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National Harbor – The Perfect Couples Getaway

NOTE: This trip was taken when Maryland and Washington DC were not on the New Jersey quarantine list.
As we are still in a pandemic we ask that you continue to follow all COVID-19 suggested guidelines of state and health officials. Consult with your doctor and research travel restrictions before booking your next trip.

I was cooped up in the house for so long I started to become concerned for my mental health. I would stay inside the house 4-5 days in a row since March 11 with only going out to North Carolina one weekend to celebrate my mom’s birthday. This nation’s racial tension, politics, along with the daily COVID-19 infection and death updates had me fearful and in dispair.
 
I am vitamin D deficiency and was not getting any sun, was gaining weight, and due to massive layoffs at work, was doing the job of 3 people and managing a new team, working 6:30am – 7pm almost every weekday. I spent another 3 hours each night and 20 hours on weekends on Alwaysahoneymoon.com. My physical health started to become a concern as well. I just needed a small getaway… 
 
Your circumstances may be different in the details but I know you can relate to NEEDING A BREAK!
 
I live in New Jersey where we were limited to the 17 states we can visit without quarantining when we returned. Our first vacation during the pandemic had to be less than 10 hours away since we were driving.
 
We are not alone. AAA predicted 97% of summer vacations would be roadtrips. 
 
We chose the National Harbor as our weekend couples getaway because of the distance, population density, and things to do. National Harbor is a vibrant area that sits on the Maryland side of the Potomac sprawling about 1.5 square miles of hotels, residences, restaurants, attractions, and a convention center.  There are AirBnB rentals and hotels including the brand names of Marriott, Wyndham, Hyatt, and Hilton.
national harbor the capital wheel 20200825
Capital Wheel Overlooking The Potomac

Capital Wheel

Board one of the gondolas to climb 180 feet above the Potomac River. The view of the Potomac was breathtaking and calming. Do not expect to see sights of Washington DC. Maybe on a clear day, you can see the Washington Monument. It was slightly overcast the day we went so we could not see any of the historical monuments. The ride was a little under 30 minutes.
We went on a Tuesday early evening and it was a little bit of a wait with about 4 groups in front of us.  As this was our first getaway since the pandemic started I am very cautious about sanitation protocols. As I got closer to board, I was thinking that maybe this may not have been a good idea, looking at the number of people getting on and off. When I could see people disembark, I noticed the staff was cleaning each of the cars after each gondola was emptied.  They wipe down the windows and touch areas after every rider. 
 
 
What I wish we would have considered is riding the wheel at night. It is beautifully lit with different colors and the view of the Harbor is very romantic. 
Cost:  As of the date of this blog ticket prices are $15 + tax for general admission, $13.50 + tax for seniors and $11.25 + tax for children 12 and under. Credit cards only.
 
Days of Operation: Daily
 
Hours of Operation: 10 am – 8pm
 
Location: End of the Pier, 141 American Way, Oxen Hill, Maryland
 
More information: thecapitalwheel.com
Inside MGM at National Harbor
Inside MGM at National Harbor

MGM Resort and Casino

Safety protocols in place include thermal temperature when entering the casino. There is distance between the slots and Plexiglas between employees and players at the tables. Some slots are labeled as temporarily out of order to keep players from sitting next to each other. Masks are required. There are handwashing and sanitizing stations throughout the floor. Only 4 people are allowed at one time in the elevator for social distancing allowing each person to stay in their corner. There is no one on the floor serving drinks but there are “pop up” bars through the casino floor as well as stationary bars and lounges.
 
Don’t forget to get your M Life card to get points towards for benefits and rewards that can be used at all MGM hotels and casinos.
Cost:  Free entry and free parking
 
Days of Operation: 7 days a week, 365 days a year
 
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day
 
Location: 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, Maryland
 
More information: mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com/en/casino.html
shopping at Tanger Outlets

Tanger Outlets

Exercise your body and your wallet! This outdoor shopping outlet has over 70 stores with brand names such as Coach, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren. There is a shuttle available from the National Harbor Waterfront. Get your TangerCard and ride for free! The walk from the waterfront to the outlets is about 2 miles if you want to get some exercise in before shopping.

Did you sign up for Rakuten?  Get additional cash back when you link your credit card and use it when you shop at participating stores, some which are at Tanger Outlets.

Cost:  Free entry and free parking
 
Days of Operation: Daily
 
Hours of Operation: Temporary hours 11am – 7pm. Some store hours may vary.
 
