The worst thing that can happen to your vacation is something drastic. This could be anything from the wrong hotel booking or a bad restaurant experience to sitting in traffic for hours to get to your next tour reservation.
If you and your family plan an amazing getaway in Washington, D.C., but are reluctant to make a booking mistake, this article will help you avoid various problems!
Sitting in traffic and eating up your vacation time is not how you want to spend your trip, right? Not to fear. That is why we are here, to help you avoid these disastrous “what-ifs”!
Let’s avoid the top mistakes when booking a Washington, D.C. tour. Check out this site to find tours in Washington, D.C., and learn what to know about traveling to and from the Washington, D.C., area.
Best Tours in Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C., is one of the most iconic cities in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. The city’s location on the Potomac River makes for a stunning backdrop for monuments and memorials like the Lincoln Memorial or Jefferson Memorial. There are also plenty of museums to visit.
After all, what better way to learn about American history than by exploring historical artifacts? If you’re planning a trip with friends or family, these tours will help everyone learn about Washington, D.C.’s past.
Smithsonian National Museum of Air & Space: Guided Tour
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a must-visit when you travel to Washington, D.C. With professional guides, you will discover the most fascinating places in the museum. The expansive location with a great collection, your guides take your time to provide valuable insights into exhibitions. Professional guides can provide valuable insights into exhibitions.
The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, answering questions throughout the tour. The museum is huge, so having an expert lead you through the exhibits is great.
African American History Tour
The local guide for the African American History Tour narrates your expedition through the streets of Washington, D.C. You’ll learn about buildings, monuments, and other sites that connect you to African Americans’ history in this city.
The tour covers many of the most important locations in D.C., including George Washington’s Mount Vernon Square, where Frederick Douglass lived as a free man, Union Temple Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral took place, and the Lincoln Park Cemetery, the final resting place for several famous African-Americans.
Monuments by Moonlight: Washington D.C. Nighttime Trolley Tour
This nighttime tour is the most famous tourist attraction in Washington D.C. and is put on by Old Town Trolley Tours. The tour takes you through many of the most beautiful buildings on the Washington D.C. trolley.
The amazing sight of darkness creates a memorable memory you will always cherish. This guidebook teaches you much about the history of the capital and the country. Beautifully lit, all the city’s monuments are very good, and this trip will give you a new perspective on the city’s capital.
Washington D.C. Monuments by Night Bike Tour
The Night Cycling Tour starts at the Washington Monument. It takes you to many major monuments in DC, including the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and more. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and passes through 6 miles of beautiful scenery. Many of the city’s best landmarks and structures can be seen at night in spectacular lighting.
This night tour takes you through the most amazing places. Cycling around the National Mall and Lincoln Memorial is among other attractions. It is beautifully illuminated and suitable for everybody.
This nighttime cycling adventure provides an unforgettable opportunity to experience everything that DC has to offer. It’s fun and informative!
Old Town Trolley Tour of Washington D.C. & Arlington Cemetery
The Old Town Trolley Tour of Washington D.C. and Arlington Cemetery is a great way to gain insight into the city’s history and culture. The tour lasts two hours, during which you’ll learn about interesting things like how Abraham Lincoln was assassinated or how Thomas Jefferson designed his home at Monticello.
You’ll also see Arlington National Cemetery, where many famous American war heroes are buried. If you’re interested in seeing some of the most famous landmarks in Washington, D.C., then this tour is for you!
Washington D.C.: Full-Day Tour and Boat Cruise
This full-day tour will take you through the nation’s capital, with stops at the White House, US Marine Memorial, and the U.S. Navy Yard. Whether your guide teaches or entertains you, they will teach you countless valuable things about the city. The tour ends with an overnight boat cruise on the Potomac River.
Washington D.C.: 3-hour Segway Tour
Segway tours can be a fun and refreshing way to explore Washington, DC, in a new light. Visitors highly recommend them. As you travel through town, you will see many beautiful buildings and monuments. The most significant attractions in Washington are the Pentagon and the Washington Monument.
You will also see many parks and gardens, which are great places to relax during your trip. As you travel through town on your Segway, you will see many beautiful buildings and monuments. The most significant attractions in Washington are the Pentagon and the Washington Monument.
Washington D.C.: Politics & Pints Capitol Hill Tour
Capitol Hill is where all the Congresspeople meet to make laws. The Supreme Court is also located there, so all the important stuff happens here.
