Whether you’re heading to a Washington Capitals game, cheering on the Washington Wizards, or catching a concert or family show, a little planning can make the whole experience even better.
Located in DC’s Penn Quarter and Chinatown neighborhood, Capital One Arena is surrounded by great restaurants, bars, museums, and places to explore. I think the best visits are about more than just the event itself.
I’ve been going to DC sporting events for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my family had Washington Bullets season tickets when they played at the old arena in Landover, and we went to plenty of Capitals games, too. We later had Mystics season tickets when they played at what is now Capital One Arena, which was especially exciting for me as a competitive basketball player when the WNBA was getting started.
Now I love taking my own kids to Wizards and Capitals games and sharing those same DC sports traditions with them.
Here are some of my favorite ways to make the most of a visit to Capital One Arena.
Know Before You Go
Where is Capital One Arena? It’s located at 601 F Street NW in Washington, DC, in the Penn Quarter/Chinatown neighborhood.
Check the bag policy. Capital One Arena has a strict bag policy. Small clutches up to 4 by 6 inches are generally permitted, with separate allowances and screening requirements for qualifying medical and parenting bags. Leave larger purses and backpacks at home, or plan to use the nearby bag lockers. Check the official arena policies before leaving.
Have your tickets ready. Make sure your mobile tickets are accessible before you reach the entrance, especially if you’re attending with a group.
Look into faster entrances. If you have an eligible Capital One card, the dedicated cardholder entrance on 6th Street can be a nice perk. The arena also offers options such as CLEAR and Monumental Express, subject to current eligibility and availability.
Check your Capital One benefits. Eligible cardholders may receive discounts on certain tickets, concessions, and merchandise. Review the current benefits before your visit.
Make reservations. Restaurants near the arena can fill up quickly on game and concert nights. If you have somewhere specific in mind, book ahead.
Are you a DC sports fan through and through? Read some of our local tips for enjoying a Washington Nationals game in the summer:
- What to Know About The Baseball Boat
- A Fan’s Guide to a Washington Nationals Game Day At Nationals Park
Getting to Capital One Arena & Getting Home
There’s no single best way to get downtown. It depends on where you’re coming from, who you’re going with, and how late you plan to stay.
Metro
Gallery Place–Chinatown is the closest Metro station, serving the Red, Green, and Yellow lines. Metro Center, serving the Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines, is also an easy walk.
Metro is convenient if you’re near a station, but expect crowds immediately after big events. Sometimes walking to Metro Center or waiting a little while before heading home can make the trip easier.
Driving and parking
If you’re driving, I recommend reserving parking in advance through a service like SpotHero.
My preference is to park a few blocks away rather than in the closest garage. Garages immediately around the arena can take a while to empty after a game, especially if you’re parked several levels down.
Parking near CityCenterDC is one option I like. It’s a manageable walk, and you can combine the event with dinner or shopping.
Uber and rideshare
When I’m going with my kids, we often Uber.
My biggest tip is not to get dropped off or picked up directly in front of the arena. Walking a couple of blocks away from the busiest streets can make a huge difference.
After an event, rideshare prices and wait times can jump. Sometimes we’ll stop for a drink at Dirty Habit at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco while the crowds clear. It’s a much more enjoyable way to end the evening than waiting outside for a car.
What about football? In 2025, we announced that the Commanders were coming to RFK Stadium, along with major real estate developments!
Make a Day of It: Where to Eat, Drink & Explore Near Capital One Arena
One of my favorite things about Capital One Arena is how much there is to do nearby. Whether you’re planning an afternoon with the kids, dinner before a game, or a night out with friends, there’s no shortage of options.
Best restaurants for families and groups
- Clyde’s of Gallery Place is practically part of the arena experience. Located just across from Capital One Arena, it’s lively on event days, with a broad menu that works for families and groups.
- Carmine’s is a great choice for larger groups. It’s family-style Italian, with huge portions meant for sharing. We actually had our rehearsal dinner at Carmine’s, so this one has a special place in my heart! It’s a fun, festive restaurant and an easy walk to the arena.
- The Smith is another convenient option with an energetic atmosphere and plenty of familiar menu choices.
- Matchbox is an easy choice for pizza, burgers, and other crowd-pleasers, especially with kids.
Dinner before a game, concert, or date night
- Oyamel is one of José Andrés’s restaurants and a favorite for Mexican food, tacos, and margaritas. It’s lively and fun without being overly formal.
- Jaleo, another José Andrés restaurant, is great for Spanish tapas and sharing several dishes. It’s a wonderful place to make dinner part of the experience.
- Zaytinya is a beautiful spot for Mediterranean-inspired small plates, especially for a date night or dinner with friends.
- Rasika is one of DC’s standout Indian restaurants and a great choice for a more special evening. I’d definitely make a reservation.
- Café Riggs has a stylish setting inside the Riggs hotel and is another great option before a concert or a night out.
- Moon Rabbit offers a creative Vietnamese-inspired dining experience that’s worth making time for.
