10 BEST Washington, DC History Tours

There's lots to see in  Washington, DC, like the  National Mall and Smithsonian Museum

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But, that's not all!

Washington, DC's history tours offer so much more, like Interesting stories, unique viewpoints and entrance tickets without standing in line!

Here are ten of the best history tours in Washington, DC! PRO TIP: These popular tours offer book in advance convenience with free cancellation.  Many fill early!

1. Tour the National Mall by Electric Vehicle

Give your feet a break on this Washington, DC highlights history tour. Great for a quick visit to DC or for those who don't want to log 20,000 steps a day!

Hundreds of reviewers rate this tour 4.8 out of 5 stars! It's informative and fun!  One reviewer says, "Excellent way to get a sample of the DC offerings."  Many say it's great for kids!

2. Tour Arlington National Cemetery

Another incredibly informative tour, learn about Arlington National Cemetery and the war veterans honored here.

This guided tram tour takes you through Arlington National Cemetery with stops at  the JFK Graveside, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Arlington House as you also learn about Washington, DC history.

3. Monuments by Moonlight Tour

This is my all-time favorite tour in Washington, DC -- or anywhere! Bring your camera! It's amazing!

Monuments by Moonlight is a guided trolley tour where you'll learn a lot of Washington, DC's history and hear entertaining stories about our nation's leaders. Stops at the monuments let you explore and take photos. It usually sells out!

Two photos  from my first tour

4. Washington Monument

See DC from the top of the Washington Monument. You can get free tickets if you plan ahead through the National Parks Service.

Or, you can take a guided tour of Washington, DC's historic monuments and buildings with tickets included! Much easier.  I have never been able to get the free tickets.

5. Capitol Hill Tour

With advance planning, you can book a US Capitol Building Tour for free using the link below.

Or book a  "Top of The Hill" experience.  This informative walking tour includes a stop at the Supreme Court building, and entry tickets to the Library of Congress and the US Capitol.

6. African American History Tour

This tour highlights many significant moments in the Civil Rights movement, and includes admission to the African American History Museum.

Arrow

This top rated bus tour includes: Emancipation Statue,  Howard Theatre,  A stop where MLK gave his "I have a dream" speech, Home of Frederick Douglas,  Howard University,  Le Droit Park,  Shaw Neighborhood, Historic “U” Street, African American Civil War Memorial,  Freedom Plaza, Martin Luther King, Jr.  Memorial, And admission to the African American History Museum

7. Tour the  National Mall by Bike!

This Washington DC Tour takes you through the National Mall and along the Potomac Tidal Basin to see presidential and war memorials. Great for active families!

8. Washington DC Segway Tour

This is another of the best Washington, DC history  tours to consider. It often sells out!  See the city by Segway! Helmets included!

9. How about a haunted Washington, DC history tour?

Learn the spooky tales of Washington D.C. on this highly rated family-friendly walking tour that is part history tour, part architecture tour and loads of fun!

This Washington, DC  history tour shares the stories and scandals that helped shape the nation during the Gilded Age of  architectural opulence!

10. Washington, DC's Dupont Circle and Embassy Row Tour

See Dupont Circle and Embassy Row on this historic Washington, DC walking tour.   Notable buildings included are the Walsh-McLean House, Anderson Mansion, Woodrow Wilson House, and more.  These homes are where history happened!

And there you have it, a round up of the ten best Washington, DC historical tours.  There's something for everyone in this list!

About the Author

Karen Dawkins is the creator of Family Travels on a Budget, a blog dedicated to helpful travel advice and destination reviews.  Read her Washington, DC Travel Guide for more great info!