Walking and biking tours in Washington, D.C.

If you live in the District, you see them every day: families with cameras out, thumbs up and massive smiles in front of the buildings we hurry past. It may be the stroller blocking the escalator on the Metro or the checkout line of thirsty travelers in front of you, but you can't understand what these tourists are so ecstatic about. This weekend is your chance to remember. Landmarks and monuments don't become any less extraordinary when you see them every day, and with more than 100 free tours Saturday and Sunday, WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC give you the opportunity see them anew. Options, which include tours of solar homes, mean you don't have to think of it as a sightseeing tour; think of it as getting to know your neighborhood. Here are just a few of the tours asking you to embrace your fanny pack and explore your city. For more information or to make reservations, go to http://www.culturaltourismdc.org or call 202-661-7581.

-- Kristen Boghosian

WALKING TOURS

THE BATTLE THAT SAVED WASHINGTON AND CIVIL WAR STORIES ON THE BRIGHTWOOD HERITAGE TRAIL Saturday at 11 a.m. Walk along the only road where Union and Confederate soldiers battled in Washington, and learn about the lives of free African Americans who lived there. Guest appearance by Civil War scholar Benjamin Franklin Cooling III. Brightwood Heritage Trail sign #2, Georgia Avenue and Madison Street NW.

ROWDIES, MADAMS AND PAINTED WOMEN: AN ADULTS-ONLY TOUR OF HOOKER'S DIVISION Sunday at 10 a.m. Learn about the social and economic development of Washington's former red-light district between the Civil War and World War I, as well as some of the neighborhood's standout residents and homes. Led by local historian Mark Herlong. 302 12th St. NW. Reservations required.

BEFORE HARLEM, THERE WAS U STREET Saturday at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. See the childhood home of Duke Ellington and many famous performing arts venues while walking along what was once dubbed "Black Broadway." U Street Metro station, 13th Street exit. Reservations required.

SINNERS AND SCOUNDRELS AT HISTORIC CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY Saturday at 11 a.m. More than just ghost stories, you'll learn who of the buried still haunt the Capitol Dome and hear about the cemetery's scariest residents. Led by the cemetery's docents. Meet at the end of the chapel at Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. Reservations required.

EMBASSY ROW: FAMILIES AND FORTUNES Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. Before becoming a showcase of nations, Massachusetts Avenue was home to the District's most affluent families. Learn who built the Row and where their money came from. Led by Washington Walks tour guides Mary Anne Hoffman on Saturday and Terry Cardero on Sunday. Dupont Circle Metro, P Street exit. Reservations required.

A FREE BLACK WOMAN: ELIZABETH KECKLY Saturday at 11:15 a.m. A Lincoln family friend and confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln, Elizabeth Keckly walks you through her life and efforts to help former slaves in the District. Led by Ford's Theatre actor Danielle Drakes. Ford's Theatre lobby, 511 10th St. NW. Reservations required.

BIKING TOURS bring your own bikes)

SOUTH WEST GATEWAY ART INSTALLATION TOUR Sunday at 1 p.m. Bike past the 1,200-foot-long mosaic by local artist G. Byron Peck, stopping on the way to see many of the views and inspirations for the work. Led by artist Peck. 12th Street and Maine Avenue SW.

WARD 3 SOLAR HOMES BIKE TOUR Saturday at 10 a.m. Have your kickstand ready for stop-and-chats with solar home owners about how they made the big switch. Led by Ellen Jones, solar home owner and Bicycle Advisory Council Ward 3 representative. Starbucks at Connecticut Avenue and Van Ness Street NW.