National Harbor: Guide to Food, Shops, and Fun Activities

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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.

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

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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