Overview
The RFK Campus and Anacostia Riverfront occupy a significant stretch of Washington DC's eastern edge, where the Anacostia River curves alongside land that has been central to the city's sporting and cultural life for decades. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium opened in 1961 and served as home to the Washington Redskins (now Commanders), DC United, and various other events before transitioning into an event and concert venue. The broader campus spans roughly 190 acres and is managed by Events DC under a long-term lease from the federal government.
In recent years, the site has attracted enormous attention as a proposed location for a new Washington Commanders NFL stadium, and as a centerpiece of a larger vision to revitalize DC's Anacostia Riverfront corridor. Planning and negotiations between the city, the NFL team, and federal authorities have been ongoing — travelers should expect the physical landscape here to change significantly over the coming years.
Beyond the stadium itself, the surrounding riverfront offers accessible green space, walking and cycling paths, and views across the Anacostia River. The area connects to the broader Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, a multi-mile off-road trail system that links several DC neighborhoods. This part of the city has historically been underinvested compared to the National Mall corridor, making it an area of genuine urban transformation that rewards curious, independent travelers.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements for the United States vary by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the US Customs and Border Protection website for current, accurate information before booking travel.
What to Expect On-Site
The RFK Campus is not a traditional tourist attraction with ticketed entry to most areas — much of the grounds are open public space. The stadium itself is generally not open for walk-in tours outside of scheduled events, so verify locally or via Events DC's official site if you want interior access.
Development activity and construction staging may affect access to parts of the campus and riverfront, particularly as redevelopment planning progresses. Check local news or the DC Office of Planning website for current site conditions before visiting.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking or cycling shoes — the riverfront paths are best explored on foot or by bike
- Water and snacks, as food vendors are limited outside of event days
- A transit card (SmarTrip) for Metro and bus travel
- Sun protection during warmer months; the riverfront paths are largely exposed
Getting There
By Metro
The closest Metro station is Stadium-Armory on the Blue and Orange lines. It is a short walk from the station to the RFK Campus main entrance. The Metro is widely considered the most reliable way to reach this area, particularly on event days when road traffic and parking are heavily congested.
By Bus
Several DC Circulator and WMATA Metrobus routes serve the Stadium-Armory area and East Capitol Street corridor. Verify current routes and schedules on the WMATA website or via the DC Circulator app, as routes are subject to change.
By Bicycle
The area is accessible via Capital Bikeshare, with docking stations near the campus and along the riverfront. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail connects directly into the site from multiple directions, making cycling a practical and scenic option.
By Car
Parking lots exist on the campus grounds, typically activated for events. On non-event days, street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods may be available but limited. Traffic on East Capitol Street and Benning Road can be significant during peak hours.
Getting Around
The RFK Campus and adjacent riverfront are best navigated on foot or by bicycle. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail runs along the eastern bank of the river and provides a flat, paved surface suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. Trail connections link northward toward Kingman Island and southward toward the 11th Street Bridge Park area.
Kingman and Heritage Islands — small green islands accessible via a footbridge from the RFK grounds — offer a quiet natural detour with bird-watching and native plantings. Access is generally free and open to pedestrians; verify current access conditions locally as restoration work and seasonal closures can apply.
For travel beyond the immediate area, the Stadium-Armory Metro station provides quick access to the rest of DC's transit grid. Capital Bikeshare is a practical option for extending exploration toward Capitol Hill, the H Street corridor, or across the river into Anacostia proper.
Things to See & Do
Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
The trail is the primary draw for casual visitors on non-event days. The paved path offers river views, access to green space, and connections to surrounding neighborhoods. It is popular with joggers, cyclists, and families on weekends.
Kingman and Heritage Islands
These small islands within the Anacostia River are managed as urban wildlife refuges. A pedestrian bridge from the RFK Campus provides access. The islands feature native meadow plantings, wetland habitat, and seasonal bird activity — a genuinely underrated natural spot within the city limits.
Events at RFK Stadium
The stadium hosts concerts, festivals, and occasional sporting events throughout the year. Notable large-scale music festivals have used the campus grounds. Check Events DC's official calendar for current event listings and ticketing.
11th Street Bridge Park (nearby)
Just south along the riverfront, the 11th Street Bridge Park project — a community-centered elevated park being built atop decommissioned bridge piers — is an ongoing and widely watched urban design project. Verify its current construction status before visiting, as completion timelines have shifted over the years.
Exploring the Anacostia Neighborhood
Cross the river via the 11th Street bridges or head south along the riverwalk to reach Anacostia, a historic neighborhood with the Anacostia Community Museum (part of the Smithsonian Institution, generally free admission — verify hours on the Smithsonian website) and Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.
Food & Drink
Food and drink options directly on the RFK Campus are limited almost entirely to event days, when food trucks and temporary vendors operate. Outside of events, you will find very few dining options within immediate walking distance of the campus itself.
Nearby Options
- H Street NE corridor (accessible by bus or a walkable distance to the north and west) has a well-established dining and bar scene with a range of cuisines and price points.
- Capitol Hill to the west has numerous cafes, restaurants, and markets along Pennsylvania Avenue SE and Barracks Row (8th Street SE).
- Anacostia across the river has a smaller but growing food scene; the area has seen new locally owned businesses open in recent years.
For a practical visit, bringing your own food and water is advisable if you are coming primarily to walk the riverfront trail on a non-event day.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Call 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in Washington DC. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) covers this area; the nearest MPD district station can be verified on the MPD website.
Restrooms
Public restrooms on the campus grounds are generally available during events. On non-event days, facilities may be limited or unavailable — plan accordingly.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is generally good throughout the area. Free public Wi-Fi is not reliably available outside of event footprints.
Accessibility
The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is paved and largely flat, making it accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices along most stretches. The Stadium-Armory Metro station has elevator access. Verify specific event accessibility arrangements with Events DC in advance.
Weather Awareness
DC summers are hot and humid (frequently above 90°F / 32°C with high humidity). The riverfront offers little shade on exposed trail sections. Winters can bring ice and cold rain. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for outdoor exploration here.
Safety
The RFK Campus and riverfront trail are generally safe during daylight hours and during well-attended events. As with any urban area, standard precautions apply: stay aware of your surroundings, secure valuables, and avoid isolated stretches of the trail after dark.
The neighborhoods immediately surrounding the campus have historically had higher crime rates than central DC tourist areas, though the riverfront itself and Stadium-Armory Metro vicinity are well-used public spaces. Check current conditions with the DC Metropolitan Police Department's crime mapping tool if you have specific concerns.
On major event days, the area becomes very crowded. Give yourself extra time for entry, exit, and transit, and follow directions from event staff and Metro personnel.
