Washington, D.C. Guide

Washington D.C. National Mall Tours

Explore iconic monuments, memorials, and American history on the Mall!

124+ tours
From $45
3-6 hours
Washington D.C. National Mall Tours

Discover the National Mall - America's front yard and iconic heart of Washington D.C.! National Mall tours explore 2-mile stretch from Capitol to Lincoln Memorial with Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and reflecting pools. Walk historic grounds where MLK spoke, protests happened, and history was made. Visit Smithsonian museums lining the Mall, experience powerful memorials, and understand American democracy. Tours include guided walks, tram rides, bike tours, and segway experiences. It's American history concentrated!

Featured National Mall Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for national mall tours in Washington, D.C.

National Mall Night Tour with 10 Stops, Capitol or Museum Options
💸Special Offer
$68From $64.6
Free Cancellation

Experience Washington DC lit up at night during this 3-Hour Guided Night Tour of the National Mall and Monuments. Make your way through the city at night via temperature-controlled coach bus, learning about sites you pass along the way. Travelers will have a chance to stop at 10 top sites for photos including the White House, US Capitol, MLK Jr Memorial, WWII Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, & more. Enjoy the views as your route passes by 20+ additional sites such as Washington Monument, Arlington Cemetery, and many of the Smithsonians. Tour Stops: • National Archives • The U.S. Capitol • White House • Lincoln Memorial • WWII Memorial • MLK Memorial • Korean War Memorial • Lincoln Memorial • Vietnam Memorial • Vietnam Women Memorial • USMC Memorial **In December, see the holiday lights outside the White House, US Capitol, Canadian Embassy, Willard Hotel *Travelers may upgrade to include Tickets to the Washington Monument, Air & Space Museum, African American Museum, or US Capitol.

4.6(4,832)
3h
View Details
National Mall Tour with 10+ Stops, Boat Cruise, Entry Tickets
From $87
Free Cancellation

Explore Washington DC’s top landmarks and monuments on a 6-hour tour by deluxe touring coach with full narration from an expert guide. Stop at the White House, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, US Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, and more. See 100+ sites with time to walk around 10+ of them with your guide, who shares the history and little-known facts about the nation’s capitol. Your guide will take you on an exclusive boat ride along the Potomac River from historic Georgetown while boat is operating. When the boat is not operating you will visit Jefferson and Eisenhower Memorials instead. Top Sites: • The Capitol Building • Martin Luther King Memorial • World War II Memorial • Lincoln Memorial • The White House • FDR Memorial • Vietnam War Memorial • Korean War Memorial • Air Force Memorial • Iwo Jima Memorial • Potomac River Cruise • Jefferson Memorial (low season only, when Potomac cruise not operating) • Eisenhower Memorial (low season only, when Potomac cruise not operating)

4.7(1,209)
6h
View Details
Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions
From $99
Free Cancellation

Visit 10-iconic Washington DC landmarks in three hours! Explore Washington DC with a professional tour guide on this three hour night tour. We will go over the history of Washington DC with you and give you details about each of the iconic landmarks that we stop at. You will be dropped off and picked back up as close to each of the sites as possible. Travelers will have plenty of time to walk around on their own at each site. We will stop at these ten iconic sites. - United States Capitol Building (exterior) - White House (exterior) - Ford's Theatre - Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool - World War II Memorial - Washington Monument - Jefferson Memorial - Tidal Basin / Cherry Trees - Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Pick up and drop off is at the Washington Grand Hyatt. You will meet your guide in front of the Starbucks at 11th and H St NW and board a 15 passenger high roof transit van that will transport you to 10-iconic Washington DC landmarks.

4.9(1,654)
3h
View Details
White House and National Mall Highlights with Lincoln Memorial
From $49
Free Cancellation

See a collection of Washington DC's most famous sights on this fully guided informative walking tour that includes the magnificent White House, the WWII Memorial, the mesmerizing Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. Meet your first-class expert local guide at the stately Andrew Jackson statue in Lafayette Park to begin a fully guided tour of top Washington DC attractions. This tour starts with an exterior visit to the White House from both the north and south as your guide shares facts and anecdotes about US presidents - past and present. There will be plenty of time to capture incredible photos — and see the National Christmas Tree in season — as you amble through The Ellipse, the 52-acre (21-hectare) park just south of the White House. Continue to the expansive National Mall to observe many of DC's most famous memorials and monuments. See the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, and Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.

