United States Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Guide Things To Do Essentials Restaurants Nightlife Where to Stay Neighborhoods Events Getaways All Washington, D.C. Top 9 Things to Do at National Harbor, Maryland Written by Rachel Cooper Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions. Tripsavvy's Editorial Guidelines Rachel Cooper Updated 08/05/19 Share Pin Email National Harbor is a major waterfront development on the Potomac River, just outside of Washington, D.C. The mixed-use Maryland community is home to restaurants, retail stores, hotels, a Las Vegas-style casino, a full-service marina, a convention center, condos, and more. National Harbor hosts a wide range of events throughout the year and is a prime destination for dining and entertainment. 01 of 09 Take a Ride on the Capital Wheel G'Niel Pinkney / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0 View Map Address 141 American Way, National Harbor, MD 20745, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-842-8650 Web Visit website Soaring 180 feet above the Potomac River, Capital Wheel is one of National Harbor's most popular attractions. From the top of the ferris wheel, you can see sweeping views of the Washington, D.C. area. Plus, the climate-controlled gondolas make it a comfortable ride no matter the season. 02 of 09 Visit MGM National Harbor Matt Hazlett/Getty Images View Map Address 101 MGM National Ave, Forest Heights, MD 20745, USA Get directions Phone +1 844-646-6847 Web Visit website Enjoy a full night of entertainment at MGM National Harbor. The $1.4 billion Vegas-style hotel and casino features 3,100 slots and 140 table games, many restaurants and bars, high-end shops, and a 3,000-seat theater. Performances include world-class concerts, comedy shows, cabaret-style acts, boxing events, and more. 03 of 09 Shop at the Malls and Boutiques Ryan McKnight / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 National Harbor is home to many unique shops. Browse Crabtree & Evelyn for skin care products, South Moon Under for boho-chic clothes, and Potomac Gourmet Market for artisanal cheese and wine. The Tanger Outlet Shopping Mall also has brand-name stores, including Calvin Klein, H&M, Gap Factory Store, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic Factory, White House Black Market, J. Crew Factory, and more. 04 of 09 Explore the Gaylord National Resort Courtesy of Gaylord National View Map Address 201 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD 20745, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-965-4000 Web Visit website The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center has 2,000 guest rooms, six restaurants, retail shops, a full-service spa and fitness center, a nightclub, and an indoor/outdoor swimming pool. The resort has a regular light and fountain show that's a favorite for families. Continue to 5 of 9 below. 05 of 09 Check Out the Special Events Courtesy of National Harbor Special events are held year-round at National Harbor. Taste more than 150 international wines, spirits, and beers at the National Harbor Food and Wine Festival, catch some free outdoor films at Movies on the Potomac, or kick up your heals and dance at the free summer concerts. Later in the year, you can drink German beer at the annual Oktoberfest and celebrate the season with a variety of holiday events along the waterfront. 06 of 09 Sing at Bobby McKey's Piano Bar Courtesy of National Harbor View Map Address 172 Fleet St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-602-2209 Web Visit website At Bobby McKeys, dueling pianists lead a high-spirited, interactive sing-along for everyone to enjoy. This is a popular place to unwind, have a drink, and show off your vocal skills with a group of friends. 07 of 09 Cruise Along the Potomac River Courtesy of Entertainment Cruises National Harbor hovers on the shore of the Potomac River, and one of the best ways to take in the scenery is by boat. Sign up for a yacht or sailboat cruise to see the capital's most famous monuments or explore George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. There are also lunch and dinner cruises, with multi-course meals and live bands. 08 of 09 Rent Boats or Watersports Equipment Courtesy of National Harbor Canoe, sailboat, kayak, and paddle board rentals are available for a day of outdoor fun on the Potomac waterfront. Get some exercise and take in the views of National Harbor, Alexandria, and Washington, D.C. Continue to 9 of 9 below. 09 of 09 Take the Kids on the Carousel Rachel Cooper View Map Address Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA Get directions Web Visit website Families love the playground, picnic tables, and 36-foot carousel at National Harbor. Admission is $7 for an all-day pass, and accompanying parents can ride for free with their children. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit