Just 30 minutes by car from Washington D.C., across the river from Alexandria, National Harbor is a beautiful harbor town in Maryland with numerous tourist attractions such as resort hotels, outlet malls, parks, a Ferris wheel, carousel, sculptures, and more. It also boasts a wide range of restaurants and cafes and hosts special events throughout the year, making it an appealing destination.
Here’s an introduction to the charms of National Harbor that you won’t find in Washington D.C.
A Place of Relaxation Downstream of the Potomac River
Located about 30 minutes by car from Washington D.C., approximately 9 miles (15 kilometers) south along the Potomac River, National Harbor is a popular destination attracting tourists year-round.
On the opposite bank lies the historic district of Alexandria, which still retains its colonial charm and is connected via the Capital Beltway 495.
Access to National Harbor
You can access National Harbor by car, approximately 30 minutes from the center of Washington D.C., or by taking a water taxi departing from the Waterfront Station on the subway. It takes around 23 minutes by car from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Various Activities Unavailable in Washington, D.C.
National Harbor boasts a large outlet mall with over 80 stores, attracting between 600,000 to 800,000 visitors annually. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes offering a variety of cuisines, from formal to casual. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor movies on big screens and take a ride on the famous Capital Wheel, a Ferris wheel with a diameter of approximately 50 meters.
Additionally, you can see a beautiful carousel featuring hand-painted animals and a soundtrack of classic tunes, as well as “The Awakening Sculpture,” a 30-meter-tall sculpture emerging from the ground.
Year-Round Events
National Harbor hosts various special events throughout the year, including a luxurious farmers’ market, art festivals, music events, and Christmas illuminations. Particularly in May each year, the National Harbor Wine and Food Festival takes place, offering wine, beer, and gourmet delights.
Convenient Access by Car
National Harbor, located in the suburbs of Washington D.C., offers a different atmosphere with parks, a panoramic view from the observation wheel, outlet shopping, and accommodation options. While visiting both National Harbor and Alexandria, you can fully enjoy the charms of both old and new, but since this area is quite distant from the subway station, it’s more convenient to access by car, especially when you have shopping to do and may end up with more luggage.
As a recommended course, consider staying at either National Harbor or Alexandria and using taxis or Uber to commute between the two places.
