Everything you need to know before your tour. Can’t find your answer here? Contact us and we’ll get back to you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Quick answers before you dig in:
- Pets are not permitted on public tours. Service animals are welcome — see details below.
- All guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can we bring our pets?
A: Pets are not permitted on public tours out of consideration for all guests. Private tours can often accommodate pets — contact us to discuss your specific situation.
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.
Why do you ask for my phone number?
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: Guides are booked for a specific slot and while we try to be flexible; sometimes late arrival will require a shorter tour. We include extra time in all reservations but if you’ll be more than half an hour late, we will adjust the tour.
If you anticipate arriving late due to accessibility or transportation challenges, please contact us as soon as possible.
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.
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.
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.