10 Can't-Miss Things to Do in the National Harbor
Dine with celebrity chefs, shop ‘til you drop, stroll the boardwalk along the beautiful Potomac River, take your vacation to new heights on the spectacular Capital Wheel—and that’s just your first day! There’s always something new, and so much to do in National Harbor.
A major player in the Maryland gaming scene, MGM National Harbor is a $1.3 billion casino resort featuring entertainment, a spa and salon, high-end retail, meeting space and more than a dozen restaurants.
Rent a kayak, canoe, paddleboat or even a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and hit the river. If you’ve never been, National Harbor has SUP classes that will have you walking on water in no time. If you’ve got your own boat, the fantastic National Harbor Marina is a great destination dock.
This five-piece cast iron sculpture by artist J. Seward Johnson Jr. has been mystifying crowds for 35 years. The sculpture, depicting a massive iron giant emerging from the sand, was originally installed near the Jefferson Memorial but moved to National Harbor in 2008. It's an impressive, unforgettable piece of art.
With its signature glass atriums and remarkable waterfront location, the four-diamond-rated Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is the perfect place for a vacation or just a night away from it all. If your preference runs more boutique, sample the full-service luxury of The Westin.
The big game is always better with a big crowd and on a big screen, and National Harbor’s got you covered. The massive 18-by-32 foot outdoor Jumbotron is the perfect way to catch the game or the big awards ceremony with all of your friends (and you will probably make some new ones while you’re there). For the cinema lover, the Jumbotron’s Movies on the Potomac series offers a great selection of free films.
Find the best deals on the coolest stuff at Tanger Outlets. With dozens of stores including Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren outlet, Brooks Brothers outlet, Swarovski, and Kitchen Collection, Tanger Outlets are a true one-stop for all your needs and wants in a shopping destination. A shuttle makes the short trip up the hill from the river even easier.
Take a water taxi to historic Mount Vernon or the National Mall and see the cherry blossoms from the water, or take in a sunset on one of National Harbor’s charter vessels. Charter the Cherry Blossom, a classic stern-wheeler riverboat perfect for seeing the sights, dance the night away on the glass-enclosed Odyssey cruise ship, or board any of National Harbor’s many luxury and family tour boats. Check ahead for availability.
There’s just something about the moonlight reflecting off the river that makes the perfect meal even more perfect. From the sophisticated Old Hickory Steakhouse to the whimsical Walrus Oyster Alehouse to local favorites like the Crab Cake Café, National Harbor offers a world of dining options in one beautiful location.
Friday nights come to life to the sounds of great live music at the National Harbor Marina’s free outdoor concert series. Some of the best local and national acts grace the gorgeous riverside stage from May through September. Ride the grooves between the river and the stars.