On this tour, you’ll get an overview of all these places and learn about their history! You’ll also get to see some other stuff like the Library of Congress, which is cool because it has books from all over the world, plus there are paintings on its walls that are worth millions of dollars! I mean literally: one painting sold for USD 450 million in 2013!
The tour provides a good overview of the Washington, D.C., political landscape. Take a tour of Washington D.C.’s Capitol and learn how politics work through the tour guide. The Library of Congress and the Supreme Court can be visited interestingly. Afterward, we head to the Capitol for some historical sights, then go out to a local bar where it is possible to chat about current and past American policy issues.
Georgetown Walking Tour with a Local Guide
One of the most popular ways to see the historic neighborhood is on a walking tour with a local guide. A Georgetown Walking Tour with a Local Guide lasts two hours and covers approximately one mile, so it’s perfect for people who want to learn about the area but aren’t interested in walking too much.
The tour starts at 3057 M Street NW, home to George Washington from 1797-1800 while he served as president. The house itself may not be open, but you can still get your fill by taking photos outside or peeking through its windows—and if you’re lucky, someone else might have already gone inside!
Next up: St. John’s Churchyard Cemetery, where JFK’s grave is located (if you’re into visiting celebrity graves). You’ll also pass by Dumbarton Oaks Park, where Robert E. Lee used to live with his wife and children before they moved back South during the Civil War (Robert E. Lee being this guy).
Washington D.C.: Capitol Building and Capitol Hill Walk
If you want to visit Washington, D.C., you should definitely take this tour. Capitol Hill is one of the most charming neighborhoods in the City and has lots of wonderful sights. With professional guides telling you everything about the city, the place will come alive before your eyes.
The most enjoyable part of the trip was visiting Washington, D.C.’s capitol building. It is amazing to think of the major decisions that have been made in that area and the impact they have had on the whole world.
Washington D.C. Classic, Premium, or Deluxe Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
If you want to see the highlights of Washington, D.C., but don’t have much time (or energy), hop onto one of these bus tours.
A hop-on, hop-off bus tour is a good option if you want to save money and time in your travels. It offers an easy way to access sights like the Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian museums, letting you choose where to stop on each loop through town.
If you want to see everything in the city, you can buy a multi-day pass that lets you hop on and off as many times as you want. You’ll also get discounts on tickets for museums, restaurants, and other attractions along your route. You can choose from several different routes that cover all of the major sights in D.C., including Arlington National Cemetery, Georgetown, and more.
Washington D.C. Day Trip from New York
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting trip from New York City to Washington D.C., this is definitely the one for you! The day’s journey starts in New York and goes through one infamous political center.
You will leave tired and satisfied from this day of sightseeing. During the tour, you can stay at Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Capitol, and the White House. The efficient and well-thought-out trip offered great opportunities to visit some of DC’s best sights.
The trip was a great way to see the city and get more out of it than just a few hours. The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and the buses were comfortable. The price was also very reasonable considering how much time we spent in each location.
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Travel Tips for Booking Washington D.C. Tours
Here are some tips for your next Washington D.C. group tour, walking tour, or general visit to the nation’s capital.
1. Familiarize Yourself With the City
Getting the lay of the land is your first step in a successful Washington D.C. trip. If this is not accomplished initially, most of your vacation in D.C. will be spent in a car sitting in traffic. We don’t want that to happen to you!
Many tour guides and agencies recommend a bus tour for your first day. This alleviates navigating an unfamiliar city, letting the tour company do the work for you. The idea of a tour bus is not always exhilarating, but trust us. This is one of the best ways to get a feel for the city without worrying about getting completely lost.
There are also plenty of different ways of exploring D.C. if tour buses aren’t your thing! It’s a city where you may not need to rent a car if you like walking and don’t mind public transportation.
Tour the city on an electric golf cart. Upgraded from your regular golf cart, take an eCruiser with friends and family around the city. Big enough to fit six people plus a driver, these silent carts are an efficient way to tour the city.
Trollies, bikes, and segways are a few other less common options, but they usually have a much smaller group of people. So, it’s possible to talk to the tour guide and ask in-depth questions rather than with a large group of bustling people.
We suggest you explore these walking tours in Washington, D.C., that the whole family can enjoy. The kids will also enjoy exploring these museums. Check out this website to book your first day of tour of Washington, D.C., so you are familiar with the city for the rest of your trip.
