At dusk, the nation's capital glows as it's bathed in light. According to Washington Post writer, Philip Kennicott, "The strange thing about Washington's nocturnal beauty is that none of it was planned, yet none of it was accidental either." Viewing Washington, D.C. by moonlight bares its skyline, dramatizes American icons and reveals the arcs and angles of Washington's architecture. With a majority of the monuments open late, visitors can easily avoid daytime traffic and crowds with a night tour. Learn about the city through historical facts, anecdotes and ghost tales while enjoying a more dramatic Washington, D.C.
Join the three-hour "Memorials by Moonlight" tour that starts at 6:30 p.m. Led by an experienced guide, walkers will ingest historical facts about the neoclassical Jefferson Memorial and gain an unhindered view from the memorial to the White House. Illuminated, the Jefferson Memorial reflects in the tidal basin providing an ideal photo opportunity. Other monuments on the tour include the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Potomac Park. The adjacent Abraham Lincoln Memorial strikes visitors as possibly the most majestic D.C. memorial. Hear tales and gain insight on other illuminated memorials including the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial and the World War II Memorial. Look for a guide with a blue and green Washington Walks badge at the entrance sign by the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
Washington Walks
819 G Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20024
202-484-1565
washingtonwalks.com
For the more active, the "Monuments at Nite Guided Bike Tour" takes cyclists on a leisurely three-hour, seven-mile tour beginning at 6 p.m. Riders depart from 12th Street NW behind the Old Post Office Pavilion. While following the lead guide, learn about the city's monuments around the National Mall and the Potomac Tidal Basin. Discover the understated yet poised White House. Stop to appreciate the Washington Monument as it stands out like a beacon. Take note of how illumination enhances the Lincoln Memorial and lends itself to resemble a Grecian Doric temple. The tour includes a mountain bike, helmet, reflective vest and trailers for younger children. Arrive early for bike adjustments prior to the tour. Book reservations 72 hours in advance of tour date.
Bike and Roll
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
202-842-2453
For an in-depth introduction of D.C., board a trolley for a two-and-a-half hour "Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour" that "starts at 6:30 p.m. in the fall and winter, 7:30 p.m. in the spring and summer." Riders are entertained by a narrative tour of the city at night. Hear bewitching tales about ghostly spirits such as John Quincy Adams who haunts the halls of Congress. According to the Historic Haunted America, "Those who believe they've seen him insist that he appears at the spot where his desk once stood." Other sites include the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Monument, Iwo Jima Memorial and the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial whose wall is illuminated by floodlights that channel a path directly to Washington Monument. Guides reveal historical data and amusing anecdotes along the trolley route. The tour makes two stops, giving riders an opportunity to walk the memorial grounds. The trolley departs from Union Station with reservations required.
Monuments by Moonlight
Union Station
50 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Washington D.C. 20018
202-832-9800
trolleytours.com
