washington, d.c., sightseeing

Washington, D.C., SightseeingSightseeing tours cover the city and most major suburban points of interest. Your local AAA office can provide information about tours of embassies, houses and gardens that occur periodically. For more information visit one of the AAA Mid-Atlantic offices. Visitors can obtain access to some services and tours by contacting their U.S. senators or representatives before leaving home.

Unlimited Biking Washington, DC

Capital Segway

City Segway Tours—Washington D.C.

Boat ToursC&O Canal Boat Trips see Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Md.,

Potomac Riverboat Co. see Alexandria, Va.

Spirit of Mount Vernon-Potomac Cruises

Bus, Limousine and Trolley Tours Individually operated limousine tours are sold by the drivers near the various information kiosks. Most taxi companies also can provide sightseeing services. Bus tours range in price from about $15 to $65, depending on length of tour and itinerary, and include trips around Washington, Mount Vernon and all stops in between.

Gray Line of Washington DC

DC After Dark Tour

DC In a Day Tour

Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington

Washington, D.C. Urban Adventures

Food ToursLooking for the best places to eat? Get a taste for Washington restaurants with a food tour. The following tour is presented for informational purposes as a service to members.

DC Metro Food Tours

Guided Walking Tours Washington Walks offers a variety of walking tours, and some would say your trip is not complete without one. Docents highlight such locales as U Street, Dupont Circle, Embassy Row and Georgetown, and most tours depart April through October. From late June to early November the National Mall Memorials tour showcases the Thomas Jefferson; Lincoln; Vietnam Veterans; District War; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and World War II memorials as well as the Washington Monument. Allow 2 hours for each tour. Tours are given regardless of weather, and reservations are not required. Tours cost $15-$20; free (ages 0-3). Phone ahead for departure locations and tour schedules. Phone (202) 484-1565.

The United States Capitol Historical Society offers 2-hour tours of the exterior of the Capitol building. Trained guides discuss the domed structure's history and architecture. The tour costs $10 (cash only) and departs the Union Station Metro station (near the top of the Massachusetts Avenue exit escalators) Mon. at 10, Mar.-Nov.; phone (202) 543-8919, ext. 17.

DC By Foot

Self-guiding Walking Tours Set your own pace with self-guided tours, one of the many fun things to do when you travel to D.C. For those exploring the Dupont Circle area, the “Dupont-Kalorama Museum Walk” brochure outlines a walking tour of museums and historic buildings near the circle. Pick up a copy at participating museums, including The Phillips Collection, Anderson House, the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, Dumbarton House and the Woodrow Wilson House.

The Black History National Recreation Trail consists of various Washington, D.C., neighborhoods that played an important role in the community from the time of slavery to the mid-20th century. Contact the National Park Service at National Capital Region, Office of Public Affairs, 1100 Ohio Dr. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20242; phone (202) 619-7023.

Cultural Tourism DC, (202) 661-7581, offers information about a variety of self-guiding tours, which provide unique things to do in Washington, D.C. The African American Heritage Trail guide includes attraction and tour information highlighting 98 of the more than 200 sites representing African American history in Washington, D.C. Civil War to Civil Rights: Downtown Heritage Trail is marked by 25 signs throughout downtown. The organization also has developed 17 other Neighborhood Heritage Trail tours; poster-size signs along the routes offer information and maps. This is group travel made easy, as visitors can easily follow the routes from these signs. Free downloadable PDF guides on the organization's website will enhance the experience.