tours in d.c

Top Tours in Washington DC, DC

Washington dc tours.

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1. DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

2. Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

3. Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

4. Night-Time National Mall & Monuments Tour with 8 Stops, Tickets

5. Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

6. Capitol Hill Walking Tour with US Capitol and Library of Congress

7. Washington DC by Moonlight Electric Cart Tour

8. Best of DC Plus US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Entry

9. National Mall Expedition - A 2 hour private tour of DC

10. Private Washington DC City Tour

11. Hop-On Hop-Off 21 Stop Trolley Tour + Arlington Cemetery

12. Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour

13. Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour

14. Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions

15. Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour + Changing of the Guards

16. Private Night-Time Tour of Washington DC with a Chauffeur

17. Private Washington DC Grand Tour with Hotel Pick-Up

18. Easy Access Arlington Cemetery with Guard Ceremony and Iowa Jima

19. DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Potomac River Cruise, Entry Tickets

20. Experience Washington DC's Monuments by Moonlight on a Trolley

21. Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour

22. Private Night-Time Monuments Tour of DC with Hotel Pick-Up

23. Morning Monuments Tour with Optional Guided Entry into US Capitol

24. Washington DC Night-Time City Tour

25. Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour

26. Big Bus DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

27. LED Lights Magic Night-Time Guided Tour with Photo Stops & Snack

28. VIP Mount Vernon Day Trip & Potomac River Cruise

29. Washington DC Signature Scenic Lunch Cruise

30. Ghosts of Georgetown Night-Time Walking Tour

What travellers are saying.

See The Best First

You’ve arrived! Now, get the insider’s view of the city aboard Old Town Trolley! Our DC Tours show you the best spots first, giving you the most comprehensive sightseeing experience of The Nation’s Capital.

Less stopping, more sightseeing

We may not be as old as the monuments, but as DC’s oldest tour company we know this city better than anyone else. We also know that the quality of your tour doesn’t depend on the mere number of tour stops, so we’ve carefully crafted our tour route, selecting the right amount of stops at all the right places with minimal interruptions.

Every seat is the best seat with our state-of-the-art stadium trolleys.

Monuments by Moonlight Tour

Rated as one of the Top 20 Best Kept Secrets in Washington DC by FOX News. Experience The Nation’s Capital in a different light with our DC Night Tour .

We Speak Your Language

Visiting with friends and family that don’t speak English? Our new exclusive foreign language app is here to help! Now you can enjoy live narration in 7 different languages. Sit back, relax, and enjoy all the sights and sounds via a fully-narrated tour through our nation’s capital.

Our Environmental Commitment

With our use of clean burning propane, we’ve been committed to preserving and protecting the environment since we began delighting guests across the United States with our wonderful brand of Transportainment ® .

Museum of the Bible Complete Guide Monuments by Moonlight ®

The Only Tour That Takes You Into Arlington National Cemetery

Wedding Charters Museum of the Bible Complete Guide

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☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

820 reviews

Old Town Trolley Tours Washington DC 4.2

Choose Your Adventure

Whether you’re just breezing through or enjoying an extended stay, we’ve got several options to choose from to help you maximize your time in DC and still see the best first! Buy Your Tickets Online and Save!

“Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment ® , a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.”

1-Day Old Town Trolley Tour

• Hop On & Off at 15 Old Town Trolley Stops
• Fully Narrated Tour of Washington DC
• Our trolleys are all weather - rain or shine
• BEST VIEW! Tallest vehicles allowed by law with stadium seating
• Over 100 points of interest

Old Town Trolley Tour & Arlington National Cemetery Tour

• 50%* Discount on Arlington Tour Included In 1-Day Package
• Includes separate ticket to Arlington National Cemetery Tour*
• Trolley Tour and Arlington Cemetery Tour do not have to be taken on the same day

Monuments by Moonlight

• See the city’s most popular monuments in a different light
• Stops at FDR, Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials
• Hear historical tales and anecdotes

Arlington National Cemetery Tours

• Learn about cemetery's history and heroes from knowledgeable guides
• Be transported to notable graves and memorials
• Tours depart every 30 minutes
• Relax on our comfortable tour vehicles

Why use Old Town Trolley Tours in Washington DC

• Riding around the Beltway for over 30 years as DC’s longest-running city tour!
• All our DC tours are 100% live in real time - No pre-recorded narration
• The finest, most highly-trained and knowledgeable guides
• Unlimited hop-on & hop-off as often as you like all day long
• Proudly owned and operated in the United States
• The only tour authorized to enter the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery*
• Exclusive foreign language tour app offered in 7 languages

Sun, Rain or Snow...

We’re dc’s best all-weather touring experience.

• Best view! State-of-the-art stadium trolleys
• Every seat is the best seat!
• All-weather trolleys - rain or shine! Our vehicles get the job done
• Onboard monitors display historical imagery
• Comfortable padded seats for a pleasant tour

Your Vacation… All Mapped Out For You!

• Trolley Routes & Stops
• Helpful information
• Points of Interest
• Shopping & Entertainment
• Restaurants & Bars
• And much more!

OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS

What Our Guests Are Saying

We were impressed.

My sisters and I want to compliment our trolley driver Alex … his knowledge of the area and its history was phenomenal. He was very articulate and his presentation clear. We were impressed and so appreciative..

Thank you for making our trip special

…writing to let you know how wonderful our Old Town Trolley Tour was in D.C. Both our tour guides (Alex and Sooner Steve) were wonderful and made the tour special. They should be commended for the way they represented your company and for the great job that they did. Thank you again and because of this trip we are planning our next trip but only where Old Town Trolley Tours are offered…

What a wonderful experience!

We recently spent a day in your beautiful city & had the pleasure of taking your trolley tour with ‘Mr Holiday’ & ‘Clayton’ as our very knowledgeable tour guides. What a wonderful experience! Thank You.

OTT really made our whole trip!

My mom and I enjoyed our trolley experience tremendously! It went off without a hitch! The guides were all very informative and really added to the sightseeing experience. We were able to see and do so much more because of the trolley. We were also pleased to see that you have wheelchair-accessible options… We have already recommended you to several people.

I’m singing the praises to anyone going to DC

Some friends and I toured DC.  I’m really not into tours but went along with the group. Now I’m singing the praises to anyone going to the DC area. The tour was great and well worth the cost. Tour conductor “Supa Dave” was a riot! My group of 12 agree he should be your conductor of the year.

Drew was fantastic

…we really enjoyed using Old Town Trolley Tours during our week in D.C. All the drivers we had were great, however, Drew was fantastic. His knowledge of history is amazing and his attention to customer service is excellent. I would also like to say thank you to Ms. Margo for her thoughtfulness and kind attention during our time in your great city…

You have some of the most gifted conductors

I went on your tour and just loved it. We used it for the 3 days we were in town! You have some of the most gifted conductors I have ever been a part of. Steven, Super Dave and Grumpy made our trip one that we will never forget! We hope to run into them on our next trip to DC!

It was worth every penny...

I recently visited the DC area with my son. He had only one request; he wanted to see monuments. Well, we purchased tickets with your company. By the end of the day we had seen more monuments than we could believe. My 15-year-old son loved the tour and the guides. He talked all the next day about everything he saw and learned…

...Our favorite activity

Your old town trolley tour is amazing! My friend and I are both 25-year-old students and the trolley was our favorite activity during our week in DC. Definitely fun for all ages! All of our trolley drivers were great, but Super Dave was really Super!

I would recommend it to anyone!

I recently got back from a trip to DC and I just had to write to say what a wonderful experience I had on the trolley tour. I am not much of a sightseeing enthusiast, but our trolley guide Steven was amazing! Not only was he informative and funny, but he was a great driver too! I would definitely come back for another tour…

Old Town Trolley Tours

March 1 – January 1: Daily. January 2 – February 28: Thursdays – Sundays only. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

Hours: 9am – 4pm.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For more information go to Old Town Trolley Schedule  information.

Schedules for our Washington DC tours are subject to change. Please call for the most current information: (202) 832-9800

Arlington National Cemetery is open 363 days a year.

Operating Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm.

Special Operating hours: Memorial Day – Tours will begin at 2:00pm. Veterans Day – Tours will begin at 2:00pm.

Closed on Wreaths Across America: Wreaths In Day (December 2024 date coming soon) and Wreaths Out Day (January 2025 date coming soon).

GENERAL INFORMATION: (866) 754-9014 GROUP TOURS: (202) 832-2008

Daily. 7:15pm – 8:00pm.

Closures: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. July 4: Closed. Closed for Army Ten Miler.

For more information, go to Monuments by Moonlight Schedule .

Reservations are required. Call for availability prior to making your e-ticket purchase:

(202) 832-9800

What are the most popular stops on the DC tour route? + -

We take great pride in providing an itinerary that showcases all the great aspects of each city during our tours. The most popular stops on our DC tour include the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and the Lincoln Memorial.

How long is the DC tour route from start to finish? + -

In total, the day tour route is approximately one hour and 45 minutes long.

Do I have to start at stop #1? + -

You may start your Old Town Trolley Tour at any of our convenient stops. Click on Map and Stops to see a list of our stops with information about the attractions and points of interest at each stop.

What neighborhoods does the tour visit? + -

The Old Town Trolley Tour offers a comprehensive experience of the following neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.:

Downtown D.C.: Explore the heart of the nation’s capital, where iconic landmarks such as the White House, National Mall, and Washington Monument are located.

Capitol Hill: Discover the historic neighborhood surrounding the U.S. Capitol, known for its charming row houses, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress.

Lincoln Memorial: Visit this iconic memorial while enjoying scenic views of the Reflecting Pool and the National World War II Memorial.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial: Pay tribute to the civil rights leader in West Potomac Park.

Smithsonian Museums: Explore the area around the National Mall, home to numerous Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum.

Tidal Basin: Enjoy the beauty of the Tidal Basin, known for its cherry blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial.

FDR Memorial: Delve into the history of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s era at this memorial, located near the Tidal Basin.

Arlington National Cemetery: Cross the Potomac River to visit this renowned cemetery, where you can witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

These neighborhoods offer a diverse range of attractions and historical significance, making the Old Town Trolley DC Tour an ideal way to explore the nation’s capital.

Does the tour run on holidays and holiday weekends? + -

Go to the Old Town Trolley Schedule for more information.

How often do tours run throughout the day? + -

Old Town Trolley Tours of DC operates the city’s largest fleet of sightseeing vehicles, and this allows us to pick up and drop off more frequently than any other trolley company. The frequency of the trolleys depends on the time of the year, as well as traffic and weather conditions.

Which DC tours give me access to Arlington National Cemetery? + -

1. Old Town Trolley Ticket – Every Old Town Trolley day tour ticket offers a shuttle from the Lincoln Memorial stop to Arlington National Cemetery. Visitors can enter and walk Arlington at their leisure.

2. Old Town Trolley + Arlington Cemetery Tour Package – This package includes guided-tour access to Arlington and 10 unique stops at the most notable landmarks, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the John F. Kennedy gravesite, and Arlington House. A loop gives visitors the chance to hop on and off at a variety of key points of interest.

3. Monuments by Moonlight + Arlington Cemetery Tour Package – This package includes a nighttime tour of DC’s monuments, which offers a unique perspective of the monuments, and a separate ticket for Arlington National Cemetery tours for use at another time. With the Monuments by Moonlight Tour, you can cover many of these sites in one night, and the package allows you to visit Arlington National Cemetery during the day. Take advantage of the package and enjoy a special discounted rate. Transportation to Arlington is not included in the Monuments by Moonlight package.

What is the National Mall, how large is it, and does Old Town Trolley cover it all? + -

Our DC tours cover a majority of the National Mall, with stops at several Smithsonian museums and National Monuments and Memorials, such as the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the FDR Memorial.

In what order should I see the monuments in DC? + -

It’s important to realize that there is no “best” order to see the monuments in DC. It’s really up to you and what you want to see first. However, if you’re looking for a logical and efficient route, an Old Town Trolley Tour is a fantastic way to see all of the best monuments in Washington. By following the tour, you will be able to see all of the important monuments in a logical order. Start with the National Mall, home to some of the most iconic monuments in DC, such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Continue your monument tour with a visit to the World War II Memorial. This memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served in World War II and the more than 400,000 who gave their lives. It’s a beautiful and moving tribute that will leave you feeling very patriotic.

You can finish up with a stop at Arlington National Cemetery, where many of our nation’s heroes are buried, such as John F. Kennedy and the unknown soldiers from various wars.

How long does it take to visit the National Mall? + -

The National Mall is home to several monuments, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, among others.

We suggest deciding which monuments and memorials you want to visit and planning your itinerary accordingly. However, with over 2 miles of history to explore, it can be a daunting task to see everything efficiently. Old Town Trolley Tours has a special package that includes unlimited hop-on, hop-off access to their trolley system for one day. That means visitors can take their time exploring the National Mall at their own pace. The trolleys cover most of the area’s main attractions, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian museums. In total, the trolley route is approximately one hour and 45 minutes long, meaning visitors can take advantage of the unlimited access to create their own itinerary through the National Mall.

Can you tour the National Mall at night? + -

Many monuments on the National Mall are open 24/7, which makes it possible to experience them at any time of the day or night. However, visiting them during the night provides a unique opportunity to see them at rest. The memorials and landmarks are lit up, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the dark sky. The National Mall at night is peaceful and calming and sets an entirely different mood than during the daytime. There are fewer crowds, which makes the experience more intimate and allows you to take your time to appreciate the structures’ details and beauty.

The Monuments by Moonlight Tour will take you on a journey through history and showcase the stunning beauty of the monuments when they are illuminated. Embark on an exciting journey through DC’s historic neighborhoods. Once you reach the National Mall, you will experience the incredible beauty of the monuments at night. You’ll tour famous landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and, as you explore them in the evening, you will get fascinating insights into their history and significance. The monuments and memorials are beautifully illuminated at night, giving them an almost ethereal look, which adds to the experience.

How long does it take to visit Washington? + -

You can experience the best of the city in two days, especially if your group chooses Old Town Trolley for your transportation needs. You’ll be able to see the most popular sites without getting lost or spending too much time figuring out the city layout by yourself. The trolley stops at various landmarks across the city, including the U.S. Capitol and the Smithsonian museums. That way, you get more out of your time and an immersive experience!

What are the most famous attractions in Washington, D.C.? + -

There are a few Washington landmarks that definitely cannot be missed:

1. The National Mall is the first attraction that comes to mind while visiting Washington. It is essentially a walkable park that connects the White House to the Lincoln Memorial. The park is adorned with some of the most impressive monuments and memorials, including the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument, which serves as the centerpiece of the park.

2. The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and was built in 1800. Visitors can take guided tours of the White House but must secure their bookings months in advance. The White House gardens are open to visitors every day of the year.

3. The 19 Smithsonian museums have something for everybody, from space exhibitions at the Air and Space Museum to the hidden stories of African-American history in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

4. The United States Capitol Building is the home of the U.S. Congress. Visitors can take guided tours of the Capitol that include visits to the House and Senate galleries and an overview of the U.S. Congress’ history and workings. A new addition is the Capitol Visitor Center, which offers interactive displays that showcase the Capitol’s history.

5. Arlington National Cemetery is America’s most famous military cemetery. It was founded during the American Civil War, and several thousand service members and their families have been laid to rest here over the years. The cemetery features exquisite headstones of service members and families, notably the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by the soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment.

Can you see everything in Washington, D.C. in one day? + -

With so many landmarks, museums, and monuments, it can be overwhelming to see everything D.C. has to offer in just one day. But, don’t worry — we have a solution! Start your day early with a hop-on, hop-off tour of the city. With Old Town Trolley, you’ll have access to the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and more. Take advantage of this opportunity to immerse yourself in U.S. history, admire iconic buildings, and learn about the city’s vibrant political culture.

Before you hop off the trolley at each stop, make sure to listen to the onboard narration. This will provide you with a wealth of historical and cultural information about the landmark or museum you are visiting. You can always hop back on the next trolley when you’re ready to move on to the next destination.

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The Top 20 Excursions and Tours in Washington, D.C.

Tens of millions of visitors flock to the U.S. capital each year, so there are thousands of tours in DC! We’ve come up with a list of the very best options.

Our nation’s capital is truly exceptional in significance, beauty, and heritage. She holds our greatest treasures, is the seat of our governing bodies, and houses some of our very best museums and monuments. A trip to Washington, D.C., is a must for every American!

Top tours in DC include strolling The National Mall and its epic monuments and visiting the chain of impressive Smithsonian National Museums. Everyone clamors for that elusive guided tour of the White House, and history buffs drool over the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution in the National Archives. With all these cultural institutions (and much, much more) the District of Columbia is a treasure trove of American history and pride.

If you aren’t a history lover, you will still find plenty to keep you entertained. A tour of Washington, D.C., is loaded with gorgeous architecture, high-end restaurants, beautiful Cherry-blossomed-lined lanes, and elegant nightlife. There is so much to do in DC that you definitely cannot conquer it all in one trip, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try!

Tour America’s Capital !

If you find yourself in the nation’s capital and want to enjoy some sightseeing without reservations, peruse our selection of scavenger hunt tours in the DC area ! Make your way to some of the cultural gems , take the gang on a bar crawl , have an adventure at the National Zoo , check out the street art , or go on an educational excursion in Georgetown . There’s an option to suit just about any kind of traveler and ways for locals to rediscover their surroundings!

The Best Tours in DC

1. let’s roam’s washington, d.c. scavenger hunt.

Stroll around America’s capital city and explore all its cultural gems on our app-guided walking tour/scavenger hunt! This hunt is a blast. You will explore the storied and historical architecture of DC, learn all the juicy secrets of the capital in our trivia questions, and compete in photo and video challenges. It’s the best way to learn all about the city and have a blast doing it!

Our app is full of fabulous walking tours and scavenger hunts that you can use any time! We designed it that way on purpose so that our tours easily slip into any of the empty spots in your itinerary. Make sure you bring your walking shoes, as the tour is about 2.4 miles. You’ll see Ford’s Theater, where the famous assassination of Abraham Lincoln took place. You’ll hunt for historic sites like Freedom Plaza, the capitol building, and most of the other top attractions in DC. This tour is informational and beautiful, but most of all, it’s a ton of fun!

2. DC Under The Stars

Washington, D.C., is beautiful by day, but even more stunning by night, with all the monuments and iconic architecture artfully aglow. Stroll the streets in the dim streetlight, with the smell of cherry blossoms in the air. Cue romantic music now… 

Explore DC Under the Stars with this historical, narrative night tour from DC Signature Tours. The tour begins at 7:15 pm and makes a huge loop through the city, beginning and ending at the National Archives. You will visit the U.S. Capitol building, the White House, Lincoln Memorial, the WWII Memorial, The Korean War Memorial, and much more. The tour generally ends around 10:30 pm.

This tour is exceptional in its narratives. The guides are experts in American history and provide all the pertinent information about hour greatest monuments, plus all the interesting cocktail trivia too. This city tour is a totally different perspective of our nation’s capital, and it’s one you won’t soon forget. Make sure to bring good walking shoes, as you will be traversing the city for more than 3 hours.

3. Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington, D.C.

Perhaps the only thing more romantic than a night walking tour is a tour by traditional trolley. Washington, D.C., is awash with history, more than 230 years of it. Explore the best of it with an expert conductor. They will relay the iconic stories of American history and our best landmarks.

This live, narrated tour lasts 90 minutes, and operates rain or shine! You will have a padded seat on an adorable trolley, the tallest allowable in the city, to ensure the best views! There are over 100 points of interest, with one stop for you to explore on foot for a while. You will stop for a half-hour at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial. This will give you plenty of time to see the memorials and war monuments. You will also have time to view Capitol Hill, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Smithsonian Museums, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

This tour is one of the easiest and most comprehensive tours of the city. You don’t have to walk much, and the trolleys are adorable! It’s pretty much the perfect tour.

4. Monuments Bike Tour

Walking tours are great, but they do involve, you know, lots of walking. If that isn’t your jam, perhaps you would like to explore DC on bike! The Monuments Bike Tour from Bike and Roll DC is three hours of pure fun! You will cruise past all the major monuments of the National Mall and The Tidal Basin.

This guided tour takes place completely on sidewalks and trails, so no need to navigate traffic. The pace is leisurely. You will have plenty of opportunities for hop-off photo ops and exploration. The guides are energetic and engaging, making it the perfect tour for families with kids. This day tour operated once a day from March to December.

Bike and Roll DC has plenty of other tours as well. Check out their Monuments Night Bike Tour or their Segway Tours.

5. Let’s Roam’s Washington, D.C. Ghost Tour

Any city with as much history as America’s capital is bound to have a few lingering unhappy spirits. Some of them even live in The White House, itself! On this ~1-hour app-guided scavenger hunt , explore the most haunted places in the city and learn all the dirty laundry associated with its most famous sites.

You will compete in trivia and photo challenges with your crew as you visit The National Theatre, the Hay-Adams Hotel, and of course, Ford’s Theatre. Which first lady haunts The White House? Where does Honest Abe hang out? You will learn all this and more on this spooky tour! Tour duration is anywhere from 1.5-2 hours and covers a distance of 2.29 miles.

We offer incredible tours of almost all major U.S. cities. Bar Crawls, Scavenger Hunts, Ghost Tours, and traditional walking tours are all available in our easy-to-use adventure app !

6. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour

The National Museum of Natural History is a behemoth! Over 145 million specimens, ranging from the world’s most famous diamonds to the earth’s largest creatures. There is so much to see and read that you could spend days taking in the information. See the best of the best and get all the pertinent information on this guided tour of the museum from Get Your Guide.

Your knowledgeable guide will meet you on the steps of the museum and escort you on a 2-hour tour. They will navigate you through the dinosaur bones and human artifacts on an adventure of information. These guides know the museum backward and forwards and can help you from wasting precious time wandering. There is so much to see and do in DC that every second counts! Make the most of your time and book this tour today!

7. Cherry Blossoms Galore Tour

Washington, D.C., is famous for its glorious Cherry Blossoms. People come from all over the world just to stroll the lanes and marvel at the beautiful buds. If you happen to be in DC between March 18th and April 31st, a Cherry Blossom Tour is really a no-brainer.

This guided walking tour from USA Guided Tours is a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Winner and is definitely worth a look! It’s a short tour, starting at The U.S. Navy Memorial. You will hop on a minibus and head for all the most popular sites, including the West Front of the US Capitol Building, Hayes Points and Tidal Basin, The President Taft Memorial, The Japanese Internment Memorial, and The World War II Memorial.

Along the way, you will be dazzled with the plethora of pinks and whites and the fruity fragrance of Washington’s signature botanicals. The trees were planted in 1912 as a memorial to the unity of the Empire of Japan and the USA. It worked for a while. All politics aside, this is definitely the most beautiful and peaceful tour of Washington, D.C.

8. Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour With Big Bus Tours

Pretty much every major city on the planet has a hop-on-hop-off tour, and DC is no exception. This Big Bus Tours route takes you past all the major Washington, D.C., monuments. You can see the city from the comfort of a giant double-decker bus, and hop off to explore in detail any time you want.

Make it a half-day adventure, or a full-day tour. It’s really up to you. It’s one of the most flexible sightseeing tours in the city, especially if you buy the deluxe multi-day pass!

9. U-Street Food Tour with Blue Fern Travel

Join one of the most popular food tours in the city and eat your way to bliss! U Street is a lively corridor, filled with Go-Go music and jazz. It’s a historic neighborhood, formerly known as “Black Broadway,” and it has played a significant role in the historical and cultural formation of today’s DC.

Not only will you fill your belly with some seriously amazing food, but you will also sample the urban art of the area, learn the history of the storied architecture and sculptures, and learn what “a half-smoke” is. The guides will provide you with custom photos of the tour, and part of your ticket fee goes to support a charity that provides three full meals a day to a local in need! Good food, good music, local art, and giving back, that sounds like a pretty good way to spend your travel budget to us!

10. Water Tour of Mount Vernon by City Cruises

George Washington’s Mount Vernon is the incredibly gorgeous estate that belonged to America’s first president. It’s a stunning landscape, a historical gem, and a must-do day trip from Washington, D.C., for any history buff or nature lover.

Sure, you could drive to Mount Vernon, but why do that, when you can cruise down the Potomac River instead? Board the Spirit of Mount Vernon and treat yourself to the only round trip cruise from DC to Mount Vernon. Your entry fee includes all transport and admission to explore Mount Vernon Estate and the gardens.

You will spend three hours on the boat, RT, and three hours exploring the estate, museum, and gardens. The narrated river tour will point out all the historic and modern points of interest along the way, including Old Town Alexandria, Ronald Reagan Airport, and Fort Washington. Book your tour today , and hit the waters before those dog days of summer arrive!

11. Wildin’ Out Washington, D.C. Bar Crawl With Let’s Roam

One part bar crawl, one part scavenger hunt, our Wildin’ Out tour is a blast! Party your way through some of the best spots in DC’s nightlife scene. Grab your best buds, and download our app for a night of tough trivia, stiff drinks, and crazy challenges.

We will guide you to four of the top-rated bars in the city, and challenge you to get out of your comfort zone. Explore the night scene of Dupont Circle from peaceful pubs to vibrant dance floors. This tour is full of diversity and has a dive for every kind of drinker!

Our interactive scavenger hunts can be done at any time, so they fit in easily with all your other plans! Just download the app, and get tickets for all our District of Columbia tours . From night to day, history to bar crawls, we have your whole capital trip planned out for you!

12. African American History Tour

As America’s capital, it’s no surprise that DC has been home to some pretty pivotal moments surrounding civil rights. On this tour from USA Guided Tours , you will explore them all, from little-known sights to the epic Martin Luther King JR. Memorial. Your learned tour guide will transform your view of the city and reveal its storied history from an African American perspective.

Join the group tour at the U.S. Navy Memorial and start your journey back in time. You will stand on the step where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech, gaze at the Emancipation Statue, and explore Howard Theatre, along with several vibrant black communities. You will also get a ticket to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which can be a little difficult to procure. The tour ends with your entrance to the museum, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the museum at your own pace.

If you’re interested in African American history, this is the best tour of Washington, D.C., for you. It explores major sights and hidden gems and will help you understand the city on a whole different level. USA Guided Tours offers both public and private tours for comfort and convenience.

13. All Things Washington Scavenger Hunt

Celebrate DC’s most famous resident with this scavenger hunt completely devoted to all things George. On this fun-filled adventure, explore iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument and George Washington University. Compete in a friendly round of trivia and fill your mind with some more useless knowledge-like how many presidents did not live in The White House. We mix it up on this one with some pertinent history, and some useless cocktail facts too.

Like all our tours, you will compete in photo and video challenges, and the losing team buys drinks!

14. Small-Group National Mall Tour

For the ultimate Washington, D.C., tour, book the professionally guided day tour with SEEDCTODAY ! Their expert tour guides will take you and ten other guests on a small group tour of the National Mall, pointing out all the little details and inscriptions that most travelers will miss on their own. You will learn the secrets of all the major monuments, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Iwo Jima.

Day tours last a whopping four hours! Night tours are 3 hours. It’s a thorough tour for those who want to know all the details. Also, if you only have time to do one tour in D.C., this would be a great option! It’s comprehensive, easy to book, and you get to see most of the major sights with comfortable transportation and a small amount of walking. Perfect!

15. Electric Car Tour With Intrepid Urban Adventures

Hop aboard an Urban Adventures all-electric red Roadster and see DC on a unique and fun tour! These open-air electric carts are the perfect balance between bus tours and walking tours. You get the convenience of riding, but the ability to feel the wind in your face and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the city!

You will explore all the major monuments, plus some local secrets too. All their guides are locals and have some amazing history and stories to share with you and your crew. The company prides itself on using local guides with a personal tie to the city, to give you that extra level of passion and knowledge. The company is also committed to being green and decreasing the tourist impact on the health of the city. Tour duration is two hours, and they generally run twice a day.

16. Trolley Tour of Arlington National Cemetery

A visit to the nation’s capital isn’t complete without paying your respects at Arlington National Cemetery. This 639-acre complex is the burial ground of our bravest service members and most esteemed men and women. The 45-minute official Arlington tour will give you the opportunity to hop off and explore all the monuments and landmarks within the massive cemetery.

There are between six and nine stops on the loop, depending on the day of the week. The whole journey is narrated by a knowledgeable guide too. You will see the burial site of John F. Kennedy and his wife Jaqueline and experience the changing of the guard ceremony. Notable stops include Memorial Amphitheater, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington House, and the Iwo Jima Memorial. Don’t miss out on this incredible tour and opportunity to pay respect to those who keep us safe and free!

17. Day Trip To Monticello With Gray Line

See the immaculate home of Thomas Jefferson, his own personal masterpiece, on a private tour to Monticello . Gray Line Tours offers a day trip to Monticello that includes stops at Michie Tavern and the Thomas Jefferson Visitor and Smith Education Center, as well as a tour of Jefferson’s mansion. Monticello lies in the countryside of Virginia. With just one look at this place, you will see why Jefferson preferred to spend his days outside of DC in his country home. It’s exceptional in beauty.

The tour leaves from Gray Line Union Station, and your first stop is historic Michie’s Tavern for a tasty lunch. After that, you proceed to Monticello Estate where you will be given a tour of all things Jefferson. You will get to know this Founding Father, former president, and author of the Declaration of Independence, pretty well as you wander his home and property. Jefferson was a complex genius, and this tour is a must for history buffs and architecture nerds! The bus will return to DC by 7:30 pm, just in time for dinner and drinks!

For more trips like this, check out our guide to “The 17 Best Day Trips From D.C. For Every Style of Adventure.” The city has a lot to see and do, but there are some epic spots within a few hours’ drive that provide excellent adventures!

18. Adventure At The National Zoo

Visit America’s National Zoo and compete on a quirky scavenger hunt filled with furry, cuddly friends. The Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is the proper name for this behemoth of natural wonders. It’s not only a zoo but also a conservation center and scientific research center. Our tour allows you to meet all the residents and learn a thing or two about the conservation projects going on here as well.

Search for lions, tigers, and pandas, ride Speedwell Carousel, and hang out in the Great Ape House. Along the way, you will compete in zoo-specific challenges of varying difficulty and point value. Our challenges are designed for adventurers of all ages, so whether you brought the kiddos, or it’s just you and your gal pals, this hunt is perfect! You can work through the challenges in any order you want, and our digitally-guided tour can be done at any time you like!

The hunt includes 0.5 miles of walking and usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours…  depending on how long you play with the primates.

19. Private Guided Tour With Continental City Tours

If DC is a bucket list destination for you, and you want to go big, look no further! Book the private guided tour with Continental City Tours. Find out all the dirty details of Washington’s political intrigues, scandals, and even murders! Your private tour guide will narrate at every sight, and they even offer tours in Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish.

They will pick you up in their Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van or a Cadillac Escalade, providing the ultimate in comfort for your small group. The tour is a combination of walking and driving, but your professional guide will escort you the whole way, ensuring that your tour of the city is perfect from start to finish!

You will explore The White House, The National Mall, FBI Headquarters, The National Archives, The National Gallery of Art and its sculpture garden, and the Capitol Building. It’s an exclusive tour that doesn’t skimp on anything. It will cost you a pretty penny, but most private tours worth their weight do. If you want the best, spend up, and book this private tour!

20. Semi-Private Tour of the National Archives With Babylon Tours

The National Archives house the original copies of some of the most important documents on the planet… at least to Americans. It’s a busy place, pretty much every day. There is so much history and information related to the creation and protection of this invaluable paperwork that it’s hard to wrap your mind around without a little help! That’s why we recommend booking a semi-private guided tour with Babylon Tours LLC.

You will spend 1.5-2 hours, in a small group of up to eight people, exploring the history and documentation that birthed a nation. The National Archives Rotunda has a majesty about it. It’s a fitting setting for the Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights, The Federalist Papers, and The United States Constitution. After a thorough explanation of all of the above, you will move on to the Public Vault Exhibits where you can listen to phone calls with former presidents, read their letters, and learn all about the turbulent civil rights past of the US in the Emancipation Proclamation exhibit.

Their tour guides are professional and educated in all the behind-the-scenes, juicy details of our Founding Fathers and the time period. A trip to the National Archives is a must, but if you really want to understand the era and the significance of what it holds, book this tour!

Closing Thoughts

There is no city quite like Washington, D.C. Our government’s home is a special place full of stately architecture, priceless artifacts, and tear-jerking memorials. It’s a place of celebration, remembrance, and pride. Just wandering the city is magical, but to get your money’s worth on your visit, some guided tours are definitely recommended!

Let us know in the comments which tour sounds the best to you!

For more inspiration, see our list of “ The Best Things To Do In Washington, D.C. ,” and explore the U.S. capital on your own. And if all that sightseeing on foot makes you thirsty, check out our list of “ The Best Bars In Washington, D.C. ,” for all the best places to snag a cold one!

Frequently Asked Questions

America’s capital is full of history and culture, so it’s no surprise there are tons of tours in DC ! Whether you want to sightsee or have an exciting adventure, you can’t go wrong with Let’s Roam’s scavenger hunt tours !

There are several fantastic guided tours in DC , including the Monuments Bike Tour from Bike and Roll DC, a guided walking tour from USA Guided Tours, or a private guided tour with Continental City Tours.

If you’re in the nation’s capital without a car, no worries! There are many walking tours in DC , like the app-guided scavenger hunt tours from Let’s Roam ! They can all be done on foot.

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Explore pivotal civil rights sites: Join our insightful tour, including entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Don’t miss this historic journey!

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For an immersive exploration of New York City, hop on the Discover NY Bus Tour. At each stop, guides will exit the vehicle with the group for short walks and provide detailed information regarding sights. The informative and friendly guides routinely win praise from tour-goers!

There’s just so much to see; it’s nice to hand over the reins to someone else who has insider knowledge. Take Discover NY guided bus tour – the 3rd most booked sightseeing experience in the USA this spring on Tripadvisor!

Tour-takers tend to appreciate trips with USA Guided Tours for their knowledgeable guides and the frequent stops for photos at D.C.’s must-see sights!

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Both tours with Joanna & Cesar were excellent! We saw more than we could have done any other way and more importantly understood more of what we were looking at!

We appreciated Nick’s humor, enthusiasm, and knowledge. He made the daytime and the night tours very enjoyable!

Ralph was fantastic! He interacted with everyone in a personal way and made the tour great!

My husband was skeptical at first since it was a bus tour and I was worried we wouldn’t get enough time at our stops, BUT it was great! I felt like there was a perfect amount of time to look and take pictures and even, when available, to stop at the gift shops. Our guide was informative and dependable. The complimentary water was great and we appreciated the access to free ponchos since it was a heavy sprinkle off an on during our tour. The bus was great, the perfect temperature and the seats are comfortable.

Did it on my first day in DC and gave me ideas on what to revisit or what other venues to go to. The guide Christopher was very knowledgeable and came over excellently.

We had a wonderful tour with Joey! She was knowledgeable, engaged, funny, friendly and a terrific host. We highly recommend this tour. Our only regret is that we didn’t have another day to spend in DC sightseeing!

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29 Best Things To Do in Washington, D.C.

Not surprisingly, many of Washington D.C.'s main attractions relate to its principal enterprise: politics. These include the White House and the U.S. Capitol , of course, as well as monuments and historic sites dedicated to notable figures who

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The Tidal Basin The Tidal Basin free

If you've never been to Washington, D.C. before, plan to spend some time along the Tidal Basin, an approximately 107-acre pond encircled by a 2.1-mile loop trail. Constructed to use the strong tides of the Potomac River to clear silt from the Washington Channel and to maintain steady water levels in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pools , it now also serves as the backdrop to some of D.C.'s best-loved sites. Every spring, the Tidal Basin bursts with color as cherry blossom trees (gifted to the city from Tokyo ) bloom into cotton candy-colored tufts, and they attract hordes of visitors. The cherry blossoms typically hit peak bloom (defined as when 70% of the cherry blossoms are open) in March or April. The National Park Service website makes "bloom watch" updates on its website , where you can check the progress of the trees and see when peak bloom is expected for the year. You can follow the path that leads around the basin, but recent visitors recommended testing the waters in a paddleboat. Paddleboats are available to rent from spring until fall for $28 to $40 per hour (depending on the day) for a four-passenger boat. You can pick up a paddle boat every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the boat dock near Maine Avenue.

Even if you don't make it to town for the cherry blossoms, you won't want to miss the three major memorials that can be found along the Tidal Basin's shores: the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial . A memorial to Virginia Declaration of Rights author George Mason, also stands nearby.

The White House and the Washington Monument The White House and the Washington Monument free

Even if you're only in town for a short trip, visiting the Washington Monument and the White House – two marble symbols of the U.S. – is a must for any first-time D.C. visitor.

Standing just shy of 555 ½ feet, the Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the world at its completion in 1884. Nowadays, you can ride one of the monument's glass-encased elevators to the top observation deck to enjoy 360-degree views of the city, which invariably impress visitors. You can explore the attraction's exterior for free 24 hours a day, but National Park Service rangers are only available from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. to answer questions. The monument itself is open to visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free timed-entry tickets can be reserved up to 30 days in advance via Recreation.gov . (There is a $1 nonrefundable service charge for each ticket.) Some same-day tickets are distributed daily on a first-come, first served basis. The ticket window opens at 8:45 a.m.; be prepared for a line. The Smithsonian Metro stop is closest to the monument. Visit the National Park Service's Washington Monument page for more information.

Lincoln Memorial Lincoln Memorial free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The best time to see this monument is after dark when it's illuminated. You'll still contend with crowds, but it will be worth it. – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

Although the Lincoln Memorial is just one of the District's many monuments, the larger-than-life Honest Abe is also among travelers' favorites. History buffs might enjoy reading Lincoln's  two famous speeches – the Second Inaugural Address and the Gettysburg Address – which are both etched into the memorial's north and south walls, respectively. Meanwhile, art history and architecture aficionados will enjoy admiring the building's striking design by Henry Bacon, complete with 38 Doric columns, 36 of which signify the states in the Union at the time Lincoln passed away.

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World War II Memorial World War II Memorial free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  While it's pretty during the day, the memorial is incomparable at night. Visit after sunset. – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

The World War II Memorial was dedicated in 2004 to the 16 million American military members who served during World War II, including the thousands of individuals who lost their lives during the fight. A circle of 56 columns (representing the U.S. states and territories from the era) looks over the Rainbow Pool. At night, with lights shining, this memorial can be quite ethereal. The structure also has a wall of more than 4,000 gold stars – one for every 100 Americans who died in the conflict.

Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials free

One of the most moving war memorials, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – or "the Wall," as it's commonly referred to – is a long black granite wall with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who perished during the Vietnam War emblazoned on its surface. Recent travelers said their visits to the site were heartbreaking but thought-provoking and powerful, adding that even the toughest of individuals will find it hard to not become emotional while reading the wall's names. If you're looking for a specific person, keep in mind that the soldiers' names are ordered by the date they died, not alphabetically. Also, reviewers recommend using the attraction's name books and visiting during the day when there's ample sunlight.

When you're wandering along the eastern side of the Mall, venture to the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Paying tribute to the 1.5 million who served in "The Forgotten War," this privately funded site contains 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers in combat. In a triangular area known as the Field of Service, soldier statues march toward an American flag. Next to the soldiers is a 164-foot-long granite wall that pays homage to the unnamed troops that fought in the Korean War. Another highlight of the memorial is the Pool of Remembrance, a tranquil place for reflection. However, some past travelers cautioned that the memorial lacks signage, so younger visitors may not understand as much as those who lived through the war.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial free

Located on the northwest rim of the Tidal Basin , this 30-foot granite memorial pays homage to civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Everything from its address at 1964 Independence Ave. (a reference to the year the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed by Congress) to its design (which shows King emerging from a "mountain of despair," a reference to his "I Have a Dream" speech) are meant to reflect King's significant contribution to American history. What's more, this towering sculpture opened to the public in 2011, making it one of the newest memorials to open in the District. It is also the National Mall's first memorial dedicated to an African American.

Previous visitors raved about this memorial, adding that its powerful symbolism and beautiful design will give you chills. Plus, the sculpture's proximity to other memorials and monuments like the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial make it convenient to reach. However, some reviewers wished there was more information on King's life, legacy and commitment to nonviolence around the statue.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum free

Note: Beginning in 2018, the museum embarked on an ambitious, multiyear, multimillion-dollar effort to renovate and reimagine all of its exhibits and put 1,400 new objects on display. It's reopening galleries in stages, but the IMAX theater is closed. Check the website to see what's on display before you go.

Attracting millions of people each year, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum contains a trove of celebrated aircraft, including Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega 5B, the Apollo 11 Command Module, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and Wilbur and Orville Wright's 1903 Wright Flyer, among others. Exhibits include flight simulators, an IMAX theater and the Einstein Planetarium. And parents beware: The gift shop is huge, so get ready for pleas from your kids. 

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture free

U.S. News Insider Tip: When hunger strikes, don't miss the Southern comfort offerings at Sweet Home Cafe, including fried chicken, collard greens and fish po'boys. The food is surprisingly delicious for a museum eatery. – Nicola Wood, Senior Editor

Designed to replicate the three-tiered crowns found in Yoruban art from West Africa, with bronze-colored latticework accents that honor the ironwork of enslaved African Americans, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture opened on the National Mall in 2016. More than 40,000 artifacts are displayed inside, including photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights activists, boxing headgear and a robe used by Muhammad Ali, and a fedora once worn by Michael Jackson.

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United States Holocaust Memorial Museum United States Holocaust Memorial Museum free

You need to be in the right frame of mind to visit this sobering museum that focuses on the atrocities of the Holocaust. Through film footage, photographs and historical artifacts, it confronts subjects such as Hitler's rise to power, anti-Semitic propaganda and the horrors of the Final Solution. In addition to its permanent exhibition, "The Holocaust," the museum mounts several special exhibits. The facility also has a Hall of Witness, a three-story chamber beneath skylights; a Hall of Remembrance, a space with an eternal flame intended for individual reflection as well as public ceremonies; the Holocaust Survivors and Victims Resource Center; a library and a reading room.

Past travelers felt moved by this powerful museum but cautioned that its graphic collection is not ideal for younger children. (Indeed, the museum itself has age recommendations for its exhibits, signaling that some material may not be suitable for kids.) Many were especially impressed with its informative, thorough and respectful displays, adding that you can easily spend a few hours perusing its halls.

National Gallery of Art National Gallery of Art free

U.S. News Insider Tip: There are two things you won't want to miss here: the rooftop terrace, which affords panoramic views of the city and a photo op with a giant blue rooster, and the only Leonardo da Vinci oil painting on permanent exhibition in the U.S. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

If you're any kind of art connoisseur, you should make a stop at the National Gallery of Art. Composed of the East Building, which houses the gallery's more modern works (think: Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko), and the West Building, which contains the collection's older works (from Sandro Botticelli to Claude Monet), this museum has enough to fill an entire afternoon. Visitors often remark on the museum's large size and expansive collection. Pace yourself and maybe order a coffee, gelato or lunch at one of the gallery's five bars and cafes.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Even if you don't have time to catch a performance, head to the rooftop of the Kennedy Center to grab a drink and see an incredible sunset from the terrace. The on-site REACH art gallery and sculpture garden (free) are also fun to wander around. – Erin Evans

Many travelers highly recommend a visit to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, built and named for America's beloved Camelot president. The Kennedy Center houses the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera and hosts numerous other dance, theater and musical performances throughout the year. Although ticket prices can run a bit high, you can take in a performance for free on the Millennium Stage. The Kennedy Center debuted a new permanent exhibit in 2022: Visitors can explore the free "Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy" immersive exhibit to learn about the relationship between Kennedy's presidency and the arts. The facility also includes the REACH, an indoor/outdoor complex comprising an art gallery, sculpture garden, classrooms and studios, lecture halls, a video wall and more interactive spaces.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History free

With a collection of more than 147 million items, this robust Smithsonian museum on the National Mall attracts millions of visitors each year. Some of the museum's highlights include replicas of giant whales and other marine life in the Sant Ocean Hall. There's also a 2,000-pound, 52-foot model of a mega-tooth shark suspended above a dining area. In addition, you can venture to the Butterfly Pavilion for some fluttery fun with multicolored bugs. No stop at this museum would be complete without stopping by the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils – "Deep Time" exhibit features approximately 700 specimens, including Tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops dinosaurs. Other permanent exhibits explore human evolution, ancient Egypt and geology, among other topics.

Although this museum is especially appealing to families, past visitors said there's something for everyone here. However, the property can get quite crowded on weekends, holidays and during the busy summer season, so consider arriving on a weekday or in the offseason to avoid crowds. Recent museumgoers also suggested saving some time for the Hope Diamond, which is on display in the geology exhibit.

Washington National Cathedral Washington National Cathedral

U.S. News Insider Tip: Opt for a tour instead of exploring on your own, especially if you want to spot some of the cathedral's weirder gargoyles (like the famous Darth Vader). – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

Construction first began on this massive cathedral – the sixth largest in the world – in 1907, but it wasn't actually completed until 1990. (Though work on the building continues, including extensive and ongoing repairs after an earthquake damaged the structure in 2011.) Designed in the Gothic style, the Washington National Cathedral sits surrounded by gardens, creating a pleasant atmosphere for visitors. Take a stroll around the cathedral and peer at its high vaults and flying buttresses, keeping a close eye out for gargoyles (there's one of Darth Vader!). Step inside to admire the building's intricate stained-glass windows.

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Arlington National Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery free

Arlington National Cemetery sits in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The cemetery spans about 1 square mile and serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 service members, veterans and their families. Visitors should be sure to spend some time viewing the Memorial Amphitheater, the John F. Kennedy Gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Additionally, finding the grave of a notable veteran, family member or friend proves to be a powerful experience, according to visitors. The cemetery also has a downloadable app available to help you pinpoint the location of a grave.

Previous travelers appreciate the trolley tour from Arlington National Cemetery Tours, but they warn that the excursion is a bit pricey at $19.50 for adults, $10.75 for children ages 4 to 12 and $15 for seniors ages 65 and older. (There are discounted prices for service members, veterans and their families.)

Planet Word Planet Word

The world's first voice-activated museum, Planet Word strives to provide an immersive language experience through multiple exhibits and interactive galleries. Its word-centric exhibits span three floors and explore such topics as how people learn to speak, words’ origins, the world’s diversity of languages, famous speeches (which visitors can recreate using teleprompters), songs (which you can deliver karaoke style), jokes and how advertising uses language to persuade consumers. It also has a library, of course, as well as recording booths for listening to others reflect on the power of words and for preserving your story. Its Lexicon Lane contains multiple "puzzle cases" with themed word puzzles that can be solved using various clues deposited around the room. The museum, which opened in 2020, also has a restaurant and a gift shop.

Visitors frequently enthuse about this museum with adjectives like "clever," "creative," "fascinating" and "innovative." Many say its well-executed interactive activities make it an especially engaging place for families. Plan on spending at least a couple hours here.

U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress free

Arguably the most magnificent building in Washington, the U.S. Capitol is where visitors go to witness politics in action. Inside, members of both houses of Congress debate and create national policy and law, while visitors explore the building's north and south wings and circular centerpiece: the Rotunda. This iconic hall houses paintings, frescoes and sculptures depicting famous scenes from American history, not to mention an iconic cast-iron dome added to the structure in 1868.

Touring the Capitol is free of charge, but you'll need to make your reservation well in advance to ensure you get a tour slot (you cannot see the Capitol without booking a tour). The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center welcomes visitors Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day). The tour does not include the Senate and House of Representatives galleries. Though some travelers express mixed reviews on whether the U.S. Capitol warrants the time and effort spent (both making reservations and going on the actual tour), most agree the site is well worth a visit.

National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum free

The National Portrait Gallery most notably houses images of every previous president, allowing visitors to reminisce about each political figure as they progress through the hall of portraits. The presidential portraits aren't alone, though, as the National Portrait Gallery also houses artistic renderings of notable American citizens ranging from sports figures to civil rights leaders. Moreover, the National Portrait Gallery only takes up half of the building and shares the space with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This museum showcases rotating exhibits, which have previously exposed visitors to work created in response to the Vietnam War, glasswork, native women artists and more. The Smithsonian American Art Museum also operates a separate branch, the Renwick Gallery, devoted to contemporary craft and decorative arts.

