One of the great things about Washington D.C. is that it is an immensely walkable city. Within an afternoon, you and your family may get a detailed tour of the Washington Mall or the grand old homes of Georgetown. Because of its pedestrian-friendly reputation, there are also numerous walking tour companies for visitors to choose. Many don't require reservations, and some are even free.
Washington Walks
Washington Walks covers all of the bases---group tours, private tours, free tours during the Cultural Tourism D.C.-sponsored Walkingtown D.C. weekends, and "Get Local" tours on Sundays that put the spotlight on different neighborhoods around the city. Washington Walks estimates most walks to be around two hours, and they are always on no matter what the weather. For most walks, the charge is $15 per person, though kids under age 3 are free. Various discounts apply for seniors, students, etc.
Washington Walks
819 G St., SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-484-1565
info@washingtonwalks.com
Washington D.C. Ghost Tours
If you are looking to shake up your trip with a few good ghost stories, try the Washington D.C. Ghost Tours. The tour guides get in the spirit, so to speak, by dressing in Victorian costumes and leading you and the rest of your group around a darkened D.C. by lantern. Playing up local legends about primarily historical ghosts, this walking tour company claims its expeditions are kid-friendly, too (read: not too scary). Reservations are required, and adult tickets run at around $15.
Tours start at Lafayette Park and the company may be reached via its website at dcghosttours.com.
Arlington National Cemetery
The DC By Foot Tour Company offers an Arlington National Cemetery walking tour for those interested in seeing one of the most famous burial grounds in the country, home of the graves of both John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, Thurgood Marshall, Pierre L'Enfant and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The free tour takes about four hours.
DC By Foot
1740 18th St., NW
Suite 304
Washington, DC 20009
202-370-1830
dcbyfoot.com
The Bi-Partisan Tour Company
The Bi-Partisan Tour Company offers four fun and varying tours around Washington D.C. with its Capitol-ization Tour, the More Than Monuments Tour, the Georgetown -- Past and Present Tour and the National Cherry Blossoms Tour. This company also goes with a rain or shine, no reservations necessary policy, and is free for all general groups. The company also touts its tradition of making the tour whatever its guests want it to be. Private tour groups have even been picked up at their homes before.
Tours leave from the Christopher Columbus Statue at Union Station
202-558-6848
info@bi-partisantourcompany.com
Self-Guided
Take a self-directed walking tour around D.C. with your family. This is, after all, a very walkable city, with the Capitol Mall (home of the Washington and Lincoln monuments), Lafayette Park, the White House, and other impressive federal government buildings all quite close to each other. This is a great option for families with little ones who might need frequent breaks or who might not have the attention span for an hours-long guided tour.
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