Things to do near MGM National Harbor
MGM National Harbor sits on the Potomac waterfront in Oxon Hill and puts a casino, a 3,000-seat theater, more than a dozen restaurants and a rooftop seasonal pool steps from National Harbor attractions like the Capital Wheel. Nearby options for shopping, river cruises, and Old Town Alexandria make it an easy base for exploring the DC waterfront.
In this guide
Waterfront activities and the Capital Wheel
MGM National Harbor faces the Potomac River and is adjacent to National Harbor’s waterfront promenade. The Capital Wheel, a 180-foot observation wheel with climate-controlled gondolas, is about a 5-minute trip from the resort and runs year-round.
Along the waterfront you’ll find walking paths, public art, a small sandy area by the marina for casual play, and water taxi service that connects National Harbor with Alexandria and Georgetown; schedules for water taxis and sightseeing cruises vary by operator and season.
- Walk the Potomac River promenade next to National Harbor for sunset views.
- Ride the Capital Wheel for broad sightlines to DC landmarks (White House, Capitol, National Mall).
- Take a seasonal water taxi or sightseeing cruise to Alexandria or Georgetown (confirm schedules with operators).
- Use the Capital Bikeshare station at 250 Waterfront Street to cycle around the waterfront.
| Activity | Travel time from MGM (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Wheel | 5 minutes | Climate-controlled gondolas; year-round operation |
| Water taxi to Alexandria/Georgetown | Short walk to harbor; ride times vary | Seasonal schedules — check operator before travel |
| Harbor promenade & marina | Onsite | Walking, photo stops, small sandy play area near the marina |
Dining and drinks at MGM National Harbor
The resort lists roughly 12–15 restaurants and several bars spanning steakhouse, Italian, Asian, Mexican, seafood, a food hall and quick-service options. Signature venues include Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Ginger, Diablo's Cantina, Osteria Costa, Bread + Butter, Shake Shack and the National Market food hall.
Hours and reservation policies vary by restaurant; for example, Voltaggio Brothers Steak House has set dinner hours and is closed certain weekdays. For reservations or specific opening times, contact the concierge or the restaurant directly.
- Voltaggio Brothers Steak House — steakhouse; dinner service with specific nightly hours.
- Ginger — Asian restaurant serving lunch and dinner; reservations available.
- Diablo's Cantina — Mexican restaurant with cocktails and DJs in the evening.
- National Market — food-hall style, open all day for quick, varied choices.
- Bellagio Patisserie and Shake Shack for quick coffee, pastries or casual meals.
| Restaurant | Type | Typical service |
|---|---|---|
| Voltaggio Brothers Steak House | Steakhouse | Dinner (check property hours; closed some weekdays) |
| Bread + Butter | American | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| National Market | Food hall | All day, quick service |
| Ginger | Asian | Lunch & dinner; reservations available |
Spa, pool and fitness
The Spa & Salon at MGM National Harbor is a two-level, 27,000-square-foot facility created with Clarins featuring 11 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, a Vichy room and couples’ suites. Spa hours published across listings vary; current spa hours listed on business directories are Mon–Wed 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Thu–Sat 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, Sun 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
The spa does not admit guests under 18. Spa day-pass amenities and treatment access include locker rooms, a relaxation lounge, an indoor whirlpool and a sauna. The property’s advanced fitness center is available to guests and is included with the resort fee; some booking listings show 24-hour access.
- The Spa & Salon occupies Floors 3 and 4 of the Hotel Tower and offers massages, facials, body treatments and salon services.
- Fitness center access is included as part of the mandatory resort fee and is listed by some sites as 24-hour.
- Seasonal outdoor rooftop pool operates primarily Memorial Day through Labor Day with lounge chairs, umbrellas and private day pod cabanas; children are permitted at the pool.
| Facility | Age policy | Typical hours (check before arrival) |
|---|---|---|
| The Spa & Salon | 18+ only | Mon–Wed 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Thu–Sat 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (listings vary) |
| Fitness center | All ages (guest access) | Some listings show 24-hour access |
| Seasonal rooftop pool | All ages (children welcome) | Typically open Memorial Day–Labor Day; hours vary by season |
Casino, theater and nightlife
MGM National Harbor is a casino-centric resort with a full gaming floor and BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge among its nightlife options. Guests must be 21 or older to gamble and to check in as the primary registered guest.
The Theater at MGM National Harbor is a 3,000-seat venue that hosts live music, comedy and other events; it includes VIP suites and can be rented for private events. For event schedules and tickets, check the resort’s entertainment calendar.
- Casino gaming requires guests to be 21+; casino floor access follows local gaming rules.
- BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge and TAP Sports Bar provide sports viewing and casual night spots on property.
- The Theater seats about 3,000 and has VIP suites available for private rental.
| Venue | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Casino floor | Slots, table games and sportsbook; 21+ for gaming |
| BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge | Sports viewing and American fare |
| The Theater | Live shows and concerts; 3,000-seat capacity |
Shopping, day trips and nearby attractions
Tanger Outlets National Harbor is about a short drive from the resort and features many brand-name stores; a local Circulator bus connects shoppers within National Harbor and to the outlets. Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront and shops sit roughly a couple of miles away by car.
A range of short excursions are practical from MGM National Harbor: George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate is roughly a 14-minute drive; outdoor options include the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail and nearby golf at National Golf Club in Fort Washington. Ferry or seasonal water transportation may link National Harbor with Mount Vernon; confirm seasonal schedules with operators.
- Tanger Outlets — outlet shopping reachable by short drive or National Harbor Circulator bus.
- Old Town Alexandria — historic waterfront, museums and dining about 1.9 miles away.
- Mount Vernon — historic estate roughly a 14-minute drive from National Harbor.
- Outdoor options: Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail for walking/biking and local golf courses nearby.
| Destination | Approx. travel from MGM | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Tanger Outlets National Harbor | Short drive / Circulator bus | Outlet stores and shopping |
| Old Town Alexandria | About 2 miles | Historic waterfront, shops and restaurants |
| Mount Vernon | About 14 minutes by car | George Washington’s historic estate and grounds |
Meetings, weddings and event spaces
MGM National Harbor offers extensive event space across roughly 50,000 square feet, including the MGM Grand Ballroom (about 16,137 sq ft with Potomac River views), Salon A/B/C options, the Bellagio Ballroom and a 3,000-seat Theater. Capacities and room layouts vary by configuration and event type.
Outdoor options include Potomac Plaza, a waterfront terrace with a fountain and reflecting pool, plus the Grand Ballroom Terrace adjoining the MGM Grand Ballroom. For booking, catering and specific capacities for your date, contact the resort’s events or sales team.
- MGM Grand Ballroom — large divisible ballroom with river-facing glass wall.
- Bellagio Ballroom and Salons A–C available for midsize meetings and receptions.
- Potomac Plaza — waterfront terrace for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
| Event space | Size / capacity notes |
|---|---|
| MGM Grand Ballroom | Approx. 16,137 sq ft; reception capacity listed up to 1,800 |
| Bellagio Ballroom | Approx. 4,284 sq ft; flexible for 300+ guests depending on setup |
| The Theater | 3,000 seats with VIP suites; rentable for large presentations or shows |
