AIRBNB EXPERIENCES
Unique things to do in Arlington
Book unforgettable activities hosted by locals on Airbnb.
All activities near Arlington
Washington DC Night Tour w/Transportation
See DC with us on this professionally guided 3-hour tour of the National Mall. We tour in small groups which gives you a more personal experience and allows you to cover all of the major DC sites in just 3 hours. This tour is a combination of driving and walking. If you want to “SEE IT ALL” then this is the tour for you.
We start at the Washington Grand Hyatt. Meet your TOUR Guide in front of Starbucks, hop in the van, and head over to the National Mall. Your guide will provide you with live commentary about the monuments, memorials, and other attractions that make up the National Mall. You will have the chance to get out and explore several major DC attractions for 15 - 25 minutes at each site. Drop-off and pick-ups are as close as legally possible to each of the sites. The tour ends back at the Washington Grand Hyatt.
Thirsty? Just ask for complimentary water. Phone needs to be charged? Just let your driver know and they will provide you with charging equipment. We tour rain or shine and provide umbrellas if needed.
Interested in a private tour? Check out some of our private tour options. https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/949515?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=22a9bb34-7291-4be9-bdc0-9ee793272345
White House with former Kennedy staffer
This is a walking and history tour that walks the complete outside circumference of the gated portion of the White House. Prior to 09/11, as a former White House staffer, I could simply show my ID and take visitors in for a tour. That perk evaporated on 09/12/2001, and inside tours must be requested through a member of Congress. An external, walking tour is the next best thing to a tour inside, with my sharing features of major rooms in the White House, the West Wing, and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where my office was when I worked at the White House.
In addition to the history of the building and stories about some of its occupants, you get the perspective of a former White House staffer who worked for two US presidents and on the campaigns of two candidates who did not win the presidency. I have met every president who has served during my lifetime, from FDR through the current president.
The meet place is outside the White House Visitor Center, on Pennsylvania Avenue, between 14th and 15th Streets, NW.
The walk begins by passing through the recently dedicated National World War I Memorial, and proceeds past the Sherman Monument to the Ellipse on the side of the White House, with stories, photographs, and opportunities for questions.
Continuing toward the official front of the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, we pass the first headquarters of the America
Secret Doors Museum Tour
From spies to secret passageways put your super sleuth skills to the test as you search for over 70 secret doors and explore our themed rooms. We would never give you a map - this would ruin the surprise of finding a secret door but you will have a Q & A with one of our docents before you start your journey. It’s not in the finding, it’s in the seeking that is important. Experience the magic!
Your self-guided experience will begin with an in-depth video introduction to our history and our secret doors, as well as what to look for as you go. Then, we will send you off on your own to search for the secrets and treasures that are everywhere to be found.
As you explore the mansion, which is steeped in history and intrigue, you'll be walking in the footsteps of presidents, freedom fighters, G-Men, historians, famous musicians, and fiction writers. Built 125 years ago, nearly every President since Teddy Roosevelt has visited.
Other things to note
All ages can attend. If you have a short attention span, this is the place for you because there is so much to see and do. If you are a minimalist, you will be overwhelmed. Museum closes: Sunday - Wednesday at 6pm and Thursdays - Saturday at 9pm.
The Spies of Georgetown
If you enjoy real-life spy stories, covert operations, and international intrigue, this tour is for you. All of our tours are developed and delivered by former intelligence officers.
Learn spy mindset as you explore the hidden history of Georgetown. Hear about the crucial role residents played in espionage during WWII and the Soviet Era. And…conduct a secret operation! Hint: Bring your map reading skills.
This tour is ideal for groups and teams. Don’t forget your walking shoes, bring water, and dress for the weather.
Not seeing a tour on the calendar that works for your schedule? Submit a request for a new date/time. We'll work with you and do our best to accommodate your needs.
