How to Tackle Washington DC as a First Timer
From larger-than-life monuments to world-class museums, there’s a lot to experience in Washington DC, and it can be hard for a newcomer to know where to start. To get the most out of your visit, here are our top picks for a first-time visit to America’s capital city.
See Politics at Work
Visit Capitol Hill, where the United States Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Supreme Court are practically neighbors. Go inside for a glimpse of DC power brokers (and some of the city’s finest art and architecture).
Go Museum Hopping
Free admission at the Smithsonian Museums makes it easy to sample a little of everything, and guided tours help find the gems in the collections. The International Spy Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture also invite exploring.
Meet the Monuments
Some of America’s greatest leaders and most tragic wars are honored in DC monuments, which you can explore by hop-on hop-off bus, bicycle, Segway, trolley, or tour vehicle. For extra drama, take an after-dark tour and see the monuments illuminated.
Cruise the Potomac River
Hitting the water means big views of DC’s many riverside landmarks. Choose between a lunch or dinner cruise on the Potomac, or opt for an amphibious tour that covers the city by both land and water.
Visit Arlington National Cemetery
Gravestones in this United States military cemetery date back to the Civil War, with moving memorials to soldiers, presidents, and astronauts. Options for exploring include hop-on hop-off tours, walking tours, and more.
Explore Mount Vernon
President George Washington lived, farmed, and worked from this Virginia plantation, which is easy day-tripping distance away from DC. Since it’s close to Arlington National Cemetery, consider making a day of it by combining the two popular destinations.
21 Tours and Activities | All Washington DC Tours
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Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings
1050
Beat the long entrance lines and experience some of the most popular attractions in Washington, DC like an insider on this full-day sightseeing tour. Enjoy priority entry into the United States Capitol, the home of Congress. Then visit the National Archives Building, where the original Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution are on display. In between, see the city’s most famous landmarks and monuments, like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and more.
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From
$125.00
From
$125.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Washington DC Sightseeing Trolley Tour with 1 Stop
1388
Depart from the Washington DC Welcome Center and take a 90 minute Washington DC trolley tour to explore the nation’s capital. The route encompasses the city’s top attractions, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall.
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From
$49.00
From
$49.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
1628
Explore the famous monuments and memorials of Washington DC by moonlight on this narrated sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and enjoy an educational and entertaining history of the nation’s capital while traveling past each point of interest. Take in the stunning views of an illuminated Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and many other landmarks. This is a truly unique look at the iconic monuments of Washington DC by night.
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From
$45.00
From
$45.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Capitol Hill and DC Monuments Tour by Electric Cart
716
Explore the famous monuments and war memorials of Washington, DC on this small-group sightseeing tour. Hop aboard a special eCruiser vehicle and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of our nation’s capital. Get a glimpse of the White House and travel around and through Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian museum complex, plus a plethora of famous memorials and monuments — like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument — and many other hotspots. This is a great way to see many of DC’s most famous landmarks.
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From
$62.00
From
$62.00
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise
97
Enjoy delicious cuisine and live entertainment with a view of Washington, DC on this 2.5-3 hour dinner cruise along the Potomac River. On board the elegant Odyssey cruise ship, choose from one of three exquisitely decorated glass atrium dining rooms or head to the open-air observation deck to admire the view. Dine on a delicious 3-course meal, then dance the night away or see the famous sites of the nation’s capital — like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, Reagan National Airport and much more under a moonlit sky.
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From
$99.62
From
$99.62
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Half Day Tour to Mount Vernon from Washington DC
492
Mt. Vernon is one of America's most historic and important sights, and this tour takes you right to the heart of the country estate that President George Washington called home. From Washington DC you'll cross the Potomac and enter the state of Virginia, and seemingly travel back in time as you wander the 18th Century mansion's spectacular rooms and gardens. In the comfort of a luxurious, climate controlled coach you'll also visit the boyhood home of General Robert E Lee, as well old town Alexandria where Washington worshiped and dined.
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From
$56.00
From
$56.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Washington DC Capital Sites Bike Tour
121
Washington DC is full of historical sites and while it’s easy to explore on foot or by bus, this 2-wheel tour option gives travelers access to some of the city’s most popular landmarks. Check out the Lincoln Memorial, White House, Supreme Court and the Capitol on this Capital Sites Bike Tour. Your friendly guide shares plenty of history, facts, and city knowledge on this easy bike ride through the nation’s capital.
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From
$46.00
From
$46.00
Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour
203
See the historical sights of Washington DC with an up-close view of significant monuments on a bike tour by comfortable cruiser. Ride an easy route over flat terrain from the National Mall to the Potomac Tidal Basin and view DC landmarks including the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial as you explore the attractions with a knowledgeable guide.
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From
$46.00
From
$46.00
Washington DC Sites at Night Bike Tour
194
Experience the beauty of Washington, D.C. at night on this monuments at night bike tour of the city. Check out the Jefferson, Lincoln and WWII memorials once the sun goes down and explore the Vietnam War Memorial and the National Mall at night. This popular tour offers travelers the chance to explore on two wheels after dark when monuments are less crowded.
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From
$51.00
From
$51.00
Guided Gettysburg Day-Trip from Washington DC with Lunch & Transportation
324
Once you’ve experienced some of America’s greatest icons, take this memorable day trip to Gettysburg to explore some of its deepest historical roots, too. Enjoy the comfort of coach bus transport as you make your way through the countryside of Maryland and Pennsylvania. See Cemetery Ridge, where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, and learn about the largest battle ever fought on American soil during a narrated show and a detailed miniature military diorama. This tour includes a stop at the restored home of George Washington Shriver, too.
