National Harbor is a waterfront destination, that is clean and walkable and close to Washington D.C. monuments and museums. It is packed with amenities from boating and water activities to outdoor art, The Capital Wheel, biking, upscale and kid-friendly restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and more.
“National Harbor has grown over the past 15 years and provides so much for families to see and do,” said Jackie Saunders, AVP of marketing at National Harbor. “With eight hotels to choose from, more than 40 restaurants, outlet and boutique shopping, multiple entertainment venues and all types of outdoor activities, it’s a premier destination for a vacation or getaway.”
Spring brings an amazing display of National Harbor’s hundreds of cherry trees lining the waterfront, these are some of the earliest blooms in the D.C. region. To celebrate these beautiful trees along with those in Washington, D.C., National Harbor will hold its cherry blossom celebration from March 20 to April 16. National Harbor is also an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The month-long celebration will be filled with entertainment, hotel room packages, food and drink specials, classes and more. The destination will host their annual Sakura Sunday event on April 2, featuring live entertainment, Japanese market, demonstrations, and more.
Fun, educational activities at National Harbor include its outdoor art walk. National Harbor has acquired and commissioned a large number of artworks by local and national artists. The tour begins at the waterfront with the world-renowned sculpture, “The Awakening” by J. Seward Johnson. Kids of all ages love to climb and interact with the giant rising out of the sand. The art collection includes two mosaics by local African American artist Cheryl Foster as well as statues of historic icons George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Rosie the Riveter to a name a few—all by world-renowned sculptor Ivan Schwartz. Each figure tells his or her story on “Guide by cell”, a website giving more details on the sculpture.
Recently opened, Spirit Park (a tribute to the American flag) contains sculptures of American Bison, created by John Lopez. A six-and-a-half-foot tall Bison bull weighing approximately 1,000 lbs. and six-foot-tall Bison cow are joined by a three-foot-tall calf.
Milton Peterson, the visionary and developer behind National Harbor, curated the art over the years and strategically placed it. It has long been Peterson’s dream to have an outdoor gallery that not only celebrates art but also celebrates American history. The outdoor art gallery walk is free.
Spring shopping at National Harbor is also robust with Tanger Outlets’ more than 80 top brands, MGM National Harbor’s retail and National Harbor’s more than 30 waterfront boutique shops. The destination is excited to welcome four new restaurants and entertainment venues including sports bar, Tom’s Watch Bar and Escapology with including two themed escape rooms.
Families can choose from eight National Harbor hotels including Gaylord National Resort or the Westin National Harbor with its spring package.
It’s easy to access Washington, D.C. from National Harbor. The destination recommends visitors to take the Potomac Water Taxi to the Tidal Basin to view the cherry blossoms. Guests can also take the water taxi to the Washington, D.C. National Mall to see the monuments and museums. Or, historic Mt. Vernon is a short drive.
Other activities include the 180-foot tall Capital Wheel. It provides another great family experience with heated and cooled enclosed gondolas that provide amazing views over the Potomac River. Topgolf National Harbor is a great way to bond with the family while having fun. And, there’s a ticketed boat show at the property on May 5 – 7.
“Because National Harbor is so easy to navigate and has great walkability, it’s the perfect location for families and a great place to bring together multiple generations—from infants to grandparents,” said Saunders. For active families, National Harbor has bike rentals and trails throughout that go to Alexandria and beyond. “It’s the perfect place to stay, relax and enjoy our award-winning sunsets,” added Saunders.
