National Cherry Blossom Festival Guide: The Cherry Blossoms

The "peak bloom" is the magical moment visitors want to be on hand for during the cherry blossom season. The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70 percent of the trees surrounding the Tidal Basin have opened their buds, creating an unforgettable sea of pink and white. The National Park Service is responsible for measuring the growth of the buds of the trees, and each year. the service gives a peak bloom prediction. On average, the peak bloom is on April 4, but that date changes year to year. For instance, 2012’s peak bloom occurred on March 20 due to unseasonably warm weather and then on April 10 in 2014 due to a cold winter.

The blooming period, when 20 percent of the blossoms are open before the petals and leaves fall, can last up to 14 days, depending on weather conditions. "Forecasting peak bloom is almost impossible more than 10 days in advance," according to the National Park Service. Follow along on NPS's Bloom Schedule for the latest bloom predictions.

Hotel Harrington - Great Location, Great Rates

Lobby Gift Shop

Hours of operation: 7:00am to 11:00pm, 7 days per week. Located on the lobby level near the front desk. A complete stock of items to fill your every need from personal items you may have left behind, to additional rolls of film, to souvenirs for you, and for gifts for those you left back home.

Sightseeing Tour Information

The Lobby Gift Shop is the perfect place to get information and make arrangements for sightseeing tours provided by Greyline and Old Town Trolley tours.


For more information call the Hotel Front Desk: (202) 628-8140

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella

The wonderful story of Cinderella is coming to the National Theatre this month! Get your tickets.. http://thenationaldc.org/

RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, the 2013 Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of South Pacific and The Sound of Music, will play the National Theatre for a limited engagement from November 18-29.

With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA combines the story’s classic elements – glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists. More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinderella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting. She is a spirited young woman with savvy and soul who doesn’t let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness. She longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place. She not only fights for her own dreams, but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his dreams too.

CINDERELLA has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. The musical is directed by Mark Brokaw and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. Music adaptation, supervision and arrangements are by David Chase and orchestrations are by Danny Troob.

One of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most popular titles, CINDERELLA was written for television — debuting in 1957 starring Julie Andrews. In 2013, the show made its long-overdue Broadway debut. Along with CINDERELLA, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s legendary musicals include OKLAHOMA!, Carousel, The King and I, South Pacific and The Sound of Music.

Mr. Beane’s book for CINDERELLA blends masterfully with the musical’s cherished score with songs including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?”

The creative team includes scenic design by Tony® Award nominee Anna Louizos, costume design by six-time Tony® Award-winner William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony® Award-winner Kenneth Posner and sound design by Tony® Award nominee Nevin Steinberg.

The CINDERELLA tour is produced by Robyn Goodman, Jill Furman, Stephen Kocis, Edward Walson, Venetian Glass Productions, The Araca Group, Caiola Productions, Roy Furman, Peter May, Sanford Robertson, Eric Schmidt, James Spry and Blanket Fort Productions.

For more information please visit www.CinderellaOnBroadway.com

Free Things to Do: Fall in DC

National Zoo

Celebrate fall’s crisp “tempurrratures” by spending the day watching animals at the National Zoo. From big cats, to giant pandas (and red ones, too), Asian elephants, apes and exotic birds, you can explore animals from all walks of life in one afternoon. Admission to the zoo is free, but for an additional cost you can enjoy special fall events there: Autumn Conservation Festival, Boo at the Zoo and Night of the Living Zoo.

Rock Creek Park

Become one with nature this fall with a visit to the 2,100 acres that call Rock Creek Park home. Let the kiddos release some pent up energy at one of the many playgrounds found throughout the park, followed up by a refuel with lunch at one of 30 picnic locations. Make sure to snap photos of the color-changing leaves blanketing the area this time of year. For an additional fee, enjoy a horseback ride, rent a bicycle and feel the crisp breeze take over as you coast down one of the paved bike paths or spend an afternoon playing 18 holes at the public golf course.

National Mall

See the National Mall in all of its fall beauty with DC by Foot, a walking tour company that hosts free, kid-friendly tours (gratuity recommended). You’ll enjoy taking in the sights, while learning monument-themed fun facts and trivia. Tours include the Arlington Cemetery Walking Tour, the Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour and the Twilight Washington Bus Tour.

