Optional Tours
Make the BOMA Conference an adventure. Optional sightseeing tours are available. Optional Tours are priced separately. You may purchase Optional Tour tickets at the same time you register for the conference or after you have registered. Space is limited. Tours usually sell-out before the conference so it is recommended that you purchase tickets in advance.
Optional Tours Schedule:
Scroll down page to read tour descriptions and price
| Saturday, June 25 |
Sunday, June 26 |
Monday, June 27 |
Tuesday, June 28 |
| 1:00-5:00 pm |
9:30 am - 3:30 pm |
11:00 am - 3:00 pm |
10:00 am - 2:00 pm |
| Washington National Cathedral & Woodrow Wilson House |
Welcome to Washington Tour |
Under the Mighty Dome: United States Capitol Building |
Marjorie Merriweather Post's Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens |
|
10:00 am - 2:00 pm |
10:30 am - 4:30 pm |
10:00 am - 2:00 pm |
|
Gems, Jewels and Jets: The World's Most Visited Museums |
Historic Mount Vernon Estate |
Honor America's Heroes |
Washington National Cathedral & Woodrow Wilson House
Saturday, June 25
1:00 - 5:00 pm
$53 per person
The Washington National Cathedral is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture in the United States and the sixth largest cathedral in the world. You'll enjoy a docent led tour that highlights the roles our presidents have played in the history of the Cathedral. Since Theodore Roosevelt, present at the laying of the Cathedral foundation stone in 1907, all American presidents have visited or worshipped at Washington National Cathedral. The tomb of Woodrow Wilson, the only president to be buried in the District of Columbia, lies inside the Cathedral's walls. You will have time to stroll through the tranquil Bishop's garden and Herb Cottage, as well as browse the gift shop.
Next, you will travel through the international area of Embassy Row. You will ride past beautiful embassies, chanceries and residences representing nations throughout the world. You will soon arrive at the Woodrow Wilson House for a docent led tour of the home that has the distinction of being Washington's only presidential home. Waddy Wood, a prominent Washington architect, designed the elegant Georgian Revival home in 1915. From his library (nicknamed the "Dugout" for his favorite sport, baseball), to original gramophone records and the microphone he used in his last broadcast to the nation, the memorabilia of the 1920's and his era are omnipresent. This house is truly a reflection of the man and his times. The tour will finish with a drive through Georgetown.
- Tour departs from Gaylord National Resort at 1:00 pm and returns by 5:00 pm. Transportation via motor coach.
- Tour involves a moderate amount of walking. Guests should wear comfortable shoes.
- No children under 6 years old. Children ages 6-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Welcome to Washington
Sunday, June 26
9:30 am - 3:30 pm
$78 per person
Welcome to an inside look at the unmatched architecture, history, patriotism and democracy that the city of Washington, D.C. has to offer. You'll travel down Pennsylvania Avenue, passing notable buildings such as the National Archives and the FBI to arrive at the U.S. Capitol, where you will view the exterior of the building.
The tour continues along the National Mall, past the Smithsonian Institution Museums and the Washington Monument to arrive at the World War II Memorial, which recognizes the sacrifices made by "America's Greatest Generation." From here the reflecting pool points you toward the majestic Lincoln Memorial, where you will stop to admire the statue of the great emancipator - Abraham Lincoln. Flanking the memorial are two war memorials; to one side The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the most visited memorial in the U.S. with its black granite walls inscribed with the names of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. To the other side, The Korean War Veterens Memorial is a moving tribute to the international defense of the Republic of South Korea.
Next, the tour will proceed past the Jefferson Memorial, a temple-like structure dedicated to the author of the Declaration of Independence, our third President. The memorial sits beside the Tidal Basin, home of the world famous Cherry Blossom Trees. Also along the Tidal Basin, you will visit the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, dedicated to the American president who guided our country through the most challenging times of the 20th Century. Crossing the Potomac River, you will catch a glimpse of The Kennedy Center, Watergate, the National Cathedral and Georgetown before arriving at The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial/Iwo Jima. The tours last stop is the White House, where you will enjoy an exterior view of the presidential residence and headquarters of the Executive branch of our government.
