Washington DC · HISTORICAL TOURS

15 History Tours in Washington DC to Plan a Day Around

67 tours  ·  from $10 a head

The shortlist you would send a friend heading to DC: 15 history tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveler verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Guided African American History Tour with Reserved Museum Entry - From White House surroundings to Lincoln Park
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Guided African American History Tour with Reserved Museum Entry

1.Guided African American History Tour with Reserved Museum Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,180 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89Our pick

This 3.5-hour Washington tour pairs bus commentary and guided stops at landmarks including Black Lives Matter Plaza, the MLK Memorial and Lincoln Memorial with reserved-entry access to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Guides such as Dre and Elvis have led the tour. The museum visit is independent, and entry availability can change.

“Me and my family had the best experience on the DC African American tour. Dre was ver knowledgeable. He gave us a lot of information we didn’t know about African American history and its history in DC. I will recommend this tour to all my family and friends.”

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DC Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour-Blankets - Lincoln, Vietnam, Korea, and Einstein
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DC Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour-Blankets

2.DC Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour-Blankets

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 450 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $52

Cover Capitol Hill, the National Mall memorials, and the White House area on a two-hour guided electric-cart tour. Expect history, photo stops, and time for questions, plus a complimentary key chain. Guides named Lorenzo, Elmira, Feyzi, and Fernando have been praised for their stories and family-friendly approach. The cart may not have a wind cover, so dress for the weather.

“Faizie was a great guide. Very informative, kind, and funny. The only knock is on the cart. It shows a cover but ours was not covered. The blankets were helpful.”

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Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour - From the Hope Diamond to minerals
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Smithsonian Museum of Natural History – Exclusive Guided Tour

3.Smithsonian Museum of Natural History – Exclusive Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 446 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89Top rated

Spend about two hours with a guide at Washington’s National Museum of Natural History, from the 46-carat Hope Diamond to Egyptian mummies and Ocean Hall’s 45-ton whale replica. The private option lets your guide focus on your group; guides such as Leigh, Meghan and Christopher have led past tours, but assignments vary. Choose a morning or afternoon start.

“Our tour guide knew a lot about a lot and educated us with passion. Wonderful. It was the in-depth knowledge that made this tour great.”

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African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket - From the Capitol to the White House
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African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket

4.African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 390 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

This 3.5-hour small-group tour links Washington’s monuments with Black history, from the Capitol and Marian Anderson’s Lincoln Memorial concert to LeDroit Park and the Frederick Douglass home on selected days. Kenny is a guide associated with the tour. Museum admission, bottled water, and air-conditioned transport are included; the visit ends at the museum.

“Must do it very informative 👍 and glad we did KB touring was worth every penny and I will do it again.”

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Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour - Homes turn architecture into neighborhood gossip
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Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour

5.Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 321 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

Spend about two hours walking Georgetown with a licensed guide and no more than 14 other people. See the C&O Canal, the 1766 Old Stone House, Kennedy-linked homes, Georgetown University and the Exorcist Steps, while hearing local history, architecture and gossip. Guides such as Vicky, Becca, Wayne and Ingeborg have led the tour.

“My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Becca on a rainy/damp/cold morning. We live in the area and thought it would be fun to be a tourist for the day and learn more about Georgetown. Becca didn't disappoint! Thanks, Becca, for keeping us so engaged as we braved the weather! Highly recommend.”

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Washington, DC: African American History Tour & Museum Entry - From the White House to the Lincoln Memorial
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Washington, DC: African American History Tour & Museum Entry

6.African American History Tour & Museum Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 312 reviews · 210 minutes - 4 hours · from $89

Travel by air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking guide to landmarks including Howard University, historic U Street, Lincoln Park, and the Lincoln Memorial. Guides on this tour have included Dre and Elvis Pate. Timed entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture is included, with time to explore it on your own.

“Dre was awesome. Very informative, I learned a lot.”

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DC's Original Food and History Walking Tour - What $112 includes, and what it does not
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DC’s Original Food and History Walking Tour

7.DC’s Original Food and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 255 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $112

Walk about 1.5 miles through U Street, once known as Black Broadway, with a local guide and food stops that may include Ben’s Chili Bowl, an Ethiopian cafe, Cuban pastries, and ice cream. The three-hour tour starts at 11:30 am, costs $112, and includes lunch plus a donation that funds three meals for a DC resident in need.

“Fantastic afternoon exploring and learning about U Street from the Civil war era to today with our fun and knowledgeable tour guide Soneka. Loved every one of the tastings which were generous and satisfying, but not overwhelming. We are avid walking food tour fans for exploring cities around the world. U Street was one of our favorites. We live nearby in MD and can’t wait to do it again when bringing future guests to DC”

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Smithsonian Museum of American History Exclusive Guided Tour - The guide brings the objects to life
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Smithsonian Museum of American History Exclusive Guided Tour

8.Smithsonian Museum of American History Exclusive Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 245 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Spend about 2.5 hours exploring the National Museum of American History with a private or semi-private guide. See the Star-Spangled Banner, George Washington’s sword, Dorothy’s ruby slippers, First Ladies’ gowns, and the Greensboro lunch counter, with a route that can reflect your interests. Guides who have led the tour include Rebecca, Leigh, Maribeth, and Annemarie.

“I think Leigh explained everything very well and was a great story teller. I loved every exhibit! Thank you Leigh!”

