay crab houses. 40 minutes."
Annapolis is 35 miles east — Naval Academy campus tours, Colonial Maryland waterfront, and the Chesapeake crab houses that define Maryland food culture.
The Evening Parade (May-August) is your primary gift to every visitor. Give everyone a pair of tickets and take them yourself repeatedly.
Capitol Hill is a walkable neighborhood — Eastern Market Saturday morning is the community anchor. Use it from day one to meet the civilian neighbors who are part of the 8th & I community.
Free Smithsonian museums are literally in your backyard. Build a rotation of monthly museum visits throughout your assignment.
NMAAHC timed entry passes book months in advance. Get them immediately on check-in.
The city is your oyster — but DC can be expensive to live in without discipline. Cook at home, use the National Mall (free), and save the restaurants for the Navy Yard neighborhood.
Marine Barracks Washington sets among the most demanding standards in the Marine Corps — appearance, bearing, and performance must be exemplary because you represent the Corps in the most visible setting in the country. The ceremonial mission is demanding and all-consuming during summer parade season. The cost of living in DC is extreme. But the assignment — the city, the access, the mission — is one of the most remarkable in the Marine Corps and shapes careers and people permanently.
This guide is built by people who've been stationed here. If there's a spot we got wrong or a gem we missed, tell us.