Unique Washington D.C. Experience Days: With the weight of politics and historical importance paved into its streets, the city of Washington D.C. is no stranger to fascinating experiences. Although politics and history are a prominent part of Washington D.C.’s appeal, there’s such a huge variety of ways to experience the city. From insightful history tours, to culinary delights, and adventures on the water, sky and land, we’re truly spoiled for choice! So, what do you buy for someone who lives in Washington D.C.? We have a few ideas. Look no further for your fool-proof Washington D.C. gift guide, handily categorised by activity type.

Happy shopping!

1. Politics Tour of Capitol Hill – $40

Starting off our Tours & Activities section, this Capitol Hill Tour is the perfect introduction. Everyone knows Washington D.C. is the birthplace of American politics, but what do we really know about the history of this complex city? For a giftee interested in politics, this Politics Tour of Capitol Hill is the ideal experience gift.
They’ll meet their savvy guide in the heart of the city, where they’ll be introduced to the rest of the group. Next, they’ll journey through the capital to discover the storied history of its political past, and how that past has shaped the present state of politics today. Guests will learn about the inner workings of the U.S. government, and stroll past a huge array of historic buildings. Highlights include the Capitol Building, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, the Eastern Market, the Old Navy Hospital and the Marine Core Barracks. At the end of the tour, the group will convene in a local bar to enjoy lively political discussion over a drink or two.

2. Rockville Cocktails and Canvas Paint Class – $48

It’s not all politics! (Well, some say that everything is politics, but we’re talking literally here…)
For a Washington D.C. experience gift with a creative twist, you really can’t go wrong with this Rockville Cocktails and Canvas Paint Class. A unique experience gift for creative types, this 3 hour painting class takes place just 30 minutes outside Washington D.C. They’ll begin by meeting their art tutor at the creative studio, where they’ll be provided with aprons, paints, brushes and a 16” x 120” canvas. Their teacher will guide them through the painting of the day as they let their creativity flow! A glass of wine is included in this experience along with step-by-step instruction from expert tutors, so all they need to do is sit back, relax and create!

3. Bike Tour of Washington DC – $50

Treat them to this Washington D.C. bike tour for a brand new way to experience the city! The perfect gift for active types, this experience is led by an expert guide and begins in a central location. There, your giftee will be provided with a bike and helmet for the adventure ahead! Next, they’ll be guided through a fun and informative three-hour tour of Washington. This voucher boasts flexibility, with recipients being able to select their tour preference. On the Monuments tour, they’ll hear about the D.C. monuments and memorials that have played an important role in this historic city. During the Capital Sites tour, they’ll learn about the capital’s history and culture. Lastly, they can choose the Nights tour, exploring illuminated views of the monuments and memorials of D.C.

4. Georgetown Food Tour of D.C. – $68

Starting our Food & Drink section off strong, this Georgetown Food Town Tour of DC is the perfect gift for foodies. During this 2 ½ hour tour, they’ll discover local gems and famous dishes under the guidance of their expert food guide. Highlights may include International Spice and Olive Oil, an Italian café and grocery store, a delicious well-known deli or a highly recognised military-focused American bakery. A truly unique tour filled with eclectic eats, history and stunning architecture!

5. D.C. Prohibition Cocktail Tour – $79

For fans of history and cocktails (and, in our experience, you’re sure to know someone who is a fan of at least one of those), this D.C. Craft Cocktail Tour is the ideal experience gift. The Prohibition era may be over, but its legacy of underground pubs, clubs and cocktail bars reigns on throughout the country in the form of these little pockets of history. A lot of speakeasies have closed since Prohibition, but thankfully for us, some of them still remain intact. During this tour, your giftee will have the chance to venture into a classic underground D.C. speakeasy, plus visit 3 craft cocktail bars. Sampling innovative craft cocktails created by expert mixologists at each venue, they’re bound to have a fabulous night out!

6. Mangia Italian Food Tour of DC – $68

Who doesn’t love Italian food? If you know a pasta fiend, this Mangia Italian Food Tour of DC is the perfect opportunity for them to stuff their face with all their favorite dishes. Their knowledgeable local foodie guide will show them some of the city’s best Italian restaurants and eateries, where they’ll indulge in a variety of sweet and savory flavors. Along the way, they’ll hear fascinating insights into the neighborhood’s culture, history and architecture.