Previous travelers insist that you take a few minutes to enjoy the shared Kogod Courtyard; its glass-paneled roof protects visitors from the elements while maintaining an abundance of natural light. These visitors also recommend that you take a few hours to explore both the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, as there are a variety of interesting, small exhibits that are easy to miss if you're in a rush.

Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute free

More than 1,800 animals reside at the Smithsonian's 163-acre National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, from Asian elephants to cheetahs to sea lions. Look up every now and then as you stroll beneath the Orangutan Transport System (called the O Line): You may spot orangutans swinging along cables between steel towers. Or, if you're more intrigued by animals native to South America, head over to the Amazonia exhibit, home to creatures like titi monkeys and multiple frog species. The Great Cats exhibit features Sumatran tigers and African lions, among other feline predators. The zoo also has a playground and other attractions geared toward kids. If you time your visit for the holidays, swing by the zoo after dark for its ZooLights exhibition, when animal lanterns and lights bedazzle the park.

Recent visitors praised the zoo's pleasant surroundings and broad selection of species. Others warn future travelers to temper expectations: It's popular during the spring and summer seasons and there are long lines for (somewhat overpriced) food. Though some said the zoo could be more exciting and have a broader array of animals, keep in mind the more than 360 species are free to visit.

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U.S. National Arboretum and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum U.S. National Arboretum and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum free

Note: Due to the discovery of boxwood blight, the arboretum has closed its Boxwood Collection and adjacent Perennials Collection in order to prevent spread of the disease. It is closed until further notice.

Located northeast of downtown Washington, D.C., the United States National Arboretum rewards its visitors with beautiful outdoor spaces. The arboretum's outdoor collections range from dogwoods to azaleas to magnolias, but none of the plants are the area's primary attraction. Instead, most travelers make the trek here for the National Capitol Columns and the bonsai collection. The National Capitol Columns were built in 1828, decorated the Capitol building until 1958 and found their way to the arboretum in the 1980s. Now, the columns serve as an excellent place to snap photos or enjoy a picnic. The area's bonsai trees sit in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, which boasts an astounding 300 miniature trees that staff members rotate through the museum's three pavilions and special exhibits gallery.

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery free

The Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery combine to comprise the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. Opened in 1923, the Freer Gallery showcases American paintings from the late 19th century aesthetic movement, plus art from China, Egypt, India, Japan, Korea and the Islamic world. The Sackler Gallery opened in 1987 in the adjacent building, and it displays Thai earthenware, a Tibetan Buddhist shrine, Iranian artifacts and a host of rotating exhibits.

Past visitors particularly appreciated the Peacock Room, a gilded blue and gold room filled with frescoes of peacocks and pottery. The Sackler Gallery's underground exhibits also serve as a boon for sweltering tourists during the District’s hot summer months, which delighted recent travelers. The general consensus is that there are some remarkable works of art here.

Rock Creek Park Rock Creek Park free

A large urban park extending from the Washington, D.C.-Maryland border to the Potomac River, Rock Creek Park is a destination for an expansive array of outdoor activities. It has more than 32 miles of hiking trails and 13 miles of horseback riding trails while bicyclists can use its paved trails and roads. It has a nine-hole golf course and tennis courts. Fishing and paddleboating on the Potomac River are additional options. The park also boasts plenty of built things to see, such as scenic bridges, fountains and statues.

In addition to its more than 1,750 acres of outdoor space, the park encompasses multiple noteworthy structures. The Nature Center features a book- and game-filled children's Discovery Room, displays of live turtles and snakes and an observation deck. It provides hiking information and serves as the starting point of the half-mile Woodland Trail. The Peirce Mill operated as a grist mill from 1829 to 1897, making the historical building the last one of its kind in the area. The Old Stone House, constructed around 1766, ranks as the oldest building on its original foundation in Washington D.C. Its former kitchen contains historical exhibits.

National Archives Museum National Archives Museum free

A treasure trove of the United States' founding documents, the National Archives Museum is high on travelers' to-do lists and almost always has long entrance lines. But once you do get inside, you'll see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, along with one of the surviving copies of the Magna Carta. Other interactive and kid-friendly exhibits fill the museum, which is located off the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro station on the Green and Yellow lines. Conveniently, the museum is also a popular stop on many of the city's best bus tours .

If you love history, you'll enjoy visiting this museum. Reservations are not required but are available. Reserving free passes on Recreation.gov's website comes with a service fee of $1.00 per ticket, but travelers say paying for advance tickets will save you from having to wait in a long line to enter. The museum encourages reservations during its peak season from March through Labor Day. Also, be aware that photography is not permitted anywhere inside the building.

9:30 Club 9:30 Club

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're attending a concert at this venue, plan to arrive early, as the line can stretch around the block for popular artists. And if possible, avoid using the coat check (unless you want to be stuck waiting in line for hours after the show).  – Alissa Grisler, Associate Editor

The 9:30 Club has often been heralded as one of the best live music venues in America. The iconic club began earning its accolades around the time it opened in 1980, though, and has hosted groups like Nirvana, R.E.M., Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fugazi and Public Enemy, among others. While the 9:30 Club relocated and expanded over time, the club is still small enough to feel intimate. Its location near the bustling U Street corridor means that travelers will have no shortage of options for a pre-show dinner or a post-show drink (the staple Ben's Chili Bowl is just a few blocks away). Alternatively, the 9:30 Club offers a small menu of quesadillas, nachos and tacos if you want to eat there.

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Heurich House Museum Heurich House Museum

German-American immigrant and brewing entrepreneur Christian Heurich built the mansion that now bears his name in the late 19th century. Now, its stands as both an example of Richardsonian Romanesque residential architecture as well a testament to the business-owner's legacy. (It also, appropriately enough, serves as the headquarters of the District of Columbia Brewers Guild, a nonprofit trade organization serving the city's craft brewing industry.) The museum aims to preserve the building, its grounds and its collections while demonstrating the relevance of Heurich's version of the American dream to the modern day.

Visitors typically find the tour guides highly knowledgeable and enjoy seeing the fine period furniture and the well-preserved, intricately decorated structure.

National Building Museum National Building Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The permanent exhibits are a bit technical, but special exhibits are accessible (and often hands-on!) for everyone, regardless of their knowledge of architecture. – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

Washington boasts countless examples of iconic architecture, but the National Building Museum fittingly stands out from the rest. The gargantuan former Pension Building, which completed construction in 1887, once housed the United States Pension Bureau as well as a variety of political events like inaugural balls. In 1985, the building completed its transition into a museum, and it was officially renamed the National Building Museum in 1997. Currently, the museum showcases various interesting intersections of architecture and design throughout American history and culture via approximately 100,000 photos, 130,000 architectural drawing and prints, and more than 20,000 objects ranging from building materials to toys.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Frederick Douglass National Historic Site free

Like other parts of the South, the Washington metropolitan area – which includes Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. – was once home to numerous plantations that profited off the labor of enslaved African Americans. To learn more about one of the region's most famous former slaves, visit the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in the district's Anacostia neighborhood.

At this historical site, you'll learn all about Frederick Douglass, who had been born into slavery in 1818 who fled from Maryland to New York City in 1838. After becoming a free man, Douglass devoted his life to speaking against slavery, producing abolitionist newspapers and writing about his experience as a slave. In 1872, Douglass and his then wife, Anna, moved to Washington, D.C. The couple moved into the house known as Cedar Hill in 1878. After the death of his first wife in 1882, Douglass married Helen Pitts in 1884 and continued to live in the house until his death in 1895.

The Mansion on O Street The Mansion on O Street

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United States Botanic Garden United States Botanic Garden free

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( Realtor.com )

Slimmed-Down ‘Skinny Home’ Slips Onto the DC Market for Under $600K

We all know what tiny homes are, but have you ever heard of a skinny home?

What originally began as plans to construct a single-family residence in Washington, DC , suddenly shrank when the city unexpectedly changed its zoning laws.

“The developer bought the property, thinking it could be a four-story home that was 15 feet wide; but the city changed the zoning laws, so he had to build this skinny home in its place,” says listing agent Jennifer Young , of Keller Williams Chantilly Ventures. “It had to be scaled down to almost half the width. This home is now just 6 feet wide.”

Listed for $581,903, the slimmed-down, newly built residence has a reimagined design with one bedroom with 1.5 baths. And building the home was not without its obstacles.

(Realtor.com)

“One of the biggest challenges they faced during construction was that they had to hand deliver all of the materials from the street,” Young says. “Because of its neighborhood location, trucks were not permitted onto the property.”

Originally hitting the market in July 2023 for $799,900, the petite property, which has garnered national attention, received its latest price reduction last month.

“It is one of the most viewed homes and was even featured in People magazine,” she said. “I never thought it would get this much attention.”

The sleek space is tucked away in the Shaw corridor, which offers easy access to the Metro, dining, and shopping.

“It’s a low-maintenance home with a small lot to maintain and is situated in a great location,” Young notes. “The Shaw neighborhood has an up-and-coming restaurant scene, and there is a lot of development of single-family homes. You can walk to great restaurants just steps from the house. It’s a very vibrant community.”

With every inch maximized for functionality, the 600-square-foot interior boasts a modern design with contemporary fixtures, smart lighting, solar panels, and a security system.

The open floor plan features a kitchen with upgraded cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a custom dining bar.

A nearby living room on the main level is surrounded by windows that flood the space with natural light.

The home’s lone bedroom is on the second floor, along with a full bathroom that’s nicely outfitted with a glass shower and quartz-topped vanity.

Outside, privacy fencing and a sundeck round out the tidy listing, which is being offered fully furnished.

