Decided to take a run to the Washington DC area so chose to stay at Wyndham in National harbor using some of my time. It was a beautiful day for traveling traffic was not bad a few hiccups here and there but no issues. After a briefing by the concierge we took a stroll down to the riverside which was buzzing with people , restaurants and cafe. I had the option of staying in old town Virginia but chose National Harbor because of room availability. Here is why I am glad I took National Harbor. The Old Town Trolley picks up from the hotel and drop you off on return, The ferry is within walking distance, there is a shopping outlet within walking distance for the hikers but certainly not for me. There is a shuttle a block and a half away costing $5 unlimited ride to and from the Tanger outlet and the casino and of course choices in restaurants close to the hotel and short walking distance along the Potomac river. Oh almost forgot the view highlighted by the capital wheel which changes colors at nighttime.

If you are planning to visit Washington DC and stay in the harbor the hop on and hop is a good way to get around. It costs about $4 dollars more booking at the hotel which I thought was excellent preventing you from having to find your way into Washington to start your tour. The other thing is the difference for a one day tour and a two days tour is about $10 and the two day tour gives you a round trip on the water taxi. We used our water taxi to visit Old Town Virginia. You are able to use the water taxi to Washington but the return on that ticket (trolley tour) would be back to your point of origin. You are not able to use it from Washington to old town Virginia then to National Harbor.

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I did not go for a ride in the wheel but I was told that at nights is the best time to take the ride because it offers a great view over in Washington and around especially because of the lights. The sunset was picture perfect one of the benefits of dinning by the river outdoor. You know I had to capture that. Enjoyed dining at Cadillac Ranch, Walrus oyster and Ale and McCormick & Schmick (crab cakes are good) a little pricey but of course it is on the river front.

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If you are on a hop on hop trolley tour and you plan to take the included shuttle back it is suggested that you take the Arlington cemetery tour at the beginning. Depending on your interest you can spend an hour or about two hours or more. The shuttle from the hotels drop you at number one there you can connect to the included shuttle to the cemetery. In the cemetery compound there are a lot of trolleys with live narration. Again you can hop on and off based on your interest. At the completion of your visit there is the trolley shuttle to take you back to a stop to pick up the trolley touring the city.

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We had the opportunity to see the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier.