Family-friendly D.C. resort, from $199

Spring getaways for less on the National Harbor

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Dreaming of D.C.
Explore history, freedom and fun in our nation’s capital.

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updated 10:02 a.m. ET April 29, 2009

Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Through June 1

The deal
Situated on the banks of the Potomac River in Maryland’s National Harbor, the 300-acre Gaylord National Resort is great choice for a fun-filled family stay just minutes from our nation’s capital.

The year-old resort features a soaring 18-story glass-enclosed atrium housing all you need to keep the little ones entertained: There’s a 24-meter lap pool with a gorgeous sun-deck, meandering tropical garden pathways which pass babbling streams, and an awesome 60-foot-high water fountain. (Kids will squeal with delight as it changes color in spectacular displays; fountain shows last 15 minutes and take place each night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

Outdoors along the resort’s mile-long waterfront are numerous public artworks with a kid-centered appeal, from interactive mosaics about the Cheasapeake Bay to the monumental (and climbable) five-piece sculpture “The Awakening” by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. Just across the bay, historic Old Town Alexandria awaits, and is easily reached via a scenic ride by water taxi ($8 one-way; $16 roundtrip). For a laid-back family getaway at this waterfront resort, try one of these affordable spring packages.

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Washington, D.C. "See the Sights" package from $199
Discover the amazing sights and history of DC this spring with this special low-priced offer. From now through June 1, you and a loved one can enjoy 1 nights' accommodation in a Maryland-view guestroom and round-trip shuttle service to the capital courtesy of OnBoard Tours. Priced at $199, it’s a great-value offer for first-time DC visitors and returning tourists alike. Three and four-person packages are also available, so you and the whole clan can see the sights starting at just $219.

"CakeLove Your Mom" package from $219
Give your mom the sweetest gift of all this Mother’s Day and indulge her in this special CakeLove Your Mom Overnight Package. Host of the Food Network’s “Sugar Rush” and founder of D.C. area’s CakeLove Bakeries, celebrity chef Warren Brown is scheduled to appear at the Gaylord National Resort to disclose his top-secret baking tips. Your package includes 1 night’s deluxe accommodations and two tickets to see Brown prepare his mouthwatering treats live on stage at 3:30 p.m., on Saturday, May 9.

The dollars
Taxes and fees are additional

The catch
It’s tourist season in D.C. — and the museums are free. Expect long lines at top attractions.