National Harbor

We were visiting for the weekend. The Harbor is a nice place. But I'd definitely prefer it during the summer because it was a different kind of cold than I'm used to. If you go during the winter a coat is a must. Not a jacket or a hoodie, a real coat!!! There were tons of people there as it's a busy area with restaurants, shopping, the ferry, the ferris wheel, and more!! They had the large Christmas tree decorated and they do fireworks on Fridays. They also have a huge movie screen to watch free movies, with lawn chairs. Definitely check the events in the area before going. Parking is about $24 a day, it may be less if you're paying hourly. We stayed in a nearby hotel and the parking wasn't free. So just be aware. On Saturday and Sunday they were having a craft market in the center of the Harbor where they close down the street. It's several vendors selling various items like food, soaps, crafts, candles, and etc. The area has security and police patrolling regular rounds. There's also a curfew for unsupervised minors. The area felt safe for the most part. There's several hotels in the area. The Hyatt, AC hotel, The Gaylord, and some others. So it's a nice place to visit. The ferris wheel was about $22 per person and the carousel was $7 for unlimited rides. There's also a playground in the area. The streets have statues that make for cool photo ops. Marilyn Monroe and Rosie the riveter were my fav!!! I enjoyed my time here and would certainly come back!!!

It's not a large area and the waterfront pathway isn't well decorated albeit it's clean and kept up. Leads to the National Plaza where there's more to see. Along the way there's the statue/ artwork of of giant falling into the sand which makes for good pictures with the waterfront in the background. Fireworks show on the waterfront early around 4:40p on a Saturday in December. Just happen to see it from our hotel as it happened. Not sure of the schedule but might be worth looking into albeit was fairly short of a show.

I spent about a week staying in one of the hotels in National Harbor for Podcast Movement a few months ago. I really enjoyed my time here as my home away from home during that conference. Beautiful views, walkable and safe, interesting things to do, family friendly options... The Capital Wheel and a Ben & Jerry's storefront! What more can you ask for in the summer? If you're an out-of-town traveler, NH has options for all price-point tiers. You can keep costs down with casual dining spots and free entertainment like walking along the water, or you can splurge and dine more high-end at Harvest, Rosa Mexicana, or Grace's Mandarin. I like the public art in the area - all the statues and sculptures, too. Also, National Harbor is still close to DC - in case you need to go back and forth into the capital. There's also the water taxi, which I would recommend riding if time permits. National Harbor is great!

This was my first time visiting here and it was fantastic. It is clean, well lit, police presence, plenty of shops and places to eat. Traffic is tough and so is parking. But I would like to go back for a longer visit. I would like to ride the Ferris Wheel and see the monument from the top lit up at night. I did not know anything about this place until last weekend and I want to go back already. Very touristy but well maintained.

Whats not to love about this place!! So many date night ideas in one place! The Capitol Wheel! Sitting by the shore watching the sun set. So many nice eateries... Candy Kitchen!! The casino is nearby, the outlets and the Gaylord Resorts which hosts a lot of cosplay conventions. They now enforce a curfew for juveniles, which is good. From 5pm to 6am! Lots of police presence. My list can go on. However the garages are expensive! I'm definitely coming back here more often!

I had a meeting for work in National Harbor this week and decided to stroll around for a bit after my meeting since I hadn't been before! National Harbor is a city and multi-use waterfront development on the Potomac River in Prince George's County, Maryland. The area has lots of shops and restaurants. Granted, a lot of them are chains that you see in tourist areas, but there were some shops and restaurants that looked interesting (I only stopped into a bookstore and Starbucks while I was there). There's also a Ferris wheel on the water, an MGM casino, a Gaylord resort, a Titanic experience (showing models of and artifacts from the Titanic). The highlights for me were the public art pieces that are scattered around National Harbor! "The Awakening" is a sculpture of a giant emerging from the sand of the waterfront - 70 feet across and definitely popular with kids who enjoy climbing on it. There there are sculptures of famous Americans (and one Brit?!) scattered along American Way - George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and more! Unfortunately, National Harbor isn't that easy to get to - the only routes in or out are ramps north of the area that link it to major roadways (95/495, 295, and Oxon Hill Road). Since these roads can be horrible with traffic, it may not always be a delight to get to National Harbor. There is also a water taxi line connecting National Harbor to Alexandria) The parking can be very expensive too (but at least easy to find). Overall, National Harbor has a weird vibe for me - too touristy, like you're at Disneyworld or a pier in Ocean City? But the public art was a surprise, and I wouldn't mind returning for a concert at the MGM or for another event!