4.1(37)
2h 30m
View Details
Skip the Line @ Washington Monument & National Mall Walking Tour
From $75
Free Cancellation

Our small-group walking tour includes tickets to the top of the Washington Monument, so you don't have to wait hours in line at 7am for same-day tickets! Let us explain the history, symbolism, & stories behind the memorials on the National Mall! While encouraging reflection & respect, we keep the tour engaging & fun. On this tour, we will explore • Lincoln Memorial - see the famous statue, hear about our 16th President, see where MLK, Jr. stood to give the "I Have A Dream Speech." • Reflecting Pool - where Forrest Gump ran through to see Jenny. • Vietnam Veterans Memorial - hear the stories behind the wall of names of those killed and missing in action. • Korean War Veterans Memorial - see the 19 statues representing servicemen. • MLK Memorial - honor our Dr. King at the newest memorial on the Tidal Basin. • WWII Memorial - find Kilroy hidden amongst the columns honoring the states and territories. • White House - see the south lawn of the White House where Marine One lands.

4.9(204)
3h
View Details
National Mall Tour with U.S. Capitol or Washington Monument Entry
From $59
Free Cancellation

Explore Washington DC’s top landmarks and monuments on a 3-hour Morning Monuments Guided Sightseeing Tour. Ride on a deluxe air-conditioned coach with full narration from an expert guide. Stop outside 10 top memorials including the White House, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, US Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, and more. You'll have time to take photos and explore the area with your guide, who shares the history and little-known facts about the nation’s capitol. With so much to see and so little time, guests can take a memorable journey through DC that is quick, efficient and entertaining. Travelers may also opt to extend their tour to include a guided walk of Capitol Hill with entry to the U.S. Capitol building. This option begins at 8am and your city tour will follow right after. Upgrade options available at checkout to include self-guided entry tickets to either the Washington Monument, Air & Space Museum, African American Museum.

4.5(331)
3h
View Details
Washington DC National Mall Bike Rentals
💸Special Offer
$21.2From $19.08
Free Cancellation

See the best of America’s capital with this full-day Washington DC bike rental. Pick up your easy-riding bike and pedal through the city, stopping at iconic landmarks along the way. This is easily one of the most enjoyable ways to see DC's many fantastic sights in one day.

4.5(51)
2h
View Details
Washington Monument Reserved Entry Ticket with National Mall Tour
From $59
Free Cancellation

See Washington DC’s iconic monuments in a single morning on a Guided Morning Sightseeing Bus & Walking Tour with an experienced guide. Pass by over 20+ sites including National Archives, Freedom Plaza, Jefferson Memorial and stop for photos outside top locations including the White House, US Capitol, MLK Memorial, and more. Hear insider stories about DC’s politicians and historic figures as you explore their moving war memorials, Presidential sites and government buildings, and get the perfect introduction to America’s capital city. Tours will conclude at the Washington Monument where travelers will be provided Admission Tickets for self-guided entry into the attraction. Many tours are offered of the various monuments and landmarks of the nation's capital but very few include the Washington Monument. Though you can view it by riding by on a regular tour, this tour offers you a unique chance to get a peek inside and climb to the top of the structure.

4.5(21)
4h
View Details
National Mall & Monuments Tour with Reserved Washington Monument
From $59
Free Cancellation

See the very best of Washington DC in a single morning on this guided 3-hour National Mall bus tour. Travel comfortably on a climate-controlled coach while your knowledgeable local guide brings the city’s history, architecture, and landmarks to life. This tour features 10 iconic stops where you’ll hop off the bus to walk, explore, and take photos of the most famous monuments and memorials: White House (exterior) U.S. Capitol (exterior) Lincoln Memorial Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial World War II Memorial FDR Memorial Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Vietnam Women’s Memorial Korean War Veterans Memorial U.S. Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) Memorial At each stop, enjoy 10–20 minutes to explore the area with your guide, take memorable photos, and hear stories that bring the history to life. Upgrades: Enhance your tour experience with self-guided entry to the Washington Monument, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, or National Museum of African American History and Culture.

4.3(112)
3h
View Details
DC Combo: Narrated Scenic Boat Cruise & National Mall Bus Tour
From $89
Free Cancellation

Join us for this fun-filled and informative day seeing all of D.C.'s most important monuments and sights in style. Our knowledgeable and entertaining live guide expertly narrates the tour on our climate-controlled bus as you take in the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial plus so much more. You'll also hop off the bus at key stops to walk with your guide and hear fascinating and sometimes surprising facts, while getting unforgettable photos of the most famous sights as well as some hidden gems. From mid-March to mid-October, your tour also includes a scenic boat ride along the Potomac River from historic Georgetown, where you also be able to get lunch on your own from several delicious options.

