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Exploring National Harbor | Where to Eat in National Harbor | Where to Stay in National Harbor

12 miles south of Downtown Washington, D.C., 2 miles west of Oxon Hill.

The National Harbor sprawls across 350 acres of previously abandoned banks of the Potomac River, across from Old Town Alexandria. Although it is still in development and construction is to be expected, the location already offers world-class accommodations, dining, and water-taxi tours to other hot spots on the Potomac.

Getting Here and Around

The easiest way to reach National Harbor is by car via I–295, I–95, or I–495, but keep in mind street parking is $3 per hour, 24 hours a day. Water taxis from Old Town Alexandria or Georgetown are also convenient. Once in National Harbor, all you need to get around is a good pair of shoes.

Essentials

Visitor Information

National Harbor Management Office.
165 Waterfront St. | 20745 | 301/203–4170 | www.nationalharbor.com.

Exploring

American Market.
Shop for local produce at this upscale outdoor market, which also features crafts such as folk art, local photography, and jewelry made of computer parts. Grab a loaf of banana bread or a cup of homemade sorbet to appease your sweet tooth. | 137 National Plaza, across from the Gaylord National Resort | 20745 | www.americanmarketnh.com | May–Oct., Sat. 10–4.

Art Whino.
This gallery showcases a collection of 133 artists specializing in pop-surrealism, low-brow, and urban contemporary art. | 120 American Way | 20745 | 301/567–8210 | www.artwhino.com | Sun.–Mon. noon–6, Tues.–Thurs. 12–8, Fri. 12–10, Sat. 10–10.

Fodor’s Choice | The Awakening.
This sculpture depicts a 100-foot giant struggling to free himself from the earth and is actually five separate pieces buried in the ground, created by J. Seward Johnson. The statue was originally at Hains Point in Washington, but it was moved to National Harbor in 2008. Feel free to climb all over the giant; everyone else does. | National Plaza | 20745.

Potomac Riverboat Company.
Jump aboard a cruise ship from National Harbor’s dock for a water tour of Mount Vernon or Alexandria and Georgetown. The trip to Mount Vernon includes admission to the grounds. The company also operates water taxis across the Potomac to the dock in Alexandria, where National Harbor’s visitors can find even more shopping and dining options. On Thursday evenings, dogs can join their owners for a tour of Alexandria’s seaport. | Commercial Pier | 20745 | 703/684–0580, 877/511–2628 | www.potomacriverboatco.com | Taxis and tours $9–$40 | Call ahead for hrs.

Where to Eat

Elevation Burger.
$ | BURGER | One of the few restaurants in National Harbor without waiter service, this burger joint is known for its grass-fed organic beef and heaping servings of skinny fries. The original Elevation Burger comes with two patties and double the cheese, while a Half-the-Guilt burger consists of one beef patty and one veggie patty. Thick shakes, like chocolate mixed with black cherry, make the perfect accompaniment. | Average main: $11 | 108 Waterfront St., National Harbor | 20745 | 301/749–4014 | www.elevationburger.com.

Fodor’s Choice | Old Hickory Steakhouse.
$$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | The signature restaurant of the Gaylord National Resort, Old Hickory serves prime cuts of meat in an elegant setting. It’s perfect for a romantic evening with the sun setting over the harbor or for an expense-account evening of cocktails and fine cigars out on the terrace. The 24-ounce porterhouse comes with four sauce choices: béarnaise, bordelaise, green peppercorn, and blue cheese. Old Hickory also has its own full-time Maître d’Fromage, who presents guests with artisanal cheese from around the world. Fish and chicken options are available, but the real draw is the expensive steak. Request a table with a view of the water. | Average main: $45 | 201 Waterfront St. | 20745 | 301/965–4000.

Thai Pavilion.
$ | THAI | Enter through ornate, hand-stamped aluminum-covered teak doors to a light-filled room full of interesting seating options. One of the few non-chain restaurants in the National Harbor, the menu here is classic Thai with the addition of sushi. With 20 starters from soup to salad to spring rolls and more, some patrons dine tapas-style. The sticky rice with coconut milk and mango is an unmissable dessert. Happy hour attracts crowds for $5 martinis and sushi. | Average main: $15 | 151 American Way | National Harbor | 20745 | 301/749-2022 | www.thaipavilionnationalharbor.com.

Where to Stay

Aloft Washington National Harbor.
$ | HOTEL | Loftlike spaces and lounge seating in the second-floor lobby create an atmosphere more like a nightclub than a hotel, and rooms are simple yet elegant, in shades of gray, purple, and indigo with platform beds and contemporary touches. The lobby becomes one of National Harbor’s hippest hot spots on Thursday and Friday nights when jazz bands play across from the Wxyz bar; a fire pit on the lobby’s patio burns year-round. Pros: more affordable than many of the other accommodations at National Harbor; flight board in lobby lists flight times for all three regional airports. Cons: small closets; not convenient to D.C. sights. | Rooms from: $199 | 156 Waterfront St., National Harbor | 20745 | 301/749–9000 | www.starwoodhotels.com | 190 rooms, 6 suites | No meals.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
$$ | HOTEL | Guests at the 2,000-room larger-than-life Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center can dine, shop, get pampered, and even go clubbing without ever leaving the property, which anchors the National Harbor waterfront. About a 25-minute ride to the National Mall, the Gaylord is shaping up to be a fun alternative for the D.C.-bound who don’t mind commuting to museums and monuments. Room balconies opening onto the 230-foot-high glass atrium are a good place to watch the nightly dancing fountain show in the massive lobby below. Pros: during the summer upon check-in, kids get a free activity set; Ice sculpture show every winter; waterfront location; water taxi to Alexandria. Cons: Downtown D.C. is difficult to reach, though a hotel shuttle leaves every half hour; resort might be too big for some; expensive parking. | Rooms from: $259 | 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor | 20745 | 301/965–2000 | www.gaylordnational.com | 2,000 rooms | No meals.

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