Monuments and Memorials: Tours and Guided Visits

The powerhouse American capital city of Washington D.C. has an overwhelming number of monuments and memorials to see. And no trip to Washington D.C is complete without a tour of the many major attractions.

Taking a monuments and memorials tour is a historic and culturally rich experience, and it's so easy to do as most attractions are open all day — every day and no reservations are needed.

Whether you're looking for a night tour, a guided walking tour, or a luxury bus tour, you're sure to find the option that best suits you. A monuments and memorials tour in Washington, D.C. offers an excellent overview of its many landmarks, and it eliminates the hassles of planning individual visits to each attraction.

Check out our detailed guide for everything you need to know about monuments and memorials tours, one of the most captivating attractions in Washington D.C.

What are the most popular monuments and memorials tours in Washington D.C.

Monuments Bike Tour

Skip the walking and instead cycle your way through the various monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C.

The bike tour starts at the tour operator's office near the National Mall,you'll meet the group and get fitted for a hybrid comfort bike. The tour moves at a leisurely pace so that everyone can keep up, and it covers just over 8 kilometers.

At Jefferson Memorial, you will see  his bronze statue and get some amazing pictures of the views across the Tidal Basin. Next is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, where you enjoy more photo opportunities inside.

Check out the symbolic Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, which celebrates the life of the prominent American civil rights leader.

Visit numerous war memorials like the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Women's Memorial and the National World War II Memorial. As a sign of respect, no cycling is allowed at some memorials, and you will have to walk your bike through instead.

Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

Get a whole new perspective on the many monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C., with a night tour. You'll enjoy discovering first-hand why Washington D.C. is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities at night.

On this 3-hour-long night tour, you'll see a variety of monuments and memorials lit by floodlights. Relax in a luxury mini-coach and enjoy the city's night lights as you make your way to historic monuments and memorials.

Hop on and hop off the tour bus with a knowledgeable tour guide who will take you through the nine stops at various famous landmarks.

The first stop is the White House, and seeing the presidential home lit up is impressive. Take photos and walk around the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the moving National World War II Memorial.

The impressive Lincoln Memorial has an almost sacred feel at night. Gazing out from the top of the steps over to the Reflecting Pool - is an unforgettable experience. Other attractions visited included the Capitol Building, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Guided Monuments Sightseeing Tour

If you're short on time, this guided monument sightseeing tour is the ideal way to see the city’s major highlights in just a few hours.

The first stop is outside the Capitol Building, where you'll have a chance to take some pictures. You'll then go to the National Mall and see a few of the Smithsonian Museums and the Washington Monument.

Stretch your legs with a two-block walk to see the White House from the north side and check out Lafayette Square Park.

At the National World War II Memorial, you’ll enjoy the panoramic views of the National Mall, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool.

Another tour highlight is a combined stop at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. This 30-minute session allows you to check the memorials and find out more about these significant landmarks.

Discover more about America’s big conflicts with stops at the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

You can also get an optional upgrade with an entry ticket to the Washington Monument for a self-guided tour. You can use the ticket after the monument tour is over.

What are the highlights of Monuments and Memorials tours?

Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial

Be inspired at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, as you take in his nine meter-tall granite statue. His image has been carved into what is known as the Stone of Hope.

The statue emerges powerfully from the Mountain of Despair and is represented by two large boulders. This memorial pays homage to his moving words from his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. A line from the speech, "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope," is etched into the stone.

Washington Monument

You’ll be impressed by this imposing monument built to honor George Washington, the first United States president. It is one of the tallest monumental columns in the world at 170 meters high and is a defining feature of the D.C. skyline.

The monument was built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk to evoke the timelessness of ancient civilizations. The Washington Monument is a symbol of respect and gratitude to George Washington and a source of national pride.

National Mall

This iconic landscaped national park is a huge tourist attraction, with more than 24 million guests visiting annually. This green, lush open space is home to over 100 monuments and memorials.

There's plenty to see and do at the National Mall, from free Smithsonian museums, art galleries and sculptures to cultural institutions. The National Mall is a symbol of America’s democratic values. Wander through the wide tree-lined boulevards and immerse yourself in the country's rich history.

How much do Monuments and Memorials tours in Washington D.C. cost?

The monuments bike tour experience costs US$60 for adults, and children up to the age of 12 pay US$50 each. A maximum of 15 travelers can be accommodated on this tour.

Taking in a night monuments and memorials  tour on a closed-top luxury bus costs US$70 for adults and US$60 for children between the ages of 4 and 12.

Alternatively, go for the full nighttime experience and choose the upgraded option, riding in a panoramic glass-top mini-bus or open-top convertible bus, for US$100 per person. This activity takes a maximum of 30 travelers.

A guided monuments sightseeing tour costs US$70 for adults, and children between the ages of 3 and 12 will pay US$60 each. If you upgrade your tour to include a ticket to visit the Washington Monument, it costs US$100 for adults and US$80 for children.

What is included in the price?

All equipment for the monuments bike tour, including bike rental and helmet, is included. The equipment is offered in numerous size options for kids of all ages. You can also choose between a morning or afternoon tour.

The night tour of the monuments and memorials includes transport in a luxury coach, a professional English-speaking tour guide, and a bottle of water.

A guided monuments sightseeing tour offers photo stops at ten big attractions and passes by several other important landmarks. You will get a complimentary bottle of water and a professional tour guide who will share interesting facts and anecdotes on the tour.

Where do the tours start?

There are various meeting points for the different monuments and memorials tours, as it depends on the tour operator. The meeting points are generally set at convenient, easy-to-find locations that are close to the first stop on the tour.

Some activities, like the monuments bike tour, start at the tour operator's offices, as you'll need to pick up your bike and safety gear.

How long do they last?

A typical monuments and memorials tour tends to run for between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the type of tour chosen. Tours in vehicles will get you to more landmarks at a faster pace. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as all tours do include some walking.

Are these wheelchair friendly?

Most tours to the various monuments and memorials are wheelchair friendly, but not all areas visited are wheelchair accessible.

Double-check directly with the tour operator if a particular tour is wheelchair friendly before you make a booking. Some smaller tour vehicles might not be able to accommodate a wheelchair.

When is the best time to go on a Monuments and Memorials tour in Washington D.C. ?

The best time for monuments and memorials tours in Washington, D.C., is during spring or fall on weekdays, avoiding weekends and peak tourist seasons.

Early mornings or late afternoons provide ideal lighting, while being mindful of major events and holidays helps ensure a less crowded experience.

Know before you go

• Carry a valid ID, especially if you have reserved specific tours or if identification is required for entry.
• Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes for exploring the monuments and memorials.
• Arriving on time ensures you don't miss valuable information.
• Some sites have mobile apps with informative guides. Download these in advance for a more enriched experience.
• Bring sunscreen, hats, and a water bottle to stay hydrated while touring outdoor sites.