Nestled among Washington, D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia, this region is like no other. You can explore historic Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery or the National Mall. There is plenty to see and do in this area known for its historic landmarks, memorials and monuments.  Travel along the banks of the Potomac River to visit Georgetown or spend an evening exploring The Wharf, a new riverfront entertainment district, or enjoy Thursday dinner at Keynote Speaker Andy Shallal's Busboys and Poets restaurant with an accompanying tour of the historic YMCA Anthony Bowen, the first African-American YMCA in the United States. Click on Sightseeing Saturday for NAYDO Group possibilities.

NAYDO Conference evenings (except Friday) are free plus all day Saturday to allow time to enjoy the Washington, D.C. area. Here are just a few ideas for any day. Consider this a sample - there is so much more to enjoy!

NATIONAL HARBOR
National Harbor has over 40 distinct dining experiences, including steakhouses, seafood and casual cuisine. Explore the Capital Wheel and Carousel, sculptures by various artists, paddle boats, or walk along the Harbor's walk/run trails. 
Visit www.nationalharbor.com or call 877 NATLHBR.

The Gaylord offers a shuttle service to the Tanger Outlets and the MGM National Harbor, which are just a short ride away and boast more than 200 combined retailers.

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA
Interested in visiting Old Town Alexandria? Beat the traffic by taking any of the water taxis located at the National Harbor (visit www.potomacriveboatco.com) to get there. Stroll along Alexandria's King Street, which has a walkable mile of centuries-old architecture and over 100 independently-owned restaurants and boutiques. Or, you can ride the King Street Trolley for free up and down King Street instead.

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
Before you leave the D.C. area, make sure you experience the Cherry Blossom Festival which is free, open to the public and runs from March 20 to April 13. The date of the Cherry Blossom bloom is anticipated for April 4, NAYDO's sightseeing day. The Cherry Blossom parade is also expected to be April 4, 2020. Watch for more details in the Advance Packet for registered attendees. To learn more about the Cherry Blossom Festival, call 877 44BLOOM.

MONUMENTS BY MOONLIGHT TOUR
$45 available nightly
Depart at 6:40 pm from the Gaylord; approximate return time is 10:00 pm
Tickets go on sale in January 2020 at www.trolleytours.com.  Be sure to mention departure from Gaylord or call the Gaylord Concierge Desk at 301 965 2000 to make a reservation after the first of the year. Each trolley holds 45 people.

You haven't seen Washington, D.C. until you've seen it at night!  Professional tour guides will take you to some of the city's most popular monuments stopping at Iwo Jima Memorial, FDR Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, Korean War Memorials, and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial.  Along the way, you'll be transported back in time as you ride along the same streets the presidents have traveled and hear historical tales and anecdotes about the city's fascinating history.

OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS: BEST WAY TO SEE D.C. IN A SHORT TIME!
Tours begin daily at 9:00 am and run until the last re-boarding at 5:00 pm
3 Passes available: $49 Silver, $59 Gold (the best value), $69 Platinum
AND you can add the Monuments by Moonlight Tour for only $35 ($10 off regular price)

More than just a sightseeing tour, it is a fun and educational adventure as your trolley conductor provides an entertaining narration that includes little known facts and behind-the-scenes tips. Every view is a great one on their custom Stadium Trolleys. Hop off at any stop to sightsee, shop or dine and rejoin the tour at your leisure. Visit www.trolleytours.com or the Gaylord Concierge Desk once onsite to make a reservation.
NOTE for International Attendees: Download the Old Town Trolley Tours Washington DC app for GPS-triggered foreign language audio tours.