Learn About History in Historic Washington DC
Go on a tour in Washington DC that brings history to life with an activity like the Gettysburg Tour. Learn about the town and the battle that took place at Gettysburg with one of the the largest dioramas in the United States. The battle will be shown with lights and sound effects, so you can get a realistic view of what happened in the battle of Gettysburg. Additionally, the tour takes you on a trip to Cemetary Ridge where President Lincoln gave the famous Gettysburg Address.
The Monticello – Thomas Jefferson Country Tour is another interesting historical tour you can experience on your vacation. Learn about how Thomas Jefferson shaped the history of America not only as a president but as an artist and an architect. Find out about the man who was talented and intelligent enough to lead a nation when it was still struggling to establish itself.
Experience history in a magical way with the Mount Vernon by Candlelight tour. Take a tour of the beautiful mansion George Washington lived in and learn about his life at the mansion. The tour highlights how he entertained with his wife at Christmas and other gatherings. Learn about an 18th century Christmas from costumed guides. Afterwards, dance a traditional Virginia Reel and enjoy hot cider and cookies. It’s an old world adventure in the 21st century.
Ring in the New Year All Over Again DC’s Chinese New Year Spectacular!
While Valentine’s Day may be the first celebration to come to mind when thinking of February 14, those that would prefer cultural exploration will find fifteen days of celebration throughout Washington DC under the banner of the Chinese New Year! On February 14, we will officially enter the Year of the Tiger and DC will kick off the occasion in lively form.
While the exact date has yet to be announced, the annual Chinese New Year Parade will undoubtedly be one of the top draws this year. The parade is set to be held in DC’s Chinatown along H Street between 6th and 8th Streets.
Other celebrations are set to include various events at the Lakeforest Mall on weekends throughout the 15-day celebration, as well as a coordinated effort from the Montgomery County Public Libraries to place focus on Chinese culture through hands-on activities, demonstrations and more!
Those interested in visiting Washington DC during the Chinese New Year can find a variety of lodging options throughout the DC area online.
Hop On & Hop Off In DC With A Tour!
Washington DC is so replete with history that it can be hard to experience it all. Tours are a wonderful place to start, but you only get to see what the tour covers. However, if you add a ‘hop on and hop off’ element to the tour, you can see the things you want to see and skip the ones you don’t. The ‘hop on and hop off’ feature allows you to spend extra time at the attractions that interest you and then rejoin the tour on the next bus! Check out a few of the tours available in DC.
Old Town Trolley Narrated Hop On/Hop Off Tour
This two-hour excursion weaves you through the history of Washington DC aboard a trolley as your knowledgeable guide recounts tales of this fascinating city. The tour has 17 stops where you can hop off and re-board at any time while the tour is running. The trolley takes you to all of the major attractions in the city, including including the US Capital, Air & Space Museum, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, museums at the Smithsonian Institute, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, and so many more!
DC Roundabout Hop On/Hop Off Tour
Enjoy all of the sights of Washington DC as you journey through the city aboard a bus. Your well-informed guide will recant stories designed to enlighten and entertain as you ride along between the stops. This two-hour loop visits places such as Old Town Alexandria, Union Station, Arlington National Cemetery, and Lincoln Memorial. Jump off for extra time at any of the stops and hop on the next bus when you’re ready to move on. It’s the perfect tour for a first-time visitor!
City Sightseeing Double Decker Hop On/Hop Off Pass
Enjoy a unique tour of the DC area with a double decker tour bus! The bus offers an excellent vantage point to see all of the visited sites. However, with the ‘hop on and hop off’ feature, you can jump off and explore the sites a little more and catch the next bus. The loop is approximately 2.5 hours if you choose not to explore on your own. Passes are available for one or two days and visit 25 sites, including Capital Hill, Smithsonian museums, Embassy Row, Watergate, Kennedy Center, and so many more!
Washington DC has so much history and excitement to offer visitors. Take a ‘hop on and hop off’ tour so you don’t miss any of it!
Have a Criminally Good Time in Washington, DC
As the United States’ capitol, Washington, DC has seen its fair share of crime, intrigue, and assassinations. This darker side of the city’s history is a fascinating addition to any vacation in DC that is both educational and fun. Check out the activities below for great vacation ideas that are appropriate for all ages:
National Museum of Crime & Punishment
This unique museum contains hundreds of items detailing the history of crime, punishment, and law enforcement in the United States. Find exhibits about pirates in the 1800s, Wild West outlaws, and present day trends. This museum also contains hands-on exhibits that will allow you to test your shooting skills or break into a safe. From the days of medieval torture to the time of high-tech computer hacking, this museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of crime.
Spy City Tour and International Spy Museum
Washington, DC has seen its days of high-stakes espionage and spies, from undercover agents in the FBI to presidential secrets hidden for decades. On the Spy City Tour and International Spy Museum, you can enjoy a guided look at DC’s spy history. The tour goes to 25 different sites that are famous for the espionage that took place there. In addition, this tour contains an interactive mission that involves you in the intrigue. After your tour is over, you can use your voucher for same-day admission to the International Spy Museum, which contains hundreds of items from the spy history of Washington and will take you back to the days of undercover spies, detectives, and national treason.