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From
$150.00
From
$150.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Tour of Washington DC Stopping at 11 Iconic Sites
13
Experience the history and grandeur of the nation’s capital on a private 3-hour tour. Work with your personal guide and driver to curate the ideal tour incorporating your must-see spots or rely on their local expertise to create a fascinating tour. Go inside the House and Senate Galleries and see where the nation’s laws are debated. See the White House, Supreme Court and much more. This tour is ideal for visitors looking for a personalized experience
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From
$375.00
per group
From
$375.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Washington DC City Day Tour with Stops at Top Attractions
159
Experience the history and culture of the nation’s capital on this comprehensive, half-day, small-group tour. Travel in a comfortable vehicle complete with phone chargers, umbrellas, and a flat-screen TV, and see Washington DC’s monuments, museums, and memorials with a guide. See the US Capitol building, the White House, the Mall and more. Avoid the hassles of driving, or navigating public transportation and leave the logistics to your guide.
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From
$61.65
Price varies by group size
From
$61.65
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Washington DC Night-Time City Tour with Stops at Top Attractions
259
Washington DC’s monuments and landmarks light up after dark, perfect for dramatic views and memorable photos of the capital city. Explore the sights from the National Mall to the White House and key memorials as your guide provides informative narration about each site. Hop off at select sights to get an up-close look with your small-group and guide. This tour includes transport between locations.
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From
$61.65
From
$61.65
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Washington DC Day or Night Tour up to 11 Guests
1
This Private Washington DC Tour can accommodate up to 11 and includes transportation from site to site, professional guide, and hotel pick up and drop off. During your tour, your guide share the history of the city and details for each of the sites that you choose to visit.
This tour starts off heading to the East Side of the National Mall for your first stop at the United States Capitol Building (15 - 20 min stop). Then you will take the Presidential Inauguration route down Pennsylvania Avenue to your next stop White House (5 - 10 min stop). Travel to the center of the National Mall and visit the World War II Memorial (15 - 25 min stop) and the Washington Monument (10 - 20 min stop). Head over to the Tidal Basin and see the Jefferson Memorial (20 min stop) and Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial (15 min stop). Travel to the West Side of the National Mall and visit Lincoln Memorial (20 min stop), Korean War Veterans Memorial (15 min stop), and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (15 min stop).
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From
$420.00
per group
From
$420.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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The Smithsonian National Air Space Museum Private Guided Tour
28
Get more from your visit to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on this 2.5-hour private tour. Follow your guide through one of the world’s largest collections of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. See items like Buzz Aldrin’s spacesuit, the Apollo 11 module, and real moon rocks brought back form a voyage to Earth’s natural satellite.
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From
$79.50
Price varies by group size
From
$79.50
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour
163
See the moving Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns on a guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Be perfectly placed for good views of the moving ceremony, then continue to some of the cemetery's most important gravesites and memorials, including places dedicated to John F. Kennedy, the USS Maine, Second World War soldier Audie Murphy, and more, learning the fascinating history of the cemetery as you walk.
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From
$35.96
From
$35.96
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Electric Cart Tour
590
Explore the famous monuments and war memorials of Washington, DC by the light of night on this small-group sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air, electric vehicle and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of our nation’s capital. Travel around and through the plethora of famous memorials and monuments, with stunning views of an illuminated Washington Monument, the White House and many other landmark locations. This is a truly unique look at the iconic monuments of Washington, DC by night.
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From
$73.25
From
$73.25
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Learn More
Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour
974
Experience the history and scale of Washington, DC’s monuments, museums, and memorials on a Segway tour with plenty of photo opportunities. Avoid long hours of walking between destinations, and see more the city with a guided tour. Headsets insure you can hear your guide’s insightful commentary as you whizz past prominent buildings and historic sights. This tour is ideal for visitors who want to get a good overview of the city, in order to know where to explore in more depth later.
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From
$65.00
From
$65.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour
578
Experience the sights and sounds of Washington, DC in one day on this guided walking and riding sightseeing tour around the nation’s capital. Visit the city’s historic, iconic landmarks and monuments, like the White House, the United States Capitol, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. See and learn about the memorials of famous American leaders who helped shape the United States, like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Martin Luther King, Jr., to name a few. Includes a seasonal Potomac River cruise.
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From
$74.00
From
$74.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Moonlit Tour of the National Mall with Pick-Up
39
See Washington, DC’s best sites light up after dark on a 3-hour, nighttime tour of the National Mall and monuments. Listen to an entertaining narrated history of the capital city, then stop to explore the most important destinations, from moving tributes to America's 20th-century wars to inspiring presidential landmarks. Take in the White House and the U.S. Capitol building at their most picturesque and get the perfect orientation and overview of Washington, DC.
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From
$56.00
From
$56.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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3-Hour Washington DC "Morning Monuments" Guided Sightseeing Walking & Bus Tour
14
See Washington, DC’s iconic monuments in a single morning on a 3-hour, guided tour with an experienced guide. Choose a tour that combines walking and travel by air-conditioned coach so you can cover lots of ground with time to see the DC sights up close. Hear insider stories about DC’s politicians and historic figures as you explore their moving war memorials, Presidential sites and government buildings, and get the perfect introduction to America’s capital city.
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From
$64.00
From
$64.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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