Top Summer Activities for Your Gaylord National Resort Staycation
Positioned alongside the glistening Potomac River in National Harbor, Gaylord National Resort stands as an iconic destination just minutes from Washington, DC, offering a haven of luxury and entertainment for DMV residents. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, this resort has curated an array of summer activities to pamper and entertain guests. From Sunday brunch to thrilling river adventures and rooftop cocktails, a staycation here promises to be refreshing and memorable.
![Wine and charcuterie at Gaylord National Resort](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Free-Resort-act-resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=46e9d6e9c762bc3c956cd16731fb2870 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Free-Resort-act-resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=31cc453d2628b77d898f9a0f8b9a1920 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Free-Resort-act-resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f9736c76f6668e98cdb727c9d61973fd 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Free-Resort-act-resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=b149fee9408a35c87a16cf32f69e07e8 1024w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Free-Resort-act-resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=287b2b605b58e6b82f186d386f93dba9 1200w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Free-Resort-act-resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=69caba199473b9a8afa84b1b1daf797c 1440w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Free-Resort-act-resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=c24c29ecf6c72d8940310a86cd0454e0 1920w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Free-Resort-act-resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=23939ada04900dab9cef21eb4c001cc0 2560w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Free-Resort-act-resized.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=018e9a3161de6c8765039ff649af60e3 2722w)
1. Enjoy FREE Resort Activities
Many of the resort's restaurants offer a range of complimentary activities to enhance your stay, including cocktail sampling, beer tasting, wine and cheese pairing, and more.
![A jet car is tied up to a boat at Gaylord National Resort.](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/IMG_4003-brightened.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=93fe0e827b6ae6cc6598f573dc24a72a 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/IMG_4003-brightened.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=910594f1c6a747f89846afe7a12f6178 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/IMG_4003-brightened.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f9e3d6e81ad8123219535114a1a8c089 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/IMG_4003-brightened.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c8a88c39557f7c894391471495486d5c 1024w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/IMG_4003-brightened.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=68e0fa9ba07878ac3b64c6e824d62485 1200w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/IMG_4003-brightened.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=379b53a8649169723846a4d05d650e77 1440w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/IMG_4003-brightened.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=b2792ebf4d26664afef6403c54cf5c8e 1920w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/IMG_4003-brightened.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=86f0f4097679afb269640c1da713f4f5 2560w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/IMG_4003-brightened.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=7a8c23b7ceac364ec6521ce822e39308 3840w)
2. Explore the Riverfront by Boat, Kayak, Jet Car, or Paddleboard
Explore the riverfront with kayak, jet car, and paddleboard rentals right off the Gaylord’s pier. Reserve your water toys ahead of time for an exciting adventure. Guests are also invited to moor their own boats at the pier or charter a boat for a day on the Potomac River!
![Kids play on a splash pad at Gaylord National Resort](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Splash-Pad.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=fe12997be48b603171e4bb2be69ae5b0 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Splash-Pad.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=f541f607ce476997a2e00dbe0193c93e 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Splash-Pad.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=fd2452a6463411de650753e58c75f1b7 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Splash-Pad.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=ffd868a3cd3549a38911be5994febe94 1024w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Splash-Pad.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=6e820eae3c89fc7322ca816667ecf123 1200w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Splash-Pad.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=aa4a67579fe0e9f0c1a7246232a1d6e9 1440w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Splash-Pad.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=70fea5ee0a32b47e9dee5fce7478e348 1920w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Splash-Pad.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=cd41672dae2034426f454a9b9b988b6c 2560w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Splash-Pad.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=7bdc0eef812b463b5a73b1225b54fcf2 3840w)
3. Splash & Swim the Day Away
The Junior Olympic-sized, 24-meter pool at Gaylord National Resort provides fitness and family fun. The doors open to a glorious outdoor sundeck complete with a whirlpool, kid splash pad, and a pool bar. Kids can enjoy complimentary popsicles, while adults can take advantage of drink specials at the pool bar every weekend.
