DC in A Day | National Mall, US Capitol, Archives
There is a lot to see in Washington DC and planning how to fit it all in can be overwhelming. DC by Foot can help. Our DC in A Day tour will lead you to and through some of the highlights of the city. You will have a guide with you the entire time from the start to the end to help you navigate through the city, security and make sure you don’t miss the hidden treasures.
This 6.5-hour tour includes a guided tour of the National Mall, a ride on the DC Metro system, lunch break at the US Capitol Visitor Center Cafeteria, tickets to tour inside the Capitol – as well as a guide to tell you all the stories about sites you see along the way and reserved entry time to the National Archives at the end of the tour.
Check out our DC Tourism Guide, with budget advice, travel guides, and information about local Washington DC attractions.
SIGHTS WE COVER ON THE TOUR:
- National Mall – Lincoln, Korean, Vietnam, and WWII Memorials
- White House – view the South Lawn
- Washington Monument
- Smithsonian Museums – while we won’t take you inside, you’ll hear the history of these museums and highlights to plan your own trip to one of these 19 museums.
- Capitol Building – Your guide will have tickets for a 1 hour tour inside the Capitol building
- Library of Congress – visit this most beautiful building in the city on a guided tour.
- Supreme Court – photo stop
- Capitol West Lawn – learn all about the inauguration set up that occurs on the West side of the Capitol Building
- Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
- National Archives – the tour ends at the public line for the Archives. Expect to spend an additional 30 min to hour see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and more.
Security: You will have to go through security to enter the Washington Monument, Capitol Building and National Archives. Please do not bring: liquids, gels, sprays or aerosols. There is no where to store items along the tour. No food is allowed in the Capitol so this much be eaten/disposed of before that portion of the tour.
You will need a SmarTrip card for each person with at least $2 for the Metro ride. You can learn more about riding the Metro on our post.
Tour information
Reservations: REQUIRED. Click here to reserve.
Where: We meet outside the Cafe/Gift Shop at Lincoln Memorial (map) on Henry Bacon Drive (the Constitution Ave side). It is a 10 minute walk downhill from the Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro Station.
The tour ends at the National Archives Constitution Ave NW entrance. It is an easy walk to Chinatown from the end of the tour where you’ll find many dinner options.
Duration: Tour runs from 930am-4pm, including a lunch break, but expect to spend an additional hour at the National Archives.
When: Thursday, August 31 and Monday September 4. Future dates will be added.
Cost: This tour does have a set fee for the guided tour and tickets – $45 Not included is lunch at the Capitol Visitor Center and Metro ticket. You will need a SmarTrip card for each person with at least $2 for the Metro ride. You can learn more about riding the Metro on our post.
Save even more money in Washington, DC with a discount tourist pass.