National Harbor, Near D.C.
 

My hub's family were here for a few days to party with each other in shifts. They belong to a kind of time share with Wyndom Hotels called "Club Wyndom" and rented a 3 bedroom, 2 bath suite which suited everyone quite well. They first visited family in Arlington and were taken on a Limo Tour (I'll see about the name) of D.C. monuments. Day two brought 4 children and four adults to swim in one of Wyndam's 2 pools, visit the Lego room and another playroom. I can't help about the prices here but they really liked it.

I hadn't been to National Harbor since before covid so am totally blown away by the hotels, stores, restaurants, big ferris wheel and outdoor art you'll find: https://www.nationalharbor.com/

We had a great dinner at Walrus ( https://www.walrusoysterandale.com/nationalharbor ) salmon, shucked oysters, seafood linguini. But there is a huge list of places.

We made a quick visit to the huge MGM Casino and were blown away by the Fall Decor:

dragon flies over cornecopia
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dcb3393ba3.jpg

Fairy Fountain
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4d4712f57d.jpg

Cousin cropped from 100-dollar bill art
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b2a14ccfbd.jpg

Once you google this area, you'll find so much to do. I believe there is a walking trail to Olde Towne Alexandria.

I think it's only good as a destination in itself as there is no easy public transportation to DC from there, and no metro stop. They have some good concerts sometimes. It would not be possible to have a walking trail to VA from there as the Potomac River is between them. You'd have to walk on a major interstate bridge and I'm not even sure it has a place to walk on the side like some bridges. There is a ferry.

After reading your word "easy" before transportation, I can only say that I saw two metro buses...so I can't disagree, Christina. However, I will push back about the trail! Here's a link with pix that show the route:

https://www.traillink.com/trail/wood...-bridge-trail/

I met a friend there for lunch and she walked over from her Alexandria home.
There is a separate pedestrian lane on an overpass.

Your information is definitely out of date, Christina.

I've walked the length of the bridge and back from the Alexandria side (but not all the way to Washington Harbor). The non-motorist path is wide and accommodates walkers, runners, and bicyclists. It's not unlike walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. It's loud, very high (was a bit of an issue for me), and there are excellent urban views.

Make it Wyndam, not Wyndom.

Or is that Wyndham?!

It’s a great lunch stop for us on the way up 95. We’ve eaten at Succotash twice and have enjoyed it. It looks like the casino may be worth a stop just for the decor. What is the parking like?

We used valet at the casino ($25 +tip), Birdie, so I can't say. There are several restaurant options at the casino, including Voltaggio Brothers.

Tdudette—

Thanks so much for your report. Funny for me to think that despite growing up in part in the DC area that while I have seen it from the road, I’ve never been to the National Harbor. I have come to appreciate the beauty of the Potomac, capital region and its offerings more as the years have passed.

Best wishes

Daniel

Thanks, Daniel.

Birdie, I should have asked you if access from the south is easy. Is it right after the Potomac River bridge? From the north, it is well-marked but I'm looking forward to an entry via local PG County roads.

Yes, TDudette. It’s a very easy exit just after the bridge. It can get very backed up with traffic in the neighborhood on a nice weekend or if there’s something going on at the Gaylord. Twice we’ve been there during what looked to be a cheerleading competition,

So one should be aware of commuter times, and special weekend activities!

If you plan to visit, do Google National Harbor events in advance. Thanks again, Birdie.