We decided to take advantage of a beautiful weather day in our Nations Capitol! The Hop-On Hop-Off Trolly via Old Town Trolley is the most popular trolley in DC. It offers a narrated sightseeing tour that allows you to get on and off at various stops- 15 in all- throughout the district, letting you explore at your own pace.  

The Hop on Hop Off Trolly in DC was big, clean and spacious!

This is not a cheap excursion. In total it cost us $175 as a family of 4. This is slightly lower than usual because we were in the off season. #OST (off season travel)

We spent the day with our 6 year old and 9 year old and here are some of the reasons it was a home run activity:

• Easy and convenient: The hop-on, hop-off format is perfect for families with young children. You don’t have to worry about navigating the city or finding parking, and kids can get off and stretch their legs at various points throughout the tour.
• See the sights: The trolley takes you to all the major landmarks in Washington D.C., including the White House, the National Mall, and the Smithsonian museums. This is a great way for kids to learn about the history and culture of the United States in a fun and interactive way.
• Engaging for kids: The narrated tours are often family-friendly and incorporate interesting facts and stories that will keep kids engaged. Some trolleys even have special features like live guides or activities for children.
• Relaxing for adults: Parents can relax and enjoy the ride while the kids are entertained. The trolley tours take the stress out of sightseeing, allowing you to enjoy the experience with your family.

Our day itinerary included:

1. Hopping on at Union Station. This is a convenient location to either park your car at a near by parking garage, or arrive via train if you are coming in on the Amtrak. The interior is beautiful and even filled with places to grab a bite or some snacks to take along! 

2. Next stop: The Capitol Building where we could stretch our legs on the beautiful green lawn and visit the visitor center!

3. Allll the Smithsonian museums to indulge in ! We plan to check out the Air and Space museum next time (make sure you reserve your time slot ahead of time!), but love the Natural History museum! So many of these museums are conveniently located, so do your research ahead of time and remember: all museums are free and worth a visit!

4. Stop #12 Lincoln Memorial and a stroll through the Vietnam and Korean War memorials. Take a rest on the steps overlooking the reflecting pool, and indulge in the view of the Washington Monument!

5. And you can’t go to DC and not check out the White House. While a bit underwhelming, it was still a great photo opt!

For a full list of stops, check out the brochure

Where to eat: It goes without saying that there is an unlimited amount of restaurants to choose from in DC. Whether you want to check out ChinaTown or opt for Italian, there is a cuisine for all appetites. Our first stop was Yellow. A cafe from Chef Michael Rafidi, offers a menu of baked goods, mezze, wood-fired pita sandwiches, specialty coffee, and creative cold beverages. Wow! Might have been one of the best breakfasts we have had out! Not a cheap spot, but a very delicious spot. Located in the iconic neighborhood of Georgetown. If you have the time to venture out here we highly recommend it!

We decided to visit Mozzeria for dinner. It did not disappoint. This deaf-owned and operated restaurant features delicious wood fired pizza, salads and more. We thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, service and of course the eats! 

Mozzeria and Yellow were both inspired by the show Somebody Feed Phil. We have found that if you enjoy food then planning a day around some spots that really appeal to you always makes for a great experience. They are usually located in parts of town you might not go to and it gives you a very interactive feel for the city! Easy to remember the food, hard to remember the history of monuments!

The pizza at Mozzeria was top notch. What blew us away was the eggplant appetizer! That is a must order. It was also a very neat experience for the kids to use sign language with the staff.

Overall, a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour can be a fun and educational way for families to explore Washington D.C. Pack some snacks and some drinks and enjoy what will surely be a wonderful day of learning and exploring!