Casinos not your thing? There’s more at National Harbor

The Capital Wheel at National Harbor is wheelchair accessible. Each ‘flight’ lasts between 12 and 15 minutes. (Courtesy National Harbor) — The Capital Wheel at National Harbor is wheelchair accessible. Each “flight” lasts between 12 and 15 minutes. Cost: $15 for adults. $11.25 for kids 3 to 11 years old. Children 2 and younger are free. Military and seniors pay $13.50. (Courtesy National Harbor)

Water taxi
http://www.potomacriverboatco.com/our-fleet/alexandria-national-harbor/ trips between Alexandria, Virginia and National Harbor, Maryland take 20-25 minutes and cost $16 for adults and $10 for children between 2 and 11 years old. Children 2 and younger are free. — Water taxi trips between Alexandria, Va. and National Harbor, Md. take 20 to 25 minutes and cost $16 for adults and $10 for children between 2 and 11 years old. Rides are free for children younger than 2.

New restaurants coming to National Harbor include an Irish pub, The Irish Whisper set to open sometime in October, Gudenberg said. The Mediterranean themed https://www.nationalharbor.com/stores/mezeh/
Mezeh Grill is scheduled to open early in 2017. The Brass Tap craft beer bar, Gudenberg said is set to open sometime next year. — New restaurants coming to National Harbor include The Irish Whisper, an Irish pub set to open sometime in October, according to Bruce Gudenberg, vice president of National Harbor marketing. The Mediterranean-themed Mezeh Grill is scheduled to open early in 2017. The Brass Tap craft beer bar, Gudenberg says, is set to open sometime in 2017.

“Forever Marilyn” is among life-sized statues now on display on the streets of National Harbor. (WTOP/Kristi King) — “Forever Marilyn” is among the life-size statues on display on the streets of National Harbor. (WTOP/Kristi King)

This statue on display at National Harbor depicts an iconic Times Square photo taken Aug. 14, 1945 upon news of the Japanese surrender that ended World War II. (WTOP/Kristi King)

William Gullen, with the camera, was visiting National Harbor with a group of tourists from Peru. His friends didn’t know the trumpet playing statue depicts American jazz great Louis Armstrong. “We are surprised,” Gullen said of all the
https://www.nationalharbor.com/art/
public art on display. (WTOP/Kristi King) — William Gullen, with the camera, visits National Harbor with a group of tourists from Peru. His friends didn’t know the trumpet playing statue depicts American jazz great Louis Armstrong. “We are surprised,” Gullen says, of all the public art on display. (WTOP/Kristi King)

Developer Milton Peterson bought “The Awakening” sculpture for $750,000 in 2007 and had it moved from Hains Point in East Potomac Park, Washington, D.C. to the beach at National Harbor, Maryland where it’s been since 2008. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty) — Developer Milton Peterson bought “The Awakening” sculpture for $750,000 in 2007 and had it moved from Hains Point in East Potomac Park, Washington, D.C., to the beach at National Harbor, Md., where it’s been since 2008. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

Pointing to a model board depiction of a 200 or so apartment building now being constructed at National Harbor - Bruce Gudenberg, Vice President of National Harbor Marketing said amenities targeting millennials will include workout areas and social rooms. Construction is expected to be complete in 2018. (WTOP/Kristi King) — Pointing to a model board depiction of a 200 or so apartment building now being constructed at National Harbor, Bruce Gudenberg, vice president of National Harbor marketing, said amenities targeting millennials will include workout areas and social rooms. Construction is expected to be complete in 2018. (WTOP/Kristi King)

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December 5, 2025 | VP Bruce Gudenberg on what's new at National Harbor (WTOP/Kristi King)

WASHINGTON — The MGM casino and resort at National Harbor is set to open in December, but that’s not all that’s new at the Oxon Hill, Maryland, riverside destination.

Soon to be and newly available elements of National Harbor include an expansion of public art, restaurants, living choices and entertainment — along with old favorites.

Free outdoor movies on the plaza and Urban Pirate cruises offer both family-themed and more adult options.

Date night movies play on Thursdays. Family night movies are on Sundays. The pirate ship offers family adventures and “bring-your-own-grog” excursions.

National Harbor hosts a farmers market every weekend through Nov. 20.

And, people who find shopping entertaining may already know Tanger Outlets is at the top of National Harbor’s hill.