We know the feeling. No one wants to stick out as the tourist in a big city like Washington, DC. Or even worse, get stuck in a trap that is overpriced and not worth it. But, luckily, we’ve got some great tours here that are totally worth the money and the big sign on your back yelling “I’m a tourist!”
SEGWAY TOURS
What we love about the these tours is that you not only learn about DC’s sights and history, but also get to ride around town on a segway! How cool is that? It takes a few minutes to get the hang of the stop and go movement, but soon you’ll be speeding through the streets like a pro as your guide tells you interesting stories of DC’s past.
DUCK TOURS
This tour is perfect for the whole family and lets you explore DC from the land and water. All the kids get a “quacker” whistle to keep them entertained during the 90-minute tour. It takes you around all of the hotspots like the Washington Monument, the US Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. The boat-bus hybrids then head straight into the Potomac for a cruise along the river. It’s the perfect tour for a warm spring day.
OLD TOWN TROLLEY HOP ON/HOP OFF BUS
For those of us who get tired of walking from sight to sight, the hop on/hop off bus is a life saver. We recommend doing this tour right when you get to town to acclimate yourself with all the cool spots to visit. You’ll learn about the history and people who put DC on the map, and when something sparks your interest, just hop off the bus and spend a little more time exploring that area. They run frequently so you can rejoin the tour at any time.
TOURING FORD’S THEATRE
Still a working theater, this infamous spot is where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. The theater offers tours guided by costumed actors who describe the life, presidency and assassination of the iconic president. While you’re there, catch the short play “One Destiny” about the fateful night that Lincoln died.
TOP OF THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT
It’s one of the most iconic symbols of our Nation’s capital, however, many people only catch glimpses of it while driving around town or strolling the National Mall. To get the full experience of the Monument, we recommend taking a trip to the top. The panoramic views from the 500-foot tall observation deck are unlike any other in the city. It also gives you a bird’s eye view of the Capitol building and the White House.