In planning your itinerary, consider these add-ons!
10 Great Sites to Consider in Washington, DC
by Lance Harvey
Washington, DC, is hands down one of the world's greatest tourist destinations, largely because of the enormous selection of free museums, memorials, and other national landmarks. Most itineraries include the Smithsonian museums, Capital Hill, Arlington Cemetery, and many other monuments. Below are some of the most popular free add-ons our experienced tour directors book for their groups and a list of great reference websites' top picks for touring DC.
1. Arlington Cemetery Wreath Laying—This remains one of the most special events any group can participate in, and it requires an approximate one-year advance booking through Arlington National Cemetery.
2. White House Tour - Tour the home of every President since John Adams. This highly prized tour is only available by special appointment through your member of Congress.
3. Capitol Tour—One of the most popular tours in DC, stroll through the Rotunda, Statutory Hall, and the Old Supreme Court Chamber. This tour requires a special appointment through the Capitol Visitors website or through your member of Congress.
4. Pentagon Tour & Memorial—This tour has become extremely popular with student tour groups. Guides walk backward down the vast hallways of the world’s most secretive building. It requires a special advance booking.
5. Monuments by Night—The only thing better than a tour of the monuments is a tour of the monuments at night. Be sure to include the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, MLK, Jr., and possibly the Kennedy Center and the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial.
6. Washington Monument top - A ride to the top of the 555-foot monument- the tallest stone obelisk in the world will provide your students with a historical lesson on the father of our country and breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Trips to the top require a special booking.
7. MLK, Jr. Memorial—This monument, dedicated in 2011 to the civil rights icon, offers an incredible venue for students to reflect on our nation’s past, present, and future.
8. Bureau of Printing and Engraving—Students will love seeing money being printed and having the opportunity to buy sheets of uncut bills and shredded money in their unique gift shop.
9. National Archives—Some say a DC tour is incomplete without seeing John Hancock’s signature on the Declaration of Independence. The Archives also offers some amazing historical exhibits.
10. Sunset Parade at Iwo Jima—During the spring and summer, take your students to the Iwo Jima Memorial for an amazing United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps performance and a precision drill by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Tuesday nights from the end of May to mid-August.
For more great itinerary ideas, check out these reference websites.
US News 31 Best Things to Do in DC