C&O Canal

Fall is the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots and trek down the C&O Canal, which traces the Potomac from Georgetown to Cumberland, Md. The serene trek includes plenty of fall foliage around October and the soothing sounds of nature amidst the beauty of Georgetown.

U.S. National Arboretum

Let DC’s fall foliage surprise you with a visit to the U.S. National Arboretum. Take in the harvest hues on one of the many trails and see the majestic pillars from the original U.S. Capitol. A common misconception many hold is that the pillars were removed in 1814, when the building was burned by the British troops in the War of 1812. In fact, the Corinthian columns were removed in 1958 after a renovation to the U.S. Capitol Building.

Ben’s Chili Bowl

Nothing says fall comfort food like chili – and nothing says chili like Ben’s Chili Bowl. While we can’t promise a free meal, the famous chili half-smoke is happiness for your wallet and your taste buds.

Kennedy Center

When the fall evenings become too cool for late-night outdoor fun, take in a free performance at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. Showtime is 6 p.m. nightly and includes everything from performances by the National Symphony Orchestra to poetry slams.

Eastern Market

Enjoy live music, local farm-fresh produce, handmade arts, jewelry, crafts and more than 100 merchants on weekend mornings at Eastern Market. While taking in the beautiful fall surroundings, warm up with locally made, toasty beverages and baked goods.

Old Stone House

Journey through time at the Old Stone House in Georgetown is the oldest unchanged building in the District. Why it’s still here: In 1791 George Washington met with Pierre L’Enfant to discuss the plans for the new federal city. For decades it was thought that the meeting took place at the Old Stone House, leading to its preservation. However the National Park Service discovered in the 20th century that the meeting actually took place at a tavern at K and 31st. Stroll through Georgetown and consider a stop at cafe Baked & Wired for nibbles and its fall specialty drink: Chaider.

National Gallery of Art

As days get shorter, entertainment becomes more important. Get swept away by live music with the National Gallery of Art’s free Sunday concerts. The concert usually takes place in the West Garden Court, but may also occur in the Sculpture Garden or West Building Rotunda.

Looking for more free (and almost free) things to do in DC? Find them here.

Washington DC Night Tours

MONUMENTS BY MOONLIGHT - NIGHT TOUR 

When the sun goes down, Washington turns into a different city, and Old Town Trolley Tours knows just the right way to show off the Capitol City at night! Experience top-rated Washington DC Night Tours with experienced tour guides.

Professional tour guides will take you right to some of the city’s most popular monuments and let you see the city in a different light, stopping at:

• Iwo Jima Memorial
• FDR Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Along the way, you’ll be transported back in time as you ride along the same streets the presidents have traveled, and hear historical tales and anecdotes about the city’s fascinating history, such as:

The Curse of the Hope Diamond and its legacy of death and despair.

The Medal of Honor winner who donated his amputated leg to a museum and often visited it!

The many restless spirits who call Washington D.C. their home and are seen in the most peculiar places!

2 1/2 hour Washington DC Monument Tours depart nightly from Union Station.

For hotel shuttle pickups and times, go to tour schedules.

3 “Must Do’s” for DC

1. See Honest Abe’s top hat and the Greensboro lunch counter at the National Museum of American History 

2. Take part in a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol Building

3. Dine in the trendy up-and-coming Atlas District, then take in a theater performance.



See More at http://washington.org/dc-itinerary/dc-itinerary-3-days-summer

Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Guide

Arlington National Cemetery serves as a cemetery and a memorial to America’s persons of national importance, including presidents, Supreme Court justices and countless military heroes. The Cemetery was established during the Civil War as a final resting place for Union soldiers on approximately 200 acres of Mary Custis Lee’s 1,100 acre Arlington estate. The property was expanded over the years to encompass more than 624 acres of burial grounds of more than 400,000 American servicemen.

Each year, more than four million people visit Arlington, attending graveside services and special ceremonies to pay tribute to veterans and historical figures.

