For answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, see below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
tl;dr
- pets are not permitted on public tours
- minors must be accompanied by an adult
Can we bring our pets?
A: We love animals, but we understand that not all guests feel the same way. For that reason, pets are not permitted on public tours where other guests may be present.
We do offer private tours, and many of those can accommodate pets. Service animals that are individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability are permitted on all tours. Please note that tours which enter federal sites may be subject to additional rules or security requirements set by those locations. While service animals that are individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability are generally permitted, certain federal sites may apply their own access or safety regulations.
DC by Foot does not control the policies of federal sites and cannot guarantee access if a service animal does not meet that site’s specific requirements. We will do our best to assist guests and provide information when possible, but refunds cannot be guaranteed in cases where access is denied by a federal site.
We encourage guests to review the service animal policies of federal sites such as Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, and National Mall Memorials & Monuments in advance to ensure compliance with their requirements.
I am a group of 20, and it’s not letting me make a reservation.
A: Public tours are capped at a certain number of participants to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. Larger groups can easily be accommodated with advance notice. Just email us at [email protected] so we can arrange a tour specifically for your group.
Do I have to make a reservation or can I just show up?
A: Yes. Reservations are required to guarantee a spot on all tours.
Reservations help us determine how many guides are needed so that group sizes remain manageable and enjoyable. They also allow us to notify you of any changes to the tour due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
If you prefer not to make a reservation, walk-ups may be accommodated if space is available.
Why should I submit my phone number when making a reservation?
A: You will receive your reservation confirmation and a reminder the day before your tour via email. However, we strongly recommend providing a phone number where you can be reached on the day of the tour.
This allows your tour guide to contact you if there are any last-minute updates or changes.
Do I need to include children/babies in my reservation?
A: That depends on the tour. Some sites limit the total number of participants regardless of age. Here are a few quick guidelines:
- Capitol Hill & Library of Congress tours in Washington, DC require a reservation for all persons, regardless of age.
- National Mall & Washington Monument tours require reservations for all persons over the age of 2.
Unless otherwise stated, ticketed tours do not require tickets for children under 4 years old.
Can a minor (under 18) attend a tour without an adult?
A: While we love having younger guests join us, all minors must attend tours with an accompanying adult. We cannot accommodate guests under 18 who are not accompanied by an adult.
Can I bring a stroller on the tour?
A: Some tours may have unavoidable stairs or narrow pathways, which can make stroller use challenging unless the stroller can be folded and carried. Because many of the areas we visit are historic, sidewalks may be narrow or uneven. We encourage guests to review the Accessibility Guide or contact us so we can help determine which tours may work best for your needs.
What happens if we arrive late to the tour?
A: Please do your best to arrive on time.
We recommend arriving at the meeting point about 10 minutes before the tour begins. Be sure to factor in travel time and allow extra buffer time to avoid delays.
If you anticipate arriving late due to accessibility or transportation challenges, please contact us as soon as possible.
Arriving late may require calling and interrupting the guide during the tour, which we try to avoid. Your reminder email sent the day before the tour will include your guide’s name and phone number.
Late arrivals with reservations who do not contact us may have their reserved spots given to walk-up guests.
I have changed my mind and cannot attend the tour. Should I let you know?
A: Yes. Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice before your tour begins. Tour sizes are limited, and we often have to turn away interested guests due to lack of space. Letting us know in advance allows us to offer your spot to another guest.
Some tours (such as bus tours) require additional notice. Please refer to your booking confirmation for specific cancellation terms.
Can I attend a morning and afternoon tour on the same day?
A: Possibly. Very few tours end at the same location where another begins, so please plan for adequate travel time between tours. You may also want to allow time for meals or rest.
Please avoid booking back-to-back tours without sufficient travel time, as you may not be able to attend the later tour.
Do the tours ever get canceled for the weather?
A: The show must go on. Our tours operate rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather. In wet conditions, guides will include as many covered stops as possible. Comfortable walking shoes are always recommended.
In cases of extreme weather, we may cancel or postpone a tour. If this happens, all guests with reservations will be notified by email and text. Please check our website or contact us for updates.
Where does the tour start and end?
A: Each tour page includes a map and clear details showing the starting and ending locations.