Meanwhile, the unique property has attracted some potential buyers who might not need much room.

“We have had a lot of interest from first-time buyers and professionals who prefer the price and don’t want to live in a condo with association fees,” Young says. “I think it will be used as a secondary residence for someone. We have had investors looking at it as a rental property and also had interest from people living on the West Coast whose kids go to DC schools. It would be a great spot for them to stay while visiting their kids.”

• For more photos and details, check out the full listing.
• Homes for sale in Washington, DC
• Learn more about Washington, DC

Kellie Speed has more written for a variety of publications, including Haute Living, U.S. Veterans magazine, DiverseAbility, and JustLuxe. She can be reached at [email protected].

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Fontaines D.C. Announce 2024 North American Tour Dates

By Matthew Strauss

Fontaines D.C. have announced new North American tour dates in support of their new album, Romance . The newly announced shows take place in September and October and feature support from Dirty Hit ’s Been Stellar . See all of Fontaines D.C.’s tour dates, including stops in Europe and the United Kingdom, below.

Romance , the fourth studio album from Fontaines D.C., is out August 23. It’s the Irish band’s first LP for XL Recordings , following three albums for Partisan Records .

Revisit the review of April 2022’s Skinty Fia .

All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Fontaines D.C.:

05-08 Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Paramount 06-12 Bergen, Norway - Bergenhus Festning 06-14 Helsinki, Finland - Sideways 06-15 Riga, Latvia - Palladium Riga 06-16 Vilnius, Lithuania - Lukiškių Kalėjimas 2.0 06-18 Warsaw, Poland - Stodola 06-19 Poznań, Poland - Tama 06-21 Schnee, Germany - Hurricane Festival 06-22 Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany - Southside Festival 06-23 Lido di Camaiore, Italy - La Prima Estate 06-25 Rome, Italy - Auditorium Parco della Musica 06-26 Lausanne, Switzerland - Les Docks 06-28 Somerset, England - Glastonbury Festival 07-28 Niigata, Japan - Fuji Rock Festival 08-09 Rees, Germany - Haldern Pop Festival 08-11 Budapest, Hungary - Sziget Festival 08-12 Ljubljana, Slovenia - Center Urbane Kulture Kino Šiška 08-13 Vienna, Austria - Arena Wien 08-15 Charleville-Mézières, France - Cabaret Vert 08-16 Hasselt, Belgium - Pukkelpop 08-17 Paredes de Coura, Portugal - Praia Fluvial do Taboão 08-20 Istanbul, Turkey - PSM Loves Summer by %100 Müzik 08-24 Leeds, England - Leeds Festival 08-25 Reading, England - Reading Festival 09-20 Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo * 09-21 Portland, OR - Roseland Theater * 09-22 Vancouver, British Columbia - Commodore Ballroom * 09-24 San Francisco, CA - The Warfield * 09-26 Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Palladium * 09-27 San Diego, CA - SOMA * 09-28 Pomona, CA - Fox Theater * 09-30 Phoenix, AZ - The Van Buren * 10-02 Englewood, CO - Gothic Theatre * 10-04 Lawrence, KS - The Granada * 10-05 Omaha, NE - Slowdown * 10-06 Madison, WI - The Sylvee * 10-08 Minneapolis, MN - The Fillmore * 10-09 Chicago, IL - The Salt Shed * 10-11 Toronto, Ontario - Queen Elizabeth Theatre * 10-12 Montreal, Quebec - M Telus * 10-13 Boston, MA - Roadrunner * 10-15 Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Paramount * 10-18 Washington, D.C. - 9:30 Club * 10-20 Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore * 11-01 Lisbon, Portugal - Sagres Campo Pequeno 11-02 Madrid, Spain - WiZink Center 11-04 Milan, Italy - Alcatraz 11-05 Zurich, Switzerland - X-TRA 11-07 Munich, Germany - Zenith 11-08 Berlin, Germany - Uber Eats Music Hall 11-09 Copenhagen, Denmark - K.B. Hallen 11-11 Hamburg, Germany - Sporthalle 11-12 Cologne, Germany - E-Werk 11-13 Paris, France - Zénith Paris-La Villette 11-15 Brussels, Belgium - Forest National 11-16 Amsterdam, Netherlands - AFAS Live 11-17 Amsterdam, Netherlands - AFAS Live 11-20 Wolverhampton, England - The Halls 11-22 London, England - Alexandra Palace 11-23 London, England - Alexandra Palace 11-24 Cardiff, Wales - Utilia Arena 11-26 Plymouth, England - Pavilions 11-27 Nottingham, England - Motorpoint Arena 11-29 Manchester, England - Aviva Studios 11-30 Manchester, England - Aviva Studios 12-01 Manchester, England - Aviva Studios 12-03 Leeds, England - First Direct Arena 12-04 Glasgow, Scotland - OVO Hydro 12-06 Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena 12-07 Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena

* with Been Stellar

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By Nina Corcoran

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Princess Cruises Adds Historic America Cruisetour Ahead of 250th Anniversary of America

14-night land and cruise experience highlights america’s roots with nation’s capital, philadelphia, williamsburg & more.

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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 13, 2024) – Princess guests discovering the scenic east coast on a 2025 Canada & New England cruise sailing out of New York City can now immerse themselves in historic America as they tour the nation’s capital, interact with early settlers at a living history museum, visit Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and stand on the same soil as Thomas Jefferson at his Monticello estate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This Historic America cruisetour takes guests on a seven-night, hosted land tour with overnight stays in Washington D.C., Williamsburg, Staunton, Gettysburg and Philadelphia prior to boarding a seven-day Canada/New England cruise onboard Enchanted Princess roundtrip from New York City.

“Visiting our nation’s capital, nearby historic cities and landmarks always ranks high on travelers’ lists of places to visit in their lifetime,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer, Princess Cruises. “We make traveling to historic America easy, educational and memorable with our knowledgeable and inspiring tour guides sharing the incredible stories of our country’s settlers, leaders, landmarks and historic sites.”

This Historic America cruisetour includes hotels, motorcoach transportation, sightseeing and most breakfasts and dinners. Sample itinerary details:

• Day 1: Arrive Washington, DC
• Day 2: Tour Arlington Cemetery, Embassy Row, National Cathedral, museums of choice, evening illumination tour of Lincoln, Vietnam, World War II, and Korean War Memorials
• Day 3: Visit Mount Vernon, George Washington’s iconic estate, and Jamestown Settlement before arriving in Williamsburg for dinner at a Colonial Williamsburg Tavern
• Day 4: Full day of Colonial Williamsburg historic area
• Day 5: Tour Richmond National Battlefield Park and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate
• Day 6: Enjoy Harpers Ferry National Historic Park and guided tour of Gettysburg Battlefield
• Day 7: City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, for Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, First Bank, Carpenter’s Hall, Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley and Christ Church
• Day 8: Arrive in New York City to embark Enchanted Princess for cruise
• Day 9: Newport, Rhode Island
• Day 10: Boston, Massachusetts
• Day 11: Portland, Maine
• Day 12: At Sea
• Day 13: Halifax, Canada
• Day 14: At Sea
• Day 15: Return to New York City

On sale now, there are 10 Historic America cruisetour options in 2025 with departure dates of August 16, 23, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11 and 18, 2025. Rates start at $4,529 per person.

Thornton added, “With the upcoming 250th anniversary of America in 2026, now is the time to visit our nation’s historic landmarks and celebrate our independence.”

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

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Signature Tours of DC

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AWARD-WINNING GUIDED TOURS OF WASHINGTON DC

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When you get on Signature Tours of DC bus you get a unique, entertaining guided tour of Washington DC that allows you to explore the fabled monuments of DC with stops that offer great photo ops so you take home great memories. You enjoy a comfortable ride in a family friendly setting at an affordable price.

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While you’re on the tour you get treated to a live narration by a courteous and expert guide who is knowledgeable about Washington DC and its history and is passionate about sharing the love of the city and the historical facts that helped shape the course of this nation.

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For your comfort and convenience, you’re traveling in brand new climate controlled buses, with leather seats and a driver who has your safety in mind to navigate the Washington DC traffic and get you to the monuments on the National Mall while you relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Your friendly guide shows you around the monuments and landmarks on the National Mall and entertains you with a fact-filled narration of the history behind every building or site. You also get a chance to walk with the guide at every stop to snap memorable pictures.

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The US Capitol and  Monuments tour gives you an insider’s look at our US Capitol where you will get to see the hear the Capitol Tour guide give you  information on how it was built and many more historical facts.

ARLINGTON PLUS

This comprehensive guided tour covers from the historic and incomparable Arlington National Cemetery to the most famous Washington DC monuments and memorials.

SIGHT SEE DC

Washington DC has a lot to offer. With our bus tour you will be able to see all the Washington DC monuments and attractions with live narrative that will captivate you.

DC UNDER THE STARS NIGHT TOUR

Experience an unforgettable 3 hour night tour and informative insider’s look at Washington DC under the stars! Washington DC is beautiful and glimmering at night.

PRIVATE TOURS

Looking to get an insider’s view of the city or schedule your tour to your convenience? Signature Tours of DC offers customizable itinerary private tours for individuals, families and groups .

ARLINGTON MORNING

Join us on this 5 hour tour that includes Arlington National Cemetery at the start and then puts you on our Morning Tour allowing you to see the top sights on the National Mall.

MUST SEE DC MORNING TOUR

Washington D.C. is a showcase of some of the most majestic monuments and memorials in the country. With so much to see and so little time, we got the right morning tour for you.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

This unique Full Day (12 hours) tour let’s you explore Colonial Williamsburg and several historic sites that surround it. You will learn about our Colonial past .

Guess what celeb played golf recently at West Palm's The Park? Hint: He lived in DC for 8 years

Yes, that was barack obama teeing it up at the park in west palm beach, accompanied by a lot of secret service golf carts..