7. Helicopter Flight Lesson in Manassas – $160

Touch the sky! Any D.C. based aerial enthusiasts will be over the moon (or at least above the clouds!) with this Manassas helicopter lesson. They’ll meet their enthusiastic and highly professional instructor at the Manassas Regional Airport, where they’ll go through an in-depth briefing on safety and controls. Next comes the 30 minute flight lesson itself! Soaring through the clear West Virginia skies in a Robinson R22 with a qualified pilot by their side, your giftee will feel quite literally on top of the world.

8. Hot Air Ballooning Over Delmarva – $275

For another unique way to experience Washington D.C. and the surrounding area from the sky, this Hot Air Balloon Ride over Delmarva is the perfect gift. Situated on the coast, Delmarva provides the perfect scenery in which to enjoy this unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a gift for your partner or want to treat a lucky couple in your life, this hot air balloon ride is the ultimate romantic gift. (Please note, this experience is for one passenger, and additional passengers can be added at checkout.) Commencing at either at sunrise or sunset, the experience starts when the passengers take part in the unique ritual of inflating the balloon! Next, everyone climbs into the basket with the pilot as he prepares for the flight. The balloon will then gradually ascend above the tree tops, over a thousand feet into the sky. As it floats above the scenery below, guests will enjoy a bird’s eye view of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The ride concludes with a Champagne toast. Cheers!

9. Tandem Skydiving Over Delmarva – $225

…Or maybe your giftee prefers their airborne adventures to be on the adrenaline-fuelled side? For those who find two feet placed firmly on the ground to be the most boring position possible, this Tandem Skydive over Delmarva is the ultimate experience gift. They’ll jump from a plane approximately 13,500 feet above Laurel, Delaware and free-fall for 60 seconds over the scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay – a completely indescribable feeling and the ultimate bucket list item for adrenaline junkies!

10. Potomac River Lunch Cruise – $157

Dipping our toes in (sorry) to water experiences, this Spirit of Washington River Cruise eases us in. If your giftee likes to explore the city via the water but doesn’t necessarily like making a splash, a culinary cruise is a great way to go. Departing from Pier 6, your lucky giftee will sail out to sea with their friendly on board captain and crew. They’ll then be escorted to their table, where they’ll order a drink and explore the ship. Next, they can enjoy as much of the delicious lunch buffet dishes as they’d like! From fresh crisp salads to savory mains and side dishes, there is something on the menu to suit everyone’s tastes! Throughout the lunch cruise, they will also enjoy a narrated tour of the points of interest seen from the boat’s huge panoramic windows. Highlights include Old Town Alexandria, Jones Point Lighthouse, the Washington Monument and more!

11. Chesapeake Bay Sailing Trip – $42

Set sail! This Chesapeake Bay Sailing Trip is the perfect experience gift for those who are curious about learning to sail, or who just enjoy time on the water with the sea breeze against their face – it’s good for the soul, you know! They’ll begin their unique voyage at Rock Hall, MD where they’ll meet the friendly captain Mark and his first mate Suzanne at the dock. Once everyone is on board, they’ll sail out into the sunset. Guests can take their turn at the helm, help raise the sails or simply sit back, relax and enjoy a complimentary drink. An uplifting and invigorating trip.

12. Intro to SCUBA Diving in Chevy Chase – $90

Splash! To round off our water experience section, we have this Intro to SCUBA Diving in Chevy Chase. If your giftee is curious about diving, this is a great place to start. Classes take place in a safe and controlled environment, and aim to make diving accessible to people of all abilities, shapes and sizes! Your giftee will meet their instructor at the indoor pool, where they’ll be introduced to the underwater world. Throughout their 3 hour class, they’ll learn the basics of this exciting sport and try their first dive in the pool. The program starts in the shallow end and takes participants to the deeper water, where they’ll be able to experience the thrill of breathing underwater as they swim freely.

… And that concludes our list of Washington D.C. experience gifts. Whether you know someone who lives in Washington D.C. or are looking to explore the city yourself, we hope you’ve found a memorable experience from our list. If you’re still looking, you can browse our full selection of Washington DC experience gifts and activities here. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions – we’d love to hear from you!