Location: 660 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, Maryland
 
More information: tangeroutlet.com/nationalharbor
National Harbor Water Taxi
National Harbor Potomac Water Taxi

Potomac Water Taxi

Take one of your vacation days and venture out beyond the National Harbor.
 
Take a water taxi ride on the Potomac to see what the unique neighborhoods of The WharfGeorgetown, and Old Town Alexandria has to offer. The taxi ride is between 30 and 45 minutes.
Cost: 
      Adult $13 one-way, $21 round-trip
Senior (62+)/Military, $12 one-way, $19 round-trip
Child (Ages 2-11), $9 one-way, $15 round-trip
Infant (Ages 2 & Under) – Free
 
Days and Hours of Operation: Check the website for hours of operation
 
National Harbor Location: 145 National Plaza, National Harbor, Maryland 
Swan and Dragon Pedal Boats
Swan and Dragon Pedal Boats at National Harbor

Pedal Boats

Pedal a swan or a dragon. During the summer enjoy the calmness of the water and enjoy the scenery on a kayak, pedal boat, or paddle board.

Cost: $40 per hour; 1 hour minimum. 
 
Days and Hours of Operation: Operating May through September. Check the website for hours of operation
 
Location: 165 Waterfront Street, Oxon Hill, Maryland
 
More information: https://boatingindc.com/activity-location/national-harbor/
Top Golf picture from bay
Top Golf

Top Golf

Sharpen your golf swing, or try it for the first time.  Sink a few or keep trying and sink none. Either way you will have a fun competitive time in this entertainment complex.  

Cost:  varies by day and time. Half priced Tuesdays. Check the website for costs. 
 
Days of Operation: 7 days a week, 365 days a year
 
Hours of Operation: Sun – Thurs 10am – 11pm  / Fri – Sat 10am – 12:00am
 
Location: 6400 Clipper Way, Oxon Hill, Maryland
 
Capital Bikeshare at National Harbor
Capital Bikeshare at National Harbor

Bicycle Ride

A fun way to explore nature in this area is to rent a bicycle and take a ride along the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail to Alexandria, Virginia.

Cost:
Each cost is based on a 30 minute ride.
Single Trip Pass (less than 30 minutes)
24-Hour Pass (unlimited 30 minute rides)
 
 
$2
 
$8
3-Day Pass (unlimited 30 minute rides)$17
 
0-29 minutesIncluded
30-59 minutes$2
60-89 minutes+ $4
90+ minutes+ $8 per each additional 30 minutes
 
 
Days of Operation: 7 days a week, 365 days a year
 
Hours of Operation: 24/7
 
Location: multiple locations. Check the website
 
More information: capitalbikeshare.com
Bike Path along the Potomac

Take A Stroll

Get your steps (and about 4 miles roundtrip) by walking from the Gaylord Hotel to Oxen Hill Road taking a path that borders the Potomac. The trail will take you along the MGM Resort to Tanger Outlets. Part of the trail is uphill and a great workout!

National_Harbor_Frederick_Douglas_Abraham_Lincoln
American Way Statues of Fredrick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln

American Way

Check out the collection of art developed by artists locally and globally.  There are statues of Fredrick Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, Rosie the Riveter, Winston Churchill, Henry Ford, and many others. Read some historical facts as well as some fun social distancing quotes. 
Location: Multiple locations along the Waterfront and Amercian Way.
 
More information: text ACNH to 56512
Shopping and Dining at National Harbor
Shopping and Dining at National Harbor

Dining and Entertainment

There are plenty of local and national chain restaurants and boutiques along Waterfront and Fleet Streets. With more than 50 dining options you should be able to find something that you both will enjoy. Grab a lobster roll from Mason’s and eat in the outdoor pavilion overlooking the Potomac, or a more upscale dining experience at McCormick & Schmick’s.

For entertainment, check out dueling pianos and Bobby McKeys. 

National Harbor At Night
National Harbor At Night

This was the perfect getaway for us to unwind, relax, and try new things as a couple.  Only a few hours from home, it was an easy road trip for us. The restaurants, shops, and attractions implemented social distancing measures where we felt comfortable.  Though not all people outside wore masks we felt there was plenty of opportunity to self distance. If you are within hours of Washington DC, try the National Harbor.

Comments

  1. Mariah French Reply

    I grew up close to DC and I love it! I’ve showed my husband around before, but I would love to bike next time and cover more ground.

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