- Tags: National Harbor, Vacation
The National Harbor is Northern Virginia’s premier location for shopping, dining, meeting, and staycations. If you live in the Northeastern United States, you should consider National Harbor for your next fantastic getaway, vacation, or day trip. There are not too many places in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. that have so many unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues in such close proximity. Plus, the Harbor has many hotels to rest and relax in while you enjoy your time in the area. As a frequent traveler, I have visited National Harbor many times since becoming a resident of Northern Virginia. I believe National Harbor is one of my favorite places to visit, unwind and enjoy. Not too many places in the greater D.C. area have all of its spectacular sights, sounds, and aromas. So, if you are not familiar with the area, here is just a small listing of some items you should consider.
National Harbor Hotels are Amazing
First, the National Harbor area has a variety of hotels that will accommodate any traveler’s needs. Hotels types and styles range from luxury to moderately priced to timeshare. I love staying at the Gaylord, The Westin, or the Hampton Inn & Suites if I choose. There are not too many locations along the Potomac that offer that many choices in one place. With that said, if you are really feeling lucky, you can also stay at the MGM National Harbor. So, if you like to try your luck and don’t feel like journeying too far after you win that big jackpot, you can stay at the MGM Hotel and Casino. Plus, there are many restaurants on the property, but we will talk about that later.
On the other hand, you can catch a taxi, Uber, or Lyft from any other nearby hotel. For more information, please click the link below. In all, there are eight hotels in the Harbor area. In fact, Club Wyndham even has a timeshare property here as well. For example, if you are a business owner and thinking about planning a convention or need a meeting space. In that case, the various hotels in National Harbor have meeting space that will satisfy your requirements. Whether traveling for business or personal leisure, the Harbor has the unmatched ability to meet your every need.
Dining in National Harbor are exhilarating.
I just mentioned a wide variety of available accommodations at the world-renown National Harbor. Now, let’s talk about the two hobbies everyone seems to enjoy. Without a doubt, those hobbies are shopping and dining. Everyone loves a good meal with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Harbor is stacked with many restaurants that meet these conditions I mentioned earlier, plus many other characteristics that will contribute to making your dining decision a difficult one. Whether your favorite foods are burgers, seafood, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Bar-B-Que, fast food, or just delicious desserts, the Harbor has over 40 restaurants to satisfy your food desires. So, make your dining selection well before you arrive so that you can put the stress of making a difficult dining decision behind you.
Shopping in National Harbor is Extraordinary.
In most groups or relationships, there is that one person who always loves to find a shopping bargain or try out a new store. While in the National Harbor region, you will not be disappointed by the number of stores and shops you will find. In fact, Tanger Outlet is one of my favorite outdoor shopping malls on the East Coast. I can honestly say that a person can easily spend all day window shopping at various stores. Nevertheless, If you are looking for a more upscale shopping experience, you will find the stores that meet your particular desire inside the MGM Casino complex. Not only will you find shopping venues in MGM and Tanger Outlet, but you will also find great shopping along the National Harbor’s promenade as well. One word of caution. Please don’t spend all day shopping, but schedule some time to visit The National Wheel.
The National Wheel is the most popular attraction at the National Harbor. The attraction will take you 180 feet above the Potomac River, where you can take in the spectacular view of the local area. So, the wheel can be an excellent item to add to your list of “things to do” at the Harbor. Another popular attraction is the Potomac Water Taxi which services National Harbor, Washington, D.C., Wharf, Alexandria, and Georgetown. So, if you don’t want to drive, you can take the Water Taxi from National Harbor to D.C.
The National Harbor is a Staycationer’s Dream
In closing, the National Harbor has 8 Hotels, 15 Special Venues, 3,400 Guest Rooms, and 40 Restaurants. Therefore, it is a Staycationer’s Dream. As the famous saying goes, it has a little bit for everyone. So, if you are ever in Washington, D.C. area and you are looking for a place to dine, shop, and enjoy, well consider National Harbor for your next Staycation.
National Harbor Helpful Information and Links
Transportation
The Metrobus Route NH2 provides transportation to National Harbor, Tanger Outlets, and MGM. The NH2 bus makes a connection at the Huntington Metrorail station to the Richmond Highway Express (REX) bus service to Fort Belvoir.
Walking Trail
The 3.5-mile trail extends from Oxon Hill Road across the Potomac River to the Huntington Metro Station in Virginia