Things to Do at National Harbor With a Wheel, Waterfront and Free Evenings
Mixed reviews follow National Harbor because visitors expect a sight and find a resort district instead.
It covers about 350 acres on the Potomac with a 180 foot Ferris wheel, waterfront walks and a long list of restaurants. It works best as an evening out rather than a daytime stop.
The things to do at National Harbor below are ordered by time of day, from afternoon walks to dusk on the Capital Wheel and a night at MGM. Parking costs money, so check the water taxi from Alexandria first.
Things to Do at National Harbor Sorted by Time of Day
| Time | Plan | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon | Waterfront walk and shops | Easy pacing and good light on the river |
| Dusk | Capital Wheel ride | The skyline and the river as the lights come on |
| Evening | Dinner, live music or a casino night | Restaurants and shows within a short walk |
Start in the afternoon so you can walk the waterfront in daylight. Then time the wheel for dusk.
Go to the Capital Wheel at Dusk
The Capital Wheel opened in May 2014 and stands 180 feet above the river. It is described as the tallest observation wheel east of the Mississippi. Forty-two enclosed gondolas seat up to eight people each and keep the ride comfortable in any weather.
Views reach the Washington Monument, the Capitol, the Potomac and Alexandria. Many riders time it for dusk when the skyline lights come on. The wheel’s own site lists tickets from $18 for adults and $14.50 for children 11 and under, with senior and military discounts.
The site lists hours of 10 AM to 10 PM, though a travel listing shows an earlier close, so check the day’s schedule. Active and retired service members ride free on Veterans Day.
Waterfront Promenade and Public Art
The harborfront is built for walking with wide paths, benches and river views. The Awakening, a giant sculpture by J. Seward Johnson Jr., is the photo stop most visitors know. Kids climb on it while adults take pictures.
Allow an hour to wander and window shop. Shops and cafes line the plaza, so you can stop whenever you like.
Shoppers have news too. Tanger Outlets National Harbor added Brooks Brothers and HOKA stores this holiday season, with a third on the way. The waterfront district lists more than 75 shops, restaurants and entertainment spots in all.
Gaylord National Is a Resort You Can Wander Through
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center has almost 2,000 rooms and is the largest non-gaming hotel on the East Coast. Even if you stay elsewhere the public areas are worth a look. Summer weekends have brought fireworks shows in past seasons, so check the schedule before you plan around one.
Eat inside the resort if you want a sit down meal without leaving the waterfront. Reserve ahead on Friday and Saturday nights.
MGM National Harbor for Dining, Shows and Casino Nights
MGM National Harbor is a casino resort with chef-driven restaurants and a 3,000 seat theater. You do not have to gamble to enjoy it. A dinner and a show make a simple night out.
Guests must be 21 or older to gamble. Check the theater calendar before you go because headline shows sell out. A history day trip nearby is covered in our guide to Harpers Ferry.
Budget for Parking
Street spaces and garages both charge, so factor parking into the evening or arrive by water taxi or rideshare.
Water Taxi to Alexandria and The Wharf
The Potomac Water Taxi links The Wharf, Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor. The boats are accessible but pets are not allowed, apart from service dogs. The crossing from Alexandria takes roughly 35 to 40 minutes.
Pair a day in Old Town with an evening at the harbor and ride back by boat. It avoids the parking bill and the traffic on the way home. Another waterfront town is covered in our guide to Wilmington, North Carolina.
Free Music and Seasonal Events
Summer evenings often bring free live music on the plaza. Holiday season adds lights and seasonal shows. Check the events calendar before you pick a night.
Weekday evenings are calmer if you prefer a quiet walk. Weekends bring bigger crowds and longer waits for dinner.
Big plans are in the works. Sphere Entertainment has released site plans for a proposed Sphere venue at National Harbor, reported at roughly $1 billion or more. Prince George’s County created a special development district for it, and neighbors have raised traffic concerns, so expect construction talk and possible changes on future visits.
Parking, Rideshare and Other Ways to Arrive
Parking is the most common complaint. Both street spaces and garages charge, so plan the cost into your evening. Rideshare and the water taxi are the easiest ways to skip it.
Some older guides mention a Metrobus route to the harbor. Transit changes often, so confirm current options with the transit agency before you rely on a bus.
An Honest Verdict for Different Visitors
Visitors from out of town get the most from the wheel, the waterfront and a good dinner. Locals who see it often may find little new on a repeat visit. Families can fill an afternoon while couples and friends do best with an evening plan.
If you only have one night in the area, pair the harbor with Old Town Alexandria. If you have a full day, spend the morning in the city and arrive by late afternoon. For the Alexandria hop, Potomac Water Taxi lists current schedules and fares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan the Evening and Skip the Parking Bill
National Harbor is best treated as a dusk to dinner outing. Pick your arrival method first and the rest falls into place.
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