From past presidents and tragic wars to iconic buildings and structures, you’ll never be out of options on the best Washington DC Monuments tours!
Check out my top picks for visiting these iconic monuments, you will find a good variety of transport options to pick the one that best suits your needs! But, if you are looking for something specific, keep scrolling through the article or use our table of content to browse all the available choices.
| # | Activity Type | Price | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electric cart Capitol Hill tour | From US$72 | 2 hours | |
| 2 | Monuments and Memorials night tour | From US$64 | 3 hours | |
| 3 | Monuments bike tour | From US$65 | 3 hours |
Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!
1 – DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (1970 reviews)
“Highly recommend! The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, fun, and swift. If you have a few hours this is the one.” July, Viator
You can’t miss these slick little rides… and they’ll give you the adventure of a lifetime! Intrepid Urban Adventures – USA offers up this exciting trip through the city, hitting all of the best spots along the way.
Admire the legislative buildings of Capitol Hill, the towering spire of the Washington Monument, or the somber power of the Lincoln Memorial as you cruise along.
You’ll get to know these treasures on a more intimate level, complete with live narration to keep things exciting. Best of all, these electric vehicles are eco-friendly, offering an adventure that you can really feel good about!
Summary of the experience:
- Morning or afternoon departures
- Better photos thanks to the open-air vehicle
- 7 people max
Our review
With friendly service and heaps of knowledge, your guides will make you feel right at home as you explore. And it’s also the perfect option if you’re short on time and want to see the top sights – or new to town and looking for inspiration for places to return to!
Read more: Best US Capitol tours
2 – DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (4413 reviews)
“We were only in town for the night but wanted to have a cool experience. Seeing all the monuments lit up at night and learning all the history behind the city was a great experience” Chelsea, Viator
This one’s a treat for all of you night owls out there!
As spectacular as the scenery is during the day, it takes on a totally new form at night, when the streets empty out and the lighting creates new and exciting imagery. And with this trip from USA Guided Tours, you can enjoy the nocturnal side of the capital like never before.
Hop aboard your mini-coach and roll past the world-class scenery of this legendary town, enjoying unique perspectives on the monuments and memorials. And with nine different stops along the way, you can be sure of some truly fantastic views of town!
Summary of the experience:
- 9 stops
- Scenic night-time experience
- Luxury tour bus
Our review
There’s no end to the amazing information you’ll absorb on this trip, and the trip is just the right amount of time to see everything while still moving at a decent speed. And of course, that spectacular scenery makes it all the better; this is an unforgettable way to enjoy the monuments!
Read more: Best Night Tours in Washington DC
3 – Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (591 reviews)
“A bike tour is a great way to see the monuments! Our guide was knowledgeable, he told us about each monument, and we had time to walk around and explore on our own for a few minutes before heading out for the next one. Would highly recommend.” Kathy, Viator
If you’re looking for something a little more active, strap on your helmets and put your pedaling power to work! And no need to be a champion athlete; this steady, gentle route is one of the best bike tours in Washington DC for adventurers of all types!
Join Unlimited Biking and set out on a delightful trip through town, exploring the National Mall, the Potomac Tidal Basin, and some of the most beloved memorials in town.
You can get some fresh air, a hearty dose of history, and a chance to experience the city’s vibrant biking infrastructure firsthand!
Our review
If you’re looking for a distinctive experience that still provides all the best scenery that the city has to offer, this is the trek for you! It’s welcoming to cyclists of all ages and ability levels, and you’ll get plenty of time to hop off your bike and explore some of these amazing spots at greater length.
4 – Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (1648 reviews)
“The most memorable part of my experience was the changing of the guard. It was nice to see where some of the most prominent people in history are buried. I enjoyed learning the history of the cemetery.” Isabel, Viator
This powerful, thought-provoking excursion is one of the best Washington DC Monuments tours if you’re interested in military history – especially if you want to see one of the nation’s most honored traditions in action.
