This year's Clinical Congress in Washington, DC, offers more than an exceptional educational experience, it's also your chance to connect with colleagues while exploring the nation's capital as it celebrates the 250th anniversary of America.
From Saturday, September 26, to Tuesday, September 29, the ACS Clinical Congress 2026 will bring The House of Surgery® together at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for world-class education, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to experience history in the making.
As you explore Washington, DC, you'll have the chance to experience this yearlong semiquincentennial celebration with new cultural attractions that will provide an inspiring backdrop for gathering with colleagues, including:
- National Geographic Museum of Exploration, a massive $300 million, 100,000-square-foot update of the previous space with highly interactive and immersive exhibits, including the Photo Ark, Rolex Explorers Landing, and a 360-degree wildlife gallery.
- Updated galleries at the National Air and Space Museum highlighting the real-world impact of aerospace innovation, including a supersonic wind tunnel, full-scale version of the Hubble Space Telescope, Blue Origin New Shepard rocket booster, and rare Soviet World War II Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik.
- Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum, a brand-new 15,000-square-foot underground museum built entirely beneath the feet of Abraham Lincoln’s iconic statue. Featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls that showcase the memorial’s massive subterranean foundations, the museum also includes interactive exhibits detailing the monument's construction and civil rights history.
For these and other traditional and newly updated cultural spaces, visitors should reserve passes in advance, when available.
Beyond its museums, Washington, DC, offers plenty of fresh-air things to do: Stroll along the National Mall, explore charming neighborhoods like Georgetown, or take in The Wharf, one of the city’s newest waterfront destinations situated along the Potomac River and home to more than 85 dining and retail options. As night falls, consider an evening sightseeing cruise and experience the city’s illuminated monuments and landmarks.
Dining
Whether you're craving a quick bite between sessions or an unforgettable dining experience, the city’s vibrant culinary scene has something to satisfy every palate. Savor fresh Mid-Atlantic seafood, indulge in classic American fare, or explore an array of international cuisines that reflect the city's rich cultural influences.
Located inside the historic Willard Hotel, The Occidental features a timeless American steakhouse menu, while Albi, situated in Navy Yard, draws a loyal following with its live-fire cooking and pomegranate-glazed whole chicken. Zaytinya in the Penn Quarter offers Mediterranean small plates that are tailor-made for group sharing, and Founding Farmers in Foggy Bottom is an enduring favorite for conference attendees that serves up a modern take on American comfort food.
For dining options within a few blocks of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, consider Carmine’s (classic Italian), Unconventional Diner (comfort food with a twist), Succotash Prime (Southern cuisine), and Yard House (steak, seafood, and vegan options).
Family-Friendly Activities
Bring the family along and discover a different side of DC through must-see attractions that offer something for every age.
The Smithsonian National Zoo encompasses more than 160 acres and features an impressive, state-of-the-art seal and sea lion exhibit among other notable animal exhibits. The US Botanic Garden houses an indoor rainforest with an elevated walkway, as well as a popular Children’s Garden where young explorers can wander through a vine-covered tunnel.
Consider renting a pedal boat on the Tidal Basin (weather permitting) for a unique view of the Jefferson and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials from the water. Or trade scenic views for a behind-the-scenes look at millions of dollars in real US currency rolling off the presses at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Washington, DC, has always been a place where history comes alive, but this is especially true this year, as the US commemorates its 250th anniversary. Enrich your Clinical Congress experience beyond the convention center by exploring landmark museums, savoring an unforgettable meal, or discovering family-friendly attractions.
For the latest on special events, attractions, and things to do in Washington, DC, visit Destination DC.