Quick and casual options
For something more casual, Chinatown has several spots worth exploring, including Reren Lamen & Bar, Chinatown Express, and New Big Wong.
Daikaya and Bantam King are also nearby if you’re in the mood for Japanese food.
Where to grab a drink
If you’re looking for a sports-bar atmosphere, Yard House and Penn Quarter Sports Tavern are convenient options before a game.
Rocket Bar is a fun, casual spot for adults, while Dirty Habit and Silver Lyan are good choices for cocktails.
One of my favorite strategies is to grab a drink after an event and let the crowds clear before heading home.
Explore the neighborhood
If you have extra time, there are some great places to visit within walking distance.
The National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum are wonderful options for an afternoon before an evening game, especially with kids.
The Chinatown Friendship Archway at 7th and H Streets is one of the neighborhood’s most recognizable landmarks and a fun place for a photo.
I also love spending time at CityCenterDC. In addition to shopping, there are great restaurants, including two of my favorites, Centrolina and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse.
During the holidays, CityCenterDC’s lights and decorations make the whole area feel especially festive. You can also check out the seasonal DowntownDC Holiday Market when it’s running.
What to Eat Inside Capital One Arena
If you don’t have time for dinner beforehand, there are plenty of options inside the arena beyond the usual hot dogs and popcorn.
For the 2026–27 season, Capital One Arena has introduced new food offerings alongside returning favorites. Some options to look for include Joia Burger, Prime 850, Fuku for fried chicken, and For Five Coffee.
You’ll also find traditional game-day favorites, snacks, and desserts throughout the arena.
Capital One Arena is cashless, and eligible Capital One cardholders may qualify for discounts on concessions.
Check the official food and beverage guide for current vendors and locations.
I generally prefer making dinner beforehand part of the outing, but it’s nice to have options when you’re arriving straight from work or bringing hungry kids.
Speaking of kids, here are a few more posts about fun, family-friendly activities:
- Best Museums for Kids in DC
- Things to Do Outdoors with Kids in the DC Area
- Things to Do Indoors with Kids in the DC Area
Tips for Capitals Games, Wizards Games & Other Events
Washington Capitals games: Rock the Red!
There’s something special about a Capitals game at Capital One Arena.
Caps fans are loud, passionate, and really into the game. The arena is often packed, and when the Capitals score, the energy is incredible. If you’ve never been to a hockey game, it’s worth experiencing.
Wear red if you have it and join in the Rock the Red tradition.
If you’re bringing kids, try arriving early enough to watch warm-ups. Seeing the players skate and shoot up close is exciting, and you get a real appreciation for the speed of the game. Ask an usher whether you can watch from near the glass before puck drop.
A little hockey etiquette: wait for a stoppage in play before returning to your seat, and avoid leaning too far forward and blocking the people behind you.
And be prepared for some colorful crowd language!
When I was about three or four, my parents took me to a Capitals game, where I apparently stood on my chair and enthusiastically joined the crowd in chanting that an opposing player “sucks.” My parents weren’t thrilled, and I didn’t get invited back to another Capitals game for a while.
Fortunately, that didn’t end my love of hockey.
One more tip for families: Capitals games can get very loud. If you’re bringing younger children or anyone sensitive to noise, consider bringing hearing protection.
Washington Wizards games: A great family outing
I have a soft spot for Wizards games because of all those childhood memories of cheering for the Washington Bullets.
Now that my own kids play basketball, it’s even more fun taking them to games. They love watching the players up close, following the action, and enjoying everything happening around the court.
Wizards games are a great family outing, even if not everyone in your group is a huge basketball fan. There’s music, entertainment during breaks, and plenty going on throughout the evening.
Basketball also has frequent timeouts, which can make it easier to plan bathroom or snack trips with younger kids.
If you’re choosing seats, those closer to center court offer a balanced view of the action, while seats near the basket can be exciting for watching dunks and rebounds.
Concerts, comedy shows & family events
Capital One Arena also hosts major concerts, comedians, and family entertainment such as Disney on Ice.
For concerts, check the seating chart for your specific event. Stage configurations vary, so seats that are great for hockey or basketball may not be ideal for a concert.
Check the schedule for opening acts, review any event-specific restrictions, and consider hearing protection for younger children attending loud shows.
For more entertainment ideas, see our guide to concerts and events throughout the DMV.
Enjoy Your Visit!
For me, the best trips to Capital One Arena aren’t just about the final score or the performance. They’re about dinner beforehand, the excitement of the crowd, and getting to share those experiences with family and friends.
After a lifetime of cheering on DC teams, I still love it just as much as ever. I hope these tips help you make the most of your next visit!
And if you’re a DC sports fan, be sure to check out our Washington Nationals game-day guide to Nationals Park for another great day out in the District.
And if real estate is in your game plan this year, get in touch with us today to learn more about buying or selling in the DC area with The Goodhart Group! Call, email, or fill out the form on this page to get in touch.
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