Washington DC: Private City Tour with Family Pickup & Expert Guide

Summary

Walk where history happened from the White House to Arlington with a local’s insight and space to linger or laugh along the way

You’ll ride through Washington DC in comfort with your own expert guide—stopping at landmarks like Arlington Cemetery and Lincoln Memorial while hearing real local stories. Expect cold drinks waiting for you, time to linger where you want, and small moments that stick with you long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous when our guide texted us that morning—something about meeting outside our hotel in a Cadillac Escalade sounded way fancier than we’re used to. But then he showed up (Roberto, if you’re reading this, thanks for the playlist), rolled down the window, and handed my daughter a cold water before we’d even said hi. The air inside was ice-cold, which felt like stepping into another world after the muggy DC sidewalks. My son immediately claimed the “buttery” seat in the back—his word, not mine—and started pressing every button he could find.

First stop was St. John’s Church, right across from the White House. We walked past Black Lives Matter Plaza—there was still chalk on the pavement from last week’s protest, and Roberto paused to explain how this stretch has changed over the years. I didn’t expect my kids to ask so many questions about Andrew Jackson and Lafayette Square, but somehow he made it feel less like a lecture and more like trading stories over coffee. The White House itself looked smaller than I’d imagined; maybe it’s just TV that makes everything look bigger? Anyway, I caught myself staring at the flag for longer than I meant to.

We zigzagged through DC in that van like locals do—Roberto seemed to know every shortcut around traffic (he said something about “timing is everything in this city”). At Arlington National Cemetery, there was this hush that just settled over us. The Changing of the Guard was happening just as we arrived—pure luck or good planning, still not sure—and even my usually chatty kids went quiet. There’s something about watching those soldiers move in perfect silence that sticks with you long after you leave.

I could go on about standing under Lincoln’s gaze or trying (and failing) to pronounce “Smithsonian” correctly in Portuguese for Roberto’s amusement—but honestly, what I remember most are these little moments: sunlight catching on the WWII Memorial fountains, my daughter tracing names on the Vietnam wall with her finger, that weird mix of fried food smells drifting over from a food truck near the Capitol. Four hours went by fast. If you want to see Washington DC without feeling rushed—or herded around—a private city tour like this is worth it. Still thinking about some of those views.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Washington DC city highlights

• Start at St. John's Church
• Walk Black Lives Matter Plaza
• View White House from Lafayette Square
• Visit Andrew Jackson Memorial
• Pass by Treasury Building
• Pass by Old Post Office Pavilion
• Pass by FBI Headquarters
• Pass by National Archives Museum
• Pass by National Gallery of Art
• Stop for photos at U.S. Capitol
• Pass by National Museum of the American Indian
• Pass by National Air and Space Museum
• Pass by Smithsonian Castle
• Drive by Washington Monument
• Visit World War II Memorial
• Visit Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
• Visit Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Visit Lincoln Memorial
• Visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Visit Arlington National Cemetery and Kennedy's Grave
• Visit US Marine Corps War Memorial
• Pass by U.S. Air Force Memorial
• Pass by National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
• Pass by Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Top questions

How long does the private Washington DC city tour last?

The standard private city tour lasts 4 hours; tours starting at or after 5 PM run 3 hours due to Arlington National Cemetery closing times.

Is hotel pickup included in this private DC tour?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off are included from select hotels within downtown Washington DC or Arlington areas.

Can children join this private city tour?

Yes, all ages are welcome; booster seats can be requested during booking and there’s space for strollers or prams.

Which landmarks are included on this Washington DC private tour?

You’ll visit sites such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery (with Kennedy’s Grave), Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and more.

Are guides licensed professionals?

Yes, your guide is a licensed professional—many are passionate historians or local experts who bring DC’s stories to life.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Yes, complimentary chilled bottled water is available throughout your day; just ask your guide anytime.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

The vehicles have space for collapsible wheelchairs but do not have ramps or lifts; please check suitability before booking if needed.

Can I customize stops or spend extra time at certain places?

Absolutely—you can linger at any site (like Lincoln Memorial) or request special stops; let your guide know your preferences early on.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central Washington DC or Arlington VA, a licensed professional guide who’ll text ahead with vehicle details, chilled bottled water on request, four hours of comfortable transportation in a luxury Cadillac Escalade ESV or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van (with ice-cold A/C), multiple language options if requested during checkout—including English, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese—and plenty of flexibility for families traveling with children or those needing stroller space.