Washington DC Tours
May 19th, 2006 | 06:23 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 85
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Washington DC Tours
Good morning all. I am headed to DC in early July with my wife and daughters (11 and 8). We're interested in taking a bus or trolley tour to see the sights, preferably one with on/off privileges so we can pick and choose the attractions to spend time at. It looks like there are several available, so can anyone provide a recommendation? We're interested in seeing the monuments, White House, Capitol (an outside view is fine). During our trip, we'd like to spend some time at the Spy Museum and Fords Theatre as well. Thanks in advance for your recommendations!
May 19th, 2006 | 06:53 AM
#2
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 80
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There is a website, grayline.com, that offers many area tours (AAA members get discounts). I did the Mt.Vernon (Washington's home) tour and the Arlington tour. Also, you will need to email your senator/congress person to get on a list for the White House.
DC has a great metro system for getting around as well-very easy to learn. Have fun!
DC has a great metro system for getting around as well-very easy to learn. Have fun!
May 19th, 2006 | 07:05 AM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,050
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At that hot and busy time of year, you might find that a trolley is not your best choice. The waiting time and crowds can be significant, and sometimes there isn't room on the trolley for a group of 4. Many people have concluded that the trolley is a good choice if you want a tour, but not good as a basic transportation strategy.
Get a map of DC that shows the main attractions and the Metro stops, preferably with the Metro colored line superimposed on the map to make strategic planning easier.
You might even consider taking taxis -- the DC taxi system operates on a zone system, rather than the more common time-and-distance system. You might find that for a group of 4, taking a taxi between general areas is faster, cheaper, and more comfortable.
Get a map of DC that shows the main attractions and the Metro stops, preferably with the Metro colored line superimposed on the map to make strategic planning easier.
You might even consider taking taxis -- the DC taxi system operates on a zone system, rather than the more common time-and-distance system. You might find that for a group of 4, taking a taxi between general areas is faster, cheaper, and more comfortable.
May 19th, 2006 | 07:59 AM
#4
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
We went to DC in March. Try to book a capital tour and a white house tour now. Getting in the capital is easy, the white house can be more difficult. We did get into both, though. The white house tour is very short compared to the tour I took when I was a kid. You will be in and out in less than a half hour, but it was still worth it.
We really loved the Monuments by Moonlight Tour. It is a night time, narrated trolley tour which stops at all of the monuments. You can get off the trolley for about ten to twenty minutes to walk around and take pictures. The monuments are so beautfil lit up at night.
The girls would probably love the Museum of American history, where you can see everything from flight wreckage from 911 to the first ladies dresses and the Betsy Ross flag being restored. I think that was my kids favorite. The Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum were also very popular.
The BEST advise I can give is to take the metro everywhere! We didn't do this when we went to DC two years ago, but we did use it this time. It was fantastic! Very clean and safe - You can get across town in a matter of minutes, saving lots of time and money on cabs. Buy a pre-paid pass for everyone. You can get it for any dollar amount you want. We bought a $10.00 pass for everyone. You can always buy another one if needed. Each trip costs about $1.35 depending on where you are going. Even though it seems confusing at first, it is actually very, very simple. I would suggest going straight to the information booth at the station the first time and have someone show you how to buy the pass at the machine. The only negative is that it does not go to Georgetown.
Let me know if you have any other questions. We also went to Annapolis and Williamsburg if you need information on these areas.
We really loved the Monuments by Moonlight Tour. It is a night time, narrated trolley tour which stops at all of the monuments. You can get off the trolley for about ten to twenty minutes to walk around and take pictures. The monuments are so beautfil lit up at night.
The girls would probably love the Museum of American history, where you can see everything from flight wreckage from 911 to the first ladies dresses and the Betsy Ross flag being restored. I think that was my kids favorite. The Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum were also very popular.
The BEST advise I can give is to take the metro everywhere! We didn't do this when we went to DC two years ago, but we did use it this time. It was fantastic! Very clean and safe - You can get across town in a matter of minutes, saving lots of time and money on cabs. Buy a pre-paid pass for everyone. You can get it for any dollar amount you want. We bought a $10.00 pass for everyone. You can always buy another one if needed. Each trip costs about $1.35 depending on where you are going. Even though it seems confusing at first, it is actually very, very simple. I would suggest going straight to the information booth at the station the first time and have someone show you how to buy the pass at the machine. The only negative is that it does not go to Georgetown.
