Things To Do
in Oxon Hill
Oxon Hill is a suburban community in Prince George's County, Maryland, located on the Potomac River just south of Washington, D.C. The neighborhood blends riverfront attractions like National Harbor and MGM National Harbor with quiet residential streets and historic sites such as Oxon Hill Manor. Visitors can easily access big-city museums and monuments in Washington, D.C., while enjoying parkland, trails, and waterfront dining close to home.
The area is best known for its river views, casinos and entertainment venues, and as a convenient base for exploring the greater DMV region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café where you can try some delicious homemade pastries. Afterward, take a stroll in Oxon Hill Park, immersing yourself in the lush greenery and scenic views along the walking trails. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the serene landscape and possibly spot some local wildlife.
For lunch, head over to the nearby National Harbor and enjoy the vibrant restaurant scene with options ranging from seafood to international cuisine. After eating, spend your afternoon visiting the Capital Wheel for breathtaking views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. The experience is a perfect way to relax and appreciate the beauty of the area from above.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, where you can soak in the beautiful sunset over the harbor. Post-dinner, take a walk along the harbor promenade, indulging in the lively atmosphere and potential live entertainment. Wind down the night with a cozy dessert at a local ice cream shop before heading back to your accommodation.
Begin your day at the nearby National Park Service's Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Hill Farm, which offer a glimpse into the area's agricultural history. Engage in a guided tour that will provide insights about the farm's history and its role in the local ecosystem. Enjoy the calmness of the early morning while walking through the farmlands.
After a morning filled with history, make your way to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, located a short drive away. Spend the afternoon exploring the countless exhibits that honor the contributions and experiences of African Americans throughout history. It's an immersive experience that promises to be both educational and inspiring.
As evening approaches, return to Oxon Hill and enjoy dinner at a cozy, family-run restaurant known for its rich local flavors. Post-meal, consider attending a local theater performance or live music event to immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene. Finish the night at a nearby lounge with a relaxing atmosphere, reflecting on your enlightening day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| ☕Regular coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-hail (within town) | $8-20 |
| 🎟️Movie ticket or similar entertainment | $12-18 |
| 🚌Monthly public transit pass (approx.) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient riverfront attractions and dining at National Harbor
- Close proximity to Washington, D.C. and its museums, monuments and cultural attractions
- Good mix of outdoor parkland and urban entertainment (casino, events)
- Can be busy and touristy around National Harbor, especially in summer
- Traffic congestion during commuter hours and event nights
- Some neighborhoods have limited late-night transit options outside of peak routes
Places to Visit in Oxon Hill
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic views of the Capital Wheel, public art installations and the Potomac River—especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset.
High bluff views capturing the Potomac River, shipping channels and the skyline—great for landscape and historical-themed shots.
Historic architecture and landscaped grounds provide classic portrait and detail photo opportunities in a quieter setting.
Modern architecture, dynamic lighting and cityscape views from elevated spots—ideal for night photography and dramatic compositions.
Wooded trails and creekside scenes offer intimate nature photography with seasonal color changes and wildlife sightings.
Food in Oxon Hill
Oxon Hill Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try regional specialty—lump crab meat seasoned lightly and pan-fried or broiled; available at seafood restaurants and waterfront eateries around National Harbor.
Must-Try!
Old Bay–spiced steamed blue crabs and crab feasts are common in the area—look for casual crab houses and seasonal pop-ups in Prince George's County.
Smoky barbecue, burgers and sandwiches are widely available; find casual family restaurants and taverns serving regional takes on comfort classics.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal markets and weekend pop-ups at the Harbor offer street food, local vendors and specialty treats—great for quick bites and artisanal goods.
Prince George’s County and nearby DC neighborhoods host farmers’ markets selling produce, baked goods and prepared foods—check seasonal schedules for locations and hours.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents value polite, concise interactions and respect for personal space—use common courtesies like please/thank you and avoid loud phone conversations in confined spaces.
Form orderly lines for services and be patient with staff—service workers frequently expect polite communication and clear instructions.
When visiting historical sites, parks or federal areas, follow posted rules, do not climb on monuments, and appreciate that security protocols may be in place in nearby government areas.
Safety
Tipping in Oxon Hill
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., customary restaurant tipping is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service; tip bartenders $1–2 per drink, taxi and ride-share drivers 10–15%, and hotel housekeeping $2–5 per night. For table service, casino servers and valet attendants, small cash tips are appreciated.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common in hotels, restaurants and shops. Carry a small amount of cash for tips, some market stalls or transit vending machines.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming trees make it an excellent time for outdoor walks, farmers’ markets and waterfront photography; bring a light jacket for breezy evenings.
Hot, humid weather with frequent afternoon showers—expect busy tourist crowds at the Harbor, comfortable patio dining and water-based activities; stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage make fall ideal for hiking nearby parks and enjoying outdoor festivals; pack layers for variable daytime and evening conditions.
Cold spells and occasional snow are possible but generally milder than inland; some seasonal attractions scale back hours—dress warmly and check schedules for outdoor venues.
Oxon Hill at Night
Hiking in Oxon Hill
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, scenic trails and historic paths along the Potomac with river overlooks and interpretive markers—suitable for easy hikes and history-themed walks.
Gentle trails around a working farm and wetlands; family-friendly with educational exhibits and good birdwatching.
Nearby natural areas with longer trails, riverside scenery and historic farm sites—excellent for hiking, wildlife viewing and seasonal events.
Larger wooded park with extensive trail networks, creek crossings and more challenging hikes—reachable by car from Oxon Hill for a fuller outdoor day trip.
Airports
How to reach Oxon Hill by plane.
Closest major airport—about 10–20 minutes by car in light traffic and well connected by public transit and shuttle services; convenient for domestic flights and quick access to downtown D.C.
About 30–45 minutes by car depending on traffic; serves many international and domestic routes and is accessible by highway and dedicated airport shuttles.
Approximately 35–50 minutes by car; a major regional airport with many domestic and international flights and rail/shuttle connections to the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Oxon Hill and Prince George’s County have a large and historically significant African American population, with diverse socioeconomic representation and rich cultural institutions.
Many residents commute to jobs in Washington, D.C., federal agencies and nearby business centers, creating a mix of working professionals and families.
The area includes suburban neighborhoods with families, school-centered communities and long-term residents who value local parks and schools.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is very popular regionally—fans follow the NFL (Washington-area team) and local high-school/college football games.
Major League Baseball (Washington Nationals) draws fans from the area; summer games and family outings are popular.
Basketball (NBA) and ice hockey (NHL) have strong followings in the region, with teams based in Washington, D.C.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oxon Hill.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available—many modern restaurants and cafés list dedicated vegetarian or vegan dishes; National Harbor venues generally accommodate meat-free requests.
Strict vegan choices are growing but can be limited in some casual seafood-focused restaurants—look for plant-forward menus in café chains and some independent spots or ask kitchens to adapt dishes.
Gluten-free menus and accommodations are commonly offered at mid-size to upscale restaurants; always notify staff of severe allergies and verify cross-contamination policies.