4.5(32)
6h
View Details
2-Hour National Mall Walking Tour from Washington DC
From $25
Free Cancellation

Take a fully-guided, interactive 2-hour walking tour where they will discover the most iconic monuments found along the National Mall in Washington DC. You will explore America’s most-visited national park, where the past, present, and future come together adorned with monuments and memorials that honor American forefathers and heroes. You will see the National Stage where historic movements and celebrations have taken place such as the “I Have a Dream” speech and the AIDS Quilt. You will listen as your engaging guide tells your family the story behind the monuments and memorials along the Mall—what they stand for, why they were built, and what historical figures or events are associated with them.

3.6(27)
2h
View Details
Reflections on a Nation Self-Guided National Mall Highlights Tour
From $9.99
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

Discover the essence of American ideals on the self-paced National Mall Highlights tour in Washington, D.C. This journey goes beyond mere sightseeing to reflect on the core values of liberty, justice, equality, and inclusion through vivid storytelling and curated stops. Engage with the monuments and their deeper meanings, creating a personal connection to history and culture. Perfect for both first-time visitors and returning explorers, this tour invites you to experience the National Mall as a vibrant narrative of the nation. — Self-paced exploration of iconic landmarks in Washington, D.C. — Reflect on American values such as liberty, justice, and equality — Blends history, memory, and nature for a richer experience — Ideal for first-time visitors and returning explorers alike

1h 30m
View Details
National Mall Democracy Quest Experience in Washington DC
From $5.92
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Discover the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. by solving challenges and unlocking stories on your phone. Play the engaging exploration game, taking the role of a famous historian. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Ready for an adventure? Highlights include: • Explore the United States Capitol, the Supreme Court of the United States, Library of Congress and lesser-known places. • Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our talented writers. • Learn about the fascinating legend behind the emblem of the USA. • Discover the largest library in the world. • Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt. After your booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience,although several people can share a phone.

5.0(1)
1h 25m
View Details
National Mall Tour w/ Washington Monument Semi-Private 12ppl Max
From $51.94
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

This 2.5 hour semi-private (12 Guest Maximum) guided walking tour begins at the DC Mall and leads you through the most revered memorials, concluding with a visit to the Washington Monument. Dive into the heart of American history and explore the memorials dedicated to its key figures and events. Your expert local guide will share captivating stories and the hidden symbolism within. These sites are not just architectural marvels but are imbued with the spirit of American resilience and valor. Enjoy ample opportunities to capture photos of these iconic memorials as your guide brings to life the stories of the people and events they commemorate. The journey through history doesn't end here; it culminates at the Washington Monument, where guests are provided entry tickets for a self-guided visit. While the ascent and exploration of the monument are unguided, it offers a moment of reflection and breathtaking views over the capital.

5.0(71)
2h 30m
View Details
National Mall Highlights Tour with 10+ Stops & Arlington Cemetery
From $55
Free Cancellation

See Washington DC’s iconic monuments in a single morning on this 3-4 hour guided sightseeing bus and walking tour of DC's top monuments and memorials. Travelers will have the opportunity to stop for photos at 10 Top Attractions including White House, MLK Memorial, US Capitol & Lincoln Memorial. Upgrade option is available at checkout to include a 2-hour guided walk through Arlington National Cemetery following your city tour. Visit the grave of John F Kennedy and his Eternal Flame. Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. View the Famous and historic Arlington house. The residence of general Robert E. Lee. Get a glimpse of the JFK family graves. Take in all 639 Acres of a national landmark with over 150 years of history.

3.7(3)
3h
View Details

Ready to Explore Washington, D.C.?

Browse all available tours and activities with instant booking & best price guarantee

Why Choose National Mall Tours in Washington, D.C.?

American Icons

Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument - most famous symbols!

Free Access

All monuments and most museums FREE - incredible value!

Living History

Where MLK spoke, protests march, democracy celebrated!

Photo Paradise

Iconic backdrops - every American has seen these!

Types of National Mall Tours in Washington, D.C.

Walking Tour

Comprehensive walk covering major monuments.