![](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH_WASGN_AtriumViewStandardQueen_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=6d63ba8c7306a26c7cf0edbd0c801a71 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH_WASGN_AtriumViewStandardQueen_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=c6ee4e6dc7fa2933e575ce45a4ba3b9d 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH_WASGN_AtriumViewStandardQueen_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=8b2081f5be2c96d4688abc7e321bddc0 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH_WASGN_AtriumViewStandardQueen_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=2f3be12623f2a21021a602689adc56bb 1024w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH_WASGN_AtriumViewStandardQueen_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c6c71a610f06b08c7543f3eb18767b5f 1200w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH_WASGN_AtriumViewStandardQueen_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=cbed8006ccaa9862438c9df309b24bad 1440w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH_WASGN_AtriumViewStandardQueen_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=b8d7431e1f552b11e5bd189018ba59e5 1920w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH_WASGN_AtriumViewStandardQueen_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=219dd1fb618fcbd9ea3280d5c86e8f00 2560w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH_WASGN_AtriumViewStandardQueen_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=57a17fc331a133ff07e58e36d79686a0 3840w)
4. See the Luminosity Light Show from Your Atrium View Room
Atrium View rooms overlook the beautifully landscaped gardens and meticulously maintained resort. A captivating light show erupts each evening, taking Atrium View guests on an entrancing journey through outer space, into lightning storms, on dazzling roller coasters, and inside of firework displays from the comfort of their rooms!
![A masseuse gives a massage to a woman by candlelight at Relache Spa](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/438669808_831592462347360_3700553234815371695_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=7cf108c69359e551f67bd1afa943df7c 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/438669808_831592462347360_3700553234815371695_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=f8f76771a35e3b207c53a9c534b275a2 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/438669808_831592462347360_3700553234815371695_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f0457f6d3764a3e6cc7539429bc2a18c 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/438669808_831592462347360_3700553234815371695_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=a9f0eca3ee86c6d3873768a92ca1cb46 1024w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/438669808_831592462347360_3700553234815371695_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=28297e7a849d9cb2c05283353b1216fe 1091w)
5. Find True Relaxation at Relâche Spa & Salon
Experience holistic recovery and regeneration at Relâche Spa overlooking the breathtaking waterfront. Treatments are infused with natural elements and delivered by expert therapists to ignite your senses and soothe your soul.
![An augmented reality baby elephant appears at Gaylord National Resort with a woman taking a photo of it.](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/205454431_10158817222011208_6553614089166725529_ns.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=6f8b4219b541d6b867acc92e1353b1c7 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/205454431_10158817222011208_6553614089166725529_ns.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=449f2d622fbeaf9cf1bed9ddf2a3afe2 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/205454431_10158817222011208_6553614089166725529_ns.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=c7a191249e7c8f992458885556fbb65b 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/205454431_10158817222011208_6553614089166725529_ns.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=9a44eb9003e47934924a95219a7eac7e 869w)
6. Take a Virtual Safari & Discover the Atrium Gardens
Inside the massive, 19-story glass atrium, you’ll find one-and-a-half acres of lush, indoor gardens. Search for twelve endangered animals by finding the tracking markers that enable the animals to come to life through augmented reality. Simply download the free app on your smartphone to get started and take photos with your new animal friends along the way! This spellbinding experience was created for children of all ages.
![A group of three cheer on a duck pin bowler as she rolls the ball down the lane at Harbor Social.](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Duck-Pin-Bowling.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=feda7b2df445912eca4632482397d944 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Duck-Pin-Bowling.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=2682e2da0d6c9e18ffd534053ff76fad 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Duck-Pin-Bowling.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=935967460f84904512f96368f997da46 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Duck-Pin-Bowling.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=04086ab853d1694847c01a65e682c158 1024w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Duck-Pin-Bowling.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=1fe8ba2446d215eb5d7fe2e38781401f 1200w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Duck-Pin-Bowling.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=02b56bf734861da4d7ee1ec64711a9e2 1440w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Duck-Pin-Bowling.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=57e341942e4b2377e44fd9372fe0753d 1920w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Duck-Pin-Bowling.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=ae142b5b3c871fe8ca532e6f8576c685 2560w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Duck-Pin-Bowling.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=027e556412dba4423f22a12ff0fb9303 3840w)
7. Enjoy Friendly Competition at Harbor Social
Harbor Social opens at 4 pm nightly and serves as a perfect laid-back gathering spot. Unwind at this sports bar with drinks and games like darts, bocce ball, and duckpin bowling.