What is not to love about the Harbor! I've been here so much the last two weeks that I am seriously learning to appreciate this area. There is so much to do! The Gaylord has the best spa and I'm here often but never took the time to actually venture around. I'm in Heaven with the Candy shop! Love that I will be close for a few more weeks! #addicted

I recommend checking out National Harbor if you're visiting Washington. There is a lot to see and explore. At night it is very colorful with lights and there are even events that occur. There are a ton of stores and restaurants. But most of the eateries here are really expensive.

Funny thing is that I live in the same county as this place and I only visited here because my work decided to do a national training here. Otherwise, I probably would have never intentionally come down here. I'm probably gonna get some flack on my review of the Harbor on a whole, but that's the thing about reviews, they need to be honest and based on your experience. With that, let's get going. At a recent training, I had the pleasure of hearing a politician speak, he represented the county that National Harbor sits in and he just happened to say that the Harbor was the crown jewel of the county. I wonder how everyone else that lives in the county feels about that remark, I don't count as I am a transplant and I'm still exploring. If you happen to be staying in one of the hotels down here, this place probably feels appropriate. But, if you happen to be in the area for business or doctor's appointment it feels inconvenient. Believe me, I can explain. If you are staying here, it is a tourist destination with many things to do. At the present time, there is a circus in the area, you have the Ferris wheel, pier, and a few other draws. There are some small parks, many statues that line the streets, and a riverfront trail. DC Metro buses come through so you can easily make it to DC or take a water taxi to DC or Alexandria. Many restaurants with different choices of cuisine that will tickle any fancy. Nightlife is decent with many bars offering some type of entertainment. If you happen to be a local, or in the area for some type of appointment, it is a tourist destination, which makes this place feel like a burden. If you have an appointment, leave extra early. Traffic is a nightmare with those coming here and not having a clue how to navigate. Then there is the parking. There are a few on street spots, but mostly parking in garages and lots that you have to pay an outlandish fee for when you are only there for an hour, two at most. The offerings it has is outweighed by the hassle of getting to the area.

Simply beautiful Simply amazing Tribute to the military is breathtaking. So much to do, various restaurants,shops hotels and let's not forget the Ferris Wheel with the spectacular view. The sculpture in the sand Excellent transformation Well done Great place if you're driving though on I95 or visiting DC area. Stop in

National Harbor, MD is just about 35 minutes from DC. There is a lot to see and do. We viewed The Titanic Exhibition and shopped and ate along the waterfront on the Potomac. Activities/sights - The Capital Wheel - Spirit Park Carousel - Spirit Park with largest US flying flag (although when we were here there was no breeze) - The Awakening sculpture by John Seward Johnson II -Art collection walking tour We parked in the lot by the carousel and it was practically empty. By the time we finished with the exhibition, shopping and lunch, the lot was full and the restaurants were starting to fill up.

National Harbor is a beautiful and walkable area with great restaurants and unique shops. We stopped by after a show at the MGM and enjoyed dinner and a quiet walk with a water view. There were many parking garages. I look forward to my next visit!

Definitely a place to put on your bucket list when you're in the area! There are so many shops, restaurants and activities that will appeal to all tastes! We visited this area after Thanksgiving and the Christmas decorations were beautiful! Check out The Capital Wheel for an amazing view of the area! Take pictures of the realistic stautes and various art in the area! Catch a movie near the harbor! You can even stay in one of the nearby hotels! Just enjoy the sights and sounds of the area! If you visit several days in a row, you'll still find new entertainment each time!

National Harbor is a tourist spot with plenty of restaurants and other attractions to do. There aren't many ways to get there besides. They do have water taxis and Washingtons metro buses do come out there as well. I recommend doing the ferris wheel you get a great view right along the Potomac. Sadly there isn't much street parking. That is your best bet if you don't want to pay a ridiculous amount. There are plenty of parking garages but they charge an insane amount when you will only spend a couple of hours there. Not an essential spot to see while you are in DC I preferred Alexandria and Wharf waterfront more.

