Washington National Mall Guided History Tour

The National Mall is the most-visited national park in the United States. But with a myriad of routes available and comprising over 1,000 acres of green space in the heart of the nation's capital, it can be difficult to know how to make your own way across this storied expanse. On this National Mall tour, you'll follow an expert guide along a hand-curated path that will showcase some of America's most iconic and significant sites, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and so much more—unlocking their little-known stories and secrets as you go. Along the way, you'll learn which is the most-filmed monument in the park, follow Dr. King's footsteps as you stand where he delivered the "I have a Dream" speech that changed history, and wrap up your experience by taking in the incredible views from the top of the Washington Monument, with hard-to-get tickets secured in advance.

Meeting Point

Albert Einstein Memorial

2101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20418, USA

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at 2101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20418 in front of the Albert Einstein Memorial.

What's included:

• Local English-speaking guide
• Expertly guided walking tour
• Timed Entry to the Washington Monument

Not included:

• Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
• Gratuities

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours

Albert Einstein Memorial

2101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC, 20418-0007, District of Columbia

This bronze sculpture remembering Albert Einstein is where you’ll meet your expert guide and get a lay of the land before discovering the National Mall. Your guide will show you the National Academy of Science and the intriguing design features on the map before you where you can see if you pass the ‘echo test’.

10 minutes

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington DC, 20002, District of Columbia

Designed by Maya Lin, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a striking monument featuring over 58,000 names of the lives lost during the war. Hear about the history behind the memorial’s construction before visiting Women’s Vietnam Memorial commemorating the women who served during the conflict.

10 minutes

Lincoln Memorial

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington DC, 20002, District of Columbia

The Lincoln Memorial is one of the best loved parts of the tour. Take the 87 steps leading up to the monument (representing “4 score and 7 years”) and learn about the statue’s construction along with the mysterious legends surrounding it.

10 minutes

The Three Soldiers

Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington DC, 20024, District of Columbia

The bronze Three Soldiers statue was unveiled in 1984 designed by architect Fredrick Hart. As part of the Vietnam War Memorial, it represents the diversity of the soldiers in the US military, and is the first representation of an African American on the National Mall.

10 minutes

Korean War Veterans Memorial

10 Daniel French Dr SW, Washington DC, 20002, District of Columbia

Dedicated on the 42nd anniversary of the armistice that ended the war, the Korean War Memorial consists of the Mural Wall, 19 stainless steel statues representing a platoon on patrol, and a reflecting pool. Up close you’ll see how the wall is composed of nearly 100 tons of highly polished black marble with images of soldiers from the war sandblasted into its surface.

10 minutes

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

1850 West Basin Drive SW, Near West Basin Drive SW & Independence Ave. SW, Washington DC, 20024, District of Columbia

Afterwards, your guide will take you to the Martin Luther King Memorial, passing through the ‘mountain of despair’ towards the ‘Stone of Hope’ - a 30ft tall high relief of King. Hear about the controversy over the abbreviated quote on the monument and how the memorial has been received by critics through the years.

10 minutes

District of Columbia War Memorial

National Mall, , Washington DC, District of Columbia

Remembering the citizens of Columbia District who fought in WWI, this memorial consists of a beautiful domed temple with 499 names inscribed in it. As you admire the structure, you’ll hear about how it symbolizes the unique distinction of Washington D.C. as a local area despite its federal status.

15 minutes

National World War II Memorial

1750 Independence Ave SW, Washington DC, 20024, District of Columbia

Honoring the 16 million who served in the armed forces during WWII, over 400,000 who lost their lives and the millions who sacrificed for the war effort from home, the WWII memorial stands in the heart of the National Mall. Hear about the symbolic ‘Kilroy was Here’ inscriptions on the wall, and the significance of each element of the construction of the memorial.

15 minutes

Washington Monument

2 15th St. NW, Washington DC, 20024, District of Columbia

Your last stop is the Washington Monument, the focal point of the National Mall and a perfect place to take in the park in its entirety. With tickets to the top of the monument included, you’ll be treated to some incredible views over the district.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included