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Washington, DC Nature & adventure

Our most recommended Washington, DC Nature & adventure

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour

1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour

Let your guide help you navigate through the over 145 million specimens at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on this tour. Discover an extensive collection of human artifacts, dinosaur bones, preserved plants, and animals. Meet your tour guide outside of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and begin your tour. Go directly to the collection highlights without getting lost. Save time and energy by visiting with a guide that knows the museum well. Listen to additional commentary on exhibits from your guide. See the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts. View dinosaur remains and tools used by early humans. Admire unusual gemstones and ancient mummies.

Washington: Cherry Blossom Tour

2. Washington: Cherry Blossom Tour

Enjoy the fragrant, fluffy blooms of the famous Washington cherry blossom on a springtime tour of Washington D.C.'s National Cheery Blossom Festival. See the city on a bus tour, then stroll around Tidal Basin on a guided walk. The cherry blossom tour starts at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Hop on an air-conditioned sightseeing minibus to see some of the city's important sights. Listen to your guide as they tell tales of Washington's cherry blossom trees. First planted over 100 years ago, these trees served as a special gift to unite the Empire of Japan and the U.S., and they have been a regular part of the city’s storied past ever since.

Washington DC: Electric Vehicle National Mall Tour

3. Washington DC: Electric Vehicle National Mall Tour

Test your photography skills and see some jaw-dropping views while learning the history of the United States on this monuments tour. Hop into the electric-powered vehicle and learn about the monuments with your guide. Start at National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, before heading towards the Smithsonian complex. Your guide will regale you with the story behind the amazing museums at the largest museum complex in the world. Drive past two of the city's most famous monuments, the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial. Afterward, wander through the Franklin D Roosevelt and Martin Luthe King memorials and enjoy a stroll along the serene Tidal Basin at sunset.  Continue past the World War I and World War II Memorials before arriving at the Lincoln Memorial. Here, be amazed by the views of the Potomac River and the National Mall.  Be entertained by stories of the city’s history, statues, and famous buildings on your way to the White House. Take a monument here to capture what is possibly the most iconic American landmark, known worldwide.  Your tour will end by exploring Capitol Hill. Home to the world-famous dome of the United States Capitol, plus the United States Supreme Court Building and the Library of Congress. 

From New York City: 4-Day Tour w/Niagara Falls & US Capitol

4. From New York City: 4-Day Tour w/Niagara Falls & US Capitol

Visit the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls. Stop at an outlet mall for shopping, continue to the historic city of Brotherly love in Philadelphia and see the famous Liberty Bell and Independence Hall Square. You will also visit Washington DC, the US Capitol and visit the US Mint. Continue to Lancaster to learn about the Amish community. Day 1: New York - Finger Lakes - Niagara Falls Your morning departure from the Big Apple takes you north where you will pass the beautiful Delaware Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls passing Seneca Lake, arriving in the late afternoon (Winter itinerary goes to Montour Falls instead of Watkins Glen State Park). Tour the American and Canadian sides of the Falls including the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Goat Island, and Sister Island. At night tour Niagara Falls where you will marvel at the colorful lighting of the waters. Overnight: Niagara Falls - Wyndham Super 8 Day 2: Niagara Falls - New Jersey As you depart the hotel, hear the thundering water of Niagara Falls. See the falls up close from Horseshoe Falls and experience the power of the current aboard the Maid of the Mist (May-October). From November through April you will tour the Power Vista Hydro-electric Station, and the Cave of the Winds. At noon depart south to New York State. On the way to New York, enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls along the way, where you can hunt for bargains at their brand name stores. Overnight New Jersey - La Quinta Inns & Suites  Day 3: New Jersey - Philadelphia - Washington DC Depart New Jersey to Pennsylvania and to the city of brotherly love Philadelphia. Arriving in the Historic area of Philadelphia you will visit the famous Liberty Bell, and Constitution square and Constitution Hall, one of the symbols of freedom in America. Stroll Elfreth’s Alley (the oldest inhabited street in America) then continue on a panoramic tour of Philadelphia that includes the financial district, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Historic Philadelphia and more. Departing Philadelphia, see the famous “Rocky Steps” and then continue north to Lancaster county home of the Amish people. Ride on an authentic Amish Buggy, visit an Amish market place of handmade arts and crafts and learn what it's like to live without the benefit of modern technology, electricity, running water or telephone service. Overnight at: Wyndham Garden, Washington DC. Day 4: Washington DC - New York  Start the day with a visit to Thomas Jefferson Memorial, by the Tidal Basin, surrounded with famous Japanese cherry blossom trees. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the changing of the guards and the Kennedy family gravesite.  Next stop is Capitol Hill. See the US Capitol and the White House to understand the core of the US government. Continue to the Air and Space Museum before visiting the Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Korea and Vietnam Memorials.  In the late afternoon, depart north for an evening arrival in New York.

