National harbour waterfront

The last words of poet Francois Rabelais were, "I go to see a Great Perhaps." Possibly, such greatness is what I intended to pursue in the land of opportunities, America but I could hardly wait till my last moment to venture out for this journey. 

National Harbor is a 350 acre waterfront destination in Washington D.C. It is located in Prince George's County, Maryland on the Potomac River only few minutes away from the capital city. The harbor consist of various hotels, restaurants, condominiums overlooking the breathtaking view of the river, retail stores, a full service marina, and my personal favourite, The Capital Wheel.

The Capital Wheel soars 180 feet above the waterfront leaving me marveling at the sheer vastness of the marina. A panoramic view from the Ferris wheel include illustrious sights such as White House, U.S Capitol, National Mall and luxuriant greenery of the DC-Maryland region. 'The Awakening' is a five cast aluminum sculpture at more than 70ft across the sandy beaches just as the city emerges from the Potomac River. It has become an an amazing place for children to climb, play, and admire the beauty of the giant.

Further in the city from the harbor lies the Maryland Bounty. As an art enthusiast, this attraction was my personal favorite. Maryland Bounty consist of metal and mosaic panels mixed with stained glass signifying Maryland's ties with the Chesapeake Bay. Across there was engraving of crab picker digging for crabs, a ship's captain holding a basket of clams and oysters, a young boy on the Maryland waterfront holding a basket of pumpkinseed fish and so much more.

It was an afternoon well spent at the dock as the strong gust of wind caressed my skin. Countless gulls flew overhead frequently and if you are lucky, a shark can too be spotted by the river. National harbour marina features all the comfort of a waterfront resort making it an ideal spot for vacation in DC.

Furthermore, the unique geography of Potomac River is such that it has shaped the land for a colossal waterfall, The Great Falls. Along the waterfall lies an 800 acre beautiful natural park. It is a habitat for various native animals and wild plants. As I trekked along the waterfall, I was absolutely mesmerised by the massive current of water and the pandemonium of noise as it crashes against the boulders. What's more? It is a perfect spot for fishing if one can bring their own fishing line. 

Potomac is a gorgeous river with a trail that has convinced to go back once more to seek the greatness again, sometime.

By Mayesha Raidah
Photo: Mayesha Raidah