Washington, DC is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this article, we will outline some of the best sightseeing spots in Washington, D.C. Whether you’re looking for a guided tour or just want to explore on your own, we have you covered. So put on your walking shoes and get ready for some fun!
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Urban Adventures in Washington, D.C.
For people who wish to truly connect with a destination, Urban Adventures is a new type of travel experience. They believe in delivering one-of-a-kind tours that are both enjoyable for their customers and beneficial to the communities in which they operate.
Their tour packages in Washington, D.C. recreate the monuments overview tour with their all-electric eCruisers. These small group vehicle trips, with no more than 7 passengers, are significantly more connected, intimate, and comfortable than the conventional monuments tour.
In addition, guests can receive more attention from their experienced guides who can provide them with travel tips and recommendations. They also provide personalized tours of DC neighborhoods, as well as food and drink.
2. DC Military Tours
If you want to learn more about the military history of Washington, DC, then this is the tour for you. DC Military Tours provides tours led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about sharing the stories of those who have served.
You’ll get an inside look at some of the most famous landmarks in the city, including the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Iwo Jima Memorial. You’ll also learn about the city’s role in the American Revolution, the Civil War, and more.
This tour is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the rich history of our nation’s capital.
3. Ghost City Tours
For those who are looking for a spooky good time, Ghost City Tours is a perfect choice. There are companies all over the city that offer haunted ghost tours of Washington, D.C. that are sure to send chills down your spine.
The city’s nightly walking ghost tour is a macabre trip for grownups that delves further into the city’s dark history—it’s also the only tour of its kind. They highlight haunted locales in Washington, D.C. to share the interesting stories of our country’s leaders and the hauntings they produced.
You’ll explore some of the most haunted places in the city, including graveyards, asylums, and abandoned buildings. If you’re brave enough, then this is the perfect tour for you.
4. Embark DC Boat Tours
Embark DC offers a variety of boat tours that allow you to see Washington, D.C. from a different perspective.
Their most popular tour is the monuments cruise, which takes guests past some of the city’s most famous landmarks. They also offer a twilight cruise, which provides beautiful views of the city as the sunsets.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, then be sure to check out their Halloween cruise! This tour takes place on the Potomac River and features spooky stories and decorations.
5. National Archives Museum
The National Archives Museum is a must-see for anyone who loves history. This museum houses some of the most important documents in American history, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
You can also see the original copy of the Bill of Rights, as well as artifacts from famous moments in American history. The National Archives Museum is a great place to learn more about the history of our country.
6. Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial is a beautiful tribute to one of America’s greatest presidents. This memorial features a bronze statue of President Eisenhower—the 34th US President and Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II—as well as a reflecting pool and granite walls engraved with some of his famous quotes.
This one-of-a-kind memorial and urban park, designed by world-renowned architect Frank O. Gehry, is located near the U.S. Mexico border. S.W. corner of the Capitol and Independence Avenue
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial is a great way to learn more about the life and legacy of this important figure in American history.
7. Fredericksburg Regional Tourism Partnership
The Fredericksburg region, about 50 miles south of Washington, DC, offers a timeless experience rich in history, art, and adventure. Visitors can visit the Mary Washington House, George Washington’s mother’s home, his sister’s home, Kenmore, and his brother’s home, the Rising Sun Tavern.
The 40-block National Historic District is home to over 30 galleries and studios, as well as dozens of boutique shops, antique shops, and small eateries, all waiting for you to discover.
8. Woodrow Wilson House
The Woodrow Wilson House is a great way to learn more about this important figure in American history. This museum is dedicated to the life and presidency of Woodrow Wilson, who was born in Staunton, Virginia, and served as President from 1913 to 1921.
You can learn about his life and career, as well as see artifacts from his time in office. You’ll see actual White House artifacts and extravagant state gifts. From silent films to flapper outfits and zinc sinks, this Embassy Row house is a living textbook of modern American life in the 1920s.
9. DEA Museum
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum is a unique and fascinating museum that tells the story of America’s war on drugs. This museum covers everything from the history of drug use to current methods of drug enforcement.
You can also see exhibits on famous drug busts and learn about the tools and techniques used by law enforcement to fight drugs.
10. President Lincoln’s Cottage
For every history nerd, a visit to President Lincoln’s Cottage is a must. This historic site was the summer home of President Abraham Lincoln from 1862-1864.
You can learn about his life and presidency, as well as see artifacts from his time in office. Needless to say, President Lincoln’s Cottage is a great way to learn more about this important figure in American history.
11. Whiskey Rebellion Trail
The Whiskey Rebellion Trail is a great way to learn about the history of whiskey in America. This trail covers over 200 miles of Pennsylvania, from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.