- Tour departs from Gaylord National Resort at 9:30 am and returns by 3:30 pm. Transportation via motor coach.
- Tour includes a boxed lunch for each guest.
- Tour involves a moderate amount of walking. Guests should wear comfortable shoes.
- No children under 6 years old. Children ages 6-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Gems, Jewels and Jets: The World's Most Visited Museums
Sunday, June 26
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
$33 per person
Enjoy a self-guided tour of The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM), the world's most visited museum. NASM is a celebration of flight and a showcase for the treasures of aviation and space technology. NASM maintains the largest collection of historic air and space craft in the world. It is also a vital center for research into the history, science and technology of aviation and space flight. The museum has hundreds of artifacts on display among 23 galleries, including the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis" and the Apollo 11 command module.
Following the Air and Space Museum, you will arrive at the world's largest natural history museum and the second most visited Smithsonian museum, the National Museum of Natural History known for the gigantic African elephant that dominates the entrance hall. You'll explore the many wondrous galleries of the museum on your own. Stare in awe at the life-size behemoths in the popular Hall of Dinosaurs. Marvel at the Hope Diamond in the National Gem Collection. Learn a new appreciation for all things creepy-crawly in the museum's famous Insect Zoo, and awe over the giant squid in Ocean Hall. The Hall of Mammals features an astonishing 274 taxidermied mounts and dozens of mammal fossils in a variety of environments that tell the story of mammal evolution through adaptation of changing habitats.
- Tour departs from Gaylord National Resort at 10:00 am and returns at 2:00 pm. Transportation via motor coach.
- Tour involves a moderate amount of walking. Guests should wear comfortable shoes.
- No children under 6 years old. Children ages 6 - 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Under the Mighty Dome: Tour of the Capitol Visitors Center and the United States Capitol Building
Monday, June 27
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
$90 per person
Embark on a tour of the Capitol Visitors Center and The United States Capitol Building. From the moment you enter Emancipation Hall at the Capitol Visitors Center you will be drenched in light from two mammoth skylights, each with a perfect view of the Capitol Rotunda. You can explore "Out of Many, One," an exhibit that tells the story of the development of representative democracy in the United States and the construction of the U.S. Capitol building. The Exhibition Hall includes a treasure trove of rarely seen documents and artifacts from the National Archives and the Library of Congress. Also included are virtual House and Senate galleries with live feeds from both chambers when Congress is in session.
Following the Capitol Visitors Center, you will go from reading about the Capitol's history to experiencing it firsthand. One of the most symbolically important and architecturally remarkable buildings in the nation, The United States Capitol Building is equally impressive architecturally as it is from a historical standpoint. It has housed the meeting chambers of the House of Representatives and the Senate for two centuries. Since construction began in 1793, the Capitol has been through many construction phases. It stands today as a monument to the American people and their government. In addition to its use by Congress, the Capitol is a museum of American art and history. It stands as a focal point of the government's legislative branch and as a centerpiece of Capitol Hill and the National Mall.
- Tour departs from Gaylord National Resort at 11:00 am and returns by 3:00 pm. Transportation via motor coach.
- Tour involves a moderate amount of walking. Guests should wear comfortable shoes.
- No children under 6 years old. Children ages 6 - 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Historic Mount Vernon
Monday, June 27
10:30 am - 4:30 pm
$103 per person
Travel along the banks of the Potomac River and back in time to 18th century Virginia - to the life and times of the father of our country, George Washington. The Mount Vernon Estate, where Washington lived for more than 45 years until his death in 1799, sits on a grassy, shaded slope overlooking the Potomac River. You'll tour the mansion and docents will describe the rich history and significant historical events that took place in each of the bright and colorful rooms. The plantation gardens will demonstrate firsthand why Washington was considered the foremost horticulturist of his day. The beautiful landscape has been meticulously groomed for decades. As you venture down the pathway, you will see the tombs where George and Martha Washington are buried. You will also tour the surrounding service buildings, where you will view examples of Mr. Washington's brilliance as an architect, a surveyor and a gentleman farmer.
