5.0(40 reviews)
National Archives & American History Museum Guided Tour
From$174.9
4 hours
Washington DC, USA
About this activity
Experience a comprehensive 4-hour guided tour of Washington D.C.'s National Archives and American History Museum, featuring skip-the-line access and hotel pickup.
Highlights
- Skip-the-line entry to National Archives
- See the Declaration of Independence
- Explore the American History Museum
- Guided tour with expert insights
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included
Full description
Dive into America's rich history with this exclusive 4-hour guided tour of the National Archives and the American History Museum. Skip the lines and delve into iconic artifacts like the Declaration of Independence and the original Bill of Rights. Your expert guide will provide engaging insights, making history come alive. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts eager to explore the nation's most treasured documents and exhibits.
Included / Excluded
- Expert guide
- Skip-the-line entry
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
This is the best way to skip-the-line and save time, to explore the experiment that is the United States of America! Start with the original handwritten “Charters of Freedom” housed in their spectacular Rotunda. Your guide will narrate the extraordinary circumstances that brought this nation into existence. No trip to the US Capital city is complete without a visit to the National Archives. Surround yourself with documents and paintings that offer both depth and nuance to the period that founded the United States of America. And at Babylon we take it a step farther. In the Rubenstein Gallery, go even deeper into the philosophical foundations by viewing a 1297 copy of the Magna Carta. Your guide will encourage you to explore the concept of citizenship, what it means and how the criteria for those included have evolved from a declaration which stated “all men are created equal”.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
After a break to ponder the complexity of history (and grab a bite) your guide will lead you to the Smithsonian American History Museum. This museum is a caretaker for an incredible blend of scholarly history and pop culture whose memories create a unique bond among the people who experienced them. Your guide will introduce you to the most famous items in the collection, like the flag that flew over Ft McHenry inspiring the poem that was eventually adapted into the National Anthem. Featured too is the most visited exhibition in the history of the Smithsonian: the First Ladies exhibit. While you’re there, see why the most requested artifact is Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers — displayed not too far from the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore that fateful night to Ford’s Theatre. Your guide will provide stories and background to expand on the reason these items (out of hundreds of thousands in the collection) serve as living touchstones for the concept we call the United States of America.
Duration: 2h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
National Archives Research Center, Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Large bags and backpacks may not be permitted inside the museums.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking and standing.
- Bring a valid ID for entry into federal buildings.
- Photography may be restricted in certain exhibit areas.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Notes: The National Archives & American History Museum and other attractions or museums in DC may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Traveler reviews
5.040 reviews
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Tour guide knew her...
Tour guide knew her mateti was sensitive to her customers asked questions of the group for clarification and needs etc. Made everyone feel comfortable.
denise_sMar 30, 2026VIATOR
Archive & American history tour
Guide was very knowledgeable & informative lots of inside information about the various exhibits.
petervE8867HUMar 29, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Amazing Day with Annemarie
Annemarie did an amazing job with our family which included 4 kids aged 8-14. Even after 6 hrs and two museums, the kids were fully engaged with her great stories and background on everything they saw. I would highly recommend Babylon Tours and Annemarie.
michaelpP9215QBMar 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Perfect day tour to hit up some of the “must sees” and more!
Awesome tour! Great balance in showing the group some requested exhibits, as well, showing us hidden gems that would have never thought to look for!
Y3451TKjoshbOct 2, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Our tour guide,...
Our tour guide, Annemarie, was kind and detailed. We visited the two museums where I admired the history of the U.S.. I would recommend this to anyone visiting the National Archives Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Andrew_ASep 16, 2025VIATOR
Additional information
It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
Notes: The National Archives & American History Museum and other attractions or museums in DC may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.