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A Guided Walking Tour through Historic Old Town Alexandria - Gadsby’s Tavern and a well for ice
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A Guided Walking Tour through Historic Old Town Alexandria

9.A Guided Walking Tour through Historic Old Town Alexandria

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 229 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $30Best value

This 90-minute Old Town walk starts at Ramsay House and ends on cobbled Captain’s Row. A local guide such as Tim, Wayne, or Eileen connects colonial sites with stories about George Washington, the Revolution, and everyday language. Expect an easy pace, a group of up to 30, and a $30 ticket. Some historic interiors are not included.

“Our guide was Tim, who owns his own company, History Tours of Alexandria. He knows his history extremely well and has chosen places of great historical meaning and many interesting anecdotes to go with them. we definitely give him the highest rating and would recommend his tour to anyone visiting Alexandria.”

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Tastes of Georgetown Food & History Small Group Walking Tour - Georgetown stories between courses
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Tastes of Georgetown Food & History Small Group Walking Tour

10.Tastes of Georgetown Food & History Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 203 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $129

Spend about three hours walking Georgetown with a local guide and a group of no more than eight. Expect several generous food tastings, drinks, and stories about the neighborhood and its restaurants. Guides have included Neka, Joe, Mary, and Richard. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice, but vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free diets cannot be accommodated.

“Jenn is very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the tour. The tomato tart was wonderful. The Kennedy tidbits were a plus.”

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Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C. - Four bars, with history between them
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Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.

11.Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 193 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Meet your guide at the Andrew Jackson statue in Lafayette Square for a 2-hour-15-minute walk linking White House tales, Prohibition stories, and four D.C. bars. Guides such as Dalton, Jo, and Jack have led the crawl. Drinks are extra, so you can choose what to order at each stop.

“Dalton was a fantastic guide with historical knowledge and positive energy. Super fun group of 8 with a magician:) Great pubs we would not have known to stop.”

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Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Small Group Tour: 8ppl Max - What the eight-person limit changes
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Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Small Group Tour: 8ppl Max

12.Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Small Group Tour: 8ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Explore the National Museum of Natural History with a guide and no more than seven other guests. In two hours, you’ll see the Hope Diamond, Egyptian mummies, animal displays, and Ocean Hall’s whale and coral reef exhibits. Guides have included Brenda, Leigh, Kate, Meghan, and Richard. Museum admission is free; the tour costs $89.67 per person.

“Wonderful experience. So glad we had a great guide to follow. The place is huge and filled with so much to see.”

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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour - Dinosaur remains and early human tools
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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour

13.Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 159 reviews · 2 hours · from $75

In two hours, an English-speaking guide leads you through selected highlights of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, from dinosaur remains and early human tools to unusual gemstones and ancient mummies. Guides have included Nur, Nur Gray, Maurice, and DC, though your guide may vary. Museum admission is free, so the $75 price pays for the guided experience.

“Really enjoyed our guide. He was excellent with keeping my grandson interested, and was able to answer questions. He also asked the children questions, and what they preferred to do next. Kept them interacting. Very happy with my decision to get a guide.”

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Smithsonian Museum of American History Semi-Private 8ppl Max - National symbols, from the Star-Spangled Banner to Washington’s sword
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Smithsonian Museum of American History Semi-Private 8ppl Max

14.Smithsonian Museum of American History Semi-Private 8ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 135 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Spend 2.5 hours with a guide at the National Museum of American History, in a group capped at eight. Expect highlights such as the Star-Spangled Banner, George Washington’s sword, First Ladies’ gowns, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers, with stories to connect the objects. Guides named by past participants include Mary Beth, Rebecca, Tony, Brenda, and Richard.

“Mary Beth was a wealth of information. Very friendly, knowledgeable and engaging. We covered a lot of ground in two hours. Would definitely recommend the small group tour.”

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Washington DC History & Monuments Open Air Minibus Guided Tour - Civil rights, Lincoln, and the memorials that ask for time
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Washington DC History & Monuments Open Air Minibus Guided Tour

15.Washington DC History & Monuments Open Air Minibus Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 122 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

This two-hour Washington DC tour covers Capitol Hill, the National Mall memorials, and a stop near the White House in a vehicle for no more than 15 people. Guides such as Lorenzo and Fernando mix history with humor and help with photos. Day and evening departures are offered, but the vehicle style can vary, so dress for the weather.

“Covered all the historical monuments and destinations. Great tour guide - very informative and entertaining.”

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New in Historical Tours

★ 3.6Museum of Natural History Private Guided Tour12 reviews
★ 5.0Monuments & Memories History Walking TourFrom $254 reviews
★ 4.1African American Heritage Walking TourFrom $9017 reviews
★ 4.9DC’s Original Food & History Neighborhood TourFrom $11216 reviews
★ 4.0Washington DC Museum of Natural History Private Family tour5 reviews
★ 5.0Georgetown Spy History Tour with a Former CIA OfficerFrom $8518 reviews
★ 5.0Dark History: Scandals of Capitol Hill Evening Walking TourFrom $598 reviews
★ 4.0Private Tour of Museum of African American History and Culture6 reviews
★ 5.0Private 4-Hour Walking Tour Exploring Historic GeorgetownFrom $1855 reviews
★ 5.0Smithsonian Natural History + American History – Exclusive TourFrom $16622 reviews
★ 5.0Smithsonian Natural History Museum Semi-Private Guided TourFrom $1295 reviews
★ 5.0250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided TourFrom $753 reviews
★ 4.0Mount Vernon Historical Walking Tour with Transportation from DCFrom $9921 reviews
★ 3.5Washington D.C. Lincoln Assassination History Walking TourFrom $493 reviews
★ 5.0America’s 250th VIP Tour: Archives, Portraits & History 6 ppl MaxFrom $20014 reviews

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