There are several tour operators that offer sightseeing cruises in Washington, D.C., but the Potomac Riverboat Co. is the only one that offers tours from Georgetown to Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia.
Learn the history of the colonial Old Town seaport, which was settled by Scottish immigrants. See the Jones Point Lighthouse, Torpedo Factory and Founders Park.
In 2009, the 40-minute cruises operate weekends only April 1 to May 5 and Sept. 8 to Oct. 12 and Tuesday through Sunday in the height of the season, May 26 to Sept. 7, with departures on the hour. Check the website for later dates. Always check to make sure that tours aren't canceled due to bad weather.
Leave drinks on shore; you can't bring your own, but bottled water, soft drinks and beer are sold. There is no smoking on the boat.
The 2009 rates were $14; $8 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for infants. There is no senior or student fare. You can buy tickets online, but you have to do so at least a day in advance; there is also a same-day ticket booth.
Be sure to leave time to stroll Old Town, whose streets are filled with cafes and boutiques. This also makes a nice day trip, combined with the nearby Mount Vernon Estate.