You can look into the history of whiskey production in the United States and visit some of the country’s oldest distilleries.
12. Montgomery
With more than 10,000 hotel rooms, 400,000 square feet of convention space, 1,500 ethnically varied restaurants, world-class shopping, performing arts theaters, and historic landmarks make up DC’s northwest neighbor.
Montgomery is a great way to learn everything you need to know about Alabama’s capital city. This organization offers tours, events, and educational programs that teach visitors about the city’s past.
In Montgomery, you can know about the civil rights struggle and visit some of the significant sites associated with this pivotal period in American history.
13. City Cruises
City Cruises offers a variety of sightseeing cruises in Washington, DC. You can choose from a variety of different itineraries, including a tour of the city’s monuments and memorials, a cruise down the Potomac River, or a tour of the city’s skyline.
City Cruises is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
14. Mexican Cultural Institute
Washington, D.C.’s Mexican Cultural Institute is dedicated to improving the relationship between Mexico and the United States by introducing the local community to Mexico’s colorful cultural past and present. This institute offers a variety of programs and events that teach visitors about Mexican culture.
Since its inception in 1990, the institution has been a thriving artistic hub in the heart of Washington, delivering a varied range of continuous cultural programming.
The Institute has collaborated on cultural programs with several institutions in the nation’s capital during the last three decades, including the Smithsonian Institution, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Gallery of Art, and the Library of Congress, to name a few.
15. Blue Fern Travel
Blue Fern Travel is a great way to see the world. This organization offers a variety of travel programs that allow you to experience different cultures. They will also prepare a multi-course lunch honoring the history of the District’s distinct neighborhoods.
Guests always leave with a full stomach and a wealth of information about the significance of DC and its citizens in molding our country’s history and culture. You’ll receive a fantastic guidebook with local discounts, restaurant recommendations, and fascinating things to see and do—this is ideal for both locals and visitors.
Not only that, but you’ll be assisting individuals in need throughout the District. BFT is the District’s only one-for-one food tour. This means that a portion of every ticket goes to Bread for the City, one of our partners, to feed residents in need for a day.
16. City Segway Tours of Washington, DC
Imagine gliding past gorgeous parks and around historic buildings while receiving an excellent orientation, historical and current-day information, a plethora of unique and entertaining anecdotes, terrific photo opportunities, and excellent personal service from your guide. City Segway Tours was the first firm in the world to offer tours on this revolutionary personal transporter!
Because their two and three-hour excursions are limited in size, you can expect a fantastic, personalized experience with a qualified DC tour guide. Discover what it’s like to be a celebrity in Washington, DC as everyone, and we mean everyone, turns to watch you pass by.
17. Alexandria the Great Tours
They provide a range of tours that will give everyone a one-of-a-kind Old Town experience. They provide segway, food/drink, and walking excursions to allow you to explore Old Town Alexandria and become acquainted with the area.
Their tour guides are well-versed in both the past and present of Old Town. They can provide you with restaurant ideas and inform you about the town’s history.
18. City Brew Tours DC
Discover Washington, DC’s rich history in a whole new light. Spend the day sampling your way through the district with DC Brew Tours as we visit craft breweries, artisan brews, and wonderful food.
DC Brew Tours is the only beer tour company in the Capital region that delivers daily all-inclusive behind-the-scenes beer tasting and tour experiences to brewers, brewpubs, and bars. Each tour includes a taste of 15+ local beers, a beer-focused supper, VIP access to numerous breweries, and round-trip transportation from Washington, DC.
19. Mangia DC Food Tours
Treat your taste buds to some of DC’s best Italian cuisine. Come on an Italian Food Tour with us! We’ll walk through DC’s historic Dupont Circle, learning about the area’s former “Little Italy” Italian population and discovering some of the neighborhood’s hidden gastronomic jewels.
This is a delightful and tasty experience whether you’re a local foodie or in town for a vacation and seeking a fresh new way to experience the city.
20. Big Bus Tours Washington DC
The open-top bus takes you to some of the city’s most famous sights and gives you unrestricted hop-on, hop-off access for one or two days.
The hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Washington, DC gives you the freedom to organize your day your way. You may either stay on board for the full journey and let them take you on a gorgeous ride, or you can get off at the locations you wish to explore more.
As they say, once you’ve seen it, done it, and taken a selfie with it, all you have to do now is wait in the next bus to resume the tour.
Washington, D.C. is an extraordinary city with plenty of history and culture to offer tourists. Whether you are looking for world-renowned museums or memorials, stunning architecture, or natural beauty, there is something for everyone in our nation’s capital.
We hope that this list will help you plan your next visit to Washington, D.C., and we look forward to welcoming you soon!
