ObesityWeek 2026 attendees will gather at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, part of Oxon Hill, Maryland—a short drive (or boat ride) from Washington, DC, and Alexandria, Virginia. This vibrant waterfront community boasts a walkable neighborhood of original shops, entertainment venues, and scenic Potomac River views. The combination of natural beauty, urban attractions, and nearby landmarks makes it an ideal location for relaxation and networking with colleagues as well as for extended stays with family members or traveling companions.

As you finalize your plans for ObesityWeek 2026, consider some of the unique, downtime opportunities that this year’s host region presents. All times are listed in local (ET) time.

Five Local Attractions

National Harbor features several walkable destinations just beyond the convention center that are perfect for post-conference day networking and relaxation.

1. The Capital Wheel: Impossible to miss! The closed cabins of this 180-foot (55-meter) observation wheel offer expansive views of landmarks (such as the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol), the Potomac River, and the surrounding shorelines.  Standard adult tickets for The Capital Wheel are $18, and the complex includes the Flight Deck bar and lounge, open until 10 pm on Nov. 14 and 15.
2. Holiday Saturday: National Harbor kicks off its official holiday season while ObesityWeek is in town, with the National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show Series and the Holiday Tree Lighting & Fireworks on Nov. 14. The market runs from 12–7 pm and the fireworks begin at 5:30 pm.
3. Heritage shops: The Oxon Hill region and surrounding Prince George’s County contain a rich history of Black American settlement and culture. Check out Mahogany Books, Wigenton Candle Co., and other Black-owned businesses along the waterfront. 
4. Potomac Water Taxi: Operated by City Cruises, the ADA-compliant Potomac Water Taxi has a variety of routes and options. One-way tickets for the 45-minute cruise from National Harbor to The Wharf in downtown DC cost $21, with options for special tours (including longer weekend tours, weather permitting).
5. Dining: Several dining options can be found inside and around the convention center, such as the casual Bombay Street Food (with extensive halal and vegetarian options), or Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, as well as more upscale options such as Succotash National Harbor, The Walrus Oyster and Ale House, and Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse. A wide range of restaurants can be accessed across the Potomac River in Old Town Alexandria.

Five Regional Attractions

Washington, DC, and the surrounding region offer extensive sightseeing opportunities for any attendees who wish to arrive early or stay a few days after the conference. One of the key things to keep in mind is that advance registration and tickets are required for touring some of the most-visited sites.

1. U.S. Capitol: One of the best ways to tour the Capitol grounds is with the free, guided tours led by knowledgeable, professional tour guides. Book spots in advance (including tours in Mandarin or Spanish) through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. 
2. Smithsonian Institution: Displaying some of the nation’s historic and cultural treasures, this complex of 15 museums on and near the National Mall, as well as two museums and one zoo in the DC region, are free to enter. Some of the museums are best accessed with advance, no-cost reservations. Look for special November events and exhibits on the Smithsonian calendar.
3. Folger Shakespeare Library:  One of the world’s leading centers on Shakespearean research and collections, the Folger offers free, timed-entry tours throughout November, as well as a French-language (with English subtitles) staging of Rameau’s “Les Surprises de l’Amour” on Nov. 13–15.
4. Mount Vernon: Run by a private, nonprofit organization, the historic estate of George Washington contains museums, living history exhibits, and more to tell the fascinating and complex legacy of the first president of the United States. Various ticketed tour options are available.
5. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site: Run by the National Park Service and open through free, timed-entry passes and reservations, the home of Frederick Douglass tells the story and legacy of this early civil rights leader.

Sightseeing Advice From a Local

Patty Nece, JD, is a TOS member and past chair of the Society’s long-time partner, the Obesity Action Coalition, who has attended numerous conferences and lived near the National Harbor neighborhood since the mid-1980s. She drew on her local knowledge and conference experience to share these tips for exploring attractions while keeping scientific sessions a priority.

Immediate Surroundings

Nece said not to overlook the National Harbor neighborhood as a pleasant location for short strolls and small breaks. National Harbor’s waterfront trail offers 1.2 miles of paved sidewalk along the Potomac River Waterfront, offering stunning panoramic views of Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor Marina, and the Capital Wheel. It extends from the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center through the Waterfront District.

ObesityWeek 2026 overlaps with holiday festival celebrations inside the Gaylord National, such as “ice! featuring ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’” a family-centered, interactive ice-sculpture exhibition. Conference attendees can use the code GROUP26 for a 50% discount on adult weekday tickets. Also inside the Gaylord are Snow Flow Mountain (indoor frozen-lane tube slides), and Cirque: Frost (holiday-themed acrobatic performance). “These are genuinely popular events. Locals and guests visit specifically for these celebrations,” Nece said. “And because they are literally inside the center, they could be an easy, fun activity for family members accompanying a conference attendee or even for a group of attendees to see together.”

For those who are looking for deals or destination shopping, the upscale and open-air  Tanger’s National Harbor outlet is accessed by a short walk that is well-marked and passes the MGM National Harbor.  Visit the MGM for live music, entertainment, or to watch your favorite sports team at the BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge.

Over the River

Nece recommends taking a taxi or rideshare across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to visit historic Old Town Alexandria. This area boasts some of the area’s best restaurants and bars, a popular pedestrian zone, and several shops and attractions, such as the Torpedo Factory Art Center (true to its name, an old torpedo factory converted into an accessible space for artist studios and shops). Nece also suggests—weather permitting—renting a bike to explore the extensive bike trails.

Washington, DC

Nece cautioned that because of traffic and crowds, a meaningful trip into DC is best done with an extra day before or after the conference. For those who have time set aside, she suggests visiting or revisiting any of the Smithsonian museums or the International Spy Museum. For conference attendees familiar with Washington, DC, Nece suggested a stroll around the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, both of which she described as elegant and impactful, even upon return visits. If you wish to tour any of the area’s popular buildings, monuments or museums, be sure to check ticket information in advance. Some sites may require tickets to enter even when there is no cost.

Photographs provided by: National Harbor, MahoganyBooks, Folger Shakespeare Library, Visit Alexandria (K. Summerer and Adedayo Kosoko), and Adobe Stock Images.