If you’re moving to Washington, D.C., soon, you may be wondering how you’ll spend your free time there. Will you find good restaurants you like, and will there be fun things for your family to do on the weekend? Is there good shopping nearby, and can you attend community events that will entertain and educate?
The answer to all these questions is yes, and so much more. National Harbor has some of the best dining, shopping, and entertainment in the country. Read on to learn more about this amazing neighborhood and the many attractions it offers.
National Harbor: Key Highlights and Must-Know Information
Dining Options: National Harbor offers a variety of dining options from Fiorella Italian Kitchen to Mason’s Famous Lobster Roll, along with exotic choices like Mezeh Mediterranean Grill and Thai Pavillion. There are also great date night spots like Voltaggio Brothers Steak House and Succotash, and fun places like Rosa Mexicano and Messy Treatz for dessert.
Drinking Spots: National Harbor has great bars such as The Belvedere lobby bar, The Brass Tap for craft beer lovers, and Bar Harbor for waterfront views. For an energetic vibe, visit Bob McKey’s, and for a relaxed atmosphere, enjoy drinks at The Irish Whisper.
Shopping Opportunities: From the local boutiques to Tanger Outlets, National Harbor offers a diverse shopping experience, including a focus on black-owned and woman-owned businesses. The Promenade is a great place to start, featuring unique shops and local businesses.
Eventful Atmosphere: National Harbor hosts an array of events throughout the year, including holiday events like free seasonal movies and fireworks, concerts such as Bruno Mars and Cirque Dreams Holidaze, and a New Year’s Eve celebration. The upcoming year also brings performances from Dancing with the Stars Live and other exciting events.
Outdoor Fun: National Harbor offers various outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, boat rentals, jet skiing, biking, and exploring the waterfront. Attractions include the Capital Wheel, city cruises, a carousel, and a golf course.
Creative Opportunities: For those inclined towards creativity, National Harbor provides opportunities like painting at Muse Paintbar, visiting the PGAHC Arts’tination gallery, and exploring The Black Hair Experience exhibit. Cooking enthusiasts can take classes at The Sylver Spoon culinary studio.
Relaxation Spots: After a busy day, unwind at The MGM National Harbor’s Spa and Salon or the Gaylord National’s Relache Spa. Both offer luxurious relaxation experiences with a range of services, including massages, facials, and couple’s suites.
Ideal Location for a New Home: National Harbor is a beautiful location with an array of dining, shopping, entertainment, and relaxation options. Explore Washington, D.C. and Maryland apartments for a stylish and comfortable place to call home.
Dine
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, you won’t have to look far with the National Harbor restaurants. From Fiorella Italian Kitchen to Mason’s Famous Lobster Roll, you can find exactly what you’re craving. If you prefer something more exotic, try Mezeh Mediterranean Grill or the Thai Pavillion.
Voltaggio Brothers Steak House is the perfect date night spot, or you can enjoy a taste of the South at Succotash. The Potomac Gourmet Market is always a treat, and you’ll fall in love with Rosa Mexicano.
Wrap up your dining experience with a stop at The Furlough Cheesecake or Messy Treatz.
Drink
You also won’t have to go far to find a good drink at National Harbor. The Belvedere lobby has an amazing bar that will make you feel like you’re drinking with the stars. You can also stop in at The Brass Tap to enjoy one of the many craft beers available from local breweries.
Bar Harbor is an amazing spot to enjoy the waterfront views of National Harbor, or you can liven up your night at Bob McKey’s, where performers dance on top of the grand piano. The Flight Deck at the Capital Wheel offers unparalleled views of the water and gorgeous sunsets.
Additionally, The Irish Whisper has some of the best drinks in town, served in a delightful pub setting.
Shop
If you love shopping, you’ll find your happy place at National Harbor outlets. You can find anything from local boutiques to internationally recognized brands here, as well as both black-owned and woman-owned businesses. From children’s clothes and menswear to shoes, health and beauty, and home goods, you can find anything your heart desires.
Start your shopping day at The Promenade, which features some of National Harbor’s most unique shops and businesses. There are also a dozen black-owned businesses to support, including BrookieGirl’s bath and body products or clothes from ZAAF Collection.
Wrap up by visiting your favorite brand stores at the Tanger Outlets of National Harbor.
Explore
No matter what your interests are, you can find an event to suit you at National Harbor. This holiday season, you can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate while you watch free seasonal movies at the Plaza Screen. We’ll also be lighting our 54-foot tree every night until the end of the year in the heart of the Waterfront District.
Bruno Mars will be playing at National Harbor on December 4, and we’ll have fireworks at The Plaza that evening. Come enjoy the magic of Cirque Dreams Holidaze December 16-19, and join us for our New Year’s Eve celebration.