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2. Choosing the Right Airport
Choosing the wrong airport could cost you both time and money. Make sure to map out which section of D.C. you are staying in, this way you can choose the airport that is most convenient for your trip.
There are actually a multitude of options for airports in the surrounding area. Still, we will be looking at the main three airports near Washington D.C. If you are staying in the heart of the downtown area, your best bet is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
This is the closest airport to downtown, easily accessible from several hotels. The airport has often been recognized as one of the most convenient in the United States.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is by far the busiest in the D.C. metro area compared to Ronald Reagan National Airport. This is a good airport if you fly internationally, as it services 57 nonstop flights to countries such as Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, plus another 87 nonstop routes throughout the United States.
A quick forty-minute Uber ride to the heart of downtown will cost you around $60. But if you are staying in one of the surrounding suburbs or cities near D.C., this would be the perfect choice.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is the least chosen of the three airports. However, it is less busy than the other two airports listed above, making it the top choice for some travelers to D.C.
If you are staying downtown, your best bet is to take the Amtrak train to Union Station in D.C.; this will cost you a mere $17 and take about thirty minutes. (Do not eat on public transit in Washington, D.C.; you will be fined.) Check out these other amazing day trips by train from DC.
Otherwise, you are looking at a forty-minute Uber ride without traffic. The trek to the city makes this the least chosen of the three airports, but cheaper flights and fewer crowds could save a bit of money in the long run if you don’t mind public transportation or a drive through the city. Check out these airports near Washington, D.C., for convenience and easy travel.
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3. Avoid Wasting Time Standing in Lines
This is a topic you will definitely want to avoid, especially during the summer or winter months when the temperatures are very hot or cold.
Spending two hours in line to see one of the many memorials does not sound like the vacation I want. Instead of choosing one of the more popular monuments, check out a few less popular options. These are almost guaranteed to have fewer crowds and shorter wait times.
Save the trip to the Washington Memorial or the White House. Many other options are just as impactful as the popular choices. Check out the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, or the Martin Luther King Jr. Monument.
These memorials have significant value, are much less crowded, and do not have the usual line times at the Washington Memorial or White House. Check out this tour to avoid lines and visit some of Washington, D.C.’s most famous memorials.
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4. Choose The Right Restaurants in Food Tours
This is an important section of the article, especially if you’re a foodie like me! Without scouting local, hidden gems, your taste buds will be subjected to the normalcy of big chain restaurants…boring!
Don’t let your palate suffer from a lack of variety on vacation. Avoid the high-trafficked, big chain restaurants, as they have thousands of customers weekly.
They do not prioritize a high-quality meal or pleasing your refined taste. Washington, D.C., is home to quite a few different local food spots, each unique and charming.
Busboys and Poets:
This quaint establishment is described as a community gathering place. Andy Shallal, an artist, activist, and restauranteur, wanted to open a restaurant that was open and accessible to all people.
This is a safe place to eat good food where artists, activists, writers, thinkers, and dreamers can all come together in a single space. The food and atmosphere must be good, as Shallal has opened seven spots in the D.C. metro area.
After eating at Busboys and Poets, head down to the pier in Washington, D.C., to experience more of the city’s offerings and take in the scenic views that overlook the beautiful marina.
Little Red Fox:
Need a nice breakfast plate before heading off on your adventure in D.C.? Look no further. Depending on where you are in D.C., if you are anywhere near the Little Red Fox, according to the locals, you must go. Serving seasonal dishes year-round, this establishment offers a constantly rotating menu.
With rustic decor and a friendly atmosphere, it feels like you’re having lunch at an acquaintance’s house. This is one of the locals’ favorites for many reasons. Little Red Fox values serving its community, which it actively participates in.
Duccini’s:
Do you want a midnight snack after a night on the town? Located conveniently between U Street and Adam Morgans, this pizza spot will never leave your belly unsatisfied. If you’re familiar with D.C., you know I’m talking about the jumbo slice!
With many jumbo pizza slice places popping up in the Adam Morgans area, there is no shortage of massive pizza slices twice the size of your head. But Duccini’s is the standout, go-to option for locals and visitors.
Their jumbo slice is truly jumbo, with massive amounts of cheese, sauce, and whatever toppings you prefer. The atmosphere, the ingredients, and the sheer size of the slice will leave your taste buds and soul truly satisfied.