![A pancake platter is served for brunch at Old Hickory Steakhouse alongside fruits and whipped cream.](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/gaylordOH-1407-Editresize.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=70a329171e4f0c84dfcabb8dfe90fdc6 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/gaylordOH-1407-Editresize.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=02d4b6f74dfe44c4c209001bb66d31f7 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/gaylordOH-1407-Editresize.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=d6d422c92674afafe606bb8ff56d168b 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/gaylordOH-1407-Editresize.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=63e482875505259b3b910a762f4cfc41 1024w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/gaylordOH-1407-Editresize.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5a7fb04d621695b52a7683ab2c0e1a9e 1200w)
8. Indulge in Sunday Brunch at Old Hickory Steakhouse
Treat yourself to an elegant Sunday brunch at Old Hickory Steakhouse featuring farm-fresh omelets, Wagyu steak & eggs, or a pancake board, paired with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary’s.
![Interior of an 80s-themed bar, Pose Rooftop Lounge, at Gaylord National Resort. The bar is decorate with white furniture and pastel artwork.](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/ge-wasgn-replay-at-pose-1044985-24443_Classic-Hor.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=12f83da5ba098d00be2133ade1a5ceec 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/ge-wasgn-replay-at-pose-1044985-24443_Classic-Hor.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=32378d43318333eb658b861d77699f76 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/ge-wasgn-replay-at-pose-1044985-24443_Classic-Hor.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=d81f81b2b93201529fdb234877686163 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/ge-wasgn-replay-at-pose-1044985-24443_Classic-Hor.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=033d00c413a797ebb18036dd2a111a00 1024w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/ge-wasgn-replay-at-pose-1044985-24443_Classic-Hor.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=b42b2ad188bfb352983cd71a9986f3a6 1200w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/ge-wasgn-replay-at-pose-1044985-24443_Classic-Hor.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=7e6520bbef3b24a213918dde19ad0e98 1300w)
9. Toast Cocktails at the Rooftop Lounge
Pose Rooftop Lounge, an 80s-themed bar decked in pastels and old-school decor, features captivating design elements including neon lights, arcade games, and 80’s hits. Unwind with panoramic views of the skyline and riverfront while sipping on craft cocktails at this unique lounge.
![A family of four walks along the waterfront in National Harbor on a sunny day with boats and the Capital Wheel in the background.](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH-WASGN-22-scaletta-1497-national-harbor.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=76d0f8f7fc91f29392e1244d5f99da3a 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH-WASGN-22-scaletta-1497-national-harbor.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=8fd99719e4a3df6b2b0fc3c17ee24372 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH-WASGN-22-scaletta-1497-national-harbor.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6f9ebbad2158eb0d1a2cc86d2075f242 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH-WASGN-22-scaletta-1497-national-harbor.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=114d6db9835331abf3d5e49b7ae3825b 1024w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH-WASGN-22-scaletta-1497-national-harbor.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=e29bd3279bcbb20766c12f4186f965ae 1200w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH-WASGN-22-scaletta-1497-national-harbor.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=147d0c541c75810f765ab7781e7b3a51 1440w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH-WASGN-22-scaletta-1497-national-harbor.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=114972bde3a491cf6461f6cd4760767b 1920w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH-WASGN-22-scaletta-1497-national-harbor.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=986dbd532e4556d1554a70b7484d0390 2560w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/GH-WASGN-22-scaletta-1497-national-harbor.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=b7eda66fcd70354a06adbb18fcf7ea69 3840w)
10. Experience National Harbor’s Vibrant Culture
Venture out and shop at unique boutiques, relax with drinks on the water, take a spin on the Capital Wheel, or try your luck at the nearby MGM National Harbor. Gaylord National Resort overnight guests enjoy complimentary rides on the circulator bus for transportation to MGM, Tanger National Harbor, and the National Harbor Waterfront.
As you wrap up your staycation at Gaylord National Resort, take a sunset stroll along the waterfront while reminiscing on your newfound memories. Whether seeking peace in the atrium gardens or embarking on adventures like the virtual safari, each activity is designed to enhance your stay and foster moments of joy and relaxation. Gaylord National Resort invites you to return for new delights each season, ensuring a refreshed menu of experiences. Plan your escape today and immerse yourself in the endless possibilities offered by this remarkable resort.
*This blog post is sponsored by Gaylord National Resort
201 Waterfront Street National Harbor, Maryland 20745 (301) 965-4000 Website Find A Room