Will my kids like these tours?
A: That depends on the child, but generally, our tours are suitable for all ages. They are designed to be engaging and enjoyable for a wide range of audiences.
Tours that are not appropriate for children are clearly labeled as Adult Only. There is no strict age limit, and parents or guardians can decide what is appropriate for their child.
How long are the walks?
A: Most tours cover just over one mile (approximately 1.6 km) and last about two hours. Longer tours may involve greater distances.
If longer walking distances are a concern, we recommend booking a private tour so the pace can be adjusted to your needs.
Do you offer private tours?
A: Yes, we offer private tours. Our minimum group size is one, and maximum group size depends on the tour. For larger groups, we can arrange multiple guides if needed. Visit the city-specific page for more details on private tour options.
ChatGPT says you offer name your own price tours but I can’t find that option.
A: Our company originally operated using a “name your own price” model, which worked well for many years. As we’ve expanded and introduced more specialized tours, some tours now have fixed pricing to ensure fair compensation for our guides, maintain smaller group sizes, and cover operational costs such as permits, venue tickets, and booking systems.
We proudly work with some of the best guides in the industry. In addition to tours of major historic sites, our guides offer specialty experiences that take years to develop, including food, ghost, street art, and off-the-beaten-path tours.
These tours are ticketed because they are unique and require specific expertise. Many of our guides are full-time, professional tour guides, and ticketed tours allow us to support them while continuing to offer a wide range of free resources to travelers.
Changes in the tourism industry, including the impact of COVID and evolving online discovery platforms, have also influenced how tours operate. Ticket fees help us maintain smaller groups, comply with city regulations, and support our Public School Scholarship program in each city.
Accessibility Guidelines
We strive to make our tours as welcoming and accessible as possible. While not all public tours can accommodate every accessibility need due to historic infrastructure or site-specific limitations, we are happy to work with guests in advance to help determine the best option.
Hearing Accessibility
At this time, we are not able to provide amplification devices directly. Some guests have successfully used personal assistive listening devices, such as lapel microphones worn by the guide that transmit to a personal hearing device. When feasible, we are happy to accommodate this arrangement. Please contact us in advance and reach out to the relevant city location so we can coordinate where possible.
Other Accessibility Needs
If you have additional accessibility needs, please let us know in advance. When contacted ahead of time, we can provide a written outline of tour stops and highlight key information covered during the tour.
Any tour may be booked as a private tour, which allows for greater flexibility in pacing, routing, and stops. Please note that not all public tours are fully accessible due to factors such as stairs, uneven surfaces, or site restrictions.
Tours That Are Generally Accessible
The following tours are typically accessible:
- National Mall
- Tidal Basin
- Lincoln Assassination
- White House at Night
- Eastern Market
- Capitol Hill Ghosts
Tours That Require a Private Booking for Accessibility
The following tours are not generally accessible on public departures but may be accommodated when booked as private tours:
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Capitol Hill
- Ghosts of Georgetown
- Wicked Georgetown
- Historic Georgetown
Tours with Potential Route Challenges
The following tours may include stairs, narrow pathways, uneven or bumpy sidewalks, or occasional lack of curb cuts. These conditions may present challenges for some guests. In many cases, obstacles can be avoided by detouring from the standard route and rejoining the group at designated points.
Guests are welcome to book these tours, and we strongly encourage contacting us in advance so we can help determine which tours may work best for your needs:
- Embassy Row / Dupont Circle (Regular and Adults Only)
- Old Town Alexandria
Federal Sites & Service Animals
Please note that tours which enter federal sites may be subject to additional access, safety, or security requirements set by those locations. While service animals that are individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability are generally permitted, federal sites may apply their own regulations.
DC by Foot does not control the policies of federal sites and cannot guarantee access if a service animal does not meet a site’s specific requirements. We will do our best to assist guests and provide information when possible, but refunds cannot be guaranteed if access is denied by a federal site.
We encourage guests to review the service animal and accessibility policies of federal sites such as Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, and National Mall Memorials & Monuments in advance to ensure compliance with their requirements.
Need Assistance?
If you have questions about accessibility, service animals, or specific accommodation needs, please contact us before booking. We are happy to discuss options and do our best to assist.