Sightseeing in DC by Bus
By Keith Dooley
While in Washington D.C. for business or vacation, there are many activities to do such as golfing at one of three National Park Services courses including one at Rock Creek. However, if you are in the city for a decent period of time, you really should take in some of the sights of our nation's capital. Washington has many museums, a zoo, memorials and other things such as botanical gardens for you to explore. You can do this on your own by car or metro, or you can let someone else worry about the traffic by taking a bus tour around the city.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Pick a tour company. There are a few different tour companies to choose from, so compare prices and tour itineraries to find the one that best suits your group. For example, if you want to see Arlington Cemetery or the White House, select a bus tour that goes to those locations. Tour companies include Open Top Sightseeing and Tourmobile.
Open Top Sightseeing
Union Station
grayline.ezrez.com
Tourmobile Sightseeing
1000 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 554--5100
tourmobile.com
Be prepared to walk. Yes, you are traveling around the city by bus, but once at a stop you must get out to see the sights. Many locations in Washington D.C. include a lot of walking, such as the museums, zoo and Arlington Cemetery. Take plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes to help keep you from getting overly tired.
Take time while at stops to use the bathroom, if needed. Not all tour buses come equipped with this luxury, and it isn't always a luxury anyway. It is difficult at best to use the small bathroom on a bus, and if it is moving, it can be a challenge.
Pack some form of activity for kids to do to keep them from getting bored. Not all of the memorials are as exciting for little ones, so if you can make a game of it, the kids will find it more entertaining. Have them count the steps down from the Washington Monument or how many soldiers are at the Korean Memorial. Give them something to do, and you will hear less complaining.
Pack snacks. This is good for kids and adults. It can save you some money versus the snack bars in the museums, plus you don't always have access to food when you need it.
About The Author
Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for Associated Content in the past and has been a contributing writer at Demand Media Studios for the last year, writing mainly for eHow, Trails, Golflink and Travels.
