Half-Day Private Guided Bike Tour in Washington

A bike is a perfect way to view the Washington Monument, which is a further walk from the Capitol Building than you might guess! We can bike to the Washington monument largely on trails on the National Mall, and stop for a photo. Tickets to enter the monument are free and if desired can be requested but not guaranteed depending on timing. The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, honors and memorializes George Washington at the center of the nation's capital. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854) and one public (1876-1884). Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.

From the US Capitol grounds, experience the beautiful views of the National Mall, the Capitol Reflecting Pool, and the Washington Monument.

We will cycle to the gardens, and experience the indoor or outdoor gardens, depending on your interests. The Conservatory features plants from across the United States and around the world ranging from desert plants to tropical forests to orchids and is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens are open from dawn to dusk daily. The gated outdoor gardens ("National Garden") are open 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. These gardens have extended spring-summer hours April 1 – September 15, staying open until 7:00 p.m.

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904) is best known for creating the Statue of Liberty. Bartholdi created this cast-iron fountain for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The fountain weighs 30,440 pounds, stands 30 feet high, and has caryatid figures 11 feet in height. The fountain was purchased by the U.S. Congress for $6,000 at the suggestion of Olmsted, the architect who designed the U.S. Capitol Grounds. It was moved to Washington, D.C., in 1877 and placed at the base of Capitol Hill on what used to be Botanic Garden grounds. The gas lamps, lighted by battery in 1881, made the fountain a popular attraction at night. ­and the fountain was completely electrified in 1915. From 2008 to 2011, it was taken off-site for a full restoration and updated with energy-efficient systems and water treatment technology.

A favorite of locals, Lincoln Park is the largest Capitol Hill Park and features monuments to two of the nation's greatest leaders: President Abraham Lincoln and educator and Civil Rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune. It is located directly east of the United States Capitol Building at East Capitol and 11th Streets in the Northeastern quadrant of the City. The open space that is now Lincoln Park was part of Pierre L'Enfant's original 1791 plan for the District of Columbia and was intended for public use. In 1867 when Congress officially named the park Lincoln Square, it was the first site to bear the name of the martyred President. To further recognize President Lincoln, a memorial statue was placed in the park in 1876. The statue was unveiled on April 14, the 11th anniversary of President Lincoln's death, with over 25,000 people in attendance. Frederick Douglass delivered the keynote address before President Ulysses S. Grant, his cabinet, and members of Congress.

Barracks Row is a beautiful historic neighborhood which sis a great location for lunch or dinner. We will see the neighborhood as well as view the Marine Barracks building and guard station. The Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., also known as "8th & I," is the oldest active post in the Marine Corps. It was founded by President Thomas Jefferson and Lt. Col. William Ward Burrows, the second commandant of the Marine Corps, in 1801. Located on the corners of 8th & I Streets in southeast Washington, D.C., the Barracks supports both ceremonial and security missions in the nation's capital. The Barracks is home to many nationally recognized units, including the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Band, the official Marine Corps Color Guard, and the Marine Corps Body Bearers. It is also the site of the Home of the Commandants, which along with the Barracks, is a registered national historic landmark.