In addition to these activities, DC also has many places of interest that have seen their fair share of crime and intrigue. Whether you take a city tour to see these sites or see them on your own, visiting these places will complete your criminal vacation in Washington, DC. As the site of the United States’ most famous assassination, the Ford Theater is a must-see. Visitors can see where President Lincoln was sitting and where Lee Harvey Oswald stood before the tragic event. The Ford Theater still hosts live performances, so you can catch a show during your visit as well. To see the site of another famous presidential downfall, go by the Watergate office complex, home to the beginning of the end of President Nixon’s presidency.
DC Offers Visitors Luxury Accommodations
Washington DC is a beautiful city rich with history and culture. If you are planning on visiting our nation’s capital any time soon, you may want to consider one of the many luxury hotels to make your DC getaway even more special. If you are lucky enough to visit during the holiday season, these hotels will help make for a memorable trip!
This hotel, nestled in the heart of downtown DC, is the essence of luxury. Guests will love the Asian-influenced decor and the in-house art gallery. This hotel will keep your family close to attractions such as the Smithsonian Museum, the U.S. Capital, and the White House. Guests can take advantage of the 14,000 square foot health spa, state-of-the-art business center, and incredible views from the guest rooms. When staying in Washington DC, the Mandarin Oriental is the cream of the crop.
The Madison has hosted foreign and domestic leaders, including every President and First Lady since the Kennedy’s. If that isn’t enough to convince you of the lavishness of this hotel, consider the amazing accommodations and first class service that made this 5-Star hotel famous. The Madison is located just a few miles away from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and only blocks away from the White House, Embassy Row, the National Mall monuments, and the Metrorail.
This luxury hotel will leave guests wanting more as they take advantage of the in-house dining options, fitness center, and gorgeous indoor garden courtyard. The Fairmont has hosted guests such as Muhammad Ali and President Nixon and was recently featured in the Hollywood blockbuster Enemy of the State. The location in the fashionable West End will keep you close to attractions such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and George Washington University.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, your family can enjoy a little bit of luxury during your next trip to our nation’s capital. Book a room with one of these hotels and start planning your DC vacation!
Enjoy Popular Washington, DC Activities with a Holiday Twist this Season
If you are visiting the nation’s capital this holiday season, you can enjoy some of the most popular activities in the area with special holiday themes. From tours to dinner shows, you can enjoy a vacation full of holiday cheer in Washington, DC.
With this tour, you can experience a colonial style holiday celebration. The Mt Vernon by Candlelight Tour provides a tour of the Washington’s estate lit by candlelight. During the tour, your guide will tell you many stories of the Christmas celebrations and traditions of America’s first presidential family. The tour also includes handmade chocolate, hot apple cider, and a recipe for Martha Washington’s famous cake. You will finish your evening by enjoying some holiday shopping in Old Town Alexandria.
Located in nearby Arlington, Virginia, the Mystery Dinner Playhouse offers fun and delicious food for an evening that the whole family can enjoy. The theme of the mystery dinner changes seasonally, and starting on November 20, the theme will be “Who Killed the Boss?” This murder mystery revolves around a holiday office party gone wrong. While you solve this office mystery, you will enjoy a meal with soup, salad, entrée, sides, and a delicious dessert.
What better way to finish your DC holiday vacation than by taking an evening lights tour of the city and the monuments? Washington, DC is always beautiful at night, but during the holiday season, you can enjoy special holiday light displays. The DC the Lights! Tour stops at the US Capitol, WWII Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, the White House, and the Old Post Office. Even if you have seen Washington, DC before, an evening lights tour provides a memorable evening activity to enjoy during your vacation, especially in the bright holiday season.
Entertain All the Senses with an IMAX Features in Washington, DC
Washington, DC offers many options for visitors to learn about history, science, and many other educational topics. Furthering their education is not the top priority for many people when they are vacationing, but with an IMAX film, visitors can both learn and have fun at the same time. Visitors of all ages love IMAX films, so everyone is sure to have a great time in Washington, DC!
Hazy Center IMAX at the Steven F. Udyar-Hazy Center
Space buffs will make the Hazy Center IMAX at the Steven F. Udyar-Hazy Center their first choice when it comes to IMAX films. The five story screen at the Hazy Center shows three different films, all somehow related to air and space travel. Films include Roving Mars, Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag, and Space Station. Whether feeding a lifelong passion for space travel or wanting to develop an interest for your child, the IMAX films at the Hazy Center are excellent choices.
Einstein Planetarium IMAX at the National Air and Space Museum
At the Einstein Planetarium IMAX at the National Air and Space Museum, visitors have the choice between Infinity Express and The Stars Tonight, Live. Each film will take you to the black expanse of the sky, and The Stars Tonight is led by professional astronomers who will lead your journey through the stars. The National Air and Space Museum is located on the National Mall and is a part of the Smithsonian Institute.