Washington DC's Underground Donut Tour
Join us for a Donut adventure through our nations capital, Washington DC. Our tour begins near Lafayette Square, where we’ll see a restaurant favored by a former President before passing by the White House itself for a perfect photo op. After soaking in some history at Lafayette Square, we’ll head deeper into DC to try some local fan favorite donuts from fan favorite local celebrities. From there, we’ll head down Palmers Alley, the most "grammable" spot in DC, where we’ll get to try donuts with an international flavor. Then, after a quick jaunt through Chinatown (where we’ll learn some surprising Civil War-era history) we’ll try some truly unique, freshly made, and delicious donuts. Then, one more stop to send you home full of some truly decadent donuts.
By the end, you’ll have made some great friends and enjoyed some incredible donuts and history. We hope you can join us today!
Morning Photo Session in Washington DC
Treat yourself to great pictures as a souvenir while experiencing DC landmarks.
The photo session starts at the Lincoln Memorial which has great views of the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument.
Then we have the option of taking a 10 minute walk to take more photos at either a beautiful park or at another Memorial on the National Mall.
** Sessions booked between March 20 and April 1, will start at the MLK Memorial/Tidal Basin area to capture photos with cherry blossoms. **
This photo session can be adapted for engagements, elopements, families, graduating seniors, maternity, surprise proposals and business headshots.
In a non-private session, another person may book and join you. We will walk together as a group and rotate between who is taking pictures. Select the private option if you do not wish to share your session with another person.
Photos are typically delivered in 1 to 3 days. 10 edited high-res photo downloads are included. Additional photo downloads can be purchased for an additional cost.
After signing up, check your Airbnb messages to answer a short questionnaire and to receive the prep guide.
Message me if you wish to have a session for a time not listed or if you have any questions.
Fun and Interactive Guided National Mall Tour with a Local
Experience this 2.5 hour guided walking tour of the National Mall. You will get to experience the nation's capital through the practiced poetic gaze of a local. First, we'll meet on the corner of 15th St NW & Constitution avenue. Bring something to drink and some comefortable shoes. We will begin our walk to the first stop on the tour, The Washington Monument or as I like to call it, The Eiffel Tower of DC. Then, we will proceed to the World War II Veteran's Memorial where an amazing little secret lies. Before we head to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, we will make a bathroom stop for all those who might need it. Then, we will continue on to the Lincoln Memorial (a personal favorite) and finally end our tour with the Korean War Verterans Memorial.
Throughout this tour, guests will be encouraged to participate. I will pose a few DC-specific trivia questions that will keep you engaged and whose answers will come into as the tour progresses and your knowlegde of DC grows.
Be prepared to learn well kept secrets and interesting facts, little known even to most DC locals. Guaranteed to leave you feeling in awe of our resilience as a nation. You are in for a treat.
Tour with a White House writer
We'll tour Lafayette Square, the historic and scenic park next to the White House, and the surrounding neighborhood.
The Nov. 9 tour will focus on the military history of the White House area & the National Mall.
With an ex-White House writer, and author of books on U.S. politics and history!
The area is jammed with intriguing buildings, statues, and memories of famous persons and events.
A good idea of our tours can be found here:
https://www.meetup.com/Lafayette-Sq-Tours-of-Scandal-Assassination-Spies-Meetup/
Other things to note
MEET at the John Paul Jones statues, at 17th St., S.W., DC, just southwest of the World War II Memorial.
Memories of DC with a Photoshoot
We will meet at the infamous Lincoln Memorial to take advantage of it’s beautiful white backdrop and architecture. There, we can capture great views of the entire national mall seeing the Monument and Washington Capitol. Then we will continue to explore the mall as we walk alongside the reflecting pool towards the WWII memorial then past that to the Washington Monument. Portraits available: individual, couples, families (up to four people)! Group rates available for 5+ people
Explore the Secrets of Historic Georgetown on a Guided Walk
Join us to explore the historic streets and architecture of Washington's oldest neighborhood! Established fifty years before the Capital, Georgetown began as a gritty port city on the banks of the Potomac River, described by Abigail Adams as a "dirty little hole". Despite its modest start, Georgetown is now home to palatial mansions, elegant cemeteries, stately churches, and a world class University. We'll explore the highlights and secrets of DC's most exclusive neighborhood, while learning about Georgetown's transformation in this rags to riches tale.