WEST PALM BEACH — Of all the visitors West Palm Beach's immaculate new municipal golf course The Park has drawn in its first year of existence — local Tiger Woods hitting the inaugural tee shot and professional golfers Rory McIlroy, Max Homa, Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang participating in Capital One's The Match — one name quietly teed it up a few weeks ago with no fanfare, but plenty of curious onlookers.

Former President Barack Obama got in a round at the spectacularly redesigned venue on a beautiful day, Friday, April 19, much to the surprise of other golfers.

"We were just out there playing and all of a sudden on an adjacent hole we hear all these golf carts rolling up," said one golfer, who did not want to be identified. "We're like, 'What is happening here?' Then we realize they are all (U.S.) Secret Service and we're watching Barack Obama tee off right next to us. Unbelievable."

Officials at The Park were mum on how it all came together and why Obama decided to play the West Palm Beach course. The former president could have picked any number of private courses in the area to play, but The Park has been a bucket list item for many out-of-staters.

Obama is a member of The Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, where he has played with Woods, former NBA greats Michael Jordan and Alonzo Mourning and former NFL star and sportscaster Ahmad Rashad, among others. When he was president, Obama played Grande Oaks Golf Club in Fort Lauderdale, a private course that was the site of the 1980s comedy movie "Caddyshack."

It's not clear if Obama played anywhere else on his South Florida visit (although it's probably safe to say he didn't tee it up with former President Donald Trump).

After only a year, numbers show big turnout at The Park golf course in West Palm Beach

The Park has received rave reviews from national publications as a must-play public venue and the statistics after one year of play prove it has been a success. Since opening in April 2023, here are the first-year numbers, according to the course:

• There have been 41,360 rounds of golf played with 5,717 of those nine-hole rounds.
• There are 2,209 city resident golfers registered.
• There have been 8,521 caddied rounds of golf played.
• About 60% of the rounds have been walkers.

"Without a doubt, (the numbers) have far exceeded our expectations," said Brian Conley, The Park's general manager. "And the word we constantly hear from the golfers is 'fun.' That's really been comforting to us."

The course is spectacular to walk and because there aren't any water hazards, golfers won't lose a ton of balls with a bad round.

The facility is the product of a city-described public-private partnership that resulted from a handshake deal between Mayor Keith James and PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh, who said he raised more than $55 million to rebuild and endow the facility.

The new course is on the site of the former Dick Wilson-designed West Palm Beach Golf Course, which opened in 1947, and it is now considered among the best public courses in the state.

TNT's The Match drew more than a half-million viewers at West Palm's The Park

Another big jolt of publicity came in February when The Park hosted the ninth staging of Capital One's The Match under the lights.

Professional golfers McIlroy, Homa, Thompson and Zhang played a dozen holes for charity in front of a nationally televised audience with TNT NBA announcers Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and others. McIlroy ended up the big winner, taking the $1.6 million final skin during a "wedge off" on the playoff hole.

Everyone raved about the Gil Hanse- and Jim Wagner-designed course that is known for its immaculate setting as well as its promotion of the game through youth and community programs. It was the first time The Match had been played at a municipal golf course and it averaged 511,000 viewers, including 160,000 female viewers, which is significantly higher than typical LPGA events, according to Sports Business Journal.

Conley said the course was one of three venues that officials from TNT/Time Warner, The PGA Tour and Excel Sports Management were considering and hopes the course can again host a future event.

"The course looked like magic on TV under the lights," Conley said. "And I think everyone was really happy with how it all turned out."

Could The Park ever host a future PGA or LPGA Tour tournament in West Palm?

One thing that isn't likely coming to The Park, however, is a PGA or LPGA Tour event, Conley assures.

"The course is not built for PGA professional golf tournaments," he said. "This course was built for the enjoyment of public golf. It's built to be fun. The architecture of it promotes good pace of play and overall enjoyment. It's not made for that."

And despite its rates — anywhere from $80 to $300 based on city resident discounts to peak season out-of-staters — it's been busy all season.

RELATED: West Palm Beach's spectacular $55 million golf course officially opens for business

RELATED: For some golfers, walking enhances the experience; for others it's tiring and frustrating

Conley says the course has attracted many groups from the south and western part of the state, but that city registrants are still the big draw.

That creates competition for tee times, but Conley said things are slowing down just a bit as the winter and spring season comes to a close. To get the tee time you want, he suggests booking online, where the rates are better, at theparkwestpalm.com about a week out (tee times are available in a 10-day window).

"It's definitely busy and competitive (for tee times), but it's not a concert ticket. Everyone can get one," he said.

Even a former president of the United States.

James Coleman is a journalist at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at  [email protected]  and follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at  @JimColeman11 . Help support our journalism.  Subscribe today.

Rory McIlroy stood by the PGA Tour. Why doesn’t it want his help?

The decision not to bring Rory McIlroy back into a PGA Tour leadership role shows why the sport is in this troubled state.

When the PGA Tour’s battle with LIV Golf for power — and the world’s best players — became open financial warfare two years ago, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods were the biggest stars who stood by the tour.

Woods did it by turning down an outrageous amount of money — reportedly more than half a billion dollars . McIlroy did it by saying no amount of money would lure him to LIV and by consistently ripping LIV and the players who did take the huge bucks, among them Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bubba Watson — all, like him, multiple-time major champions.

“I hate what it’s doing to the game of golf. I hate it. I really do,” McIlroy said in 2022 after the first batch of players defected to the breakaway LIV circuit — and were suspended by the PGA Tour for doing so.

He quickly became the unofficial player spokesman for the tour because of his place in the world rankings and because he was so highly respected within the game. In essence, McIlroy stood in front of PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and said, “If you want him, you’ll have to go through me.”

Then, almost a year ago, Monahan and the Public Investment Fund — which funds LIV and fronts for the Saudi government — announced they had reached an agreement for the PIF to invest in the PGA Tour. McIlroy had knives in his back, and they had been put there by Monahan and the tour.

McIlroy was heard on a tour-sponsored Netflix documentary saying — among other things — “I am almost at the point of like, ‘F--- it, do whatever you want to do.’ ” He also said the players had been blindsided by the PGA Tour-Saudi deal, telling reporters , “It’s hard for me to not sit up here and feel somewhat like a sacrificial lamb.”

A year later, that deal has yet to come to fruition . McIlroy, who had been a member of the tour’s policy board for two years, resigned last fall . Although McIlroy said he resigned so he could focus on his family and golf, it seemed apparent he didn’t think he could trust Monahan — with whom he had once been close.

But with the PGA Tour-Saudi negotiations clearly dragging, McIlroy said a few weeks ago he would be willing to come back to the policy board. Webb Simpson, one of golf’s class acts, instantly offered his spot on the board to McIlroy, only for several other pros to object.

Last week, McIlroy announced he would not be returning to the board . “It got pretty complicated and pretty messy,” McIlroy said . He went on to say the sides have “this window of opportunity” to get a deal done.

McIlroy referenced the 1998 “Good Friday” agreement in Northern Ireland — which finally brought an end to the Troubles — as an example of meaningful compromise. “Neither side was happy,” he said. “Catholics weren’t happy, Protestants weren’t happy. But it brought peace, and then you just sort of learn to live with whatever has been negotiated, right?”

McIlroy was then named — along with Woods — to a newly formed subcommittee that is supposed to negotiate directly with the PIF. Just what the tour needs: another committee. And still, anything the tour does will have to be approved by the policy board.

Here are the simple facts: Monahan and his various minions have handled this crisis poorly from Day 1 by not taking the LIV threat seriously at first and then panicking into making an agreement with a country that has an appalling record on human rights. Monahan made that point himself, shortly before attempting to go into business with the Saudis.

The entire situation continues to damage the sport. Ratings for the Masters this year were down 20 percent, and some people attempted to blame the winner, Scottie Scheffler , for his supposedly drama-free dominance.

Which was ludicrous. Scheffler did not run away with the tournament until the back nine Sunday. So that wasn’t the problem. Apparently becoming the first player aside from Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Woods to win two Masters by 27 wasn’t enough of a draw.

And then there’s his supposedly vanilla personality. Few golfers have the charisma of Arnold Palmer or Mickelson — or McIlroy. Nicklaus certainly didn’t until the latter part of his career. Woods let his golf do most of his talking for years. Tom Watson was the classic (and classy) stoic Midwesterner.

The drop in Masters ratings absolutely was a product of the never-ending PGA Tour-LIV war. The best players are rarely in the same tournaments. Golf fans don’t care much about a 54-hole event, no matter who is playing in it. And they don’t care much about tour events without all the best players in the world, no matter how much money the tour throws at its so-called “signature events.”

Golf, as McIlroy has pointed out, is a mess. And while his own life has also gotten complicated — McIlroy this week filed for divorce from his wife, Erica Stoll, after seven years of marriage — his golf is not a mess. He started slowly this year, never contending in the Masters, the tournament he wants to win most to complete a career Grand Slam. But he has now won twice in three weeks — claiming an event in New Orleans with Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry and then running away Sunday in Charlotte to prevail for the fourth time at Quail Hollow, where he earned his first PGA Tour victory in 2010.

The last time McIlroy won a major was 10 years ago when he claimed the PGA Championship at Valhalla in Louisville — the same place that tournament will be played this week. He was also coming off a victory that year (at Firestone) when he held off Mickelson and Rickie Fowler in the darkness.

Can he end his majors drought this week? He’ll have to beat Scheffler, among others, to finally get his fifth major. You can bet a McIlroy-Scheffler duel Sunday would boost ratings.

But regardless of the outcome, golf will still have serious issues. And the policy board’s (and, no doubt, Monahan’s) decision to not bring him back is symbolic of why the sport is a dumpster fire. McIlroy said last week that he “put my hand up to help” — and was turned down. How foolish.