National Mall: Tours and Guided Visits

It is easy to see why so many people have put the National Mall in Washington, D.C. at the top of their bucket list.  The popular tourist attraction is America’s most-visited national park, with more than 24 million guests annually.  The National Mall is a wonderful, family-friendly destination with numerous monuments, memorials and world-class museums.

There is no better way to familiarize yourself with this significant symbol of the US than by joining a National Mall tour. A local guide will explain the significance of the monuments and dazzle you with little-known facts. Wander through the wide tree-lined boulevards of America’s front yard and immerse yourself in the country’s history at the National Mall.

Here's all you need to know about National Mall tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Washington, D.C.

What are the best National Mall tours in Washington, D.C.?

Tours to the National Mall are a great way to check out all the major landmarks, as it is a great introduction to the popular hot-spots. You can always choose to go back and explore attractions the tour passed by, or simply to revisit attractions you like to explore further.

National Mall Tour by electric vehicle

Skip all the walking and take your sightseeing to the next level by taking a National Mall tour in an electric vehicle. This comprehensive 2-hour-long tour of the National Mall hits all the major tourist hotspots, and it's done from an environmentally friendly electric cart.

Comfortably cruise past the National Mall's must-see monuments and a few additional popular sightseeing spots. Visit three of the most famous monuments that pay tribute to former American presidents: the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

You will also have a chance to visit the memorials of World War I, World War II, Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam War Veterans memorial sites. And of course, no tour is complete without checking out The White House or riding through Capitol Hill.

Moonlit Tour of the National Mall

Get a new perspective of Washington, D.C.'s most famous monuments and memorials with a night tour of the National Mall. Check out the National Mall all lit up after dark in this exciting 3-hour-long nighttime tour.

The tour stops at several destinations, so you'll get a close-up view of moving tributes to America's 20th-century wars and inspiring presidential landmarks. This detailed tour of the National Mall and surrounds offers a great introduction to all the must-see spots.

The tour passes by just over 20 of the top Washington, D.C. memorials. There are also photo stops at 8 different attractions like the Martin Luther King Memorial, the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial, providing plenty of opportunities to take pictures in order for you to preserve the memories of your trip.

The tour will also pass by the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, The National Archives Museum, the Washington Monument and the National Gallery of Art.

Guided National Mall tour for small groups

This small group tour of the National Mall will ensure you see the top 10 attractions in the National Mall and a host of other interesting landmarks. This comprehensive 4-hour tour goes to 15 attractions and passes by another 8 big tourist hot spots.

You’ll have a chance to explore landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Vietnam Women's Memorial. You'll also visit Ford's Theatre and learn more about its fascinating history, see the White House from the North Lawn and the Tidal Basin.

The tour will also pass by various Smithsonian museums like the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Smithsonian Institution Building.

You'll also pass by the FBI Headquarters and the National Archives Museum, where the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights are displayed. This tour offers a great introduction to the many wonders you can see at the National Mall and surrounding landmarks.

Which places are visited?

The National Mall is the ideal educational and historical destination with lots to explore, from outstanding museums to impressive monuments and moving memorials — there's something for everyone.

Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum and research complex, with 21 museums and galleries and a national zoo. The National Mall is home to 13 different Smithsonian exhibition spaces.

This includes the big three Smithsonian museums, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History – which are said to be the most visited in the entire world. All museums are free to enter, but you do need to reserve your ticket.

Lincoln Memorial

The very grand and iconic Lincoln Memorial is another must-see. The memorial pays tribute to the 16th American president, Abraham Lincoln, who abolished slavery and guided the country through the Civil War.

The memorial’s exterior, which is modeled on a classic Greek temple, is surrounded by 36 huge marble columns. On the inside of the memorial is a 170-ton statue of Lincoln seated on an armchair that rises just over 9 meters off the ground.

Vietnam War Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, or the Vietnam Memorial, pays tribute to the members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Vietnam War. The site features two massive black granite walls engraved with the names of more than 58,000 servicemen and women who died or went missing during the war.

Each wall is around 75 meters long and is made up of 72 granite panels. Over the years, the Wall has been supplemented with additional memorials such as the statue of the Three Soldiers and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.

What are the prices for National Mall tours in Washington, D.C.?

National Mall tours by electric vehicle cost US$70 per person. A minimum of 7 participants are required for this tour. You also have the option of a 10 AM morning tour or a later 2 PM tour. These tours are also carbon-neutral and are led by an eco-certified tour operator.

For a moonlit tour of the National Mall, expect to pay US$70 per adult and US$60 for children up to the age of 11. Groups on these bus tours are capped to 40 travelers. You can upgrade your tour to include a self-guided entry ticket to the Washington Monument, which you can use the next day, for a total of US$100 per adult and US$80 for children.

Small group guided National Mall tours cost US$100 for adults, while children younger than 15 pay US$80 each. Groups on these tours are limited to 12 travelers, making them ideal for friends or families.

What is included?

Most tours to the National Mall only include transportation and a guide. Small group tours may also take place in a comfortable high-roof transit van with a flat-screen TV and phone charging capabilities.

Some tour operators do offer complimentary bottled water. Any other drinks, food, or personal expenses are not included and will be for your account.

Where is the meeting spot for National Mall tours?

National Mall tours have a central, convenient meeting spot, often close to the first attraction you’ll see on the tour. If you're uncertain of the meeting, you can check with the tour operator before the tour starts. You should try to arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour begins so you can grab a good seat.

How long do they last?

Tours of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. typically run for 2 to 4 hours. The longer tours that offer more stops, especially photo-stops, tend to last longer.

Are National Mall tours wheelchair friendly?

Some tours of the National Mall are wheelchair friendly, like the tour by electric vehicle, but not all tours are wheelchair accessible. Double-check directly with the tour operator if a particular tour is wheelchair friendly before you make a booking.

When is the best time to go on a National Mall tour in Washington, D.C?

The best time for a National Mall tour in Washington, D.C., is during the spring, namely from late March to early June. By visiting during this period, you will mostly encounter mild weather and the famous cherry blossoms, which usually peak in early April.

Fall, from September to early November, is also ideal with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. You may want to avoid summer due to the high heat, humidity and tourist influx, while winters can get cold with the occasional snowfall.

Travel tips

• Parking can be challenging, so it is best to use public transportation if visiting independently. The Metro, Washington D.C.'s subway system, is a convenient way to get around. The Smithsonian Metro stop is centrally located.
• The Mall stretches over 3 kilometers from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol Building, so make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes.
• Bring a water bottle, especially in the warmer months. There are public water fountains for refills.
• While there are food trucks and concession stands, options may be limited. As such, consider packing your own snacks or head out to any of the nearby restaurants.