At the beginning of next year, National Harbor will host Dancing with the Stars Live Tour, Nick Swardson, Boyz II Men, Joe Bonamassa, and more.
Play
National Harbor also offers some of the best opportunities for outdoor fun in the country. The entire region is a waterfront wonderland, with tons of activities available for you to do on the Potomac River. During the warmer months, you can rent paddleboards, boats, jet skis, and more to enjoy a day on the river.
You can borrow one of the dozens of bikes available at National Harbor to explore the neighborhood. The Capital Wheel is a great way to take to the skies and see all the best views of National Harbor.
There are city cruises and boat floats, a carousel, a conservatory, a golf course, and even several historic sites to explore with your family.
Create
If you’re the creative sort, National Harbor has a world of opportunity for you. The Muse Paintbar invites you to create your very own masterpiece in a guided, social setting.
You can also get some inspiration at PGAHC Arts’tination, a stunning gallery space. And The Black Hair Experience is an incredible pop-up art exhibit inspired by the beauty, stories, and culture of black hair.
If cooking is more your speed, why not take a class at The Sylver Spoon? The culinary studio offers pop-up classes where you’ll learn to make brunch, pizza, tacos, and even amazing vegan dishes.
You can also enjoy the art spread around the neighborhood by local sculptors, muralists, and more.
Relax
After all the fun you’ve had, you may want some time to relax and unwind. The MGM National Harbor’s Spa and Salon has you more than covered with all the pampering you could ever hope for. This gorgeous retreat is 27,000 square feet and features a dozen gorgeous appointment rooms where you can get the relaxation you need.
The Gaylord National’s Relache Spa also offers a divine oasis of pampering and relaxation. Their 20,000-square-foot facility offers another eleven spa rooms, two steam rooms, and even saunas. You can get a blowout at their full-service salon or get a couple’s massage with your special someone in the dedicated couple’s suite.
Find Your Place at National Harbor
National Harbor is a gorgeous place to spend your time in Washington, D.C. From amazing dining and shopping opportunities to fantastic events and attractions, you’ll find something to delight you. Unwind in one of the glorious spas, or get creative at one of National Harbor’s many artistic havens.
If you’d like to find your place in Washington, D.C., check out the rest of our apartments. We have a unique selection of apartments in Washington, D.C. and Maryland for any price point. Check our availability today and discover the exceptional location and stylish rentals we offer.
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National Harbor: FAQs
What dining options are available at National Harbor?
National Harbor offers a wide range of dining options, including Fiorella Italian Kitchen, Mason’s Famous Lobster Roll, and Mezeh Mediterranean Grill. For a date night, try Voltaggio Brothers Steak House or Succotash. You can also enjoy dessert at Rosa Mexicano and Messy Treatz.
Where can I find great bars and drinks at National Harbor?
You can visit The Belvedere lobby bar for a celebrity-style drink, The Brass Tap for local craft beers, or Bar Harbor for stunning waterfront views. For an energetic atmosphere, check out Bob McKey’s, and for a cozy pub experience, stop by The Irish Whisper.
What shopping options are available at National Harbor?
National Harbor has diverse shopping options, from local boutiques to the Tanger Outlets. The Promenade is a great spot to find unique shops, and there are many black-owned and woman-owned businesses to support, including BrookieGirl’s bath products and ZAAF Collection’s clothing.
Are there any events to attend at National Harbor?
Yes, National Harbor hosts many exciting events. You can enjoy free seasonal movies, fireworks, and holiday festivities like Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Concerts by Bruno Mars and New Year’s Eve celebrations are also part of the exciting lineup, along with upcoming performances like Dancing with the Stars Live.
What outdoor activities are available at National Harbor?
National Harbor offers a range of outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, jet skiing, and boat rentals. You can also explore the area by bike, visit the Capital Wheel for great views, or take a city cruise. Other attractions include a carousel and a golf course.
Are there creative opportunities at National Harbor?
National Harbor provides several creative experiences. You can paint your own masterpiece at Muse Paintbar, visit the PGAHC Arts’tination gallery, or explore The Black Hair Experience art exhibit. Cooking enthusiasts can join pop-up classes at The Sylver Spoon studio.
Where can I relax at National Harbor?
For relaxation, you can visit The MGM National Harbor’s Spa and Salon or the Gaylord National’s Relache Spa. Both offer luxurious treatments, including massages, facials, and couple’s suites, to help you unwind after a busy day.
Is National Harbor a good place to live?
National Harbor is an ideal place to live with its wide range of dining, shopping, entertainment, and relaxation options. It offers an exceptional location with stylish apartments in Washington, D.C. and Maryland, making it a great place to call home.
