Washington D.C. Film Locations Tour

From$96
4 hours
Washington DC, USA

About this activity

Explore Washington D.C.'s iconic film locations on a guided half-day tour, visiting sites featured in famous movies like 'Forrest Gump' and 'National Treasure'.

Highlights

  • Visit the Lincoln Memorial featured in 'Forrest Gump'
  • Explore the White House as seen in 'Independence Day'
  • See the U.S. Capitol from 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington'
  • Discover the National Archives from 'National Treasure'
  • Tour the Smithsonian Institution as depicted in 'Night at the Museum'

Full description

Step into the silver screen with our Washington D.C. Film Locations Tour! This engaging half-day adventure takes you to the city's most iconic sites immortalized in films. From the Lincoln Memorial's role in 'Forrest Gump' to the National Archives' starring role in 'National Treasure', you'll experience the magic of cinema firsthand. Led by an expert guide, you'll uncover behind-the-scenes stories and cinematic secrets, making this tour a must for movie buffs and history enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the chance to walk where your favorite films were made!

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of iconic film sites
  • Transportation to all locations
  • Expert commentary on film history
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

The tour duration already includes visit times, travel between locations, and traffic delays throughout the day. Please note that the total duration may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions. Itinerary: National Treasure Filming location: Library of Congress (20 mins) → Iron Man, Transformers Filming location: U.S. Capitol (20 mins) → Transformers, X-Men, White House Down Filming location: White House (Outside Visit, 20 mins) → The People’s House: A White House Experience (90 mins) → Wonder Woman, Forrest Gump Filming location: Lincoln Memorial (40 mins)

Duration: 50 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

The Library of Congress is one of the four official national libraries in the United States and stands as the country’s premier federal cultural institution. With a rich and storied history, it has grown into the world's largest repository of knowledge—a powerful symbol of American intellectual life and democracy. Its vast collection includes more than 30 million books in 470 languages and over 58 million manuscripts, among them President Abraham Lincoln’s handwritten Gettysburg Address. It also houses the nation’s largest collection of rare books, including one of the few surviving copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed using movable type. In addition to these treasures, the Library holds millions of U.S. government publications, international newspapers, microfilms, legal documents, maps, musical scores, and more—rightfully earning its title as the world’s greatest trove of knowledge.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

As the political heart of the United States, Washington, D.C. is home to many iconic political and cultural landmarks, including the Capitol Building and the U.S. Supreme Court. Congress—made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives—serves as the highest embodiment of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. As one of the most significant landmarks in the nation, the Capitol Building has stood witness to the United States' long and often challenging journey through history.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Outside Visit The White House is a neoclassical white sandstone building covering over 73,000 square meters, consisting of the main residence along with the East and West Wings. It serves as both the workplace and official residence of every U.S. president since John Adams, and has become a powerful symbol of the American government. Many of the nation's most important legislative decisions are signed and announced by the president within its walls. George Washington, the founding father of the United States, once shared his vision for the presidential residence—emphasizing that it should not be a palace or a symbol of luxury, because those who work there are ultimately public servants of the nation.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

The White House Experience Hall is a state-of-the-art educational and immersive museum created by the White House Historical Association, officially opened in September 2024. Blending history with modern technology, the Experience Hall allows visitors to explore the elegance and significance of the White House as if stepping into history itself. Guests can virtually interact with past presidents, witness key moments in presidential decision-making, and gain a deeper understanding of daily life inside America’s most iconic residence.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

The Lincoln Memorial is a white, Greek temple-style monument built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. It stands as an enduring symbol of the nation’s ideals and one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic landmarks. More than just a tribute to Lincoln, the memorial has become a powerful gathering place for those advocating peace, justice, and democracy. It was here that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech, forever linking the site to the ongoing struggle for civil rights in America.

Duration: 40 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Service animals are allowed; please inform in advance

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour
  • Bring a camera to capture memorable moments
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly

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

  • Infants Required On Laps
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Stroller Accessible

Good to know

  • Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant travelers may join if they are under 24 weeks pregnant by the end of the trip.
  • Please double-check your booking details (name and contact info), as any errors may result in additional personal costs.
  • Tickets and Admission Policy: Third-party attraction tickets or city passes are not accepted for participation in the tour. All admission tickets must be purchased either during booking or directly from your tour guide on the day of the tour.
  • Children under 6 may require a booster seat by law. Most tours operate with coach buses where booster seats are not required. However, for certain winter departures that may use vehicles such as minivans or vans, booster seats may be needed. Please contact the tour operator in advance if needed. Rental service is also available upon request.
  • For safety and communication purposes during the trip, a valid and reachable phone number is required for participants.
  • For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend bringing comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and drinks for hydration.

Traveler reviews

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Not a movie tour

The tour was 90% historic and 10% movie with only one movie clip. We really enjoyed Alpert’s historical knowledge but I bought this as a gift for my movie loving man (before our landmark tour), and there was incredibly little focus on movies in this tour. He dropped us off at the Little White House for ninety minutes, with zero movie context. I didn’t pay to be dropped off for so long with no movie connection. Our guide was kind and drove us to our dinner reservation but it didn’t feel like a movie tour at all.

Anne_DFeb 22, 2026VIATOR

Additional information

Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant travelers may join if they are under 24 weeks pregnant by the end of the trip. Please double-check your booking details (name and contact info), as any errors may result in additional personal costs. Tickets and Admission Policy: Third-party attraction tickets or city passes are not accepted for participation in the tour. All admission tickets must be purchased either during booking or directly from your tour guide on the day of the tour. Children under 6 may require a booster seat by law. Most tours operate with coach buses where booster seats are not required. However, for certain winter departures that may use vehicles such as minivans or vans, booster seats may be needed. Please contact the tour operator in advance if needed. Rental service is also available upon request. For safety and communication purposes during the trip, a valid and reachable phone number is required for participants. For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend bringing comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and drinks for hydration.