While there are plenty of excellent Arlington Cemetery tours, this offering from Guided Tours DC stands out in the scope and scale of its offerings, as your guide brings you face to face with the tombs of some of the most famous Americans in history.
You’ll also get to witness the famous Changing of the Guards ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a moving tribute to the many soldiers that have perished in various wars.
Our review
This is an amazing chance to dive into stories of the Civil War, political dynasties, and everything in between. With your wonderfully educated guides at the helm, you can learn about each of the unique gravesites, and get to witness an awe-inspiring ceremony as part of the bargain.
Read more: Best Walking Tours in Washington DC
5 – Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (3416 reviews)
“We had seen all the sights during the day before, but seeing them at night brought a whole different light to them. Our tour operator, Hollywood, was fun and engaging.” Chris, Viator
Another amazing opportunity to see the city in the evening, this gem from Historic Tours Of America provides some world-class views, and fun transportation to match!
Your open-air trolley will take you all over town, with a steady stream of commentary about D.C.’s delights.
Learn about the famous figures that have made their mark on these streets, and see the massive tributes to some of their most acclaimed townspeople!
And don’t forget to bring a camera, because you’ll get plenty of time to pause and explore these magnificent places all lit up at night!
Our review
You’ll really get the best of both worlds here – a ton of fun facts and a smooth, comfortable ride! With so many stops, remarkable views, and plenty of entertaining guides, you’ll never be short on entertainment; and the trolley itself is half the fun!
6 – Washington DC: Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (440 reviews)
“It was an enjoyable experience. I had a fantastic time. The food was very good.” Carolyn, Getyourguide
Sure, walking, biking, and driving are great options – but don’t leave out the waterways! The Potomac River is a key natural feature in town, and it also makes a great means of seeing the city, especially when you enjoy one of these classic cruises!
The Odyssey is your vessel for the day, taking you on a luxurious journey along the river, with the capital serving as your backdrop.
Not only will you get some unique vantage points, but you can also indulge in some terrific food, courtesy of the professional chefs on board.
Our review
Course after course of amazing food, an upscale atmosphere, the legendary skyline drifting by… it’s a boat trip like no other! This is perfect if you want to splurge a little on your trip, and get the royal treatment while enjoying the beauty of the city after dark.
7 – Washington DC: Washington Monument Entry & DC Highlights
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)
“We enjoyed our tour especially our tour guys personally and knowledgeable of the historic added to the tour. They were on the fun side. It’s always a plus.” Allison, Getyourguide
The Washington Monument is hard to miss, and that’s just the start of the beauties you’ll encounter! USA Guided Tours will take you out for a half-day of fun, complete with stops at all of the major hotspots in town.
And of course, you’ll get plenty of time at the Monument itself, including a thrilling trip to the observation deck, where you can admire all of the wonders of the historic museum inside, then enjoy some breathtaking views from 500 feet in the air!
Our review
You’ll get great information and plenty of intriguing insights all along the route, as your guides make the monuments come alive. And of course, the best part of this tour is the chance to explore the Washington Monument itself; it’s a rare chance to take in the scope and scale of the place, without the extra hassle of booking tickets yourself!
Read more: Best Tourist Attractions in Washington DC
8 – Washington DC: Capitol Hill and Library of Congress Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (343 reviews)
“I think the tour guide was fantastic. Her name was Indeborg. She was knowledgable, enthusiastic and willing to answer any and all questions. (…) I would totally recommend this tour because the guide was nothing but extraordinary and the views of the nation’s Capital, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress were breathtaking.” Joshua, Getyourguide
Bills, books, and big decisions are the focuses of this delightful tour, which focuses on the policy center of the United States.
Join Visit DC Tours for a jaunt through the heart of Capitol Hill, with great insights into its most famous buildings.
Soak up the power of knowledge as you roam through the endless stacks at the Library of Congress, then enjoy the halls of the U.S. Capitol, where you just might overhear some policymakers in action.
You’ll even get to catch a glimpse of the Supreme Court, and learn about the operating system of the nation’s most powerful legal system.
