This is THE best way to see Washington, DC in two days!
From the comfort of DC Trails climate-controlled buses, sit back and enjoy live narrated stories and anecdotes from our seasoned and passionate guides. Get off the bus at any of their 20 stops to explore DC’s important monuments & memorials, neighborhoods, museums, and attractions.
Explore the fascinating home, and home town, of George Washington at Mount Vernon. Watch actors in historical dress make history come alive in this living museum of the life and times of the Father of Our Country.
You’ll tour Washington’s famed mansion, visit working plantation outbuildings where re-enactors keep Colonial ways alive, stroll through Martha Washington’s beautiful gardens, and discover one of the best gift shops in the capital region, full of unique treasures, toys, cookbooks, history books and Virginia wines.
**Customers Must call 202 339-0933 in order to make reservations for the Mount Vernon Tour. The tour has two departure times. 10:00 am & 12:00 pm. Both depart from 478 L’Enfant Plaza**
Why Choose This Tour?
- Get off the bus at any of our 20 stops to explore DC’s important monuments & memorials, neighborhoods, museums and attractions.
- DC Trails is ADA Compliant, and all of their buses are ADA wheelchair acessible.
- Explore DC at your own pace.
- Simply hop and hop off when you want around Washington, DC.
- Price includes all admission fees to enter the grounds of Mount Vernon.
L’Enfant Plaza
No one knows this city like the DC trails staff, so hop on the bus, meet your guide and get comfortable. The live narration begins as you start your adventure of experiencing all the highlights of DC. (Address: 478 L’Enfant Plaza SW Washington, DC 20024)
Capitol Hill
A powerful way to start the tour, our bus stops at the Peace Monument and Capitol Hill Building. Admire the beauty of the Capitol Dome mirrored in the Reflecting Pool; and maybe even catch some locals reflecting on the start to their day.
From this stop, you can also access the Library of Congress, the largest library in the US as well as the United States Supreme Court Building. (Address: 1st and Pennsylvania Ave.)
Botanical Gardens and Garfield Memorial Explanation
After a visit to the Garfield Memorial, commemorating 20th President James Garfield, be sure to spend some time in the living museum of the US Botanic Gardens. Created as part of President Washington’s vision to promote the importance of plants to humanity, the lush gardens offer not only aesthetic beauty, but also a reminder of the importance plants play in our ecosystem. (Address: 1st and Maryland Ave.)
National Air and Space Museum
Ground yourself as you take a visit through time, and space, at The National Air and Space Museum. Documenting the historical accomplishments of flight, the NASM is committed to the continual education and appreciation of planetary exploration. Tour the largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts as well as archival materials and works of art commemorating the importance of flight to humanity. (Address: 6th and Independence Ave.)
Washington Memorial, Bureau of Printing and Engraving
One of the most iconic structures in Washington, DC, this obelisk honors the first US American President, General George Washington. Come see if it’s true that the best view of Washington DC is from the top of the world’s tallest stone structure!
As they say, money makes the world go round and at The Bureau of Printing & Engraving you can see where all the US paper money is printed. In addition, this significant building is the largest printer of government security documents in the US.
Another important and significant stop is to the Holocaust Memorial and Museum. Dedicated to the study, documentation and interpretation of the history of the Holocaust, this memorial and museum serves to educate leaders and citizens of the world on the promotion of human dignity. (Address: 14th and Independence Ave.)
American History Museum
Along the north side of the National Mall, The National Museum of American History seeks to reflect the social, cultural and historical experience of American culture. Some highlights from touring this museum include the ruby slippers Dorothy wore in The Wizard of Oz, the original Star Spangled Banner Flag and other presidential relics and many more significant artifacts. (Address: Between 14th & 13th St. on Constitution Ave.)
Natural History Museum
It’s no mystery why the National Museum of Natural History is the most visited natural history museum in the world – and the most visited museum of any type in the US. Showcasing specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and human cultural artifacts, it also houses the largest group of scientists dedicated to the study of natural and cultural history in the world. (Address: 10th and Constitution Ave.)
Newseum
A truly interactive experience, the Newseum boasts 15 theaters and galleries, a history of media in the US from radio to the internet, and also offers onsite workshops and classes on media literacy. A visit here will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the five freedoms in our First Amendment: religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. (Address: 6th and Pennsylvania Ave.)