I enjoy coming to the Harbor! They have plenty of restaurants, some with great views of the water. Endless events, there is always something going on either at the Harbor itself or inside of a restaurant or store. Several hotels to choose from & some shopping. On a nice day walking around the Harbor is amazing, there are benches that overlook the water and you can people watch. They have street parking (good luck on a busy day) the parking garages are nice and not as pricey as you'd expect them to be.

What a fun place to explore! So, my family wanted to visit all the popular national monuments on this trip to the DMV area. Every night on the way back to the hotel the kids saw the Ferris wheel at National Harbor and we promised to take them. It wasn't until the last full day where we started exploring it. We were staying at a hotel right next to it! I can't believe we didn't sooner. The family loved the Ben and Jerry's, the Ferris wheel and the sandy area with the submerged statue. I liked the restaurant with the lobster rolls too. If you're visiting DC with family, check out National Harbor. It's worth it.

We had a great night at the Harbor. The weather was beautiful and the scenery was amazing. The options to eat are plentiful. If you are looking to have a nice night out with friends and or family take them here. You will enjoy it!

Good food and a lot of variety! very convenient from the place we were staying! Family friendly!

This is a nice little spot to visit in the DMV area. The main highlight is the Capitol Ferris Wheel that sits out on the water and gives you a really nice view of the harbor. There is also a mini fake beach too and a large screen that they play movies on. There are also a number of restaurants too. The hotels and conference centers there are popular for business conventions and graduations. But other than that, there isn't much else to do. Wish there were carnival rides or something. But this is more of an adult tourist spot. The Capitol Ferris wheel is pretty inexpensive with adult tickets at only $16.50. There is child (12 and under) and military pricing too. There is also an extra special pod that you can pay for that has a table, TV and glass bottom...But the ride is only like 15min so I really don't see how that is worth it. The pods can hold up to about 8 people. It is fully enclosed and mostly glass so you can have a great view no matter where you sit. It does have built in AC. You get about 3 rotations before you need to get off. The ride was very smooth. This was probably the most high tech ferris wheel I have every been on. It looks really pretty at sunset (see pics). The souvenir photos where they take your group photo before you get on the wheel are a reasonable price at around $20 including physical and digital copies. One of the few times we decided to purchase these types of prints. Parking for National Harbor consists of paid garage and street parking. Unfortunately there is no free parking or parking validation. Overall: a nice one time visit, can't imagine wanting to come here again unless I had to attend a convention here.

Amazing place to bring the family so much to do when you get there the capital wheel so fun for the family the ferry was cool to got to see a lot of things worth the trip and the money for it

Beautiful surroundings views and plenty of restaurants to choose from the Ferris wheel is pretty.

Very nifty place and space -- tons of places to eat and shop... lots of outdoor free stuff to just enjoy... mega (wheelchair accessible) Ferris wheel... boat rentals... convention center and so so so much more... amazing day trip or even several days... easy access off the DC beltway... beautiful waterfront (river) views.... Only drawback -- a bit pricey. Not ridiculous. But pricey for sure. Park g and amenities and food and gifties... it is all $$$$.

The have really built this place up. They have somewhat reasonable parking fees. You can park in a lot, if you are lucky or you can park in one of thier garages. They are the same price. There are also a few metered spots that you can park at, but they are few and far between. This place is beautiful and very clean. It is very picturesque. location such as the ferris wheel, military service member statues, fountain, and Harbor overlook are some of the more popular selfie spots. They have a huge ferris wheel/eye, called the Capital Wheel, with enclosed pods, a merry go round, a playground, paddle boat/canoe rentals, an outdoor event venue, a pier, a walking/bike trail, and a beach (which is currently closed due to COVID). You have to pay to go on the ferris wheel, merry go round and paddle boats/canoes. There are also some very nice shops and restaurants. Some of their restaurants include: Ben & Jerry's, Bobby McKey's Dueling Piano Bar, Brother Jimmy's, Crab Cake Cafe, Chipotle and The Walrus Oyster and Ale House. They also have a huge screen by the pier where they can play movies or put on a game. It is an awesome place to watch. I enjoyed the statues that represented the 5 branches of the military as well as the statue of the man appearing to come up out of the sand titled Marvel at the Awakening. I was there during a nice afternoon and there was a decent crowd. They crowd seemed to increase as the sun went down. This spot seems to be frequented by every loud vehicle in Maryland, DC and Virginia. I did not see many police officers or much security while I was there, but I still felt safe. They may just come out at night. The Harbor is right by the Tanger Outlets, The Gaylord Convention Center, and the MGM Casino. I enjoyed just walking around here on a nice day and getting a quick bite to eat. I suggest going at a less popular time however, it can get really packed. and traffic can get a bit crazy. You can spend a good half day or so there, so plan accordingly.

