Hit the highlights in Washington, D.C.

A 3 day tour of Washington DC
from our Northeastern issue,
Spring 2012.

	Photo: Jake McGuire
	The U.S. Capitol dome is 288 feet tall and 96 feet in diameter.

If it’s your group’s first time in the District of Columbia, or if they just have a few days to see it, start with these must-see sights — perfect for visitors of all ages.

Day One

The National Mall, home to many of the significant museums of the Smithsonian Institution, is a great place to start. See magnificent jewels, dinosaurs and mammals on display at the National Museum of Natural History, the airplanes and interactive flight simulators at the National Air and Space Museum and the stories, arts and crafts at the National Museum of the American Indian. Free tours are available to groups with advance reservations.

There’s more to explore on the National Mall than just the Smithsonian. Art lovers should visit the National Gallery of Art, while the National Archives is a must for any history buff. 

In the evening, enjoy a quick dinner downtown or at a Capitol Hill neighborhood eatery, then go to Union Station. The glorious station is the departure point for tours of the monuments at moonlight offered by Tourmobile and Old Town Trolley. Bike the Sites and City Segway Tours (ages 16 and older) also offer evening tours in season departing from other points in the city. 

If you’ve booked a private charter, resist the temptation to see all of the monuments during the day and stop on your way back from dinner to see a few of them at nighttime. 

Day Two

Head to U Street for breakfast at a D.C. institution — Ben’s Chili Bowl. Or, if you’re visiting on a weekend, visit the farmer’s market at Dupont Circle or Eastern Market on Capitol Hill. 

After breakfast, tour the Capitol Hill neighborhood and explore the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress and Supreme Court. The area also is home to Union Station and the Folger Shakespeare Library, which houses the largest collection of Shakespeare memorabilia outside of England. 

For lunch, take Metro to downtown’s Penn Quarter neighborhood. Options range from casual barbecue to elegant French fare. 

Go undercover at the International Spy Museum where you can crack codes, take on covers and let your group take on its own covert operation. Or, stop by the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian Art Museum, the Smithsonian system’s newest addition.

Admire the sight of the Washington Monument (it’s temporarily closed to tours after the earthquake last August) or head to the Old Post Office Pavilion for a panoramic view of the city. Animal lovers will be delighted with a visit to the National Zoo. 

In the evening, discover D.C.’s theater scene. The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage offers free performances nightly. Other theaters, such as the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Warner Theatre and National Theatre regularly present familiar classics. 

Day Three

Begin the morning in one of D.C.’s prized neighborhood attractions, such as Anacostia Community Museum, The Phillips Collection, Washington National Cathedral or Hillwood Museum & Gardens. Then head to Georgetown for shopping and sightseeing. 

Step back in time with a mule-driven barge ride on Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and stop for lunch at a bistro. 

In the evening, sports fans can watch the Washington Nationals, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Washington Capitals or DC United in action. Groups seeking nightlife will enjoy U Street for live jazz or Adams Morgan for more international fare.

Brand USA
(202) 536-2060
www.thebrandusa.com

Offer your Washington DC itineraries to the editor.
Mail: 2465 112th Ave.
Holland, MI 49424
Fax: (616) 393-0085
Phone: 1-800-767-3489 between 8am - 5pm, EST.

Read Group Tour Media articles about Washington DC.

Find Group Tour Media Suppliers from Washington DC.