Embedded Files
As your guide, I'll do my best to earn seven stars out of five!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Enjoy these reviews of large school trips and small private tours.
"I am so thankful that Joel was our guide for a 7th grade trip to DC. I had the distinct privilege of tagging along as the onsite tour manager and was blown away by his talent as a guide. His service is prompt and professional, and his commentary is authentic to DC history and culture. He provides a wealth of knowledge to the students, parents, and teachers. He engages with students, keeps learning entertaining, and has great ideas for a most excellent DC tour. The group requested that he will guide their DC trip next year."
Kristi H, tour manager
Florida
Note from Camilla H, 8th grade trip leader
The day after Oak Run left DC, I received this heartwarming text from Camilla H.
Oak Run MIddle School, 2026
Oak Run MIddle became the first group to thank me with a school shirt: let's go Unicorns--blue and white!
"Joel Wallace was an absolutely amazing tour guide His knowledge of Washington DC, its sights, and traffic patterns was superb. Joel's ability to change plans when needed prevented us from ever losing time. His talent as a guide resulted in our group learning lots of historical facts and trivia. My students returned to New Orleans talking not only about Washington DC but also their new favorite tour guide, Joel—the students loved him."
MaryBeth N.
7th grade trip leader
Louisiana
St. Andrew's Middle School, 2025
"The trip was amazing, and Joel was the best guide. The kids and parents loved his versatility and knowledge. I fully trusted Joel to handle timing logistics to keep our trip on schedule. His management of these challenges made my trip more enjoyable than it was in years when I handled those duties myself. Joel collaborated with our driver to add extra stops of interest along the way, and this enriched our trip more than we expected. I will be encouraging my school to request Joel for future DC tours."
Jessica F
8th grade trip leader
Indiana
Lutheran Central, 2025
Let's create a joyful, educational experience that leaves a lasting impact!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mary R, private tour guest, 2026
"If you want a customized tour that brings the city to life, I highly recommend Joel Wallace to plan your trip. Joel isn’t just knowledgeable: he’s enthusiastic, personable, and genuinely invested in helping visitors experience the best of DC.
"What impressed me most was how personalized our day felt. Joel tailored the itinerary to our interests, energy level, and pace. From the moment we met in our hotel lobby, he made navigating DC effortless and enjoyable. Throughout the day, Joel seamlessly combined history, architecture, culture, and local knowledge with humor and storytelling. He answered every question we threw at him and pointed out countless details we would have missed on our own.
"In the Capitol, Joel's stories brought the building to life, and in the American History Museum he guided us through exhibits he knew we’d love. He adjusted plans as needed and made sure we saw what we would most enjoy. Joel even escorted us on the train as we left the city. Joel strives to earn seven stars out of five, and he did!"
Mary R
Chicago
"We had an amazing experience with Joel on our DC walking tour! His background as a teacher added such a special touch—he was incredibly engaging, informative, and especially great with kids. Our son had the best time learning from him!
"Despite the intense heat wave (which even shut down access to the top of the Washington Monument much to everyone's surprise, even Joel), he went above and beyond to come up with Plan B: a detour to the Old Post Office Tower for lovely city views. He kept us as comfortable as possible with well-timed shade breaks. Post-tour he even shared great tips on kid friendly museums to help make up for the change in plans.
"Thoughtful, flexible, and full of knowledge, Joel made what could have been a tough day into a truly memorable one. If you're touring DC, book with Joel. Seven stars (out of five) from our family!"
KB
Michigan
"When Joel toured us around DC, he made everyone in my family feel special. He was so knowledgeable about the area, was attentive to our questions, and made us feel like we were safe and in good hands. Seeing the Gandhi and Einstein statues were highlights, as was touring the memorials along the Mall on a summer evening. My teenagers, my husband, and I are looking forward to a tour with Joel the next time we get to Washington! I highly recommend him!"
Sue B
Maine
"We went to Washington DC for a family celebration and hoped for some sightseeing during our busy stay. A few weeks before our trip, Joel did a fantastic job presenting options for our extended family to consider. He arranged our timed entry passes to the Air & Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Joel met us at our hotel and helped us navigate our way. He brought us to the Smithsonian Castle's beautiful gardens and the Eisenhower Memorial—spots none of us had ever visited. The museum crowds were very thick and somewhat overwhelming, but Joel efficiently moved us through indoor and outdoor spaces at a relaxing, enjoyable pace. We look forward to our next DC trip and know we can count on Joel to help us make the most of our time there."
Hank & Terri
Syracuse, NY
Hank and Terri with family, 2023
"Joel was the perfect tour guide! Joel was great at navigating us through the subway system to get in as much as possible. He suggested to take a tour of the Capitol which I had never done. We also visited the Smithsonian American Art Museum and went behind the Smithsonian Castle. There wasn't enough time to see everything, but I'm looking forward to touring Washington DC with Joel on my next trip."
Carlos T
Denver, CO
Carlos T, 2024
"When I travel, sometimes I worry about logistics like moving through areas I’m not familiar with or figuring out places to eat. After several visits to DC in the last few years, I know these are not concerns when Joel is our guide. He makes great dining suggestions, and I feel safe as we walk through different neighborhoods and ride public transit. Whether it is an evening stroll outside the White House or a morning walk to the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon, my husband and I have taken great pictures and have made wonderful memories all around DC thanks to Joel."
Lynn W
New York
Lynn and Larry, 2017
Lynn and Larry at the Pentagon, 2018
"Joel has been our guide through Washington DC several times over the years. My family was never drawn to art museums, but after going through the galleries with Joel, this is something we now look forward to. Joel is great at showing us highlights of the art museums in addition to guiding us through the other museums and monuments. He is very attentive to our needs and will spontaneously modify plans as we request. Often, he’s able to anticipate what we would like to do before we even ask. Whether this is your first trip or your 100th trip to Washington DC, I highly recommend Joel to be your guide."
Larry W
New York
Lynn and Larry pose at the American Art Museum, 2018
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse