Washington D.C. travel tips for St. John's fans: Where to stay, eat and explore

The St. John’s men’s basketball team is headed to Washington, D.C., Friday for the program’s first trip to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 since 1999, when it will take on No. 1 seed Duke. If St. John's wins, they’ll be back on the Capital One Arena hardcourt Sunday for an Elite Eight contest with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

If you’re a Long Islander making the trip, why not turn it into a full weekend? D.C. is packed with food, bars, museums and walkable neighborhoods, and it’s all right near Capital One Arena (601 F St., NW., capitalonearena.com, 202- 628-3200) Here’s your complete guide for where to stay, eat, drink and explore before and after the games.

Getting there

By Train: Amtrak offers direct service from Penn Station to D.C.’s Union Station in about three to three-and-a-half hours. From there, it’s a quick 10-minute Uber or Metro ride to the Capital One Arena area. Coach tickets departing from Penn on Thursday and Friday start at $114.

By Car: Driving from Long Island takes roughly four-and-a-half to six hours, depending on traffic. Plan for tolls and consider parking garages near your hotel, as game-day traffic around the arena can get busy.

Tickets and game info

Tickets for March Madness at Capital One Arena come as options for full weekend access or single-session passes. On Friday, St. John's will tip off at 7:10 p.m., followed by No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 2 UConn at 9:45 p.m. Session passes to see both Friday games start at $472, as individual game tickets are not offered. For fans wanting to catch every game, an all-sessions pass provides the same seat for all three games Friday and Sunday, starting at $599. Tickets for Sunday’s Elite Eight matchup alone start at $305.

Where to stay

For fans who want to be right in the action, staying near Capital One Arena in downtown D.C. is convenient and puts you within walking distance of the games, restaurants and nightlife. Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center (627 H St., NW, hilton.com, 202-847-4444) is a block from the arena with rooms for $220 per night. The nearby Grand Hyatt Washington (1000 H St., NW, hyatt.com, 202-582-1234) offers valet and garage parking with rates starting at $350 per night.

For stays costing $200 or less, choose hotels outside the downtown area but near a Metro station. The D.C. Metro rail makes getting to the arena simple from multiple nearby areas. The Westin Crystal City (1800 Richmond Hwy., marriott.com, 703-486-1111) and Crystal Gateway Marriott (1700 Richmond Hwy., marriott.com, 703-920-3230) in Crystal City near Ronald Reagan National Airport are both steps from a Metro station and offer rates as low as $175 per night. From here, drive 10 minutes or take the Yellow Metro line for 14 minutes to reach the arena. More information on Metro routes can be found online.

Where to eat

Start your game day at Clyde’s of Gallery Place (707 7th St., NW, clydes.com, 202-349-3700), a classic D.C. spot with a lively bar scene and crowd-pleasing menu. Yard House (812 7th St NW, yardhouse.com, 202-962-0174) offers a huge draft beer selection and American favorites.

For a memorable dinner after the game, try Zaytinya (701 9th St., NW, zaytinya.com, 202-638-0800), José Andrés’ Mediterranean hot spot, or Le Diplomate (1601 14th St., NW, lediplomatedc.com, 202-332-3333), a French brasserie with a charming Parisian atmosphere. Founding Farmers (600 Massachusetts Ave NW, wearefoundingfarmers.com, 202-464-3001) is perfect for farm-to-table American classics and brunch. Rose’s Luxury (717 8th St., SE, rosesluxury.com, 202-742-3570) on Capitol Hill is another must-visit for inventive dishes and acclaimed small plates.

After the game, explore the city’s cocktail scene at Jack Rose Dining Saloon (2007 18th St., NW, www.jackrosediningsalooon.com, 202-588-7388, home to one of the largest whiskey collections in the U.S. 

Things to do

Washington, D.C., has something for every fan and traveler, whether you’re looking to explore history, shop or dine.

Historical and cultural highlights

No trip to D.C. is complete without walking the National Mall. Iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and the U.S. Capitol are all within 10-15 minutes of Capital One Arena. Visit the Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of American History, Air and Space Museum, National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which are all free to enter. The White House is a short walk away, and the National Portrait Gallery or the National Building Museum are perfect for indoor exploration.

During March, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom around the Tidal Basin, and peak bloom could arrive this weekend.

Shopping and neighborhoods to explore

CityCenterDC offers upscale shopping and dining just blocks from the arena. Chinatown and Penn Quarter are bustling with restaurants, bars and boutique shops. Eastern Market is a short Metro ride away, offering local vendors, fresh food and arts and crafts. Georgetown features charming streets, waterfront views and cafes perfect for strolling and shopping.

Outdoor activities to try 

Springtime is ideal for outdoor exploration. Walk or rent a bike around the Tidal Basin to see cherry blossoms, explore the monuments or enjoy the Potomac River waterfront. Rock Creek Park and the Mall’s green spaces offer a chance to relax or picnic.

Family-friendly options

Take the family to the National Zoo, just a short Metro ride away, or explore interactive exhibits at the International Spy Museum. Many attractions offer kid-friendly, hands-on experiences that keep children engaged while adults explore.