From New York City: 5-Day Tour w/Niagara Falls & White House

5. From New York City: 5-Day Tour w/Niagara Falls & White House

Embark on a 5-day trip to Niagara Falls, Toronto, the 1000 Islands, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and the Amish Country in Lancaster from New York City. Witness the magnificent Niagara Falls, visit the Arlington National Cemetery, and enjoy the convenience of included accommodation and entry tickets. Day 1: NEW YORK – FINGER LAKES – NIAGARA FALLS Depart from the Big Apple heading north where you will pass the beautiful Delaware Water Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls passing Seneca Lake, arriving in the late afternoon. Tour the US side of Niagara including the American Falls, Goat Island, and Luna Island. Experience the power of Niagara aboard the Maid of the Mist. At night, you can appreciate the colorful lighting of the waters. Stay at the Ramada by Wyndham. Day 2: NIAGARA FALLS – TORONTO – 1000 ISLANDS Start with the magnificent Horseshoe Falls view followed by the visit to the picturesque village of Niagara on The Lake. Continue to Toronto, the financial capital of Canada. Visit the HTO Park, Brookfield Place — home of the Hockey Hall of Fame — City Hall, and The Distillery Historic District. Towards the evening, depart Toronto east along the world-famous Lake Ontario for an evening arrival to the 1000 Islands area (in April, based on weather conditions the tour may return to Niagara Falls for overnight). Stay overnight at Gananoque – Comfort Inn (April, Niagara Falls – Ramada by Wyndham). Day 3: 1000 ISLANDS – NEW YORK Start the day with a cruise through the amazing 1000 Islands along the St. Laurence River. See the houses of the rich and famous built atop private islands — such as Boldt Castle and Heart Island. Enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls along the way. Arrive at your hotel in New Jersey at the La Quinta Inn and Suites. Day 4: NEW JERSEY – PHILADELPHIA – WASHINGTON DC Depart from New Jersey to Pennsylvania and to the city of brotherly love Philadelphia. Visit the famous Liberty Bell, Constitution square, and Congress Hall. Continue on a panoramic tour of Philadelphia that includes the financial district, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Historic Philadelphia, and more. See the famous “Rocky Steps” and then continue to Lancaster county home of the Amish people. Enjoy an authentic Amish Buggy ride through the Amish farm country. In the late afternoon, depart east for an evening arrival in Washington DC where you will stay at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Alexandria. Day 5: WASHINGTON DC – NEW YORK Start the day with a visit to Thomas Jefferson Memorial, by the Tidal Basin, surrounded by famous Japanese cherry blossom trees. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the Changing of the Guard, and the Kennedy family gravesite. The next stop is Capitol Hill. See the US Capitol and the White House to understand the core of the US government. Continue to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (while the Air and Space Museum is closed due to renovations) before visiting the Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Memorials. In the late afternoon, depart for an evening arrival in New York.

From NYC: Niagara Falls, Washington, and Philadelphia Tour

6. From NYC: Niagara Falls, Washington, and Philadelphia Tour

During your visit to New York, don’t miss the allure of visiting one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls, and two of the nation’s capitals, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. On your first day of this combo tour, you will travel by comfortable bus to Niagara Falls, enjoying the scenic landscape of upstate New York (travel time is approximately 7-8 hours, each way. Upon arrival at your destination, you will begin experiencing the adventure, beauty, and natural wonder of Niagara Falls on board the historic Maid of the Mist boat cruise or from other observation points such as the Gorge Walk or other available observation points (when the Maid of the Mist is not running). During your visit, you will learn about the interesting history of these mighty waters and enjoy spectacular views of the falls from different vantage points. After an unforgettable experience and wonderful memories, you will return to Times Square in Manhattan arriving back between 11:00 PM and midnight. Two days later you will depart again from Times Square now heading south to two of the nation’s capitals. Your first destination visit will be Washington D.C. the current capital, where your tour will begin with a visit to the Iwo Jima Memorial, dedicated to honoring the US Marines. You will continue with a visit to the impressive Lincoln Memorial honoring the president who promoted the abolition of slavery in the United States. Washington D.C. is the center for all three branches of the U.S. government. During this tour, you will stop for a classic outside view of the seat of two of them, the White House, home and office of the U.S. President and the Capitol Building, home of the U.S. Congress and where the laws of this country are made. Your visit to Washington concludes with free time for lunch on your own. Your next destination is the first-ever U.S. capital, chosen during the Revolutionary War, Philadelphia, PA. After an approximately 3-hour journey, you'll arrive directly to Philadelphia's historic Old City neighborhood. Your first stop will be at the Independence National Historical Park where your guide will lead you on a brief walking tour. You will have the opportunity to see some of the main historical sites such as the Liberty Bell, the famous symbol of America's independence, and Independence Hall, the birthplace of the United States. It was within its walls that America's founding documents, the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) and Constitution, were debated and adopted. Your visit to Philadelphia concludes with a stop at the Rocky Steps, in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you'll have an opportunity to re-enact the famous scene from the 1976 movie by ascending to the top of the steps.

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What people are saying about Washington, DC

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 395 reviews

Carl was a great tour guide/photographer who went above and beyond to make sure we saw the best views at every stop. Made our trip from Florida that much better. We loved the extra touch of warm blankets in the seat to cover up from the wind.

Our Guide Nur was amazing! We were here for a quick weekend trying to pack in quit a bit, this tour allowed us to get through the Natural History Museum in just a few hours.

Informative, friendly, fun tour of DC at night. Carl was an excellent guide with a wide array of knowledge areas. We had a blast!

Nur was an excellent guide! Friendly, enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable.

loved the tour person he did a great job explaining to us has alot of knowledge