Attractions
At Concierge Tours, it’s all about you! Don’t let anyone choose your itinerary for you. Let’s work together and design a personalized agenda so that we can create a tour that you’ll always remember.
Below are some of the most popular sites in Washington D.C. and the surrounding area. Click on any button to learn more.
National Cathedral
The National Cathedral welcomes those of all faiths. See the stunning Gothic architecture of the Cathedral which is the 6th largest in the world and took 83 years to construct. While at the National Cathedral, you can pay your respects to Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, who is buried there. Woodrow Wilson is the only United States President interred in Washington, DC.
National Air & Space Museum
Go back in time to see the Wright Flyer from 1903 or the airplane Charles Lindbergh flew solo from New York to Paris (The Spirit of St. Louis). Then look at the Apollo 11 Command Module (Columbia) and afterwards actually touch a rock from the moon. The National Air and Space Museum has thousands of artifacts that share the journey of flight from airplanes to spaceships! There’s even a Planetarium on site as well as amazing shows in an IMAX theater. The National Air and Space Museum is a sight not to be missed.
National Museum of Natural History
The African Bush Elephant will greet you as you enter The National Museum of Natural History. But fear not, there are many other mammals on display that will amaze you. There are also exhibits in the Ocean Hall where you can explore whales and other deep sea creatures. Afterwards take a walk to the gem collections and see the Hope Diamond. Is the diamond cursed? Your guide will tell you stories for you to decide. The fun doesn’t stop there, you will see mummies from Egypt and see what shows are playing in the IMAX theater! Be sure to include this sight during your stay.
National Museum of American History
See the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star Spangled Banner. Go to the Land of Oz and see the ruby slippers worn by Dorothy. Imagine wearing dresses and other garments that former and present First Ladies have worn. The fun doesn’t stop there, as you can look into the kitchen of Julia Child and see old episodes from her cooking show. The National Museum of American History is one of the most popular museums on the National Mall, be certain not to miss it.
The U.S. Supreme Court
The highest court in the United States. The Court is next to the Library of Congress and consists of 9 Justices including the Chief Justice of the United States. Inside the Supreme Court building you will walk through an exhibit of past Supreme Justices including Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Justice and Sandra Day O’Connor, the court’s first woman justice. If the court is not in session, you can look into the actual court chamber.
The Library of Congress
Visit the largest collection of knowledge in the world. There are over 144 million items in The Library of Congress also known as the Jefferson Building. Just think, the library started with the personal library of Thomas Jefferson. The Library of Congress is more than just books. Only 22 million items in the library are books and manuscripts but you will also find music, films and even musical instruments.
The Vietnam War Memorial
Completed in 1982, the design for the Vietnam Memorial was decided in a competition won by an American architect Maya Lin. The memorial pays tribute to those members of the armed forces who were either KIA (Killed in Action) or MIA (Missing in Action) during the war. As you read the names on the wall, those soldiers marked with a diamond were killed in action while those marked with a cross are missing in action. Since many veterans of the war are unable to make it to the memorial, there is a duplicate of the memorial that travels to various locations in the United States. The monument is called “The Moving Wall”.
Arlington National Cemetery
The hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery serve as the final resting place to over 400,000 active duty members, veterans and their families. See the Eternal Flame as you pay your respects to President John F. Kennedy. Observe the traditional Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visit many more memorials to those who, as President Lincoln said, “Gave the last full measure of devotion.” Arlington National Cemetery is a must see location on your trip to Washington, DC.
World War II Memorial
This memorial honors the millions of individuals of the Armed Forces of the United States who gave their support during World War II. One of the more moving points of the memorial are the 4,048 Gold Stars representing the over 400,000 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each Gold Star represents 100 Americans who lost their lives during World War II.
D.C. War Memorial
This simple but beautiful structure is located just off the reflecting pool pays tribute to those who lost their lives and all those who served in World War I from the Washington, DC area. This circular memorial is made from Vermont Marble and is 47 feet high. Construction was completed in 1931 and dedicated by President Herbert Hoover. In 2010 the memorial underwent a restoration to return the structure to its original color and making access easier.
The National Holocaust Museum
Visit this moving tribute to the men, women and children who lost their lives during this terrible time in history. Prior to visiting the exhibit, you can take a journey through Daniel’s Room. This exhibit will allow you to experience the changes and hardships experienced by one family through a child’s eyes. The National Holocaust Museum is a powerful sight and one you will always remember.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
One of the newest memorials pays tribute to the slain civil rights leader who fought for social equality for people of color in the United States through non-violence. The monument also commemorates the year The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law. The 30-foot granite relief statue is named “The Stone of Hope” from his 1963 speech at The Lincoln Memorial.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Nestled in the Tidal Basin, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial pays tribute to one of the country’s founding fathers, author of The Declaration of Independence and the 3rd President of the United States. The domed memorial itself was influenced by The Pantheon in Rome and features a 19-foot bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson. Allow yourself to go back in time as you walk around the 5-ton statue and gaze upon the walls of the memorial that quote some of Thomas Jefferson’s famous sayings.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
This memorial dedicated to the 32nd President of the United States covers over 7 ½ acres and traces the 12 years of his presidency. President Roosevelt is the only President to have been elected to the presidency 4 times. This beautiful tribute recalls famous quotes, displays statues and covers the President’s leadership during the depression and World War II.
