Are you joining us for The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March? Make the most of your #TAGC24 experience in National Harbor! We know the science will keep you busy, but you deserve to unwind and have some fun, so we’ve curated a list of activities and restaurants you can explore in your free time to help make your trip truly unforgettable.

Don’t forget to book your hotel room at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center by February 12, 2024 to stay at the heart of the conference. The location is unbeatable, plus you’ll get some complimentary perks as part of your stay. Make a reservation and find more details about the hotel here. 

Staying in National Harbor:

The waterfront oasis has everything from picturesque views and arts and culture to retail outlets, the MGM National Harbor, and more! It’s the perfect destination to wind down with friends and colleagues after the conference.  

Restaurants

Stop by the Potomac District Café & Market at the Gaylord Hotel to grab a quick bite while meeting up with colleagues in the Exhibit Hall. The Market has everything you might need for a quick bite: breakfast bagels, soups and sandwiches, pizza, salads, and desserts.

In addition to the restaurants available at the Gaylord, you can choose from more than 40 dining options, for all budgets, within walking distance of the venue. We hear the Maryland-style crab cakes are a must-try! 

Organizers’ pick: 

Nando’s at National Harbor for “meals under $20!”

Entertainment

TAGC 2024 coincides with the very beginning of Cherry Blossom season in the Washington, DC area. Take in the Instagram-worthy views while riding the Capitol Ferris Wheel, taking a water taxi tour, or walking or biking along the Potomac waterfront. 

Plan a trip to the Escapology escape rooms at National Harbor for a real-life adventure – find hidden clues, crack codes, and solve challenging puzzles to escape a themed room along with your friends and new acquaintances! 

Additionally, National Harbor has an impressive array of activities and nightlife for every person and every interest. Whether it’s a team outing to Top Golf, a drink with old friends at an Irish pub or paint bar, or a brunch or dinner with newfound colleagues at James Beard Award Winner, Succotash, you’ll find exactly what you need within walking distance or a short bus trip away. 

Organizers’ pick: 

The Harbor Social has great food & drinks, arcade games, shuffleboard, duckpin bowling & bocce ball. It’s the perfect place to wind down with old and new friends after the conference. 

If you have time to visit Washington, DC:

For those who don’t mind a short trip, Washington, DC is a treasure trove of culinary hotspots, iconic landmarks, and cultural attractions, steeped in rich history, all waiting to be explored. 

Restaurants

Below are a few places that the GSA staff enjoys for brunch, lunch, dinner, or drinks: 

• Un Je Ne Sais Quois (Dupont Circle)
• La Famosa (Navy Yard)
• Maydan (Columbia Heights)
• Tilt (Logan Circle)

And if you’d prefer to try something else, here are a few lists of DC’s best restaurants:

• The 100 best restaurants in DC from the Washingtonian
• 38 essential restaurants around DC from DC Eater 
• 20 best restaurants in Washington, DC from Condé Nast Traveler

Entertainment

Just a short trip into the city via taxi, rideshare, or public transit, will get you to more world-class museums, entertainment venues, and nightlife than you can experience in one week. To help guide your choices, we’ve included a list of some amazing experiences in Washington, DC.

• Eight best museums to visit if you’re a science nerd from the Washingtonian
• 18 essential bars in DC from DC Eater
• Plan your visit to the National Mall with this resource from the National Park Service
• Catch a soccer match, hockey game, or basketball game downtown or at the Navy Yard
• Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley Tours to see the best of DC at discounted rates
• Take a self-guided tour of Embassy Row or Cherry Blossom Trails