Our review
This is the ideal tour if you want to dive a little deeper into some truly iconic buildings! You’ll get to go inside two of the facilities, ands enjoy some world-class tours that highlight all sorts of hidden histories. Combined with the standard walking tour, it makes for a great day of sightseeing!
9 – Washington, DC: Scenic Monuments Night Tour by Open-Top Bus
Rating: ⭐️ 4.1/5 (336 reviews)
“So much fun! The guide was the sweetest and super knowledgable. It was a great way to kick-off our stay in DC. We were able to get a quick glimpse of all the important stuff and make our way back to each one over the course of our visit.” Francine, Getyourguide
Let’s be real; you can’t go wrong with a scenic bus ride… especially this spectacular nocturnal option!
And this one offers a fantastic way to see all the delights of the Capitol, as you sit in the open air and admire the dazzling light displays.
Big Bus Tours Washington DC will whisk you away on your next adventure, retracing the entire history of the city through its streets and landmarks.
And with multilingual audio commentary onboard, this is ideal for visitors from all over the globe!
Our review
This is the perfect starter tour for first-timers, covering all of the coolest places and giving you an endless supply of ideas for things to do for the rest of your visit. It’s also an ideal option if English is not your first language; just sit back, plug into the audio guide, and enjoy!
Read more: Hop on Hop off Washington DC Bus Tours vs Trolley Tours
10 – Washington DC: National Mall Tour by Electric Vehicle
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (935 reviews)
“This was my favorite part of the trip! Our guide, Chris, was fabulous. (…) It was fun enough riding through the city in a golf cart, but getting to see so many sights and monuments in 2-hours was amazing. We learned a lot!” Kate, Getyourguide
This offering from Intrepid Urban Adventures is one of the best Washington DC Monuments tours if you want to focus specifically on the National Mall – and trust us, there’s plenty to see around there!
Your carbon-neutral chariot will putter past Capitol Hill and whisk you by the White House, with plenty of time to enjoy some of the memorials along the way.
Soak up the stories of presidents, war heroes, and all manner of unique political figures, and admire the different forms of dazzling architecture at each stop.
Our review
If you’re as concerned about your environmental impact as your tourist experience, you’ll love this eco-friendly adventure! While it’s another marvelous chance to experience the city by moonlight, these vehicles and the route itself are unique, and you’ll get to see a little bit of everything as you roam around.
Read more: Best City Tours in Washington DC
11 – African American History Tour with Museum Admission
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (906 reviews)
“How smart and funny the tour director was. He was amazing. Great experience!! Knowledge of history is key!! He made me understand why slave statues are still important today.”
Dexter, Viator
National Museum of African American History and Culture tours have quickly become hot commodities, and this trip with USA Guided Tours is one of the best!
Before you even set foot inside, you’ll spend some time exploring the larger history of the active African-American community in the capital, from historic neighborhoods and tributes to former slaves to some of the spots that played a crucial role in the Civil Rights movement.
Then it’s time to head into the museum itself, with four floors of amazing exhibits to savor; and thanks to your reserved entry pass, you can spend even more time enjoying them all!
Our review
The in-depth attention to African-American history really makes this a tour to remember! It’s a tour de force of education, bringing you deep into a side of the city that often gets overlooked; and tickets to one of the hottest museums in town just serve as a bonus!
12 – Night-Time Monuments Bus Tour with Optional Washington Monument
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (1700 reviews)
“I liked the knowledge and stories the tour guide shared. The bus was comfortable. The night time experience of the monuments was incredible.” Polly, Viator
If you’d like a little nighttime stroll, the local landmarks will make for a pretty nice backdrop! This is another gem from DC Guided Tours, effortlessly combining the ease of a bus ride with the chance to explore certain sights up close.
And with fewer crowds, you’ll have lots of time to ask questions and look around – and pose for those perfect vacation photos, of course!
As an added bonus, you can even include an entry ticket to the Washington Monument for further exploration during the daytime.
