Just outside Washington, D.C., in Oxon Hill, Maryland, National Harbor is a 350-acre waterfront destination with more than 75 boutique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Whether you’re planning a full day of exploring or a weekend escape, here’s where to dine, what to see, and where to stay year-round.
Dining at National Harbor
Succotash
At Succotash, James Beard Award-winning chef Edward Lee crafts a soulful dining experience that blends Asian and Southern cuisines. The restaurant’s modern décor pairs industrial elements like wrought-iron filigree with wood finishes and comfortable leather banquettes. Signature dishes include fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and buttermilk dressing, kimchi crab dip, and dirty fried chicken.
The Walrus Oyster & Ale House
For something less formal but equally delicious, the Walrus Oyster & Ale House is an excellent choice. Known for its fresh oysters, coastal seafood, and craft cocktails, the restaurant offers a fun, bustling setting ideal for sharing small plates and seasonal specials. It’s especially fun if you want to wrap up your afternoon with a platter of oysters and a craft beer. The menu features chef-driven creations and familiar American seafood dishes, including the Walrus Tower and Maryland’s Best Lobster Roll.
Rosa Mexicano
Just steps from the Potomac River and the Capital Wheel, Rosa Mexicano serves elevated Mexican dishes, from their famous tableside Guacamole en Molcajete to starters like calamari with pickled jalapeños, chicken flautas, and a decadent queso dip.
The entree selection covers a little bit of everything, from tacos like Baja-style fish, duck carnitas, and birria quesatacos to hearty plates such as lobster or brisket enchiladas, brisket enchiladas, roasted half-chicken in mole, and a 10-ounce New York strip with rice and beans. For dessert, you can enjoy churros with dark chocolate and raspberry-guajillo sauces or a smooth tres leches cake. An impressive margarita menu is available as well, along with a broad range of tequilas and mezcals.
Grace’s Mandarin
Before setting foot in Grace’s Mandarin, you’ll notice the impressive golden Buddha at the center of the dining room along with vibrant red and gold Asian-inspired décor. The restaurant sits right on Waterfront Street and offers a wide-ranging menu of modern Asian-fusion dishes. You can try everything from Malaysian crepes with curry sauce to Shanghai spare ribs and sushi. It’s an ideal spot for groups who want to share sushi, dim sum, or generous noodle and rice plates.
The Yard Milkshake Bar
This over-the-top dessert spot is known for its eye-catching treats, like thick pint milkshakes made with Blue Bell ice cream and “Loaded Pint” shakes piled high with whipped cream, cookie crumbles, and brownie pieces. There are also grab-and-go options like edible cookie dough served in collectible jars, cookie dough pops, hand-packed ice cream pints, and classic floats. Their sodas, scoops, and specialty toppings let you craft a sweet treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Things to do at National Harbor
Escapology
This immersive venue features eight distinct themed rooms, ranging from the high-stakes Cyber Heist to the comical Scooby-Doo™ and the Spooky Castle. Each private, hour-long escape-room experience challenges groups to uncover hidden clues, crack codes, and solve clever puzzles together. The adventure concludes with a debrief and a group photo to commemorate your Escapology experience.
Live-K
Live-K offers 24 private karaoke rooms accented with neon lighting and equipped with a powerful sound system. The expansive digital song library contains chart-topping hits and various genres, with snacks and drinks available in-room or at the bar for a more social vibe.
Sip & Develop
Locally owned Sip & Develop provides a hands-on photography experience, from film developing and darkroom time to interactive workshops. It’s an engaging activity for creative couples, friend groups, and families with older kids.
Tanger Outlets
If you’re looking to score designer discounts, Tanger Outlets at National Harbor is a go-to stop. With more than 80 brand-name stores, such as Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors, shoppers can browse a mix of popular favorites and smaller specialty boutiques in an open-air setting.
Where to Stay at National Harbor
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Set under a 19-story glass atrium, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center offers nearly 2,000 rooms, 7 onsite restaurants and bars, and a lush backdrop of plants and festive decor. With so many amenities on site, guests rarely need to leave the property and can enjoy Relâche Spa’s full range of massages, facials, and seasonal treatments, along with a 24-hour fitness center, family arcade, indoor pool, and scenic Potomac River walking paths. The atrium serves as a vibrant gathering spot where families and groups can relax and reconnect between activities.
At Old Hickory Steakhouse, enjoy prime-cut steaks and Maryland seafood. If you prefer to keep things casual, head to Harbor Social for classic dishes, games, and duckpin bowling. You can also grab a casual brasserie-style bite at Potomac District Café & Market or sip cocktails while taking in panoramic river views at POSE Rooftop Lounge. For sweet treats and spirits, the Capital Confectionery serves cupcakes, macarons, gelato, and bonbons, while the Whiskey Revolution tasting room has more than 100 expressions of whiskey.
MGM National Harbor
Although the casino is reserved for adults, the 308-room MGM National Harbor welcomes families throughout the remainder of the property, from its restaurants and shops to its spa. The hotel offers fantastic river views, a range of upscale dining options, and a kid-friendly conservatory filled with impressive installations. Guests can enjoy go-to favorites like Shake Shack as well as elevated choices such as Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, and Osteria Costa.
A version of this article appeared on Forbes.com.
