The rooftop seasonal pool: what to know before you go

MGM National Harbor has a seasonal outdoor rooftop pool on a second-floor deck with Potomac River views, lounge chairs, umbrellas and private day pod cabanas with food and beverage service. The pool is typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day and is family-accessible (children are permitted).
In this guide
- Where the rooftop pool is and what you’ll see
- Season, hours and when to plan your visit
- Who can use the pool — age and guest policy
- What the pool deck offers and on-deck services
- Access, fees and practical arrival tips
- Nearby services and extras to combine with a pool day
- Practical packing and etiquette reminders
Where the rooftop pool is and what you’ll see
The hotel’s seasonal outdoor pool sits on a second-floor rooftop deck overlooking the Potomac River and National Harbor waterfront. Expect river-facing views that line up with the resort’s waterfront setting.
The pool deck includes lounge chairs, umbrellas and private day pod cabanas that offer food and beverage service; the terrace and nearby public spaces connect with the resort’s restaurants and waterfront walkways.
- Address: 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, Fort Washington, Maryland, 20745, US
- Pool location: second-floor rooftop deck with river views
- On-property cabanas/day pods offer F&B service
| Photo | Suggested view |
|---|---|
| 16 | Outdoor rooftop terrace seating overlooking the water |
| 1 | Aerial view of the resort and waterfront at dusk |

Season, hours and when to plan your visit
The pool is seasonal. Public-facing listings and third-party sources typically show it open around Memorial Day through Labor Day (roughly May–September). Exact open dates can change year to year.
Published pool hours vary by source; if knowing a precise time is important, check the hotel before you arrive since hours can differ by season or special events.
- Common seasonal window: Memorial Day through Labor Day (source: resort listings)
- Common published hours (varies): 10:00 AM–6:00 PM or 10:00 AM–8:00 PM depending on source and season
- Hours and opening/closing dates are subject to change each year
| Source type | Typical hours reported |
|---|---|
| ResortPass listing | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Alternate aggregator | 10:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Property season notes | Open Memorial Day–Labor Day (typical) |
Who can use the pool — age and guest policy
The pool is not restricted to adults: children are permitted to use the outdoor pool and families may swim together. The resort is casino-centric and primarily caters to adults, but the pool itself is family-accessible.
Other resort age restrictions still apply elsewhere on property: the spa does not allow guests under 18, and the casino floor requires guests to be 21 or older.
- Children may use the pool (pool is family-accessible)
- The Spa & Salon at MGM National Harbor does not admit guests under 18
- Guests must be 21+ to check in and to gamble on the casino floor
| Area | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Rooftop pool | No minimum; children allowed |
| The Spa & Salon | 18+ (guests under 18 are not permitted) |
| Casino floor / check-in | 21+ |
What the pool deck offers and on-deck services
The pool deck supplies lounge chairs and umbrellas and advertises private day pod cabanas with food and beverage service. Expect a staffed pool deck during the season where cabanas can receive F&B from resort outlets.
Specifics such as cabana rates, reservation rules or included services are not listed in the property dossier; contact the resort or concierge for current cabana availability and pricing.
- Lounge chairs and umbrellas available
- Private day pod cabanas with food & beverage service are provided
- Contact concierge or front desk to ask about cabana reservations and F&B menus
| Amenity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lounge chairs/umbrellas | Standard deck furnishings |
| Day pod cabanas | Offer food & beverage service; reservation/pricing not specified in dossier |
| Lifeguard/attendant | Not specified in available sources |
Access, fees and practical arrival tips
Hotel guests can use the on-site fitness center and pool during the season; the resort charges a mandatory nightly resort fee that (per published listings) includes fitness-center access, in-room bottled water, in-room coffee and internet access. The dossier does not list a separate mandatory pool fee for registered guests.
The property may require a refundable incidental deposit at check-in; published sources list a daily refundable deposit amount. For any special requests (early check-in, pool cabana reservations) call the hotel ahead of arrival.
- Mandatory resort fee is published on booking pages (includes fitness-center access and internet; check your booking for details)
- A refundable deposit is commonly collected at check-in (published listings cite a typical amount)
- If you need cabanas, early arrival or poolside service, contact the resort or the BookResorts agents (24/7) at +1 (888) 605-1350
| Item | Published detail |
|---|---|
| Resort fee | Mandatory nightly fee listed on booking pages (covers fitness access, in-room bottled water/coffee, internet) |
| Refundable deposit | A refundable deposit is listed by some sources |
| Pool access fee | No separate universal pool fee stated in the dossier for registered guests |
Nearby services and extras to combine with a pool day
If you want a full-day plan, the resort offers restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner across multiple venues including Bread + Butter, Bellagio Patisserie, Osteria Costa, Voltaggio Brothers Steak House and Shake Shack. The National Market food hall provides quick, all-day options.
The Spa & Salon (Floors 3 and 4) and the resort’s advanced fitness center are on-site; spa use is for adults only and fitness access is included via the resort fee. The waterfront walk, Capital Wheel and Tanger Outlets are nearby if you want to extend your day off the deck.
- On-site dining highlights: Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Ginger, Diablo's Cantina, Bread + Butter, National Market, Shake Shack
- Spa & Salon: two-level, 27,000 sq ft with 11 treatment rooms (adult-only policy)
- Nearby: Capital Wheel, Tanger Outlets, Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail and waterfront promenades
| On-site amenity | Quick note |
|---|---|
| The Spa & Salon | Adult-only; hydrotherapy, relaxation lounge and treatment rooms |
| Fitness center | Advanced equipment; access included in resort fee |
| Restaurants | More than a dozen venues across casual to fine dining |

Practical packing and etiquette reminders
Bring basic pool items: a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. The dossier does not specify towel policies; most hotels provide pool towels, but confirm with the front desk if you plan to rely on hotel towels all day.
Follow posted pool rules while on deck and respect cabana reservations and food/beverage service. If you plan to visit the spa or dine before/after pool time, check dress codes for specific restaurants (for example, Voltaggio Brothers Steak House lists a smart-casual dress code).
- Pack sunscreen and a cover-up for moving around the resort
- Confirm hotel towel policy at check-in if you’ll be using the pool all day
- Check restaurant dress codes for evening plans (Voltaggio Brothers Steak House: smart casual)
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen | Summer sun and waterfront reflection increase exposure |
| Cover-up | Useful for moving between pool, restaurants and public areas |
| Phone/charger | For cabana F&B orders and to contact concierge if needed |