Our Georgetown tour does involved some steep hills and uneven sidewalks, so please wear sturdy shoes.
Mini Photoshoots all over Washington DC
Get professional photos at the most iconic picturesque spots in DC!
**Pricing is per location (not per person) **
About this experience:
- 30-minute private photoshoot
- at least 15 photos
- you receive all original photos that were taken
- location of your choice
- any location in DC is available
- available anytime (after booking, just let us know what time)
Here are some spot recommendations we normally shoot:
- White House
- Lincoln Memorial
- MLK Jr. Memorial
- World War 2 Memorial
- Atlas Allery
We are also available for 1-hour photoshoots on any day at any place in DC at any time. Please feel free to message me directly and check out our IG @seizetheapp
The Spies of Embassy Row
If you enjoy historical stories of conspiracy, politics, cover-ups, and assassinations, this tour is for you. All tours are developed and delivered by former intelligence officers.
Begin at Dupont Circle and examine the suspicious death of a Kremlin insider, the first of many suspicious deaths we explore. Hear more about the origins of “Embassy Row” and go to where infamous spies lived and operated. And…conduct a secret operation! Hint: Bring your map reading skills.
Don’t forget your walking shoes, bring water, and dress for the weather.
Not seeing a tour on the calendar that works for your schedule? Submit a request for a new date/time. We'll work with you and do our best to accommodate your needs.
Georgetown History Walk with a Historian
On this 2 hour walk through Georgetown in the mornings we will discover the past of the city through stories, folklore and ambiance - some mind blowing secrets.
Beginning in the 1700s, Georgetown was the economic and social center for the area that would later become our nation's capital. Many different groups and characters have cycled through this small town, all of whom left their marks with buildings, homes and churches. On this 2-hour walking tour, you'll weave you through the mysteries and legends with your guide who will provide you with a sense of the history of this still thriving port town. See homes once owned by the Kennedy and Lincoln families, the Old Stone House, Georgetown University, and Tudor Place Mansion.
Experience the Ghosts of Georgetown
Among the historic streets, manicured gardens and Victorian row houses of DC’s finest neighborhood lie deep, dark secrets about a forgotten past. Come along to hear stories from long ago that trace the development of Gerorgetown from a small tobacco port to a major commercial trading center. Many important historical figures have lived or stayed here and documented their experiences in letters and journals. Some of these folks have never left, haunting these grand residences to this day...
On this family friendly tour you will learn about this town and be enchanted by its past, present, and future. The stories we tell are based on historic records and will include tales of lost love, revenge, and madness! This is a quintessential ghost tour, set in a charming old city that, when the sun goes down, sets the stage for a spooky night out with your friends.
Other things to note
Family friendly tour for all ages
Explore the History of Black Georgetown
This walking tour starts at 3206 O Street NW DC and ends at the Mt. Zion/Female Union Band Cemetery at 2501 Mill Rd. NW. There is a half-way stop at Thomas Sweet Shop for a bathroom break and refreshment.
Description: This indepth tour takes guests on a journey through the African American history of Georgetown, a now-exclusive neighborhood in Washington, DC.
Someone visiting Georgetown today may see it as another wealthy enclave in a continuously gentrifying Washington, DC. However, this charming area that boasts high-end shopping and gourmet restaurants has a diverse past. At one point African Americans counted for as much as 30% of the Georgetown population. Descendants of enslaved peoples and free black folk have lived in Georgetown for generations, but their contributions to its history do not often receive recognition. This tour will reveal the stories of the black citizens who made their mark on one of DC’s oldest neighborhoods.