Washington DC Hidden Highlights Driving Tour

Explore Washington DC’s Hidden Highlights with a Private Driving Tour

The Washington DC Hidden Highlights Driving Tour offers an engaging way to see some of the city’s most meaningful sites outside the usual tourist crowds. Priced at $35 per group (up to 5 people), this tour provides a flexible, private experience that lasts between 1 to 3 hours. It is designed by the expert guide Peter Smeallie, ensuring a knowledgeable narration tailored entirely to your preferences.

What makes this tour stand out is its completely private nature and the use of the Pintours App, which allows you to pause, skip, and explore each stop at your own pace. With pickup offered and an itinerary that includes major monuments, historic sites, and scenic locations, this experience is ideal for those seeking a personalized exploration without the typical group rush.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience for up to 5 people at $35 total
• Flexible duration between 1 to 3 hours based on your interests
• Includes admission tickets to sites like Georgetown University and Arlington National Cemetery
• Self-paced tour using the Pintours App, with options to pause, skip, or spend extra time at stops
• Stops at iconic landmarks and hidden sites, including Mount Vernon and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
• Pickup service available from chosen locations within Washington DC

The Tour Starts at Washington National Cathedral

The tour begins at the Washington National Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. This stunning Gothic-style church offers a breathtaking view and serves as an impressive first stop. Its towering spires and intricate architecture set a majestic tone for the tour ahead.

From here, the guide leads you through a series of carefully chosen sites, blending well-known monuments with lesser-visited locations. The flexibility of the Pintours App allows you to spend more time soaking in the sights or moving quickly through stops that aren’t of particular interest.

Visiting Georgetown University: The Oldest Catholic Higher Education Institution

Next, the tour takes you to Georgetown University, the oldest Roman Catholic university in the United States. This stop provides a chance to admire the university’s historic architecture and learn about its role in American education. Admission is included, so you can explore the campus at your own pace.

This location is a highlight for those interested in the academic history of Washington DC. Its charming campus and historic buildings are a favorite for many visitors, offering both educational insight and visual appeal.

Discovering Georgetown Waterfront Park and Local Stories

A short drive brings you to Georgetown Waterfront Park, a scenic spot along the Potomac River. Here, the tour offers hidden stories linked to figures like Thomas Edison and even the Clintons, adding layers of intriguing history to the landscape.

The park is a peaceful retreat with beautiful views, making it an ideal place to relax and listen to fascinating local tales. Admission is included, and you can stroll around or just enjoy the river vistas while the guide shares engaging anecdotes.

Honoring Service at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

The next stop is the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, which honors all Marines who have served since 1775. This iconic monument features a famous statue inspired by the photograph of the flag raising at Iwo Jima.

Spending about 20 minutes here allows plenty of time to appreciate the statue’s significance and snap photos of the memorial’s impressive setting. It’s a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice of U.S. Marines.

Reflecting at Arlington National Cemetery

One of the most poignant stops is Arlington National Cemetery, sprawling over 624 acres and home to more than 400,000 graves. The tour dedicates around 20 minutes to this solemn site, where visitors can reflect on the fallen soldiers’ sacrifices.

While the tour doesn’t include a full cemetery visit, the short stop offers a glimpse of the graves and the iconic changing of the guard, providing a moment of respect and history.

The September 11 Pentagon Memorial: A Site of Remembrance

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is a free stop lasting approximately 25 minutes. This site commemorates the victims of the September 11 attacks and is filled with meaningful stories and history.

Visitors can walk around the memorial, which is designed to honor those lost, making it a visceral experience that underscores the importance of remembrance and resilience.

Honoring the U.S. Air Force at the Air Force Memorial

A quick 15-minute visit to the Air Force Memorial celebrates the millions of men and women who have served in the U.S. Air Force. Its striking design features three soaring spires, symbolizing the core values of the service.

This stop adds a military perspective to the tour, highlighting the role of the Air Force in U.S. history and providing excellent photo opportunities.

Visiting Mount Vernon: George Washington’s Historic Home

A highlight of the tour is Mount Vernon, the historic estate of George Washington, the nation’s first president. Originally called Little Hunting Creek Plantation, this site offers stunning views of the Potomac River and insights into Washington’s life.

Admission is included, and the tour allows you to soak in the sights of the plantation and learn about Washington’s leadership and legacy from the comfort of your private experience.

Concluding the Tour at National Harbor

The final stop is National Harbor, a lively area along the waterfront featuring shops, restaurants, and boat views. This location provides a relaxed end to the day, with about 20 minutes to explore or simply enjoy the scenery.

The tour concludes here, with transportation back to your designated starting point or location within Washington DC.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The Washington DC Hidden Highlights Driving Tour departs from Washington National Cathedral and ends at National Harbor in Maryland. It is a private experience, tailored exclusively for your group, with pickup offered. Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

The tour is booked an average of 61 days in advance, making it a reliable option for planning ahead. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, ensuring flexibility if plans change.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour appeals to those who prefer a personalized, flexible sightseeing experience without the constraints of traditional group tours. The use of the Pintours App enhances your control over pacing and stops, while the affordable price of $35 makes it accessible for small groups.

The carefully curated stops combine well-known symbols of American history with hidden stories, giving a comprehensive yet intimate look at Washington DC and nearby landmarks. It’s especially suitable for those wanting to explore at their own speed, with the guidance of an experienced local expert.

Final Thoughts on the Washington DC Hidden Highlights Driving Tour

This private tour offers a cost-effective, flexible way to see key monuments, historic sites, and scenic landmarks around Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Its customizable nature and the inclusion of admission tickets make it a practical choice for small groups interested in a tailored experience.

While it doesn’t include long visits to each site, the short stops are enough to appreciate the significance of each location and enjoy the scenery. The use of the Pintours App is a major advantage, giving you control over your exploration.

If you value a personalized itinerary, expert narration, and the ability to skip or linger at specific sites, this tour stands as a solid option for a memorable day in the nation’s capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can join this tour?
Up to 5 people per group, making it ideal for small families, friends, or couples.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $35 per group, including admission to select sites.

How long does the tour last?
The duration varies from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your pacing and interest at each stop.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is offered, and the tour is conducted via private vehicle.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the Pintours App allows you to pause, skip, or spend more time at specific locations.

What sites are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Washington National Cathedral, Georgetown University, Georgetown Waterfront Park, U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Mount Vernon, and National Harbor.

Are tickets included for the attractions?
Yes, tickets for Georgetown University, Georgetown Waterfront Park, Arlington National Cemetery, and Mount Vernon are included.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate; service animals are allowed. The physical activity is minimal, but some walking may be involved at certain sites.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 61 days in advance, but availability may vary.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time.