Our review
The gorgeous views of the memorials – inside and out – make this an unforgettable evening outing. And with such a wide range of stops, you’ll get a great sampler of all that the city has to offer… and that’s saying something!
13 – Smithsonian Museum of Natural History – Private Guided Museum Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (304 reviews)
“Our guide was wonderful! She took us through the musuem with ease and excellent information. Loved the stories and her sense of humor.” Melissa, Viator
Science nerds and fossil fanatics can soak up the fun as Babylon Tours DC takes you through one of the country’s most beloved museums.
From mummies and dinosaurs to rare gems and some genuine living coral, there’s something new and exciting everywhere you look.
And your guide will not only help you orient yourself and find the highlights, but will also regale you with science facts and stories from the history of the museum itself.
Take a little trip around the world and millions of years back in time… all in one afternoon!
Our review
This tour really stands out for its interactive elements and the rare opportunity to dive into one museum at length, and the personal attention just makes it even better! If you want to take in this overwhelming place with ease, your guide will be on hand to help you out – and bring these amazing artifacts to life!
Read more: Best Museums in Washington DC
14 – The National Gallery of Art DC – Private Guided Museum Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (106 reviews)
“Our guide made our experience very rich by explaining the paintings and sharing information about the artist.” Barbara, Viator
From the Renaissance to the avant garde, there’s nothing quite like the collections at this gallery, and Babylon Tours DC provides a look behind the canvas!
This private tour will introduce you to some of the most renowned works in the massive collection, with geniuses like Van Gogh, Raphael, and Monet making guest appearances.
And while the beauty of the works is worth a trip in itself, the expert guidance puts this over the top; you’ll get to learn all about the technique and cultural influences behind the amazing works on display.
Our review
Because this tour is personalized, you’ll get to really indulge your inner art nerd!
It gives you lots of time to linger over particular pieces and ask plenty of questions, and you’ll be able to explore the paintings at your own pace.
15 – 4-Hour Small Group Guided National Mall Tour with 10 Top Attractions
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (852 reviews)
“Enjoyed visiting all of the sites on the tour. Wes was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the as areas traveled. Enjoyed the comfortable van and small group tour.” Brenda, Viator
Are you short on time and want to see the best of the best? Then join See DC Today for a whirlwind tour of the biggest spots in town – it’s the perfect starter course for the capital!
Hop into one of the company’s excellent vans and let your driver take you past the political powerhouses, marvelous museums, and beautiful natural features that make up the city.
This is a wonderful way to soak up the history of the city and the nation, and get a real appreciation for the endless heroes and villains that have made their mark here.
Our review
There’s lots of amazing information on this trip, but it’s the “greatest hits” format that really makes it stand out. You can see all of the most iconic sites, while enjoying the comfort and ease of the van, and the endlessly entertaining information from your guide – perfect for those in a hurry!
16 – Best of DC Plus US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Entry
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (1917 reviews)
“Great tour! Tour Guide Nick was awesome! Very knowledgeable, funny and accommodating. Bus was clean and comfortable. Highly recommend.” Debbie, Viator
Another great chance to go deeper into the nuts and bolts of history, this visit covers both politics and culture – and lets you get up close and personal with it all!
USA Guided Tours offers access to two of the most fascinating buildings in town: the bustling halls of the Capitol, and the amazing galleries of the National Archives, home to the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence.
And if you’re visiting during warmer weather, you can even take a little cruise down the Potomac!
Our review
This is one tour that makes history come alive, with fun and fascinating stories at every stop! The sheer scope and scale of what you’ll see over the course of a day makes it spectacular, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy the capital without worrying about parking – or navigating the streets by car!
How to book Washington DC Monuments Tours?
With so many different adventures in the capital, there’s never been a better time to book a trip, and there are tons of companies that offer amazing Washington DC Monuments tours.
There are also plenty of travel websites that sell tours online, and many offer discounts. Keep in mind that because of this, the prices may vary from one site to another.
Want to make the whole thing easier? Use our search engine to compare offers and prices, and even read reviews!