National Archives Guided Tour
From$111.3
1 hour
Washington DC, USA
About this activity
Experience a semi-private guided tour of the National Archives Building, featuring skip-the-line access and insights into America's founding documents.
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to the National Archives Building
- Guided tour with a knowledgeable expert
- Semi-private group experience (maximum 6 people)
- See the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution
- Learn about the history of the National Archives
Full description
Dive into the heart of American history with an exclusive guided tour of the National Archives Building. Skip the usual lines and delve into the stories behind the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. With a maximum of six participants, enjoy an intimate experience led by a knowledgeable expert who will bring these iconic documents to life. This tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the nation's past in a way that's both engaging and educational. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey through America's foundational history.
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to the National Archives Building
- Guided tour with a knowledgeable expert
- Semi-private group experience (maximum 6 people)
- Food and beverages
Itinerary
1
Step through the doors of this majestic neoclassical building, considered a temple to American history. Follow your guide, starting at the National Archives Rotunda to learn about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution while standing in front of the perfectly-preserved documents from the 17th and 18th centuries. Alongside the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers, they all feature the signatures of world-famous statesmen like Alexander Hamilton. Next, in the Public Vaults Exhibits, letters written by presidents including George Washington and John F. Kennedy are on display. The United States’ turbulent racial past comes alive while learning about the Emancipation Proclamation, which helped end slavery in the 19th century. More recent papers, like a citation issued to civil rights activist Rosa Parks, illustrates how long these racial issues lasted. Finally, in the Rubenstein Gallery, examine even older documents like the Magna Carta of 1297. Although it was written well before the Americas were even discovered by Europeans, it heavily influenced many of the other artifacts you’ll see in the National Archives.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is conducted in English; please ensure you understand the language.
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Know before you go
- Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early to ensure a timely departure.
- Photography is allowed, but please avoid using flash near the documents.
- Restrooms are available at the meeting point; consider using them before the tour begins.
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
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Minimum numbers apply. This tour will not run without a minimum of 2 guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Notes: 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.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee – Important Details We stand by our commitment to providing the best tour experience. If for any reason your experience did not meet expectations, we offer a 100% Guarantee under the following conditions: 1. Contact Us Within 24 Hours – To qualify for any potential refund or resolution, you must reach out to us within 24 hours of your tour. 2. Give Us a Chance to Make It Right – Before posting any negative reviews online, please allow us the opportunity to address your concerns. We take pride in our customer service and are committed to finding a fair solution. To request a resolution, please contact us at after tour. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to ensuring every guest has an amazing experience!
Traveler reviews
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Excellent Archive Tour
Allen was a superb tour guide! He showed us around the National Archives and was very knowledgeable. There were many school groups there that day but he maneuvered around them to a place where we could hear him or see the documents better. I would highly recommend taking the Archive tour with Allen!
Kristine SMay 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR
National Archive Tour with a private guide
We had a wonderful tour today, and Rebecca was a fantastic guide. We got to see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and many other important documents. Her depth of knowledge about everything we saw was truly impressive. I would absolutely recommend this tour, and if you can, I would try and have Rebecca as your guide. You will have an amazing time and will walk away with a greater understanding of our founding fathers.
NorthStar60775098709May 16, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Wonderful Experience
Our experience with our tour guide Annemarie was outstanding and truly beyond our expectations. Annemarie was extremely knowledgeable of all the documents and paintings exhibited throughout the Archives, and expertly explained the many background facts and stories behind what we saw. We could never have appreciated all the documents and paintings we saw without her insights and historical knowledge. It was a joy to interact with her throughout our entire time together.
Y1772RNscottsMay 13, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great Archives Tour
This tour was amazing! The small group setting and VIP access was very helpful. Our tour guide Maribeth was the BEST and very knowledgeable. Lots of new information was shared.
363kelligMay 12, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Wealth of knowledge on this tour. Cut the lines, too!
Our guide was caring, polite and showed us many things we might have missed. Ryan knew all the history and background stories to every document and area of the museum. Thanks, Ryan, for a great experience.
Kelly_KMay 7, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
Minimum numbers apply. This tour will not run without a minimum of 2 guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Notes: 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.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee – Important Details We stand by our commitment to providing the best tour experience. If for any reason your experience did not meet expectations, we offer a 100% Guarantee under the following conditions: 1. Contact Us Within 24 Hours – To qualify for any potential refund or resolution, you must reach out to us within 24 hours of your tour. 2. Give Us a Chance to Make It Right – Before posting any negative reviews online, please allow us the opportunity to address your concerns. We take pride in our customer service and are committed to finding a fair solution. To request a resolution, please contact us at after tour. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to ensuring every guest has an amazing experience!