The sun is shining in D.C., daylight savings is right around the corner, and everyone is in a good mood. Spring is just about here. That means it’s time to turn off the space heater, throw off the heavy blankets, and get outside. We’ve already discussed a number of fun sightseeing activities in D.C., although some people might feel overwhelmed at the thought of approaching it all on their own. If you’re only in Washington, D.C. for a few days, how can you possibly get everything in? Well, you can’t. Don’t even try or someone’s bound to end up in tears, threatening to go home early. So don’t do it – it’s not worth it. One option you may want to consider is letting a tour company do the heavy lifting for you. There are several reputable tour companies in the District that offer a variety of fun tours.
Old Town Trolley Tours has almost become an icon in D.C. You can’t walk down the mall without seeing at least one of their trams narrating the highlights of D.C. What makes Old Town Trolley a great option is their “hop on, hop off” policy, where you can purchase a full day ticket (or even up to 3 days) and get on and off the trolley as much as you would like to. There are 3 routes that stop at major Washington, D.C. sites such as monuments, museums, and other historical landmarks. Hop off the trolley at whatever piques your interest, spend as long as you like there, then just head back to the trolley stop and wait up to 10 minutes for the next trolley to pick you up. Tours begin daily at 9:00am and end at 5:30pm. The one-day ticket price runs at about $35 for an adult, though you can get discounts by purchasing tickets online!
For you night owls out there, there are evening bus tours as well, with a similar “hop on, hop off policy.” D.C. Tours offers a double-decker bus tour of D.C. (as well as during the day). Evening tours will allow you to view all the monuments lit up, making for some great pictures. Evening tours last for one hour and depart from Union Station.
Bus tours are a great option for those with limited time in the city, wanting to pack as much in as possible. They are also a good option for those who cannot walk long distances. If you’re feeling adventurous, however, another fun way to cover some ground is by segway. Segs in the City offers a variety of tours featuring the monuments, city highlights, food, and more. Tours run both at night and during the day. A two-hour tour will put back about $70 per person and tours depart from different locations throughout the District. Another option is Capital Segway, where you can take a “Masonic Tour,” featuring several sites mentioned in Dan Brown’s Lost Symbol. Capital Segway also has tours of the traditional sites as well. The cost of a two-hour tour starts at $65 and goes up depending on the day and time you choose to tour.
Another way to tour the nation's capital is by a WWII amphibious vehicle, otherwise known as D.C. Ducks. The Duck Tour is great for families with kids, though be forewarned that everyone is provided with a duck quaker, which could drive you crazy by the end of the day. If you can put up with that, then this tour is otherwise a blast. D.C. Ducks departs from Union Station and drives you around to some traditional sites, before plunging into the Potomac River for a boat tour! Along the way, you will learn some interesting facts and stories about our nation’s history.
Before you commit to touring with one of these companies, first check out Living Social or Groupon because they frequently promote specials that you could take advantage of. There’s no point in paying full price when you don’t have to!
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