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Smithsonian Castle

Smithsonian Castle: Our most recommended tours and activities

Washington DC: Full-Day Tour of Washington DC Monuments

1. Washington DC: Full-Day Tour of Washington DC Monuments

Hop onboard a climate-controlled bus that will take you around Washington D.C. — perfect for first-time visitors or those who want to make the most of their day. Throughout the tour, your guide will enlighten you about what life in D.C. is like now and in its exciting historic past. Enjoy photo stops at the U.S. Capitol and White House. Explore the World War II Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, and more. From the bus or boat, see the National Archives, the National Mall, numerous Smithsonian Museums, the Jefferson Memorial, the Pentagon, the Kennedy Center and so much more.  Break up your day with a lunch stop at the DC Wharf or Georgetown in the colder months, or the Potomac River Cruise in the warmer months.

Bike Tour: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall

2. Bike Tour: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall

Take a guided bike tour in Washington, D.C. to see all the city’s important sights and landmarks. The tour route includes Capitol Hill and the National Mall, Union Station, the Lincoln Memorial, and more. Along the way you’ll see the Smithsonian museums, the Washington Monument, and the war memorials. You’ll learn about the city's history and current events from your guide as you cycle past the major monuments and memorials. You'll also get some practical touring tips for later use! Take in the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, the White House, the World War II Memorial, and many more important sights. This cycling tour is rated as easy and covers approximately 7 miles on level terrain.

Washington DC: National Archives and US Capitol Guided Tour

3. Washington DC: National Archives and US Capitol Guided Tour

Experience the full story of US democracy from the Founding Fathers to the present day. Start your day at the steps to the National Archives, where you’ll meet your expert guide and get VIP-style entry to the building. The number-one thing visitors to the National Archives want to see are the Charters of Freedom: The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. That’s why you’ll go directly to the Rotunda where these documents are kept. Seeing them with your own eyes is a real treat, and your guide will be on hand to provide extra information to make this experience even more meaningful. Many visitors barely glance up to the murals above while they’re here, but your guide will tell you exactly why you shouldn’t overlook them! Afterwards, you’ll move on to the Public Vaults. Opened in 2004, this interactive exhibit allows you to explore the documents you’ve just seen for yourself, along with a number of other records that are integral to the founding of American democracy as we know it today. You’ll find surprise after surprise as you continue to explore the National Archives. See recent presidents as children, hear one of the only voice recordings from Theodore Roosevelt, and gain an insight into the people behind the most important office in the world. You’ll step into the vaults for your last stop in the National Archives to see an original copy of the 1297 Magna Carta. Revered for providing the inspiration for the American Revolution, learn about its history and the last-minute auction bid that secured its place here! Step outside the archives and take in the beauty of the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art. Your guide will show you the most interesting pieces as you pass through this scenic walkway. After you exit, you’ll pass through the National Mall where your guide will point out some of Washington DC’s most important buildings, including the Smithsonian Castle, Hirshhorn Museum and the National Air and Space Museum. Making your way to the US Capitol next, you’ll have time to admire the stately reflecting pool and memorials outside as you hear about their significance. Once again, entry is pre-reserved so you can step in without any delay. See the original House of Representatives and tour the crypt as you discover how the Capitol continues to make history both nationally and internationally.

Washington, DC: Private National Mall Walking Tour

4. Washington, DC: Private National Mall Walking Tour

Take a fully-guided, interactive 2-hour walking tour where you will discover the most iconic monuments found along the National Mall in Washington DC. Explore America’s most-visited national park, where the past, present, and future come together adorned with monuments and memorials that honor American forefathers and heroes. See the National Stage where historic movements and celebrations have taken place such as the  “I Have a Dream” speech and the AIDS Quilt. Listen as your engaging guide tells your family the story behind the monuments and memorials along the Mall—what they stand for, why they were built, and what historical figures or events are associated with them. Admire the Smithsonian Museums, walk past the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, the WW II Memorial,  Lincoln Memorial, and many more iconic monuments.

DC: Tour with U.S. Capitol Ground Access

5. DC: Tour with U.S. Capitol Ground Access

See the most important sights in DC on the most comprehensive, top-of-the-line, and exciting tours of the historic city. Experience an 6-hour day in DC jam-packed with stops while making memories to last a lifetime.  Join your expert live guide, both on and off a climate-controlled touring bus, for an entertaining, fact-filled tour highlighting the history, culture, architecture, and sights of this beautiful city.   Your day includes the city's important monuments and memorials (listed below) including the exterior of the a visit to the outside of the Capitol Building, the White House, World War 2 Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, Dr Martin Luther King Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Women in the Vietnam Memorial, The Iwo Jima Memorial (The Marine Corp Memorial).  Have a lunch break at either the Georgetown waterfront (April-October) or The Wharf (October-April) where you can purchase lunch from one of several delicious locations. From April to October, you’ll also take a 1-hour boat ride on the lovely and historic Potomac River to experience DC's monuments and views from the unique perspective of the water. At each stop, your guide will accompany you on foot giving an informative, insider's view and great photos of each special place, before conveniently boarding the bus again.   Tour includes the following stops: Capitol BuildingWhite House (exterior)World War II MemorialKorean War Veterans MemorialVietnam Veterans MemorialVietnam Women’s MemorialMartin Luther King, Jr. MemorialFranklin Delano Roosevelt MemorialWashington Monument Time permitting there will be additional surprise stops. Sights seen from the bus include the National Archives, National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Castle, Treasury Building, and much more.

3-Hour Washington, D.C Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt

6. 3-Hour Washington, D.C Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt

Turn Washington, D.C. into a giant board game with the Urban Adventure Quest interactive scavenger hunt! Combine the thrill of the race with a unique and exciting sightseeing tour of the city. Start the experience from the heart of the iconic National Mall, located between the White House and the Lincoln Memorial. Adventurers are free to set their own pace, progressing rapidly through the game or choosing to soak up the city's sights and culture, following a smart phone-guided tour among the notable museums and celebrated landmarks of the United States capital. Solve riddles, find clues, and complete challenges, all the while discovering a fascinating cosmopolitan city rich with political and cultural history. Points of interest on Your quest: National Mall Smithsonian Castle Sculpture Garden Indian Museum Rose Garden Heritage Trail Ford Theatre

Other Sightseeing Options in Smithsonian Castle

Want to discover all there is to do in Smithsonian Castle? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Smithsonian Castle

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 337 reviews

Tyrone (guide) & Chris (driver) are the BEST!! Friendly, informative & super patient! Especially since we had a majority of seniors, some with mobility challenges. Lots of photo opportunities with advance notice of upcoming sights. Tyrone’s humour kept us throughly entertained throughout the trip! Definitely recommended if you are looking for a quick day tour, with stops covering all major sights. Thank you for a very memorable time!

Fabulous trip. Our guide Tyrone and driver Chris couldn’t have done any more. They were fantastic and had great fun too. What a great way to see the city and learn so much history as well. This trip is a must for first timers or whether you have been before. Highly recommend. First class!

Loved the tour, the guide they were very friendly and new the area well. parking is hard to find but there is an under ground parking a short walk from the bus.

Amazing experience! So many monuments in 6 hours! The guide was exceptional and the whole experience beautiful! Totally recommended

Be prepared to walk. It was great to see things we have missed in DC in the past.