If you’re heading to Washington, D.C., for a cheerleading national competition at National Harbor, in February, get ready for an exciting, high-energy weekend and unpredictable weather! From the thrill of the competition to exploring the best of D.C., there’s so much to experience and there will not be enough time! Our stay at the Holiday Inn on Eisenhower Ave in Alexandria, Virginia, gave us easy access to the event while allowing us to explore nearby attractions. Here’s a look at our unforgettable trip, filled with cheer spirit, city sights, and some good and not so great eats!
Where We Stayed: Holiday Inn on Eisenhower Ave
For convenience and affordability, the Holiday Inn Alexandria – Carlyle on Eisenhower Avenue was a great choice. It’s just a short drive to National Harbor.. The hotel had comfortable rooms, however the pool was closed for renovations!!! 🙁 , and a casual restaurant for quick meals. We do not partake in the restaurant, and looking at the menu the items seemed a little pricey for a restaurant inside a Holiday inn. The pool being closed was a big bummer and we contemplated on switching hotels but were unable to due to inability to cancel by the time we found out. I wish they would have notified guest prior to make us aware. However the location is in walking distance of many restaurants and a Starbucks so that was a definite plus.
Competition Time: Nationals at National Harbor
The cheer national competition at National Harbor was an unforgettable experience! The energy was electric, with talented teams from across the country showcasing their hard work and dedication. The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center was a fantastic venue, offering plenty of space and a beautiful setting along the Potomac River.
Pro Tips for Competition Days:
✅ Arrive early – Parking fills up fast! We parked across the street in a garage and had just a short distance to walk. The cost was reasonable.
✅ Stay hydrated and pack snacks – The venue has food options, but lines can be long, so we recommend having some items on hand.
✅ Explore National Harbor – A big bummer was the weather, it was a bit cold. If the weather permits I would recommend after performances, take a stroll along the waterfront, grab a bite, or ride the Capital Wheel for a fun break!
Exploring D.C. after Competing
With some time after awards, we made the most of our trip by visiting D.C.
Top Things to Do in D.C. (Short & Sweet Version)
🚀 National Mall – Walk past the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Reflecting Pool. With the weather we did not make our way down to the Lincoln Memorial or reflecting pool but were able to view from a distance.
🏛 Smithsonian Museums – Many are free! We only had time to make it to Natural History Museum however we definitely recommend it and plan on giving yourself ample time as their is so much to see and read about I could of spent days in just the one Museum.
🌸 Tidal Basin – We would love to return in the spring sometime to visit the cherry blossoms as I am sure they make for stunning views!
📷 White House & Capitol – We did do a quick walk by for a quick photo op in front of the White House and Capital on our way back to our car before it started raining.
While it would have been great for better weather we were glad to take the adventure out for the short time to let our daughter get her first experience in D.C.
Final Thoughts: A Weekend to Remember
Between the thrill of the competition, the convenience of our hotel, and the incredible sights of D.C., our Nationals weekend was one for the books. Whether you’re traveling with a cheer squad or just visiting for fun, this area offers the perfect blend of excitement and sightseeing. It didn’t hurt that our daughter came home with a National Champion Jacket from the weekend!!!! So proud of her and her teammates on a successful exciting successful weekend.
Have you been to National Harbor for a cheer competition? Share your experience in the comments! 🎀✨
