The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C. (Unofficial Guides) - Softcover

Sklarew, Renee

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1628091045 ISBN 13: 9781628091045

Publisher: Unofficial Guides, 2020

Synopsis

Honest and Outspoken Advice from the Unofficial Experts

Written by Washington, D.C.’s Renee Sklarew, this is the insider’s guide to Washington at its best. With advice that is direct, prescriptive, and detailed, it takes the guesswork out of travel by unambiguously rating and ranking everything, including attractions. The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C., digs deeper and offers more than any other guide. With an Unofficial Guide, you know what’s available in every category, from the best to the worst. Step-by-step detailed plans allow you to make the most of your time in Washington, D.C.

This Book Includes

• Detailed descriptions of more than 50 hotels in Washington’s most popular neighborhoods―plus proven strategies for getting the best rate
• A complete guide to Washington’s cultural and historic sights―with helpful hints for making the most of your time―plus comprehensive reviews of Washington’s most popular attractions
• Proven strategies for enjoying Washington with your kids
• Everything you need to know to get around quickly and easily―including complete details on the Metro
• Detailed reviews of more than 50 restaurants―a complete dining guide within the guide―plus recommendations for fast-casual dining by neighborhood
• Expert advice on the best neighborhoods for shopping and nightlife

OVER 6 MILLION UNOFFICIAL GUIDES SOLD!

“A Tourist’s Best Friend!”
―Chicago Sun-Times

“Indispensable”
―The New York Times

About this title

About the Author

Renee Sklarew is a native Washingtonian who enjoys exploring her city’s many attractions, especially its incomparable museums and national parks. As a young girl, her family lived in Switzerland, where she began her passion for travel. Renee is a Study Leader for Smithsonian Associates and leads tours of historic sites and parks in the Washington, D.C., area. She contributes travel articles and photos to newspapers and magazines, including “The Washington Post,” “Washingtonian,” “Northern Virginia Magazine,” and “AAA Traveler.” Renee serves as dining editor for “VivaTysons” magazine and is the co-author of the popular book, “60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Washington, D.C.”

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

BOAT TOURSMost water tours go up and down the Potomac river, offering pretty passing views of the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Washington Monument, and the Kennedy center. Some even make their way to Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor, The Wharf, and Mount Vernon (read their maps carefully so you know where they go). You don’t even have to make advance reservations; although, here again, it will likely save you time and money. Be sure to read the guidelines and restrictions (alcohol included) on each company’s website.

From May through September, Capitol River Cruises (capitolriver cruises.com) leave on the hour starting at 11 a.m. and depart from Washington Harbour in Georgetown for a 45-minute cruise past the Kennedy Center, the Capitol building, the LBJ and Maritime Memorials, the Custis-Lee Mansion, and other points of interest. Potomac Riverboat Company (potomacriverboatco.com) has a varied and intriguing fleet, including a couple of double-deckers, an authentic split sternwheeler, and a 1906 skipjack that takes 90-minute cruises from National Harbor. PRC also operates the water taxi between Georgetown, The Wharf, Old Town Alexandria, and the National Harbor complex. They are known for their quirky canine cruise and their popular fireworks and cherry blossom tours as well.

If you can stand the “wise quacks” or if your party includes kids, consider the DC Ducks (dcducks.com) tour aboard renovated WWII amphibious vehicles. The ducks leave Union Station between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., roll through the Mall, and then plop into the Potomac river near Georgetown and cruise down to Gravelly Point, under the National airport flight path. Tours run from April through October, and only if the weather permits.

Spirit Cruise (spiritcruises.com) offers a variety of tours in D.C. The Spirit of Washington yacht tour incorporates a 3-hour lunch or dinner cruise departing from 580 Water St. near The Wharf. Some have a live DJ and dance floor. Reservations are required and prices range from $55 to $109. The Spirit of Mount Vernon, which also leaves from The Wharf, is another upscale option that runs from March through October and includes admission to Mount Vernon with 3 hours to explore the estate and gardens.

A local family favorite is the National Park Service’s hour-long barge trips (nps.gov/choh), drawn 19th century–style by mules through the locks of the C&O Canal at Great Falls Visitor Center in Potomac, Maryland. Park service rangers in costume explain the workings of the lock system and the history of the canal.

The recently refurbished Odyssey (odysseycruises.com) offers entertaining options, such as a Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise, a Mother’s Day cruise, festive holiday cruises, and traditional dinner cruises. The glass-topped luxury ship departs year-round from southwest Waterfront, near The Wharf, and most passengers dress for the occasion. The three-course plated dinners range from $113 to $135 per person.

Edition details

• Publisher: Unofficial Guides
• Publication date: 2020
• ISBN 10: 1628091045
• ISBN 13: 9781628091045
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 328