I consider this place a home away from home. I love to visit National Narbor for any reason that may possibly come up. We've attended many festivals here is well as overnight trips. We've celebrated anniversaries and birthdays here. This place is a huge asset to the area and holds a special gem in my heart. I love the restaurant's, variety of shops/ boutiques, hotels and most of all the views! The view is absolutely priceless! There is limited street parking but a lot of reasonably priced garage parking. I highly recommend this area to anyone looking to get away for a local good time.

I have been a DC regular for over twenty years and I did not know that is place existed. We came down to do the Christmas events at the Gaylord Hotel and conference center which is a quick 3 minute walk away. We were blown away by all the restaurants, shops and activities that were available at this waterfront town on the Potomac River. They have a big Ferris Wheel and other rides and a small beach like area. A waterfront walkway is a nice way to burn off some of the calories picked up at the numerous restaurants and food shops. Pick up a lobster roll at Masons or enjoy some oysters washed down with National Bohemian at the Walrus. Stop in at Fiorella's for some pasta or pizza. Get you candy fix at a branch of Candy Kitchen. The town can get very crowded on weekends or when an event is going on. It is nicely decorated for Christmas. Grandson loved the Veterans Display and the Statues of the Presidents in the square.

National harbor is a fun and underrated place to stop. The restaurants are all surprisingly expensive, but the views are nice and the vibe upscale. Everything is very clean. Parking costs an arm and a leg though--be prepared for that, maybe $25.

National harbor feels very touristy. Many of the shops are either common chains or gimmicky places. Parking is pretty much inescapably expensive. But the view is quite nice and there are some options there that might appeal to people.

This is a really nice spot to hang out at night. Imagine it's quite as active and lively during the daytime as well. The changing lights of the Ferris wheel is it a nice backdrop to the Harbor. I really enjoyed the huge statue of the buried man in the sand. The best view and pics of the whole installment can be taken from the walkway by the harbor. There are signs everywhere to keep or rather adhere to the social distancing and to always wear your mask. It is required mask even while walking outside. There's police presence everywhere to make sure but all guests and residents and everyone else is wearing masks outside as well as the ones going in and out of buildings. They take the mask requirement here very seriously. The harbor area is closed after 10 PM, the police presence is also there to make sure that they're not people milling about after 2 PM.

The National Harbor is located in Prince George's County, Maryland, located along the Potomac River, near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and just south of Washington, DC. It sits across the river from Washington, and Alexandrea, VA. You can catch a water taxi from the National Harbor to the National Mall and Old Town Alexandria Virginia. While you cruise between Old Town Alexandria and Georgetown you can enjoy stunning views of America's iconic monuments. It's the most convent and awesome way to see all three of these wonderful historic and tourist areas that span 3 states (ok, I know DC isn't a state-but you get it). Back to the harbor- there are tons of restaurants, top brand shopping, several hotels and meeting places. They have ample parking, with lots and garages; the Gaylord National Resort and MGM Grand Hotel and Casino have their own private parking. They even have their own police force that is very visible (there is not a crime problem that I have ever noticed). There are two landmarks; the The Capitol Wheel (with and outdoor lounge at the foot of the wheel), and The Awakening Sculpture. The National Harbor is a great way to spend time with friends and family and to have conferences. Everything is within walking distance and there's lots to see and do. They have a lot of events throughout the year that are very popular and it does get really crowed, but if you haven't been, it is worth the visit.