Let me know if you have any other questions. We also went to Annapolis and Williamsburg if you need information on these areas.
May 19th, 2006 | 08:10 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Have used the Tourmobile service a number of times to get to all the monuments, museums & bldgs, plus Arlington cemetary. & it was very good for that. But I do also have to echo the previous poster's warning. Once when waiting for the tourmobile at the Jefferson Memorial I was in line for the next tourmobile, & the next one, & the next one, & about 6 more, they were all full or nearly full each time they got to the memorial, & only 4 or 5 people got off, so not many people could then get on. After atleast 1 1/2 hrs of standing in the DC July heat & sun at the Jefferson, I had a good sunburn. If I would have gotten out of line to find some shade, I would have lost my place in line & would have had to start over again.
Most of the stops are not like that, but you may sometimes have to wait for the next one. Another tip, on a busy crowded day, if you need to take the tourmobile an unwalkable distance at the end of the day, do not wait for the very last mobile. Many, many people wait for the last one & then don't get on. Try the second to last, or time your last visit so it can be close to a destination that you can walk to.
Most of the stops are not like that, but you may sometimes have to wait for the next one. Another tip, on a busy crowded day, if you need to take the tourmobile an unwalkable distance at the end of the day, do not wait for the very last mobile. Many, many people wait for the last one & then don't get on. Try the second to last, or time your last visit so it can be close to a destination that you can walk to.
May 19th, 2006 | 09:15 AM
#6
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
I agree the Tourmobile is for the disenfranchised. See tourists melt in the heat. Poor tourists.
There is a new Circulator bus for tourists (and locals).
http://www.dccirculator.com/home_page/
Put the map in your pocket and hop on if you see one coming but don't wait too long.
Save your legs and use Metro unless you are only going a few blocks. Distances are longer than they may appear. Blame L'Enfant.
There is a new Circulator bus for tourists (and locals).
http://www.dccirculator.com/home_page/
Put the map in your pocket and hop on if you see one coming but don't wait too long.
Save your legs and use Metro unless you are only going a few blocks. Distances are longer than they may appear. Blame L'Enfant.
May 20th, 2006 | 11:50 AM
#7
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,337
Likes: 2
Dear dfr:
I hate the Tourmobile. A big waste of our time & $$$. I planned to use it for the monuments. This was in March, so it was still off season, but they ran the busses less frequently and were very late at each of the stops. We ended up walking from the Jefferson Mem, to FDR mem, to Lincoln Mem.etc. We never made it to the WWII mem. My daughter was 11 at the time, so she was way pooped out. The only time the Tourmobile is worth it is at Arlington. Take the Metro to Arlington, then use the Tourmobile at the cemetary. We took a Grayline tour out to Mt.Vernon. Very nice and would have liked more time there. We used the Metro almost exclusively.
My daughter really enjoyed the Natural History museum, particularly the Gems/Jewels & Mammals dioramas. She also liked Arlington Cemetary, changing of the guard, and Arlington House; the Archives, Ford's Theater, seeing the White House, and the Capitol tour. She was lukewarm on the Air & Space, but DH & I thought it was great.
Have fun, get a good guide book & map.
MY
I hate the Tourmobile. A big waste of our time & $$$. I planned to use it for the monuments. This was in March, so it was still off season, but they ran the busses less frequently and were very late at each of the stops. We ended up walking from the Jefferson Mem, to FDR mem, to Lincoln Mem.etc. We never made it to the WWII mem. My daughter was 11 at the time, so she was way pooped out. The only time the Tourmobile is worth it is at Arlington. Take the Metro to Arlington, then use the Tourmobile at the cemetary. We took a Grayline tour out to Mt.Vernon. Very nice and would have liked more time there. We used the Metro almost exclusively.
My daughter really enjoyed the Natural History museum, particularly the Gems/Jewels & Mammals dioramas. She also liked Arlington Cemetary, changing of the guard, and Arlington House; the Archives, Ford's Theater, seeing the White House, and the Capitol tour. She was lukewarm on the Air & Space, but DH & I thought it was great.
Have fun, get a good guide book & map.
MY
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May 20th, 2006 | 08:31 PM
#8
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,215
Likes: 0
Definitely try to book your White House tour through your congressperson now. My family also really enjoyed our Capitol tour through our Senator's office.