3-4 hoursAll major sitesExpert guideHistoryMost popular

Night Tour

Evening tour with illuminated monuments.

3 hoursNight viewsLit monumentsMagicalBeautiful

Bike or Segway Tour

Cover more ground efficiently.

3 hoursBike/SegwayMore monumentsEfficientFun

Full-Day Mall Tour

Monuments + select Smithsonian museums.

6-8 hoursComprehensiveMuseums includedFull dayThorough

What to Expect on Your Washington D.C. National Mall Tours

Duration

Walking: 3-4 hours. Night tour: 3 hours. Bike: 3 hours. Full day: 6-8 hours.

Lincoln Memorial

Iconic seated Lincoln where MLK gave "I Have a Dream" speech!

Washington Monument

555-foot obelisk - tallest structure in DC, tickets required!

Reflecting Pool

Mirror pool between Lincoln and WWII Memorial - iconic view!

War Memorials

WWII, Vietnam, Korean War - powerful and moving tributes!

Smithsonian Museums

11 museums line the Mall - all FREE! Plan which to visit.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

ALL monuments FREE! Washington Monument requires free timed tickets.

2

Night tours magical - monuments beautifully lit, less crowded.

3

National Mall is 2 miles - wear comfortable shoes!

4

Cherry blossoms (late March-early April) incredibly beautiful but packed.

5

Summer hot/humid - bring water, start early or go evening.

6

Many Smithsonians on Mall - Air & Space, Natural History most popular.

7

Bike/Segway tours cover more monuments efficiently.

8

Security checkpoints at some monuments - allow time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How long to see National Mall?

A: Half-day (3-4 hours) for major monuments walking. Full day (6-8 hours) with museums. Can spend days! Budget minimum 4 hours. Don't rush - it's massive and meaningful!

Q:Is National Mall free?

A: Completely FREE! All monuments, most museums (Smithsonian), grounds. Washington Monument requires free timed ticket (reserve online). Most affordable major tourist destination! Donations appreciated but not required.

Q:What monuments are on National Mall?

A: Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War, FDR Memorial, MLK Memorial, Jefferson Memorial (Tidal Basin). All FREE! Each powerful and historic. Plan to see multiple!

Q:Do you need tour guide?

A: Not essential - monuments accessible yourself! However, guides provide historical context, stories, significance you'd miss. First-timers: Tours recommended. Return visitors: Self-guided works. Both valid!

Q:Can you see everything in one day?

A: All monuments: Yes, if efficient (bike/segway helps!). Monuments + museums: No - choose priorities. Most visitors: Focus on top monuments + 1-2 museums. Plan 2-3 days for thorough visit. Don't rush history!

Q:When are monuments lit at night?

A: All night, every night! Beautiful after dark - less crowded, dramatic lighting. Night tours (7-10 PM) popular. Safest after dark destination in DC. Lincoln Memorial especially magical lit up!

Q:What is the best time to visit National Mall?

A: Cherry Blossom season (late March-early April): Beautiful but PACKED! Spring/fall: Perfect weather, fewer crowds. Summer: Hot/humid but full hours. Winter: Cold but manageable, least crowded. Early morning or evening avoid crowds!

Q:How much do National Mall tours cost?

A: Monuments: FREE! Walking tours: $45-75 (3-4 hours). Night tours: $50-80. Bike tours: $55-90. Segway: $70-100. Self-guided FREE - tours add context and efficiency. Mix of free and paid options!

Don't Miss the Perfect Washington, D.C. Experience

Book your national mall tours today - 124+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Washington, D.C.?

Iconic National Mall and historic monuments

World-class Smithsonian museums

Capitol Hill and political significance

Rich American history and culture

Beautiful architecture and memorials

Perfect blend of politics and culture

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Washington, D.C. enjoys four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (75-90°F/24-32°C), winters are cold (30-45°F/-1-7°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.

Best Months

March to May and September to November offer the best weather with mild temperatures, beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.

Peak Season

June to August brings peak tourist season with hot, humid weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

December to February offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and occasional snow.

Plan Your Washington, D.C. Trip

Transportation Tips

Excellent public transportation with Metro rail and buses. Walking is perfect for exploring the National Mall, and ride-sharing services are widely available.

Car Rental Deals in Washington, D.C.

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Washington, D.C. adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Washington, D.C.

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.

Ready to Explore Washington, D.C.?

Discover the best tours and activities in Washington, D.C. with AI-powered recommendations tailored just for you.