Family Friendly Trip Itinerary
Planning a family-friendly trip to National Harbor? Our itinerary has you covered with a variety of activities that will delight kids, teens and adults alike.
From exciting interactive experiences and delicious dining options to relaxing waterfront views and fun-filled entertainment - National Harbor offers something for everyone. Follow our guide to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones on this perfect family getaway!
Scroll down to check out the details!
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 — Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Your vacation is on a roll
For a casual lunch, there are so many options for fresh and exciting places that everyone will agree on. Potbelly offers a fresh, fast, and friendly meal so that you can get the day going.
Take your Oreo Cookie Shake to go as you start exploring National Harbor.
HANDS ON EXPERIENCE - SIP & DEVELOP
Make unforgettable memories!
Start your adventure by signing out a 35mm camera and explore National Harbor, capturing stunning black-and-white photos at your own pace. Once you've snapped some great shots around the waterfront destination, head back to Sip & Develop for a fun, hands-on lesson in film development.
Prefer to be in front of the camera? The store also offers professional photography sessions, ensuring you leave with beautiful keepsakes from your trip.
Dinner — Fiorella Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria
Warm atmosphere & delicious eats
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.
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.
Shopping - Tanger National Harbor
Calling all shopaholics
A utopia of shopping is next on your list. You were excited to dive into Tanger National Harbor 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.
Games and Lunch — 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!
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.
Dinner - Tom's Watch Bar
All Sports, All the Time
You’re just in time for your dinner at Tom's Watch Bar. Enjoy a delicious meal while watching your favorite sports on big screens. Be sure to try the house favorite spinach artichoke dip, the butter-poached lobster & shrimp mac & cheese or Tom's famous prime rib dip.
After dinner, dive into fun at the Swing Suites simulator bays, where you can play a variety of exciting virtual games like Topgolf target game, Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey Shots, Baseball Pitching, and more. It's the perfect combination of great food and interactive entertainment for a memorable evening!
SUMMER MOVIES ON THE POTOMAC SERIES
Catch your favorite flicks
Visiting during the summer months, enjoy summer the Movies on the Potomac series at National Harbor! Teens can catch their favorite films on Thursdays at 7pm, while younger kids can enjoy Sunday screenings at 6pm on the Plaza by the waterfront. Don't forget to grab a sweet treat from Dippin' Dots before the show. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening under the stars with family and friends!
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 Potomac District Café. Sausage, eggs, pancakes—a perfect American breakfast to fuel one last day of adventure.
Waterfront Treats
Let them eat sweets
Time to let your sweet tooth lead the way. After struggling to decide between Ben & Jerry’s and Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, IT'SUGAR catches your eye.
Historical Sight-seeing - George Washington's 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!