The American History Museum was a big highlight for our family. We did not book the tourmobile but found using the metro very easy and a great way to cool off as even the stations are air-conditioned. I might consider a Monuments at Night tour.
If you're interested in taking the elevators to the top of the Washington Monument, it is good to book those tickets in advance as well.
Have a great trip!
The American History Museum was a big highlight for our family. We did not book the tourmobile but found using the metro very easy and a great way to cool off as even the stations are air-conditioned. I might consider a Monuments at Night tour.
If you're interested in taking the elevators to the top of the Washington Monument, it is good to book those tickets in advance as well.
Have a great trip!
May 21st, 2006 | 12:41 AM
#9
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
July will be hot and sticky, make sure to bring light weight clothing. Sometimes with little ones it is a good thing to walk and get some of their energy released. Just bring the *most* comfortable walking shoes you can find.
There will be security at every venue. Be prepared to go through metal detectors and to have your belongings available for search. I took one over the shoulder bag that fit everything I needed and it worked out great.
As everyone else has said, the metro system is the best -- and it's air conditioned! I went to the Rand McNalley website and ordered maps ahead of time. The one thing I had a little trouble with is that each line is listed by its farthest station and until I figured that out I was turned around a lot. Everyone there is happy to help you navigate.
Some of my favorite places are the monuments, the Mall, Smithsonian, The Spy Museum (what a blast!), the Holocaust Museum (may be a bit heavy for your girls, but a true life changing experience), and the Capital and White House tours. On the latter, it can take weeks to get cleared, so start now. And when you're in the White House, take your time. I thought I was supposed to be with a "group" at my designated time, when really it is a self-guided tour. Also, when they say don't bring anything with you, they mean don't bring *anything* with you. There is no place to store a purse, so be prepared.
Peggy01 was smart to mention Annapolis and Williamsburg. Both are beautiful, not too far away, and would make great day trips. Mount Vernon and Monticello are both really fun for kids. There are also tours of battleground sites which are very educational and interesting. Check out what's happening at the Kennedy Center and other venues. You hotel can also be extremely helpful with suggestions.
Here are some webpages that helped me plan my trip...
http://www.historictours.com/washington/
http://www.washingtondc.com/attractions/
http://www.thedistrict.com/tours.html
http://www.washington.org/
http://godc.about.com/od/dctoursitin...amilytours.htm
http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm
(an interactive web map of the metro system)
Have fun in our Capital!
There will be security at every venue. Be prepared to go through metal detectors and to have your belongings available for search. I took one over the shoulder bag that fit everything I needed and it worked out great.
As everyone else has said, the metro system is the best -- and it's air conditioned! I went to the Rand McNalley website and ordered maps ahead of time. The one thing I had a little trouble with is that each line is listed by its farthest station and until I figured that out I was turned around a lot. Everyone there is happy to help you navigate.
Some of my favorite places are the monuments, the Mall, Smithsonian, The Spy Museum (what a blast!), the Holocaust Museum (may be a bit heavy for your girls, but a true life changing experience), and the Capital and White House tours. On the latter, it can take weeks to get cleared, so start now. And when you're in the White House, take your time. I thought I was supposed to be with a "group" at my designated time, when really it is a self-guided tour. Also, when they say don't bring anything with you, they mean don't bring *anything* with you. There is no place to store a purse, so be prepared.
Peggy01 was smart to mention Annapolis and Williamsburg. Both are beautiful, not too far away, and would make great day trips. Mount Vernon and Monticello are both really fun for kids. There are also tours of battleground sites which are very educational and interesting. Check out what's happening at the Kennedy Center and other venues. You hotel can also be extremely helpful with suggestions.
Here are some webpages that helped me plan my trip...
http://www.historictours.com/washington/
http://www.washingtondc.com/attractions/
http://www.thedistrict.com/tours.html
http://www.washington.org/
http://godc.about.com/od/dctoursitin...amilytours.htm
http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm
(an interactive web map of the metro system)
Have fun in our Capital!
May 22nd, 2006 | 10:32 AM
#10
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Thank you everyone! This is not my first trip to DC, so I am very familiar with the Metro. It sounds like my best bet is to skip the tourmobiles and take it on foot, using the Metro for the longer distances.
I already tried to initiate the White House tour with my congressman, but the best he could do was put me on the waiting list, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks again all!
I already tried to initiate the White House tour with my congressman, but the best he could do was put me on the waiting list, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks again all!