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5. Find the Perfect Hotel for You
Finding the right hotel can be tricky when looking for places to stay in D.C. But don’t let this deter you from finding the perfect choice. There are loads of beautiful vintage hotels in the surrounding downtown area. If you do some research, you could stay in a gorgeous hotel for a minimal price. But beware, not all hotels will be up to par as some.
The hardest part is going to be the location. You can find minimally priced options close to downtown if you don’t need every amenity under the sun and a “fancy” stay with five-star room service.
But fancy five-star hotels can be a bit of a hassle when trying to book the perfect stay. They are almost always advertised as “fifteen minutes” from downtown, but this is often untrue.
Some “fancy” hotels are located in the suburbs outside of D.C. and require a trek to get back downtown, most of the time taking much longer than fifteen minutes with traffic. Always research before booking a hotel room. You want to make sure the rooms are as advertised.
One picture could look very enticing, but once you get there, it could completely differ from what was pictured. Make sure to read reviews of people who have actually stayed at the hotel before.
This will be a true testament to what your hotel stay will be like. If most reviews are negative, you will likely want to listen to those reviews and avoid that hotel option. Book your stay and save money now.
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6. Make Your Reservations in Advance
In today’s world, reservations are everything. Whether it is for food, tours, hotels, or whatever the situation, make sure to plan and make reservations.
If you are looking to get into the White House for an actual tour, you will be sorely disappointed if you try and pop in for a quick tour. For a successful tour of the White House, you must submit a request to a member of Congress no less than 21 days before your proposed tour.
Other tours might not require as long a process to make a reservation, but that doesn’t mean planning isn’t important! Most tours in D.C. do require some sort of time slot reservation.
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7. Find Ways to Save Money
If you are looking to save as much as possible, make sure to take advantage of the free museums and monuments in D.C. This will save you tons of money in the long run. Besides money for food, transportation, and hotel accommodations, Washington D.C. can actually be done for quite cheap.
All Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo, are free. Many other art museums and galleries are also free. These options include the National Gallery, the Hirshhorn, the Freer Gallery, and the Sackler Gallery.
Along with many of the parks and luscious green lawn areas surrounding the metro area, D.C. has plenty of free options to enjoy the scenery and maybe a picnic on one of the sprawling lawns. Bring a lot of water if you plan to walk; the city is quite spread out!
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8. Avoid Overplanning
Washington, D.C., is known to be quite hot and sticky in the summer, so make sure you plan accordingly! You don’t want your vacation to be spent running frantically from one place to another, making sure you pack as much as you can in a single day. D.C. is a huge city, and there are so many options for things to do that trying to fit it all into one vacation is nearly impossible.
It is recommended to stick with less than five activities in a day. And that is quite a lot for some people. Especially if booking many tours, if you don’t get to a tour on time, most of them will leave anyway, and most of the time, they are non-refundable.
Always make sure to check the weather as well. D.C. has very mild spring and fall, but the summers are hot and humid, and the winters can be very wet. Plan your trip around the weather and whether or not you want to spend your vacation indoors or outside. If you don’t mind walking outside, spring and fall are the perfect times for you.
Fall is especially nice since most kids are back in school, so the tours are much less likely to be as crowded. But if you aren’t planning on walking and will use an Uber or public transportation to get from destination to destination, then both summer and winter trips could be viable options.
So don’t wait any longer and visit the nation’s capital city. There is so much to see and learn! If you can’t fit it all in on the first trip, you must return to enjoy the people, food, culture, and history. Follow these tips to ensure you don’t make any mistakes booking your adventure through Washington, D.C.
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Final Thoughts
The Washington, DC, area is a prime destination for travelers. You can explore the history of this iconic city, and there are many other things to do while visiting, such as attending sporting events or concerts at the Verizon Center (formerly known as MCI Center).
It’s also worth mentioning that some amazing restaurants are located along 7th Street NW, just a short walk from Chinatown on H Street NE. While there are many options for food around DC, check out our favorite restaurants in Chinatown, which have unique dishes like Peking duck pancakes!
FAQs
What is the best way to tour Washington, D.C.?
Depending on what interests you, there are many different ways to tour Washington, D.C.. If you want to see all the major sights, a bus or walking tour is a good option. If you’re interested in history, the Smithsonian museums are a must-see. And if you want to enjoy the city’s restaurants and nightlife, the downtown area is the place to be as opposed to suburban areas such as old town Alexandria, Virginia.
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