Washington Monument
If you’re driving to Washington DC, the Washington Monument will most likely be the first structure you will see from miles away. Standing at over 555 feet tall, this structure dedicated to the first President of the United States is an incredible sight to behold from land or air – if you’re lucky enough to see it while landing at one of the local airports.
Mount Vernon
Visit the home of our nation’s first President. You will start your adventure at the Visitor’s Center where you will receive an orientation of the mansion from your guide. Upon entering the grounds, you will see: the original entrance to Mount Vernon that George Washington used, the Slave bunk quarters, the Blacksmith, and other sites. After touring the three buildings that make up the mansion, you will visit the Old Tomb where George Washington was originally laid to rest and the new sanctuary where you can pay your respects to George and Martha Washington. Finally, at the Education Center you will visit the newly opened museum, see a 4D Movie (it snows in the theatre,) and answer the question, were George Washington’s teeth made of wood? Let’s go to Mount Vernon together and find out!
National Archives
See the documents that really started it all for the United States. On display you will see: The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights in the rotunda. There are additional secrets to the room your guide will share with you! Also, at the Archives you will see and hear the first recording and video of a United States President and other exhibits!
The White House
See the White House, the home of the President of the United States. Hear the history and heroism regarding the White House including the destruction of the building during the War of 1812. You will hear stories of former Presidents during their time in the White House. Unfortunately, we will not be able to go inside the White House on this tour, however you can apply for a reservation to visit the building either through your local congressional representative or by visiting the White House Web Site (Whitehouse.gov)
The United States Capitol
One of the most recognizable buildings in the country. The U.S. Capitol stands at the center of Washington, D.C. Come and explore this historic building as you will see a short video of how the country was started, our government created and ceremonies that take place at the Capitol. Afterwards, we will visit a few areas of the Capitol including the Rotunda under the Capitol Dome.
Ford's Theater
On the night of April 14, 1865, President Lincoln wanted to enjoy the performance of “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre. Instead, he was shot by John Wilkes Booth and passed away the following day. Take a trip back to the past and explore museum in the basement of Ford’s Theatre as see many artifacts of the time. You will sit in the theatre itself and see exactly where President Lincoln was sitting when he was shot. Finally, we will cross the street to the Petersen Boarding House and see the bed where Abraham Lincoln died. You will hear the whole story behind the assassination plot and aftermath stories as well.
Korean War Memorial
The memorial depicts 19 soldiers on patrol representing the four branches of the military. The statues are over seven feet tall and weigh close to 1000 pounds. Fourteen statues represent the Army, three statues represent the Marine Corps., one statue represents the Navy and one statue represents the Air Force. The granite wall depicts photos of 38 soldiers, 38 months and the 38th Parallel which separates North and South Korea.
Lincoln Memorial
Dedicated in 1922, The Lincoln Memorial stands right on the banks of the Potomac River welcoming visitors to Washington, D.C. Together we will explore the specific meanings of the columns that surround the sanctuary as well as the stories and mistakes in this magnificent memorial to the nation’s 16th President of the United States.
There isn’t a better tour guide out there. We had the greatest time ever. We hated to say goodbye. Alan is fantastic. 5 Stars all the way.
Alan added greatly to the experience with his knowledge. He even gave us guidance on what to see in subsequent days on our own. It was all great fun and very convenient. It was well worth the money, and I highly recommend it to anyone.
Alan worked with us to customize our tour to our wants/needs. He was so patient with our young children and was very good at engaging both of them throughout the tour.
Alan is very knowledgeable about history and the area and will tell you anything you need to know about your trip....Great experience!
The amount of information this man knows and shares is simply incredible and very entertaining and it is what makes this tour sooo good. He was wonderful with my grandkids ages 7, 8 and 11. I really can’t imagine a better tour.
We booked the full day tour, and it was well worth it!! He was so so so knowledgeable and entertaining and engaging with my 7 yo even though it was a long, hot day! Sure, you can go to these places on your own, but you won’t have Alan’s expertise, stories, and information. That is what you are paying for, and it was well worth it.
By far one of our most treasured experiences and we owe that to the special talent shared to us by Alan.
We were blown away by the experience. We all learned something new and Alan gave me a day where I could relax and be along for the ride. There is truly no better way to explore DC.
We were moved as we visited the monuments as Alan’s stories and info brought everything to life for us. I would do this tour again any time we were in DC!!
Alan and his tours are a delight. Not only does Alan have an impressive and outstanding breadth and depth of knowledge of history, but he brings historical events to life.
Alan’s passion for history went beyond facts and dates. Proof? Alan made the day so interesting that the kids’ phones were still fully charged at day’s end!
I was the hero of the trip because I found Alan! I’ve already passed his information onto another family. My advice, hire Alan, but book him early because as word gets out, his slots are going to fill up fast. Thank you, Alan, for making our trip so fun and memorable!