This place has it all! The National Harbor is one of my favorite spots to hang out in the DMV. You can spend hours strolling along the Potomac browsing the shops, taking in a bite to eat at the many restaurant options available or even watching free movies on Thursdays or Sundays....including free popcorn at the National Harbor! There are plenty of restaurants and hotels to chose from as well for every palette and budget. Cheap eat hamburgers to Asian-cuisine to expensive steaks....and everything in between. A couple of standouts that are generally good places to eat are Bond 45, Rosa Mexicano, Graces Mandarin and Granite City Brewery. In the spring and summer seasons, there is a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy from a large co-op farmers market and great food, wine & music festivals....to my favorite, the annual "All You Can Eat" Maryland Blue Crab Festival. And, If that is not enough, there are free outdoor fitness boot-camp classes to help you stay focused on those fading New Year's fitness goals during the spring/summer months! If you have more time to spare, visit the Gaylord Hotel Atrium & the nearby MGM casino. Both have great entertainment and good option. As a bonus and great service, The National Harbor offers a free shuttle to and from the MGM. Last, there is the Tanger Outlet with a tons of brand name clothing stores to extend your visit to this area. During my last visit, I was there celebrating with family and friends over the Christmas holiday weekend & New Year. My family stayed a few days and nights at the Residence Inn across from the Gaylord. There where lots of indoor Christmas and holiday activities for children at the Gaylord. And, the ICE sculpture exhibit and event was an added plus. It was definitely festive and a lot more exciting than most months I've been to the Harbor. The sidewalks throughout National Harbor were crowded and seeing the water, bridges and Christmas tree lighting, NYE fireworks and different lights on the Capital Wheel made it one of the best visits to this location in a while. In all, you can't go wrong with the National Harbor. it is the perfect gathering spot any time of the year....and one of the best options when in need of a place for celebrating birthdays, large group meetups, staycations or simply, just a casual night out! *TIP: Parkmobile is available as a parking payment option now. Take advantage of it by saving time at the parking ticket stations when using the parking garages or street parking.

I'd like to know who's idea it was to create a man that looks like he is tortured in pain and struggling and then bury him in the sand and let kids play on top of him. This is something you'd only see in the capital of the United States. There were literally kids playing on the screaming mouth of a buried man. Who thinks of this stuff?

Nice day trip from Capital city of Washington DC. You can take a ferry from Wharf. There are many different restaurants and nice crafty shops. Also, if you have some time you can go to Gaylord resort and MGM casino also. I went there for a day trip and had dinner and came back. It's a nice place for a day trip from Washington, DC. If you want to go somewhere different from the national mall or Smithsonian museums. Also, Wharf is a great place to get dinner, too.

The rain didn't stop anyone today. The usual crowd but maybe a little more. I love parking at the first garage closest to the Muse Paint bar. Makes for easy exit. Found what I was looking for and now on to the next stop.

We visited the National Harbor specifically to see The Awakening sculpture. My partner is an artist, and this is one of the pieces that inspired him to start sculpting. It's a truly remarkable piece of art, a giant man cast in aluminum emerging from the earth. It appears this sculpture is usually interactive, but it is blocked off for now due to COVID. While at the National Harbor, we decided to ride the Capital Wheel because Ferris wheels are awesome. It was really neat to have a birds eye view of the whole harbor from the top, and also see the sculpture from above. We were lucky to be there on a really sunny, clear day which definitely heightened the experience. I wish we could've spent more time here, as it was really enjoyable to walk around. I look forward to visiting again soon!

We enjoyed National Harbor. Not too crowded with a good amount of eateries and things to do.

National Harbor is a nice place to go whether you're a tourist or local in need of a nice stroll or date night. During all our visits, I've seen some places come and go but the options for food and shopping in this area are plentiful. They offer events so it's worth checking them out when they do. They have a big fake grass area where football can be played a big screen tv with plenty of seating. I remember when The Awakening was at Anacostia Park but moving it here made sense. It's now a great play area for kiddos with lots of sand. Just make sure to keep an eye on your kiddos... the area where the awakening is is surrounded by large rocks just over the water. You can walk along the pier and at the end you can ride on the capital wheel. It's a must to do at least once. Day and night time views are completely different. The highest point is 180 feet in the air. You can also float, paddle, ride boats or visit the Gaylord. There is lots to do at the national harbor. Watching the sunset here is one of my favorite things to do. Breathtaking views.

