5.0(17 reviews)
National Mall Fully Guided Tour with Washington Monument Tickets
3 hours
Max 20 people
Washington DC, USA
About this activity
Discover the majestic National Mall on a specially designed tour with a small group, complete with pre-booked access to the Washington Monument.
Highlights
- Take in the breathtaking view from the top of the Washington Monument. Tickets are extremely hard to come by, but not to worry—yours are already guaranteed.
- Discover DC's most iconic sites in a small group of just 10 guests—a much more intimate size than many other group tours, giving you easy access to your guide and their wealth of knowledge.
- Uncover the incredible stories in the collection of wonders that is the National Mall.
- Spot the mistake in the famous speech carved on the wall of the Lincoln Memorial.
Full description
Telling the story of people and events that have shaped the nation, the National Mall is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Over 1,000 acres of green space in the heart of Washington DC would be difficult to traverse alone. But on this tour, an expert local guide takes you and your small group through the park revealing the secrets hidden in the monuments and memorials and weaving together their full, fascinating story before your eyes. Complete with guaranteed tickets to the Washington Monument—which are nearly impossible to get—this tour will showcase the secrets and stories behind some of the most recognizable sights in the nation’s capital.
Discover the past, present, and future of America's capital on a guided stroll of the National Mall's most significant sites.
Begin by meeting your guide at the Albert Einstein Memorial, where you’ll get an introduction to the National Mall. On the ground before the statue lies a map. Your guide will show you the exact spot to stand on to hear your voice echo back! Even some locals haven’t visited this unique hidden gem, making it a one-of-a-kind way to kick-start your National Mall tour.
Next, it’s on to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the most-visited memorial in the National Park. There are over 58,000 names on the wall commemorating those who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
We’ll wind our way to the iconic Lincoln Memorial afterwards. It’s here that the nation honors a beloved president who freed over 4 million people from slavery. The memorial was dedicated in 1922, nearly 60 years after Lincoln’s assassination. The statue of Lincoln, which has appeared in numerous films through the years, was designed by artist Daniel Chester French. Hear about the legends surrounding the its features, as well as the mistake on his second inaugural address printed on the wall here.
The Memorial Reflecting Pool, perhaps one of the most filmed and symbolic visuals of Washington DC, is our next stop. Designed by Henry Bacon, it holds approximately 7 million gallons of water. Depending on your vantage point, it reflects different but equally gorgeous views of the National Mall.
The tree-lined paths along the pool will shortly take you to the Korean War Memorial. Nineteen statues form a platoon on patrol, with members from all branches of the US Army represented. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Martin Luther King Memorial, which made King the first African American to receive a statue on the Mall. His statue stands tall over the Tidal Basin on a picturesque waterfront promenade where you’ll catch the best view of DC’s famous cherry blossoms if you’re visiting in the spring.
The last part of our tour is the Washington Monument. Tickets to the top are like gold dust, but come included in your tour. Take some time to soak in the gorgeous views over the park and surroundings.
Back on ground level, you’ll leave the National Mall with an understanding of how these monuments symbolize a chapter of the past, reflect on the present and look ahead to the future.
Please note: During extreme heat waves, there is the possibility that the Washington Monument will be closed.
Sites Visited • Albert Einstein Memorial • Vietnam Veterans Memorial • Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool • Korean War Memorial • Martin Luther King Memorial • DC Memorial • WWII Memorial • Washington Monument
Begin by meeting your guide at the Albert Einstein Memorial, where you’ll get an introduction to the National Mall. On the ground before the statue lies a map. Your guide will show you the exact spot to stand on to hear your voice echo back! Even some locals haven’t visited this unique hidden gem, making it a one-of-a-kind way to kick-start your National Mall tour.
Next, it’s on to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the most-visited memorial in the National Park. There are over 58,000 names on the wall commemorating those who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
We’ll wind our way to the iconic Lincoln Memorial afterwards. It’s here that the nation honors a beloved president who freed over 4 million people from slavery. The memorial was dedicated in 1922, nearly 60 years after Lincoln’s assassination. The statue of Lincoln, which has appeared in numerous films through the years, was designed by artist Daniel Chester French. Hear about the legends surrounding the its features, as well as the mistake on his second inaugural address printed on the wall here.
The Memorial Reflecting Pool, perhaps one of the most filmed and symbolic visuals of Washington DC, is our next stop. Designed by Henry Bacon, it holds approximately 7 million gallons of water. Depending on your vantage point, it reflects different but equally gorgeous views of the National Mall.
The tree-lined paths along the pool will shortly take you to the Korean War Memorial. Nineteen statues form a platoon on patrol, with members from all branches of the US Army represented. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Martin Luther King Memorial, which made King the first African American to receive a statue on the Mall. His statue stands tall over the Tidal Basin on a picturesque waterfront promenade where you’ll catch the best view of DC’s famous cherry blossoms if you’re visiting in the spring.
The last part of our tour is the Washington Monument. Tickets to the top are like gold dust, but come included in your tour. Take some time to soak in the gorgeous views over the park and surroundings.
Back on ground level, you’ll leave the National Mall with an understanding of how these monuments symbolize a chapter of the past, reflect on the present and look ahead to the future.
Please note: During extreme heat waves, there is the possibility that the Washington Monument will be closed.
Sites Visited • Albert Einstein Memorial • Vietnam Veterans Memorial • Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool • Korean War Memorial • Martin Luther King Memorial • DC Memorial • WWII Memorial • Washington Monument
Included / Excluded
- Tickets to the Washington Monument
- Local English-speaking guide
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Meeting point
Departure: 2101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20418- In front of the Albert Einstein Memorial
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time.
- No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- Tours run rain or shine.
- We encourage appropriate footwear for uneven surfaces.
- All guests must pass through security to enter the Washington Monument.
- Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible/mobility friendly. Those with wheelchairs and mobility issues should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour.
- For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Know before you go
- All guests must pass through security to enter the Washington Monument.
- The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- We encourage appropriate footwear for uneven surfaces.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no-shows are non-refundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.
Reviews
5.0(17 reviews)
Matthew
Jun 20265.0
If you’re reading this, book it now! You’ll be one of the first on the boat and get the best spot before anyone else. Daniela (aka “Daniel”) treated us exceptionally well from start to finish. Her knowledge of the falls and the stories behind them was the perfect balance of informative and entertaining. She keeps you laughing throughout the tour and enjoys the experience right alongside you as if it were her first time seeing it. 10/10 — I would recommend this tour to anyone. As an added bonus, our group had only four people, which made the experience absolutely incredible and much more personal. Thanks again, Daniel! 😉
Lisa
Jun 20265.0
The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent
Lisa
Jun 20265.0
The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent
Additional information
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.