I’m sure you’re aware: Washington DC is home to some of our nation’s top museums and cultural landmarks.
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Some are free. Some are surprisingly massive. Some you probably haven’t heard of before. A few are located just outside the city bounds, as with Mount Vernon.
If you’re a fan of American history and politics, there’s a chance you already know a thing or two about DC’s top sites. You know where to find the US Capitol and can name a few landmarks on Capitol Hill and the National Mall. Maybe you also know where to find the many Smithsonian museums.
But if you’re a little hazy on the dates, events, and social movements that define our nation, then you might want a guide at your side. They can help unpack the complex ideas and symbols that dot the capital city. Think of it like visiting Athens’ famous Acropolis—the best way to do it is with a historian at your side who knows more about Greek culture than the average guide.
The same idea fits in Washington DC. If you really want to leave the city feeling like you learned something, these are the best tours in Washington DC that visit its can’t-miss attractions. They’re guaranteed to give you more out of the experience than a solo adventure.
I’ve divided recommendations based on the number of stops and whether they leave the city. If you want to dive deep, go for a single-stop tour. If you want to get a lay of the land, book a tour with multiple stops.
Top picks for DC tours: at a glance
- Capitol Hill, Supreme Court, & Library of Congress private tour [check price]
- Historic Georgetown walking tour [check price]
- Arlington Cemetery + Changing of the Guard tour [check price]
- Smithsonian Big 3 tour [check price]
Best tours in Washington, DC for major landmarks: one stop
- VIP National Archives tour: Skip the line with this tour of the National Archives. Your guide will take a small group to some of its coolest documents and artefacts, from the US Constitution to the Declaration of Independence.
- Historic Georgetown walking tour: Crisscross through DC’s famous Georgetown neighborhood as you hear about local legends, gossip, and learn a thing or two about architecture. You get to dive a little deeper into the personal lives of the city’s most famous movers and thinkers.
- Lincoln’s Assassination Trail walking tour: Walk from the White House to Ford Theatre to trace the footsteps of President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination. Along the way, you’ll dive deep into the history, lore, and mysteries surrounding the fateful event.
- African American history tour: Head across the city to uncover some of Washington DC’s most important sites for the Black community, including the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. The tour concludes with a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The ticket is included in the tour price.
- Arlington Cemetery + Changing of the Guard: Visit the hallowed grounds at Arlington National Cemetery with an expert guide. You’ll get to see the changing of the guard, then visit the former home of Robert E. Lee.
- Natural History Museum semi-private tour: Nerd out on this thorough tour of one of the most famous Smithsonian museums: the Natural History Museum. The group maxes out at eight people, giving you more flexibility as your guide takes you through the museum.
- Air and Space Museum semi-private tour: This tour is similar to the last, except it takes you to the Air and Space Museum. You’re guaranteed to learn more than the basics as your guide takes you from exhibit to exhibit, offering expert insights.
Best tours in Washington, DC for major landmarks: multiple stops
- Small group National Mall tour at night: Skip the heat and crowds with this after-dark tour of ten important National Mall stops, plus the White House. The tour includes transportation in a van as you visit each site, along with longer stops where you can stretch your legs and get closer to the sites.
- Capitol Hill, Supreme Court, & Library of Congress tour: Take on three of Washington DC’s heavy-hitters: Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress, which includes a visit to the Main Reading Room. This is also a private tour, giving you the chance to ask questions and dig into what interests you most.
- Capitol Hill, Supreme Court, & Library of Congress private tour: This tour is almost identical to the previous tour, except it’s private. That means you’ll have even more time to explore and attention from your guide as you wander through Capitol Hill.
- Smithsonian Big 3 tour: Let an expert take you to the three most popular Smithsonian Museums in the city: the Museum of National History, the Air and Space Museum, and the Museum of American History. It’s a small group tour, too, giving you a more personal experience.
- Embassy Row tour: Explore DC’s famous Embassy Row and Dupont Circle, where you’ll pass famous homes and landmarks. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the city’s history and its most important movers throughout the centuries.
Best tours in Washington, DC for major landmarks: get out of DC for a bit
- Mount Vernon + Old Town Alexandria tour: Leave DC behind for the day to head to Mount Vernon, the homestead of George Washington. The visit concludes with a stop in nearby Old Town Alexandria, where you can see homes and landmarks that date all the way back to the 1600s.
- DC to Monticello day trip: If you’d rather learn about Thomas Jefferson than George Washington, head to Monticello in Virginia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a view into the past—and a highly personal vista into the life of an at-times controversial founding father.
