Visiting National Harbor, Maryland

Whether or not you're from the mid-Atlantic, you probably haven't heard of National Harbor, Maryland. I had the opportunity to visit this destination recently and I'd like to share the pros and cons with you.

Surprise fireworks right after leaving Gaylord Hotel ICE! 

Pros of Visiting National Harbor

1. It's an upscale waterfront area that is clean and nice to walk around at. The attraction you will see right from your car that is right by the water is the Capital Wheel. I've been on this and although tickets aren't cheap, it's a beautiful view.

2. There's a variety of shopping. There's a number of shops by the waterfront area that include specialty stores and gift shops.

3. There is a diverse variety of sit-down dining options. Mexican, Indian, Chinese, American - there are so many different restaurants in the waterfront area to pick from. From the Korean / Southern restaurant Succotash to a diner to a bar & grill restaurant called Cadillac Ranch that has a mechanical bull inside, you'll be able to find a cuisine that you like. We wound up going to an Asian fusion restaurant called Grace's Mandarin, and it was a beautifully decorated restaurant. 

I got gyoza and was able to get them pan-fried instead of steamed. Thinking back, I should have just asked about getting them fried because I love them crispy all around instead of just on one side. They were decent, however. I also got a California roll that had sriracha in it. I ate it but would have preferred it without the sriracha. Someone is my party got the veggie spring rolls, which they really liked.

4. For quick bites, there's also a sandwich place, a Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop, and a milkshake bar. I tried ice cream at Ben & Jerry's (my fave - New York Super Fudge Chunk in an open cup) and it tasted just like if I had bought it in the grocery store. Yum, yum! 

Cons of Visiting National Harbor

1. It is EXPENSIVE. Since it is touristy, the restaurants in the area aren't cheap and neither is the parking. 

2. The food is just ok. Especially for what you're paying.

3. It can be crowded at peak times.

4. If you go in the winter, it can be very cold walking around especially if it's windy. And if you go in the summer, of course, it can be quite hot walking around.

I would recommend visiting this destination for a nice walkable area. It's great for a date or nice to walk around at after going to an attraction like the Gaylord ICE sculptures or the casino, not if you're looking for cheap hole in the wall eateries or good deals.