It’s not too late to take a waterfront vacation, and you don’t even have to drive across the Bay Bridge to do it. Nearly every summer night, through late September, the National Harbor in Maryland has events and activities for all ages and interests. From nightly outdoor concerts and movies to keep-cool indoor shows, to fitness classes and 80s dance parties, there’s something for everyone at National Harbor.
Splashing Around
Spending time on the water is part of this resort town’s DNA. Love paddling in nature? Rent a kayak from the National Harbor Boathouse to explore the coves of the Potomac River. After navigating underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, you’ll see the planes take off and land from Reagan National Airport. Then, paddle along the Maryland coast to uncover a hidden art installation only visible from the water.
Rather sit back and relax? The new Freedom Ring Boats are round, motorized fiberglass boats that you can steer yourself. Covered with a wide umbrella, the seats surround a table so you can bring a picnic aboard or order a charcuterie board from V-No @The Harbor for your spin down the Potomac River.
Or leave the piloting to the expert captains of City Cruises. Hop a ride on the Potomac Water Taxi to Old Town, Georgetown, or The Wharf on a narrated sightseeing cruise offering a unique perspective of the monuments and memorials.
Looking to swim? Even if you don’t stay overnight, you can spend the day at the MGM National Harbor’s outdoor pool by booking a resort day pass (the resort allows you to bring food from the hotel restaurants).
Fun for Kids (and Adults)
No matter what your age, it’s fun to soar over the water on the Capital Wheel. The climate-controlled compartments are so luxe and the view so stunning, you’ll wish the ride would never end. As you glide 180 feet above the Potomac, you’ll see boats and birds from the floor-to-ceiling windows. A new $22 kid’s package offers unlimited rides on the Spirit Park Carousel and one ride on this enclosed Ferris wheel.
Speaking of happy children, every Tuesday morning is Kids Day with a story time and STEM activities. Kids love playing in the sand and climbing The Awakening statue while parents watch from the stadium seats. Cool down afterwards with homemade gelato at Capital Confectionary in the lobby of Gaylord National Resort.
Dining Around the World
National Harbor’s more than 40 restaurants offer a feast for the senses. Begin your travels at Grace’s Mandarin featuring dishes from Malaysia, Japan, China, Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand. Grace’s is especially fun for groups with sharable dishes like heart-shaped sushi rolls, lamb chops, and pineapple fried rice.
Nestled inside the MGM National Harbor Conservatory is the elegant Ginger, a fine dining restaurant that takes you on a culinary journey with its array of Vietnamese and Chinese favorites. Local chef Andy Lao is known for his signature lobster dishes and Cantonese roasted duck.
If you want a waterfront view and love mid-Atlantic seafood, book a table at The Walrus Oyster & Ale House with oysters and crabs sourced from the Chesapeake Bay. Another sophisticated spot for seafood, steaks, and pasta is Bond 45. The drink menu includes dozens of wines by the glass, and the silhouette of the Capital Wheel is a striking backdrop to the meal.
James Beard Award–winning chef Edward Lee mixes his Kentucky and Korean roots at Succotash. If you’ve got a hearty appetite, choose the family-style meal of southern classics like fried green tomatoes, chicken and waffles, plus the best sticky buns in town.
If you’re there for breakfast, don’t miss the lemon ricotta pancakes at Gaylord National’s Old Hickory Steakhouse. For a casual meal, try a sub from PrimoHoagies. The Pennsylvania sandwich chain is known for serving Italian classics.
Where to Play
National Harbor offers activities to nurture your creativity. Follow the helpful instructors at Sip & Develop, where you get to go on a photo safari first, then learn to develop your own black and white photos. Arts’tination is a showplace for Prince George’s County artists to display and sell their work. At Corinto Gallery, local artist Josue Martinez incorporates DMV symbols and national icons to create his unique wearable art. Also visit Thread & Sole, where you can design and paint your own custom apparel.
Don’t miss the mesmerizing daily fountain and light shows at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort, a spectacle for visitors of all ages.
Just take a walk down American Way, National Harbor’s main street, to see life-size statues of American presidents and other heroes constructed by Ivan Schwartz of Studio EIS. The most notable is America’s Team, five lifelike servicemembers from the military, and the Terrazzo mural representing the geography and history of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
Evenings by the Riverfront
As the days grow shorter, National Harbor makes the change less painful with arguably the best sunset in the DMV. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the US military band performs “Salute the Sunset,” but you can enjoy the colorful skies from many spots around town. Take a stroll down the riverfront promenade or watch from Westin Washington National Harbor’s air-conditioned lobby bar.
So don’t give up summer without one last staycation. National Harbor feels like world’s away without the hassle of car, air or train travel.
Feature image by Renee Sklarew
