Red, White, and Waterfront: Gaylord National Unveils the Ultimate ‘America 250’ Summer Celebration

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (May 5, 2026) — This summer, as the United States turns 250, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center invites guests to a season-long patriotic tribute, highlighted by exclusive room packages and special offers designed to create the ultimate Capital getaway. Travelers can enjoy curated overnight experiences, hands-on activities including cake-decorating classes, American Whiskey tastings, exclusive dining events, and elevated fireworks-viewing celebrations—all set against the backdrop of the Potomac waterfront, transforming the resort into a premier destination for America 250 festivities.  

"This anniversary is about more than just a date on the calendar; it's about celebrating our shared history and spending time with the people who make it meaningful," said Dan McKeon, Area General Manager at Gaylord National Resort. "Whether it's a quiet moment watching the sunset over the Potomac or a day spent exploring the spirit of the Capital, we want Gaylord National to be the host for families and friends to come together, reconnect, and make memories that will last for the next generation."

A Summer of Celebration: Memorial Day - Labor Day

Gaylord National is positioned at the heart of the national celebration—just a water taxi ride away from the National Mall's monuments and steps away from the heartbeat of National Harbor's vibrant waterfront community. All summer long, National Harbor will be alive with waterfront concerts, outdoor movies, live performances by U.S. military bands, and patriotic family programming— and guests of the resort can enjoy it all right outside their doors. Just a few miles away, visitors can also discover the 250th Anniversary celebrations in Washington, D.C., including large-scale cultural programming on the National Mall, special museum exhibitions, and the largest national fireworks show in history.

Signature Culinary Tributes at the Resort

• Old Hickory Steakhouse - The 250 Feast: Honor American craftsmanship with a $250* prix-fixe dinner for two. The three-course experience highlights American classics, beginning with warm skillet cornbread with honey butter, followed by a fresh Maryland jumbo lump crab cocktail and, for the main course, a mouth-watering 32oz tomahawk steak for two, served with a loaded baked potato, creamed spinach, mac and cheese and cabernet demi. For dessert, enjoy a slice of classic American apple pie, an iconic sweet finish to this celebratory dining experience.
  • Complement your meal with the Revolutionary Black Manhattan, featuring Gaylord Single Barrel Sazerac Rye, priced at exactly $17.76*.
• Whiskey Revolution - America's Story in the Barrel: Trace America's bourbon craftsmanship and heritage with exclusive tasting nights:
  • A Night with Evan Williams-savor a limited-edition Single Barrel 117.6 Proof - July 16
  • A Night with Angel's Envy—raise a glass to the Whiskey Revolution Single Barrel - August 13
  • Legacy in the Barrel: The Sazerac Selection— featuring standout Corazón Blanton's Barrel Aged Tequila Old Fashioned- August 27
• Capital Confectionery - Stars, Stripes & Sweets: On June 26, families and couples are invited to a hands-on patriotic cake decorating experience. Beyond crafting their own edible masterpieces, guests can enjoy a curated selection of red, white, and blue treats and marvel at a show-stopping candy display designed by the resort's first-class pastry team.

Plan Your Visit: America 250 Stay Packages

The best way to experience this once-in-a-generation 250th anniversary is with a stay at Gaylord National. As the focal point of the Capital Region's festivities, the resort serves as the ultimate home base for travelers looking to witness history where it happened.

• The "1776" Luxury Experience
  • Celebrate in grand style with a premier two-night stay for $1,776*. This indulgent package includes a luxurious Executive Suite, complete with champagne and macarons upon arrival for an elevated welcome.
  • Guests will also enjoy a $250* nightly resort credit, American whiskey tastings at Whiskey Revolution, valet parking and personalized "Celebrity Services" check-in and late check-out based on availability. Use booking code A1475 to reserve this experience.
• America 250 Advance Purchase Incentive
  • Travelers looking to secure their spot for the summer festivities can save up to 15% when booking early by using promo code ADP.
• Fourth of July: A Celebration Above the Harbor

For the Ultimate America 250 celebration, secure your July 4th stay now to enjoy the resort's Celebration above the Harbor event. The festivities take place in Lookout 18, the resort's newly renovated premier lounge on the top floor with sweeping harbor views, exclusively available to guests who purchase this limited-time package. Celebrate Independence Day in style with an exclusive experience featuring:

• • Overnight accommodation in a deluxe room.
  • Exclusive Event Access: Enjoy two tickets to a private celebration at Lookout 18, featuring a festive buffet, open bar, and live DJ.
  • The View: Experience panoramic views of National Harbor, with the Washington, D.C. fireworks lighting up the distance.
  • Packages start at $495* and are limited, with event tickets available only through this offer. Use booking code ER7 to reserve your stay.

*Prices do not include applicable taxes, fees or gratuity.

For more information and to book your America 250 stay, visit www.gaylordhotels.com

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About Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is the largest, non-gaming hotel and convention center on the east coast, located along the banks of the Potomac River in National Harbor, Maryland, and part of Marriott International, Inc. Opened in April 2008, Gaylord National is an AAA-Four Diamond resort that is only eight miles from Washington, D.C. The resort offers nearly 2,000 rooms including 110 suites; a 19-story Atrium; 600,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space; acclaimed restaurants including Old Hickory Steakhouse, Harbor Social and Lookout 18 Rooftop Lounge.