How to Get to Arlington National Cemetery

The Cemetery is located across the Potomac River from Washington DC at the west end of the Memorial Bridge in Arlington, Virginia. See a Map

To get to the cemetery, take Metro to the Arlington National Cemetery Station, take the express bus from the National Mall, or walk in across the Memorial Bridge. The cemetery is also a stop on most Washington, DC sightseeing tours. There is a a large parking garage with plenty of spaces. Rates are $1.75 per hour for the first three hours, and $2.50 per hour thereafter.

Hours of Operation

Open daily including December 25. April through September hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. October through March hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tours of Arlington National Cemetery

The Cemetery Visitors Center is a good place to start your visit where you will find maps, guidebooks, exhibits, a bookstore and restrooms.

You may walk the grounds on your own or take the interpretative tour. Stops include the Kennedy gravesites, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Changing of the Guard) and The Arlington House (Robert E. Lee Memorial). Cost: $12 per person, $6 for ages 3-11, $9 Seniors. Allow several hours to explore the grounds and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Driving into the Cemetery is only allowed for handicapped visitors and those attending a burial or visiting a private gravesite. A special permit is required.

What to See and Do at Arlington National Cemetery

• Visit Famous Gravesites - Among the notable Americans buried here are Presidents William Howard Taft and John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Robert Kennedy.

• See the Monuments and Memorials - Among dozens of memorials on the property are the Coast Guard Memorial, the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial, Spanish-American War Memorial, the USS Maine Memorial and many more.
• Attend a Special Event - Memorial services are held in the Arlington National Amphitheater on Easter, Memorial Day and Veterans Day and are sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. Many military organizations conduct other annual memorial services throughout the year. More than four million people visit the cemetery each year and approximately 27-30 graveside funerals are held here each day.
• Visit the Women in Military Service for America Memorial - This is the main entrance, also known as the Memorial Gate, and houses a visitors center which houses special exhibits that change periodically.
• Watch the Changing of the Guard - The Tomb of the Unknowns, also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, stands on a hill overlooking Washington, DC. The tomb was dedicated in 1921 and contains the remains of soldiers from WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day and each hour (each half-hour in summer) there is a changing of the guard ceremony with a special march and salute.

• Tour Arlington House - The former home of Robert E. Lee and his family is located atop a hill, providing one of the best views of Washington, DC. George Washington Parke Custis, Lee’s father-in-law, originally built the house as his own home as well as a memorial to George Washington, his step-grandfather. Arlington House is now preserved as a memorial to Robert E. Lee, who helped heal the nation following the Civil War. Arlington House is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arlington House grounds are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. between April and September and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. between October and March.

Recent Improvements

In 2013, Arlington National Cemetery unveiled the first major upgrade to the historical displays in over 20 years. The new Welcome Center presents information on Arlington’s annual rituals and military tradition that honor our veterans, help visitors remember the key historical events and encourage guests to explore the 624 acres of this national shrine. The upgrade involves six new panel displays that include a cemetery overview, the history of the Arlington House estate, a Freedman’s Village history, the evolution of becoming the national cemetery depicted in a vertical glass panel, a retrospect of the JFK procession and a ritual panel outlining how the military performs funerals. The cornerstone of the new exhibit, is a life-size a statue of a bugler. Staff Sgt. Jesse Tubb, who is a bugler in U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” served as the model for the statue.

Official Website:

www.arlingtoncemetery.mil

Shopping in Georgetown

The hip, Georgetown neighborhood in Washington D.C. has a plethora of designer clothing stores for trendy young people looking to shop until they drop, but it also has fun options for families with toy stores and sweet shops. Georgetown shopping will also not disappoint the vintage enthusiast with a bevvy of antique shops. Those looking to outfit their homes will also find plenty of high end furniture and home décor boutiques to satisfy even the most discerning tastes.

Most of the shops in Georgetown are centered along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Georgetown Park, the premier shopping mall, has over 100 specialty shops, none of which is a department store, in addition to restaurants and other activities. Just north of this trendy area is Book Hill, an historic area known for its selection of antiques with a European charm many have likened to the streets of Paris. The largely independent businesses here are surrounded by wide brick sidewalks and 19th century architecture.