Really enjoyed the variety of food options. Beautiful scenery, and a great place to walk.

Today is 5th of July but the holiday is observed, so I took a tour of the National Harbor, an entertainment complex on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, and overlooking on the other side Alexandria, VA. Two of my favorite restaurants are there (McCormick and Smith and , but there are many more! I decided to gain an advantageous point of view, and rode the Ferris Wheel!

National Harbor isn't for everyone. Here's why someone may like it: 1) Accessibility: It's 20-minutes outside of DC, so it's not accessible to the city, BUT once you're there, it is. You have hotels, a casino, restaurants, a harbor, and even a marshmallow peep store! You have everything you'd need if you are visiting (minus a grocery store). 2) Events: They have programming throughout the year from concerts at the MGM to holiday events on the harbor. For Christmas, they erect a large tree people enjoy. 3) Views: You can see across the river into Old Town Alexandria. They also have a lit up ferris wheel that makes for a good photo. Here's what's not to love: 1) Restaurants: National Harbor has a handful of mediocre restaurants. Most are so basic they aren't good. If you're desperate, head to Rosa Mexicana for their home made guac and pom frozen margaritas. 2) Cheese: It's contrived and it all feels so fake and cheesy. It doesn't represent Washington, D.C.

Beautiful place to visit. A lot of shops and places to eat. Very popular area. Will be back.

Beautiful place to visit, 10 minutes Uber ride from DC. I did the Big Wheel ride very smooth with AC. Check the hours for restaurant Closing, with our visit being July 2021 everything was still on Covid hours closing at 10:00pm Would visit again

Cute spot especially now around the holidays. Beautiful views of the water, bridge, and now a big Christmas tree that does a light show. A few restaurants to choose from and you can do some shopping as well. Don't forget their Ferris wheel which is opened during this pandemic.

Such a beautiful location, especially during the summertime! Great place to just lounge with family to do a little shopping & enjoy some good eats. I will say, most places out here are on the procedure side of things.. As we left at night, there were colored lights above the streets and the area came alive even more! They also had a little area where there was a singer/musician with live music. Clean bathrooms available (past chipotle). Adequate parking available. Great view of the waters. I don't come here often, but I do enjoy the couple times I have visited.

I had a great time visiting National Harbor. My inclination for coming here was to get on the Capital Wheel since I Live in Santa Monica, I felt it was a must to ride. I hit up an awesome happy hour at McCormicks, got some great food and drinks before riding the Capitol Wheel. National Harbor is a bit far from the DC Monuments, so plan accordingly, it was about a 35 minute Lyft ride for me. National Harbor also has some shops and other restaurants in the area.

Great place. Love it here. Good restaurants. Good food. Good hotels. The atmosphere is great. Even when it was raining. Then the sun came out. It was great.

Weed smell is everywhere outdoors. Parking garages costs $20. The same stores and restaurants you can find anywhere in the suburbs-- no need to come here. Lots of police because they need them. Really unpleasant. The only reason to come here is Bobby McKee's which is really fun.

We spent an entire day at the National Harbor and it was such a relaxing, enjoyable afternoon away from the hectic and often chaotic thing called life. Of course this is a huge tourist spot, and the prices at the nearby restaurants reflect that. But it's also a nice spot for locals to just spend the day as well. The water is beautiful in the summer and they offer a Skywheel ride for next to nothing for even better views. We found tickets for the Skywheel on Groupon. There is a park for the children and some specialty shops for the adults. The seagulls flock to the water and at night, there are some spectacular views of the sun going down as shown by my photos. I no longer just live a hop and a skip from the Harbor, but it is a nice place to visit...even if just once.

A great experience today visiting National Harbor! Not many people at all, a couple of hotels were closed and much less crowds than usual! It was very pleasant to walk around a bit and it was so relaxing for a change. We were the only ones on the Ferris Wheel, too! Didn't even have to wait in line to get on since we were the first ones when we were there. Liked the atmosphere. Went to the Candy Store and walked around the boardwalk, taking some nice pictures...

This is one of the most beautiful and comfortable places in Maryland. There are many shops and restaurants to enjoy.