National Harbor Provides the Perfect Spring Break Destination

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Feb. 12, 2026—
National Harbor is a 350-acre popular waterfront destination that is walkable, family-friendly and close to Washington D.C.’s monuments and museums. It is packed with amenities from boating and water activities to outdoor art, The Capital Wheel, biking, upscale and kid-friendly restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and more.

“National Harbor has grown over the past 18 years and provides a variety of options for families to see and do,” said Deborah Topcik, senior director of marketing at National Harbor. “With eight hotels to choose from, more than 40 restaurants, outlet and boutique shopping, multiple entertainment venues and all types of outdoor activities, it’s a premier destination for a vacation or a weekend getaway.”

Spring brings an amazing display of National Harbor’s hundreds of cherry trees lining the waterfront, these are some of the earliest blooms in the D.C. region. To celebrate these beautiful trees along with those in Washington, D.C., National Harbor will hold its cherry blossom celebration from March 21 to April 12. National Harbor is also an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The month-long celebration will be filled with entertainment, hotel room packages, food and drink specials, classes and more. The destination will host their annual Sakura Sunday event on March 29 from noon to 5 p.m., featuring live entertainment, a Japanese market, demonstrations, and more. The Water Lantern Festival, March 27-29, is a ticketed event that brings families and friends together for a meaningful evening experience that illuminates the waterfront with messages of hope, unity, and remembrance. Participants decorate lighted lanterns, which are released into an enclosed area, creating a peaceful and visually striking nighttime display. Information on the cherry blossom celebration at National Harbor is available at www.nationalharbor.com/events/annual-events/cherry-blossom-festival/.

New this season is Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus, running March 12 - 22. This action-packed show features over 60 performers from around the world. See the Human Cannonball, the Globe of Death, and much more. Fun for the whole family and held under a stunning red and blue tent at 204 Waterfront St.

Fun, educational activities at National Harbor include its outdoor art walk. National Harbor has acquired and commissioned a large number of artworks by local and national artists. The tour begins at the waterfront with the world-renowned sculpture, “The Awakening” by J. Seward Johnson. Kids of all ages love to climb and interact with the giant rising out of the sand. The art collection includes two mosaics by local African American artist Cheryl Foster as well as statues of historic icons George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Rosie the Riveter to a name a few—all by world-renowned sculptor Ivan Schwartz. Each figure tells his or her story on “Guide by cell”, a website giving more details on the sculpture.

Spring shopping at National Harbor is also robust with Tanger Outlets’ more than 80 top brands, MGM National Harbor’s retail and Waterfront District National Harbor’s more than 30 waterfront boutique shops. Popular restaurants include Fogo de Chão, Succotash, Grace’s Mandarin, Rosa Mexicano, Bombay Street Food, Bar Harbor and Silver Diner. Fast casual options include Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, Mezeh, Crimson Coward and more.

National Harbor offers a plethora of engaging activities for the entire family. Escapology has eight themed escape rooms or you can discover National Harbor with their outdoor game Unleashed. Muse Paintbar is a fun and creative way to spend time together. Families can check out a 35 mm camera at Sip & Develop, take black-and-white photos around National Harbor, and then return for a lesson in film development. By day, Live-K offers family-friendly entertainment in private karaoke rooms, giving guests a fun, interactive experience for all ages.

Families can choose from eight National Harbor hotels including Gaylord National Resort, AC Hotel National Harbor, and the Westin National Harbor, a hotel that is also pet friendly. Visitors who book Gaylord National’s Spring Sunshine Package will receive special discounts at select businesses throughout National Harbor.

It’s easy to access Washington, D.C. from National Harbor. Visitors can take the Potomac Water Taxi to the Tidal Basin to view the cherry blossoms, Old Town Alexandria, or to George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Other activities include The Capital Wheel—180 feet tall. It provides another great family experience with heated and cooled enclosed gondolas that provide amazing views over the Potomac River. Topgolf National Harbor is a great way to bond with the family while having fun.

“Because National Harbor is so easy to navigate and has great walkability, it’s the perfect location for families and a great place to bring together multiple generations—from infants to grandparents,” said Topcik. “It’s the perfect place to stay, relax and enjoy our award-winning sunsets.”

For more information on National Harbor, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.

# # #

About National Harbor

Situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River and just minutes from the nation’s capital, National Harbor is a waterfront resort destination unlike any other. National Harbor is home to two of Maryland’s Four Diamond rated hotels—Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the East Coast’s largest non-gaming hotel and convention center and has almost 2,000 hotel rooms and 660,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and MGM National Harbor, an integrated luxury casino resort with renowned chef-driven restaurants, a 3,000-seat state-of-the art theater and one of the largest gaming floors outside of Las Vegas. The vibrant Waterfront District features boutique shops, restaurants and entertainment options along picturesque promenades. The iconic Capital Wheel, a 180-ft observation wheel, Tanger Outlets’ 85 designer brands, and a robust calendar of events round out this destination that welcomes more than 15.2 million visitors a year. For more information, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.