Ever SABR convention since 2002 has been downtown, but there has never been a SABR convention that was more downtown than SABR 39 in Washington, DC. The host hotel, the JW Marriott Hotel, is at 1330 Pennsylvania Ave. That probably sounds similar to a much more famous address–1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Yes, SABR 39 is less than three blocks from the White House. But, that’s not all that is nearby, as you can see from the map below (click to enlarge):

Map of the area surrounding the JW Marriott

Click "read more" to see a detailed list of attractions near the hotel...

1 block from the hotel:
• Freedom Plaza – Just outside of the front door of the hotel, Freedom Plaza is best known for the map of downtown Washington that makes up the Plaza itself.

2 blocks from the hotel:
• The White House Visitor’s Center  – The Center is located at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets and is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and features many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders, as well as a thirty-minute video.

3 blocks from the hotel:
• The White House – You can get a great view of the White House from the street, but If you would like to tour the White House, contact your Congressman or Senator.
• National Museum of American History  – This museum recently reopened after a two-year renovation, including a revised display of the American Flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner.

4 blocks from the hotel:
• Ford’s Theatre  – Tour where President Lincoln was shot.
• Corcoran Gallery
• Renwick Gallery

5 blocks from the hotel:
• Washington Monument, http://www.recreation.gov/ for reservations
• International Spy Museum
• National Museum of Natural History

6 blocks from the hotel:
• National Archives  – Where you can see original copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States
• Navy Memorial
• National World War II Memorial

7 blocks from the hotel:
• Newseum  – The new museums of everything about news, including one of the most moving displays on 9-11.

There’s a lot more within walking distance or a short Metro ride, as you can see on the attached map of the downtown area.