Barracks Row

Capitol Hill has totally transformed. It’s not all politics on this side of the hill – you’ll find Barracks Row is one of the hot spots in town for great drinks, dining and debauchery. The young and the young at heart love walking through the historic market hall on Seventh Street SE to grab lunch at Market Lunch or sip a cocktail and read. With the area on an upswing, a number of renowned chefs and restaurants have started to flock to the area – making their mark on this bustling and vibrant new neighborhood that’s enjoying revival. With the promise of some of the best restaurants in Washington DC right in Barracks Row, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to try some. Acqua al 2 is one of the favorites offering classic Italian with modern flare. The original San Diego restaurant started blossoming ten years ago, and since then chef Martin Gonzalez has been able to expand. Begla Café is a local favorite – don’t be surprised if you have to wait a while to get a seat, but know that it’s worth the wait. The sidewalk café brings a certain European flare to Barracks Row that’s always a hit. If you want to go with something a little nostalgic, order up a thick milkshake from Ted’s Bulletin, an Americana favorite complete with Buddy Holly tunes, Studebakers and $5.99 dishes. Of course, Barracks Row has just as cultured of an entertainment offering as it does it’s dining – check out Capitol Hill Books, the art gallery The Fridge, or Homebody for some unique finds.

See the Book of Mormon at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC

Hailed as one of the most successful Broadway musicals of all time, The Book of Mormon is bound to be a big hit when it comes to The Kennedy Center in Washington DC this year. A winner of nine Tony Awards, this musical comedy is so side splittingly funny it’ll have you laughing right out of your seats. Created from South Park masterminds Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Oscar-winning compose Bobby Lopez (of Frozen and Avenue Q fame), this show is one you won’t be able to stop talking about. For those unfamiliar with the story, The Book of Mormon follows an unlikely missionary duo who are sent around the globe to spread the word of God. This international sensation is beloved for its comedy, music and characters – and now is your chance to see what everyone is talking about. From June 16 until August 16, The Book of Mormon will be performing evening shows (7:30pm) from Tuesday-Sunday, and weekend matinees at 1:30pm. The two and a half hour show features one intermission, and ticket prices range from $43 to $250. With tickets on sale now, you don’t want to miss your chance to see one of Broadway’s most successful shows before it leaves Washington DC. Now is your chance to catch great seats to this show and join the conversation. From the stages of Broadway and London to its touring show, The Book of Mormon is one of the most fantastical pieces of musical comedy of the century – become part of the legend when it rolls through Washington DC this season, and enjoy theatre in Washington DC today.

Visiting the Smithsonian Museums

Pack your summer trip to DC with knowledge when you visit its famous Smithsonian museums.

 Collectively named the Smithsonian Institution, the world-renowned museum and research complex consists of 15 separate museums and the National Zoo. From the origins of man at the Natural History Museum to the future of space travel at the Air and Space Museum, the museums of the Smithsonian cover an array of fascinating areas of study.

The Smithsonian Institution is sometimes referred to as America’s treasure chest because of the diverse artifacts it houses. Whether you’re interested in American history or Asian art, giant pandas or stamp collecting, there’s a Smithsonian museum for you. By attendance, the most popular Smithsonian museums are the Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, American History Museumand the National Zoo. First-time visitors tend to seek these out, but we recommend reading a bit about each museum and visiting those which interest you. With 15, it’s virtually impossible see them all in one visit, but planning to see three or four during a week-long vacation would be a realistic goal. – See more at: http://washington.org/DC-guide-to/visiting-smithsonian-museums

Money Saving Hacks for Visiting DC

Washington, DC can be an expensive city to visit. However, your trip to the nation’s capital doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are many ways to save money, and many free resources to utilize. Here are some of our favorite budget travel tricks:

