Parking options for a concert at Nationals Park

Question

Hi - Planning to visit the DC area in June this year for a concert at nationals Park. I'll be driving over from Baltimore. Spot hero to my surprise only shows one garage at 808 Maine Ave which looks to be about 25 minute walk. I would be open to the Metro, but given the concert is on a weekday It feels like it could be cutting a bit close to shutdown time. Any tips appreciated!

Answer

Attending a concert at Nationals Park in Washington, DC, on a weekday requires some planning for parking and transportation, especially if driving in from Baltimore. Here’s a detailed overview of your options:

Driving and Parking:

Parking near Nationals Park can be limited, especially for weekday events. The garage at 808 Maine Ave is one option, but a 25-minute walk may be inconvenient depending on weather and your preferences.
Other parking garages and lots exist in the Navy Yard, Capitol Riverfront, and Near Southeast neighborhoods. Prices vary, typically $25–$50 for the evening. Using apps like ParkWhiz, SpotHero, or the Nationals Park official website can help identify available spaces in advance.
Street parking is extremely limited and often metered, with time limits. Not recommended for an evening concert.

Metro Options:

Taking the Metro is often the easiest option from Baltimore. You can drive to a Metro station with parking (e.g., Greenbelt, Landover, or New Carrollton) and take the train into the Navy Yard-Ballpark station, which is right at Nationals Park.
The weekday evening concert may coincide with rush hour, so plan extra travel time to account for potential delays.
After the concert, trains may be crowded but generally run until late evening. The walk from the Metro to Nationals Park is only a few minutes, which is significantly less than the 25-minute walk from 808 Maine Ave.

Combination Approach:

Consider parking farther out where spaces are cheaper and easier to find, then take a short Metro or rideshare into the Navy Yard area. This avoids the stress of limited parking near the stadium.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is another option. Drop-offs are available near the stadium, but expect some waiting after the concert due to high demand.

Overall, for convenience and minimizing stress, the best approach is usually a combination: park at a Metro station with ample parking and take the train directly to Nationals Park. If you prefer to drive the entire way, reserve a garage spot in advance and allow extra time for walking and potential traffic.