Why you might roll your eyes:
A sightseeing cruise on the Potomac combined with a tour of George Washington’s Mount Vernon has “tourist” written all over it.
Why you’ll love it:
Even if you’ve been to Mount Vernon, you’ve probably never arrived by boat. Spring through fall, Spirit Cruises runs trips from the Southwest DC waterfront, while Potomac Riverboat Company schedules excursions from Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor. Consider it two tours in one: You get time on the water, then a few hours on land to explore the former presidential house and farm. And honestly—when’s the last time you were at Mount Vernon or out on the Potomac?
Boat tickets, including admission to Mount Vernon, cost $45.95 for an adult round trip from DC, $42 from Alexandria and National Harbor, with lower prices for children. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon; 703-780-2000; see mountvernon.org for more information.
