StayAreasIs National Harbor a good place to stay in Washington, DC?
Yes, if you're here for a convention, the casino or a relaxed family break. The waterfront, the Capital Wheel and the Gaylord are all within walking distance, but there's no Metro into DC.
Stay here if
- Convention-goers at the Gaylord
- Families on a relaxed break
- Travellers with a car
Look elsewhere if
- It's your first trip to Washington
- You want to sightsee without a car or taxi
- You want a real city neighbourhood
Hotels in National Harbor
All National Harbor hotels on Booking ↗Typical rates for a double outside peak events, not live prices. Updated Oct 2026 · How we rate areas · Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Staying in National Harbor
National Harbor is a good base if you're coming for a convention at the Gaylord, a show or the casino at MGM National Harbor, or a relaxed family break by the water. Everything is close together along the waterfront, and Old Town Alexandria is a water taxi ride across the river in season. It suits convention-goers, families and anyone travelling by car.
The area is new, tidy and built for visitors. Waterfront Street has hotels, restaurants and shops, the Capital Wheel turns over the pier, and The Awakening, a giant sculpture of a man rising from the sand, lies on the small beach. The Gaylord resort has a vast glass atrium, MGM National Harbor sits on the hill above with its casino and theatre, and Tanger Outlets are a short drive away.
The downside is the distance from DC's sights and the lack of a Metro. Getting to the Mall means a taxi, a bus to the Metro or a long drive in traffic, and evenings can feel quiet outside the big resorts. It's a planned development rather than a real neighbourhood.
What makes National Harbor worth considering is how easy and pleasant it is for the right trip. You can walk from your room to the convention centre, eat by the river, ride the wheel at sunset and take a boat to Alexandria, often for less than a comparable hotel in the city.
Getting around
- National Gallery of Art49
- Air and Space Museum50
- Natural History Museum50
- Union Station55
- Washington Monument56
- US Capitol58
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)48
National Harbor questions
Is National Harbor a good area to stay in Washington, DC?
Yes, if you're here for a convention, the casino or a relaxed family break. The waterfront, the Capital Wheel and the Gaylord are all within walking distance, but there's no Metro into DC. It suits convention-goers at the Gaylord, families on a relaxed break and travellers with a car.
How much does a hotel in National Harbor cost?
A typical double is around $180 a night at a budget hotel, $250 mid-range and $430 for luxury, outside peak events.
How do I get from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to National Harbor?
About 48 minutes door to door: taxi or rideshare from Reagan National; there's no Metro station.
How far is National Harbor from the main sights?
Door to door from National Harbor: National Gallery of Art 49 minutes, Air and Space Museum 50 minutes, Natural History Museum 50 minutes and Union Station 55 minutes.