Getting ready to head to National Harbor, Md., this May 27-30 for Foursquare Connection 2024? We have the inside scoop on what there is to do within walking distance, how to eat on a budget and even how to get into nearby D.C. Let’s go!
Keep reading to learn more about:
- What does the Gaylord National Resort + Convention Center have going for it?
- Where else can I eat, besides in the hotel?
- Is there anything to do within walking distance?
- How do I visit D.C.?
Our Location
The Gaylord National Resort + Convention Center will be our home away from home for Foursquare Connection 2024, hosting us for both hotel and event location. The hotel has tons of windows for an indoor-outdoor feel, a few onsite dining options, and a 24-hour fitness center. The indoor pool opens up to adjacent outdoor seating, hot tub and splash pads for kids.
In addition to the Old Hickory Steakhouse restaurant (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; takes reservations) and Harbor Social (sports bar with a menu of sliders and wings, as well as darts, bocce and duckpin bowling), the Potomac District Café and Market is worth checking out downstairs.
Stocked with snacks, fresh cut fruit, pastries and a full coffee bar serving Starbucks, the Market also stocks hot, fresh, grab-and-go food for under $15/plate around mealtimes. You’ll want to pack those Stanleys and Hydro Flasks, because the Market also hosts a free serve yourself water station complete with the “good ice.”
Let’s Eat
This year, we are far from limited to just the hotel for food, though. Step outside the Gaylord, and you’ll find a very walkable area that includes fast casual options such as Chipotle, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken, BurgerFi and of course, Starbucks, all within a 5- to 10-minute walk.
There are also great sit-down options at all price points if you are looking to host a nice dinner for your church team or head out with your favorite camp-buddies-turned-pastor-buddies. Check Yelp or this National Harbor website to see all the options in the Waterfront District, from fast casual to full service.
If you’re staying at the Gaylord and don’t have a vehicle, you might also consider having some items delivered right to the hotel. While there are, of course, taxes, tips and fees, Instacart, Shipt, DoorDash and more will all deliver to the Gaylord hotel. You may find it ultimately cheaper to have some easy breakfast or lunch items right in your hotel, especially if feeding the whole fam. Note that you should be prepared to meet your shopper in the lobby with enough hands to pack those delivered items back to your room.
The Gaylord National Resort + Convention Center will be our home away from home for Foursquare Connection 2024, hosting us for both hotel and event location.
Go Explore
Within a short walk, you can check out fun things for your church team or family in the surrounding Waterfront District. It’s hard to miss The Capital Wheel, a Ferris wheel right on the Potomac. Nearby, you’ll also be able to take a turn on the Spirit Park Carousel.
You’ll also find some history, plenty of shopping within walking distance (ranging from CVS to Carhartt to Build-A-Bear), and an escape room that is perfect for team building. You can also rent a bike to explore even further.
If you want to do some outlet shopping, grab a 15-minute bus (6-minute drive) up to Tanger Outlets National Harbor.
Getting into Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is about 12 miles from our event location. One of the easiest ways to get into D.C. is to take the Water Taxi from National Harbor to the District Warf, which will let you off within 2 miles of several museums, monuments and memorials—including the Museum of the Bible. The 45-minute ride down the Potomac will also stop in Old Town Alexandria, which is a great spot to stop for dinner on the way back. A day pass is $36 on weekdays and $46 on weekends.
Alternately, you can use a ride share service (such as Uber or Lyft) to get dropped off in D.C. In our experience, it cost around $40 to get dropped off near the World War II Memorial (depending on the time of day). From there, you can walk to several museums, memorials and monuments, or take the Metro to explore even further.
While it is possible to take public transportation from the Gaylord, be prepared to walk up to 10 minutes between two or three busses or trains; total trip one way to get into D.C. will be around an hour, depending on your destination. Your favorite maps app will be helpful in navigating the local public transportation systems, as well as the Metro Trip Planner.
If you’re traveling with a group that is 16 years and older, a Capital Segway rental or tour is a great way to see a lot of D.C. in just 2 hours. Use code FSQ to get 10 percent off a rental.
Join us for Connection
Now that you’re as excited as we are for our Connection location, we know you won’t want to miss a single moment of Foursquare Connection! Lock in your registration, secure your hotel room and don’t forgot to grab that flight. Find helpful information ranging from who you’ll see on the main stage to the nearest airport at FoursquareConnection.org.