The Mount Vernon experience includes the galleries and theaters of the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, where you will learn about Washington's exceptional life and accomplishments through interactive displays. You will also see the Grist Mill, which is powered by a 16-foot waterwheel. And you will visit the Distillery where you can watch the distillers demonstrate the 18th-century technique of operating five copper stills, mash tubs and a boiler.
- Tour departs from Gaylord National Resort at 10:30 am and returns by 4:30 pm. Transportation via motor coach.
- Tour includes a boxed lunch for each guest.
- Tour involves a moderate amount of walking. Guests should wear comfortable shoes.
- No children under 6 years old. Children ages 6 - 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please note: Only the first floor of the mansion is ADA accessible.
The Hillwood Museum
Tuesday, June 28
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
$57 per person
Enjoy a unique experience at the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, the former residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Cereal heiress, collector and philanthropist, Post was once one of the grande dames of Washington society. She collected art throughout her life, emphasizing only the finest French and Russian objects. The opulent Georgian, 40-room mansion, built in 1926, and subsequent auxilliary buildings, house her collection as well as the turn-of-the-century collection of her father, Charles W. Post, founder of the Post Cereal Company. To visit Hillwood is to step into a lifestyle that is quickly disappearing. Both the physical setting and the vast number of objects on display are of rare significance and great beauty. Eighteenth century French tapestries, furniture, and Severes porcelain formed a magnificent setting for Post's entertaining. Her collection of Russian icons, gold and silver pieces, porcelain and Faberge eggs has been called the most representative outside of the former Soviet Union.
The grounds of the estate are equally magnificent. Post created the gardens as an integral part of the estate consulting landscape architect Perry Wheeler, known for his work in helping design the White House Rose Garden. The 25 acres of land bordering Rock Creek Park contain Japanese and formal French gardens, a small dacha - or Russian summer house - and a greenhouse built in 1930 with a vast collection of orchids, the heiress's favorite flower.
- Tour departs from Gaylord National Resort at 10:00 am and returns by 2:00 pm. Transportation via motor coach.
- Tour involves moderate amount of walking. Guests should wear comfortable shoes.
- No children under 6 years old. Children ages 6 - 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Honor America's Heroes
Tuesday, June 28
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
$42 per person
This program is designed to honor and pay homage to the men and women who gave their lives for the glory of America. You will visit the following memorials:
Air Force Memorial:
Taking flight into the air, the Air Force Memorial is 270 feet high and appears to be soaring; its array of stainless steel arcs against the sky evokes the image of "contrails" of the Air Force Thunderbirds. At the entrance from the west, stands four eight-foot tall bronze statues of the Memorial's Honor Guard that welcome guests.
Arlington National Cemetery:
On a leisurely walking tour of these hallowed grounds, weave through the numerous gravesites commemorating American casualties of war. Some 270,000 identical headstones mark this vast expanse, all symmetrically arrayed about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You will see the inspiring gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, crowned with its ever-flickering Eternal Flame. You will also visit the Women in Military Service in America Memorial, the nation's first major testimonial honoring women who served in our nation's armed forces.
Marine Corps War Memorial:
More commonly referred to as the "Iwo Jima Memorial," you will view the inspiring and famous statue of U.S. soldiers defending their flag during World War II. The Marine Corps War Memorial stands as a symbol of this grateful nation's esteem for the honored dead of the U.S. Marine Corps. While the statue depicts one of the most famous incidents of World War II, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in the defense of the United States since 1775. Beautiful views of the national monuments and DC skyline are also seen from this location.
- Tour departs from Gaylord National Resort at 10:00 am and returns by 2:00 pm. Transportation via motor coach.
- Tour involves a great deal of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must.
- No children under 6 years old. Children ages 6 - 17 must be accompanied by an adult.