• Invest in a SmarTrip Metro Card – Using a SmarTrip (the plastic metro card) rather than a paper card saves guests $1 per metro ride. The card costs $10 to purchase, though $5 of that is add to your SmarTrip balance and is thus used toward impending rides. Assuming you plan to use the metro more than 5 times, this is a huge money saver as paper cards charge guests an additional $1 for every ride. SmarTrip cards are less likely to be lost, and can make for a nice souvenir if not saved for a future trip to DC.
• Explore the National Gallery of Art with a docent led tour – Though not a Smithsonian, the National Gallery of Art is a fantastic art museum that is completely free of charge. Because of the breadth of work that is featured, the National Gallery of Art can be a bit overwhelming for some. Fortunately however, the museum offers free, docent led tours of different types of art throughout the day. Reservations are not required; guests must simply arrive at the start of the tour!
• Dine at the Department of Agriculture – Though the Smithsonian Institute is a fantastic free resource, the price of dining at any of the museums is out of budget for many visitors. The Department of Agriculture’s cafeteria is a nearby and much more affordable option for those looking to save a few bucks on lunch. The entrance to the cafeteria is on C St. SW, just off the corner of 12th Street. It is opened to the public Monday-Friday for lunch, and all that is required is that adults present a form of ID upon entering.
  
• Take a “name your own price” walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery – No trip to DC is complete without a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. If the tram is out of your budget, consider taking a walking tour of the hallowed grounds. DC By Foot offers a number of “name your own price” walking tours around the city, and guests are only asked to tip what they thought the tour was worth.
• Utilize Capital Bikeshare – With over 200 stands around the city, this is an affordable (and super convenient!) way to get around the city. Visitors can choose between 1 ($7) or 3 day ($15) membership. Just be careful to note that those memberships do not mean that you have access to one bike for that entire time. Guests are expected to drop their bike at a station within 30 minutes of removing it in order to avoid additional fees. However, every time a guest picks up a new bike, their time restarts. Because DC is so small and there are so many stations around the city, it is very easy to avoid the additional fees!
• See a free film on the National Mall – If you are visiting DC during the summer months, consider going to Screen on the Green. Throughout the season, a number of films are shown on the National Mall for free. For a full list of the films and a calendar of when they will be featured, check out Screen on the Green’s website.
  
• Take advantage of DC’s immense selection of free museums – DC is famed for its huge variety of free museums. All of the Smithsonian museums — including the National Zoo — are free of charge, and 10 of those are located directly on the National Mall. Though not museums, the National Archives and Library of Congress are also free to the public and well worth a visit. Other free museums include the National Gallery of Art, African American Civil War Museum, Anacostia Community Museum, DAR Museum, Ford’s Theater and Peterson Boarding House, and the Holocaust Museum.

The White House

Want to visit the most famous house in America on your next trip to the District? 

Here's what you need to know!

About the White House
Perhaps the most famous residence in the United States, and certainly the most well-known address, the White House is the epicenter of political life in Washington, DC. The more-than-100-year-old home has hosted world leaders, state dinners,...Read More

How to tour
The White House is a must-see for any visitor to the nation’s capital. Tours take visitors through the East Wing, which includes much of the home’s entertaining space. You’ll see, among other rooms, the State Dining Room; the Red, Blue and Green...Read More


 


What to see nearby
The White House is centrally located near a number of major attractions. Since it’s within walking distance of the National Mall, before or after your tour is a great time to see the Washington Monument and other memorials. You’re also near some...Read More

Unique Washington DC Sightseeing Experiences

1) Tour the Monuments by Moonlight
At nighttime, DC lights up and the capital city’s monuments look stunning. For a new sightseeing perspective, take a DC Monuments Tour to see the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, FDR Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial fully illuminated. You’ll be amazed by the beautiful lighting and iconic memorials on the tour, and you might even hear about some of the ghostly spirits who haunt the nation’s capital. Along the way, the tranquil evening breeze will cool you down after a long day of visiting DC’s attractions.

2) Visit the National Museum of Crime and Punishment
First opened in 2008, the National Museum of Crime and Punishment is full of interesting and interactive exhibits. From a crime lab to the filming studios for America’s Most Wanted, this 25,000 square foot museum is packed with artifacts and history about crime and punishment in the United States. Since the FBI Headquarters are currently not open for tours, check out the simulated FBI shooting range inside the museum. Serial killer Ted Bundy’s VW bug is also on display in the museum’s lobby, so don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind museum experience during your time in DC.

