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 greatest tourist destinations in the world in large part because of the enormous selection of free museums, memorials and other national landmarks. Most itineraries include the Smithsonian museums, Capital Hill, Arlington Cemetery and the many monuments. Below are some of the most popular free add-ons our experienced tour directors book for their groups, as well as 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 requires an approximate 1-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 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 as guides walk backwards down the vast hallways of the world’s most secretive building. This 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 top of the 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 as well as breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The monument is currently closed for repairs but is This requires a special advance booking but is currently
7. MLK, Jr. Memorial - The newest Memorial in DC, dedicated in 2011 to the civil rights icon, the memorial 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 the opportunity to buy sheets of uncut bills and shredded money in their unique gift shop.
9.National Archives - Some say a tour of DC is not complete without seeing John Hancock’s signature on the Declaration of Independence. The Archives offers some amazing historical exhibits as well.
10. Sunset Parade at Iwo Jima - During the spring and summer, take your students evening to the Iwo Jima Memorial for an amazing performance by the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and precision drill by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Tuesday nights from end of May- mid August.
For more great itinerary ideas, checkout these reference websites.
Yelp’s Must See List of DC Tour