A truly interactive experience, the Newseum boasts 15 theaters and galleries, a history of media in the US from radio to the internet, and also offers onsite workshops and classes on media literacy. A visit here will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the five freedoms in our First Amendment: religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. (Address: 6th and Pennsylvania Ave.)
Chinatown and Verizon Center
An appreciation of cultural diversity awaits you at this stop along our loop. Enjoy a lively and festive walk through the Chinatown neighborhood with its Chinese and other asian-inspired restaurants and shops, as well as appreciate the traditional Chinese architecture of the the Friendship Arch.
The Verizon Center, a prominent landmark and entertainment destination in DC, is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility. The sports arena sees the likes of men’s and women’s national and collegiate sports teams as well as some of the most prolific musical entertainers. (Address: 7th and F St.)
Ford's Theater and The Grand Hyatt
Ford’s Theater, most prominently known as the site of President Lincoln’s assassination, celebrates a true leader in American History and his unfortunate demise. The historic theater today is a national historic site and includes a collection of items related to the tragic assassination of arguably one of the US’s most beloved Presidents. (Address: 10th and G St.)
Hotel Harrington and Madame Tussaud's
The famous “tourist hotel,” The Hotel Harrington, is a 5th generation family owned business conveniently situated close to many of DC’s monuments and museums. This hotel holds a significant place in the history of hotels as the oldest continuously operating hotel. (Address: 11th and E St.)
For another nod to significance and prominence in history, make a visit to Madame Tussaud’s wax museum. One of 12 museums of the same name, Madame Tussaud’s of DC features prominent and historical north American figures in a variety of themed rooms. Snap a photo with with the President – or at least their wax likeness.
The White House
Arguably the most well-known home in the US, the White House is the official home and office of the United States President and family as well as housing other executive offices. Though a formal tour must be scheduled well in advance, take the time – and a few photos! – and marvel at the classic architecture and well-landscaped lawns. (Address: 15th and F St.)
Jefferson Memorial
This is our first stop visiting the monuments and memorials dedicated to iconic figures in US history surrounding Tidal Basin, a man-made reservoir between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. The architecture reminiscent of Roman columns of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial pays homage to one of the most prominent Founding Fathers of the US. (Address: E Basin Drive)
FDR and MLK Memorials
Continuing along the shores of Tidal Basin, trace a 12-year historical era that makes up Franklin D Roosevelt’s presidency. Stroll through the 7.5 acre memorial grounds dedicated to America’s longest serving President.
The powerful and strong work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is memorialized within sight of the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where this important American figure delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. The MLK, Jr. memorial is one of the few in Washington that celebrates a non-presidential figure, but no less important to the country’s history. (Address: West Basin Drive)
Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial preserves the legacy of one of the US’ most beloved presidents. Not only is it one of the most visited tourist attractions in DC, it is holds significance as a symbolic center for social justice movements in the US. (Address: Daniel French Drive SW)
Arlington Cemetery and Tomb of The Unknown Soldier
The Arlington Cemetery pays tribute to fallen soldiers from US conflicts since the American Civil War among other gravesites honoring important figures in US history. In addition to honoring known soldiers, the elaborate changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is an impressive and highly disciplined ritual to behold. Also join in paying respects at the eternal flame at JFK’s gravesite. (Address: Arlington Cemetery)
Vietnam War Memorial
You’ll be touched, awed and moved by the 2-acre Vietnam Memorial. The powerful Vietnam Memorial Wall includes the names of over 58,000 soldiers and service men and women who fought in the war. On its eastern edge, the Constitution Gardens offers a quiet spot to reflect on this beautiful tribute. (Address: 21st and Constitution Ave.)
World War II War Memorial
The World War II Memorial pays respect to those in the armed services and also the citizens of the country’s historic war. Fifty-six granite pillars and two arches characterize the memorial, so too does the landscaping and water which make up two-thirds of the memorial. (Address: Between 18th & 17th on Constitution Ave.)
White House Visitor Center
In lieu of scheduling a formal tour of the White House, a stop at the White House Visitor Center allows you to take an interactive, touchscreen tour of the White House, view artifacts from the White House collection, and pick up some memorable souvenirs at the the White House Historical Association retail store. (Address: Between 15th & 14th on Pennsylvania Ave.)
National Archives
A truly inspirational way to glimpse US history: in writing. The National Archives Building holds the original copies of the three main formative documents of the United States and its government: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. (Address: 8th and Pennsylvania Ave.)
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