Family Friendly Trip Itinerary
DAY ONE
Family Stay - Gaylord National Harbor
A weekend adventure begins
There were eight appealing options for your family’s weekend at National Harbor, but booking a room at the Gaylord National Resort was the perfect choice. You’re staying in one of 1,996 fully-renovated guestrooms, each offering stunning views of the gorgeous atrium or the Harbor itself. It’s easy to enjoy the peaceful blues and copper penny accents that reflect the unique elements of the Capital Region.
But the day is only just beginning. After a light breakfast, it’s time for a bit of fresh air, sunshine and exploration with your
clan.
Lunch — Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
Your vacation is on a roll
For a fast and casual lunch, you’re all overwhelmed with options! There are plenty of fresh, exciting places for all ages in the Waterfront District to eat, but the morning on the water has your spouse craving seafood—and Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls sounds like a perfect stop.
The kids had no idea lobster could even be served on a sandwich! They scarf down all beef hot dogs, but you insist they’re missing out.
Poolside Afternoon — Gaylord National
Get your fill of chill
You’ve earned an afternoon of relaxation… and the pool back at Gaylord National sounds refreshing. A quick dip in the 24-meter indoor pool feels great, but you eventually make for the sun deck. The cushioned loungers and shaded tables are just right to laze the day away while you keep an eye on the kids as they splash about.
Dinner — Fiorella Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria
Warm atmosphere, delicious eats, inventive cocktails
It’s an area favorite that residents and travelers alike are quick to recommend: Fiorella Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria. Even better: it’s just a short walk from the resort.
The warmth and charm of true Italian dining strikes your entourage from the moment you enter the restaurant. Your troop sits outside for a delightful al fresco dining experience with hearty appetizers and a pizza crafted to everyone’s liking.
Savoring a glass of wine as the sun sets over the Potomac, the lights of the harbor flicker awake…
Evening on the Pier — The Capital Wheel & Flight Deck
Prepare for liftoff.
It’s a moment made in Hollywood: your family walks hand-in-hand toward the waterfront lights swirling and shining from The Capital Wheel. You’ve heard the advertisements: “soar 180 feet above the Potomac River,” but it doesn’t prepare you for the thrill of seeing it up close.
Before you ride, you make a quick stop at the Flight Deck, a bar and lounge nestled at the wheel’s base. For you and your spouse: glasses of wine and location-unique beer—the Flight Deck IPA. For the kids: their favorite soda.
And airborne you all become. Soaring in The Capital Wheel, your family sees it all: from the shimmering spectacle of
Gaylord National’s glass atrium, to the lights of D.C., the Washington Monument and the City of Alexandria. It’s a perfect sight to end a truly adventurous day—the opening chapter of an unforgettable trip for you and yours.
DAY TWO
Breakfast — Sauciety at the Westin National Harbor
Fuel up for fun times
“Morning is a time for renewed energy,” the quote atop the breakfast menu at Sauciety reads. Your family takes their time
perusing this list of American classics with unusual twists. It’s a hard choice to make, but you each make a decision:
- Avocado toast with capers and cheese crumbles for you
- Chesapeake omelet with lump crab meat and veggies for your spouse
- French toast with a banana caramel sauce for the kids
Sufficiently stuffed, your eyes are set on the outdoors once again.
Outdoor Adventures — Piscataway Park and National Colonial Farm
A family hike through history and nature
You usher your family into the year 1770 with a visit to the Accokeek Foundation’s Piscataway Park and National Colonial
Farm. You tour the farm with people who know it best: experts who have committed themselves to preserving this working tobacco farm, historic views and the sacredness of the land it was built on.
Your little explorers are excited by the myriad of self-guided adventures in Piscataway Park. Between the Bird Adventure
Pack and Nature Scavenger Hunt, the kids are ecstatic to try Geocaching—a GPS-led modern treasure hunt for six caches
hidden throughout the park. You put your boots to the test by finding all six and enjoying the hiking trails that weave
through the area’s natural beauty.
Lunch and Games — Topgolf National Harbor
Think you can go pro?
Topgolf sounds like the perfect place for a family lunch and a bit of fun.
The four of you delight in sharable appetizers and a flatbread pizza, but dessert is where things really get interesting: injectable donut holes with as much sauce as you can handle. They’re fun, tasty and surprisingly light.
Your spouse shocks you with a rare golf display. The ball whistles briefly as it rockets off their driver, plunking into the distant blue circle. Impressive!
Shopping - Tanger Outlets
Calling all shopaholics
A utopia of shopping is next on your list. You were excited to dive into Tanger Outlets for some premium outlet shopping,
but the sheer variety of stores takes you by surprise.
First, you have athleisure wear on your mind. Adidas, Fila and H&M fit the bill, especially for some back-to-school clothes.
Next, designer accessories: it’s Kate Spade for your spouse and Michael Kors for a personal treat.
Dinner - Walrus Oyster & Ale House
Happiness in a half shell
You’re just in time for your reservation at the Walrus Oyster and Ale House. Your craving for fresh, seasonal seafood hits
an all-time high as a plate of fresh-shucked oysters and authentic Maryland crab cakes hits your table. While the Youngers chow down on chicken alfredo, the adults savor seaside fare and a set of oyster shooters.
Nightlife - Replay at Pose Rooftop Lounge
Wake me up before you go-go.
Back at Gaylord National, it’s time for Replay at the Pose Rooftop Lounge—an 80’s-themed pop-up event.
Good thing you packed for this event! You swing by your room to grab the clothes you brought: some MC Hammer pants, a
neon t-shirt and a sweat band.
It’s a sight to behold—with insta-worthy views, neon lights, the best music of the decade and a retro arcade game room that’s perfect for kids. With an over-the-top milkshake in hand, you admire the nighttime views of the waterfront.
DAY THREE
Breakfast at Gaylord National
That's our jam (or jelly)
You start your final morning in the fluffy comfort of your beds with meals delivered straight from Gaylord National’s Harbor
Marketplace. Sausage, eggs, pancakes—a perfect American breakfast to fuel one last day of adventure.
Waterfront Treats
Let them eat cupcakes
Time to let your sweet tooth lead the way. After struggling to decide between Ben & Jerry’s and Savannah’s Candy Kitchen,
the Messy Treatz storefront catches your spouse’s eye—a D.C.-area bakery with rave reviews. One 6-pack of decadent
cupcakes later, you and yours are riding on a new level of happiness.
Waterfront Art - Self-guided Audio Walking Tour
Arty on
Wandering about the waterfront shops, the family takes a self-guided audio tour of National Harbor’s gallery of sculptures,
art installations and more. Between the immortalized statues of historic figures and breathtaking murals, there’s a clear
family favorite piece: The Awakening. The audio tour regales you with the aluminum giant’s history and its status as a
Maryland icon.
Historical Sight-seeing - Mount Vernon
One last history lesson
You take a family tour of the 3,000 acre farm, complete with demonstrations, animals and a gorgeous view of the Potomac
from the wharf. The rest of your morning is spent viewing the gardens, distillery, museums and tombs—each rich with
history and information about the country’s founding father.
A luncheon in tranquil 18th-century atmosphere at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant caps off your visit.
It’s been a trip of delicious food, history, culture and nature—one you and your family won’t soon forget!