Johnson IMAX at the National Museum of Natural History
Also located on the Mall is the Johnson IMAX at the National Museum of Natural History. The museum itself contains hundreds of artifacts from civilizations past, and the IMAX allows visitors to explore more of the world through the massive screen of the IMAX. The films available at this theater are Into the Deep, an exploration of the ocean; and Wild Safari, A South African Adventure. From the depths of the ocean to the never-ending expanse of the African desert, these films will take you across the world.
Visit the Nation’s Monuments for Veterans Day
Each city in the United States has its own special way to honor Veterans Day, which is on November 11 each year, but if you are looking for the ultimate destination to honor the United States’ veterans, Washington, DC is the perfect place to do so. With monuments that honor the veterans of the Korean, Vietnam, and Second World Wars, visitors have many options for honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. One of the easiest ways to see all of the monuments is by taking a guided monument tour.
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most powerful landmarks in the Washington, DC area and is a must-see for any visit to the Nation’s capital. From the changing of the guards to the acres of plain white grave markers, Arlington National Cemetery is a sobering experience. The Mt. Vernon and Arlington Tour is a guided tour that features a stop at the Arlington Cemetery as well as other sites in Arlington, including Christ Church. This activity also includes a visit to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate. On Veterans Day, Mount Vernon hosts a wreathlaying ceremony as well as other special events for the day.
For a tour that centers on the monuments in Washington, DC proper, the Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour offers a tour that goes through all of the monuments as they are lit up for the evening. In total, the tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours. This tour stops at the FDR Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and Iwo Jima. Accompanied by a guide who narrates the tour, the Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour offers the total experience of Washington, DC at night.
If you want to combine a tour of the monuments with stops at all of the other fascinating landmarks in the capital, the DC It All! Tour is an excellent choice. This tour features many historic buildings in the city, including the Old Post Office, the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, and more. This tour also stops at the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean Memorial, and Iwo Jima. The tour also drives by many more Washington, DC sights, including Arlington National Cemetery, the World War I Memorial, and the National Archives.
Celebrate Columbus Day with a Visit to the Nation’s Capital
What more fitting location to visit to observe the upcoming Columbus Day holiday than in Washington, DC? Although Columbus may not have discovered Washington, DC, his discovery made this city and all that it represents possible. To honor Columbus’ memory, take some time in Washington, DC to learn about America’s history.
If you do not have time for an extended vacation in Washington, DC, the Old Town Trolley Narrated Tour is an excellent choice. This tour is two hours long and fully narrated. If you would like to hop off the trolley to explore any of the 17 different stops, you have the convenience to get off, explore the site at your leisure, and then hop on another trolley when you are ready to leave. With 17 different stops, you will be able to see the best attractions in Washington, DC and learn about America’s history. Stops include the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Monument, the National Mall, and more. With the ability to hop on/hop off all day, you can customize this tour to fit your needs.
The Washington, DC area is also surrounded by historical areas. The Mt. Vernon/Arlington Tour provides access to George Washington’s Estate and the neighboring city of Arlington, home to the Arlington National Cemetery. This day-long tour will take you to Mt. Vernon, where you will have time to explore the house and grounds. The next stop on the tour is Arlington, where you will see Christ Church and the Arlington National Cemetery. The tour concludes with a photo-op tour in Washington, DC, which includes the Iwo Jima Memorial, National Gallery of Art, and Fort Washington.
If you are overwhelmed by the many great tour and activity options in Washington, DC, the Washington DC Power Pass will be the perfect option for you. This pass offers free or discounted admission to many popular attractions and tours in the area. With this pass, you can visit the International Spy Museum and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. You can also enjoy several different tours, including the DC Duck Tour, Old Town Trolley Tour, and the Washington, DC Walking Tour. The pass is also available in one to five day amounts, so you can customize it to fit your vacation.
Fall Activities to Enjoy in Washington, DC
Fall is the perfect time to explore Washington, DC attractions that you may have missed this summer. Sightseeing is not all there is to do in the city! Washington, DC is full of attractions and activities to appeal to every interest and age group.
If you have been waiting to visit one of the most popular attractions in the Washington, DC area, act now to receive the fall promotional rate for Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, which is an interactive medieval feast and tournament show that takes you back to the days of knights, ladies, and damsels in distress. You can enjoy a full-scale medieval meal complete with roasted chicken, spare ribs, potatoes, dessert, and more.
Time is running out to take advantage of the special fall promotion for Medieval Times in Hanover, Maryland near Washington, DC. The special promotion rate applies to orders placed before September 30 for shows until October 31. Until September 30, you can book an evening at the Medieval Times for $48.50 per adult, which is almost $10 cheaper than our regular price! Child tickets are $37.50, which saves almost $7 from the original price. You have only a few more days to book tickets at this promotional rate, so do not hesitate!
Another fun activity to enjoy this fall in Washington, DC is the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the president’s motorcade while you are in the city, but at Madame Tussauds you are guaranteed a sighting of Barack and Michelle Obama, and you can even take pictures with the life-like figures. Other figures at the museum include Carrie Underwood, a presidential gallery with Teddy Roosevelt, Tyra Banks, Jackie Kennedy-Onassis, and Madonna, to name a few.