3) Learn About Literature at the Folger Shakespeare Library
The Folger Shakespeare Library is a favorite of visitors, students, families, teachers and scholars alike. A vast collection of Shakespeare’s works are available to study and enjoy, including a display of a First Folio, the only source for eighteen of his plays including Macbeth and Julius Caesar. For children, there are Shakespeare-centric games, puzzles, coloring pages and student resources. The Folger Shakespeare Library is also home to an intimate indoor stage called the Elizabethan Theatre, where visitors can watch plays, concerts and other events in an authentic environment from Shakespeare’s time.

4) Get Spooked at The Octagon House
The Octagon House was designed by the first architect of the United States Capitol, William Thornton, and was one of the first buildings to incorporate circles, rectangles, and triangles in its architecture. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, the House is the former home of the American Institute of Architects. The Octagon House is also known as the most haunted home in DC, with many spirits said to reside within its walls including Dolly Madison, two of the builder’s daughters and British soldiers. When you visit the Octagon House, you’ll see visionary architecture and possibly a ghostly presence or two!

5) Take a Day Trip to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
If you plan on spending more time in DC, take a day excursion to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center located in Fairfax County, Virginia. Traveling to the Center takes roughly 45 minutes from the DC area, so make sure to leave time in your itinerary for travel purposes. The Center is an extension of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and home to an expansive collection of aircraft and spacecraft. Special exhibits include the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, and the Space Shuttle Discovery. Another crown jewel is the SR-71 Blackbird, a spy plane from the Cold War era. There are many extraordinary sights here that can only be explored at the Center, making this hidden gem a must-see.

See Where George Washington Called Home

Just 16 miles outside the city, Mount Vernon is the place where George Washington lived for more than four decades. Today, visitors can roam the mansion, see Washington’s Tomb and walk the grounds of his expansive plantation. The mansion, built in 1735 by George Washington’s father, was originally a one and a half story farmhouse. But throughout his lifetime, George expanded and enhanced the home, and today it is three stories and 11,028 square feet, ten times the size of the average home in colonial Virginia. The estate also includes a working blacksmith shop and the Pioneer Farm, a 4-acre demonstration farm where you can see a reconstructed slave cabin and more. A fascinating look at the life of our first president, Mount Vernon makes for an unforgettable day trip while visiting our nation’s capital. 

Looking for an exciting and unique way to tour the city?

Hit the road and make a splash on the DUCK!

If you’re visiting Washington DC for the first time or if you’ve been here a hundred times before—you’ve never seen the city as you will on board the DC Ducks Tour!

Climb Aboard
Your adventure begins the moment you board our fully restored authentic World War II amphibious vehicle. This isn’t just any old DC tour… it’s an experience. Sit back and relax as our tour captains turn back the pages of history.

Enjoy your journey on land
This DC tour begins at Union Station and winds its way down Pennsylvania Avenue. As we journey past our country’s most famous monuments and museums, our knowledgeable Captain will entertain and enlighten you with interesting facts and historical accounts of people and events that helped shape our nation. You’ll also be treated to original sound bites from the World War II era, including music, newscasts and speeches by some of the leaders of our past, like FDR and more.

Continue your journey by river
Then, settle in your seat for a true thrill because the DUCK will leave the streets and head straight for the Potomac.

Sit back and relax or throw your hands in the air with excitement as we take the plunge—without missing a beat the DUCK becomes a boat and splashes down into the water. We’ll cruise along the river highlighting more of what DC is famous for and end up at Gravely Point, underneath the flight path of the landing planes at the National Airport.

Perfect timing
The DC Ducks Tour is a unique 90-minute land and water Washington DC sightseeing experience that encompasses DC’s most popular sites and history…a must-see and do for people of all ages.

Book your tours right from our gift shop located inside the Hotel Lobby.

Tours will pick you up right in front, or a short metro ride away.

Top 10 Things to Do in Washington, DC (Must Sees)

What helps fight extinction, is more than 125 years old and is free to visit every day?

Smithsonian's National Zoo. Check it out the next time you're in Washington, DC.

Guide to Visiting the National Zoo