Washington DC · HISTORICAL TOURS

The 15 Best History Tours in Washington DC

57 tours  ·  from $30

The city is two hundred and thirty years of argument in stone. These 15 take a thread through it, from the founding to the civil rights marches, priced and timed, with the indoor ones marked for the hot months.

Guided African American History Tour with Reserved Museum Entry - The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum
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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

Spend 3.5 hours tracing African American history in Washington, DC, from Jamestown and the Civil War to the Civil Rights era. Guides such as Dre and Elvis lead the bus and walking stops, ending with reserved entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“very informative the guide was funny and so knowledgeable saw things I would have never seen. it was absolutely wonderful and I will recommend to anyone I know traveling to DC. I would take it again!!!!!”

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DC Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour-Blankets - Starting at Capitol Hill and the National Gallery
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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

Ride an open-air electric cart from downtown DC to Capitol Hill, the National Mall, the memorials, and the White House. Guides such as Lorenzo, Feyzi, Elmira, and Fernando add stories and jokes, while scheduled stops give you time for photos. Blankets are provided, but winter riders need full cold-weather clothing.

“Feyzi was absolutely incredible! It was a super cold day so he brought us blankets and made a hot chocolate stop for the kids. He kept my teenagers engaged and entertained the entire tour (which is saying a lot!). We had a blast and it was the perfect way to see DC. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide and experience. Thanks Feyszi!”

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Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour - The Hope Diamond and the museum’s glittering 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 private guide at Washington’s Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Expect major highlights such as the Hope Diamond, Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, Henry the elephant, Ocean Hall, and the megalodon. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“Our guide Tim was very fun, knowledgeable, and gave us a great experience and detailed information at the Natural History Museum. We loved meeting Henry the elephant and the Magladon. Thank you!”

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African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket - The Capitol and White House: power built by enslaved labor
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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

Join guide Kenny for a 3.5-hour small-group tour of African American history in Washington, DC. Visit major memorials, historic neighborhoods, Frederick Douglass or Mary McLeod Bethune sites, and finish with same-day entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“I had an incredible experience on the tour led by Kenny, who was simply an outstanding guide. His deep knowledge of African American history, as well as the histories of other cultural groups in Washington, D.C., was truly impressive and unparalleled. From the moment the tour began, I felt at ease, as if I were his niece and he was sharing family stories with me. Kenny’s engaging storytelling made the history come alive, and his passion for the subject was evident in every word. I can't recommend this tour highly enough! As a delightful bonus, Kenny took us to a fantastic soul food restaurant called Ooh and Ahh at the…”

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Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour - Starting beside the C&O Canal Lock 3
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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

Walk Georgetown with a licensed guide such as Vicky, Becca, Wayne, Eli, or Ingeborg, hearing stories about Kennedy homes, the Old Stone House, C&O Canal, Martin’s Tavern, and Georgetown University. Expect two hours of hills, brick walks, architecture, history, and a little gossip.

“I’ve been living in Georgetown for over a year and have walked through the neighborhood many times, but I was curious to learn more about its history. The tour was incredibly fun and informative, with a fantastic guide (thank you, Becca!). I’ll definitely recommend it to anyone visiting this beautiful and historic part of DC.”

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Washington, DC: African American History Tour & Museum Entry - Starting at the U.S. Navy 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 climate-controlled bus through Washington, DC, with guides such as Dre or Elvis Pate, stopping at major memorials, Howard University, U Street, and Civil War landmarks before entering the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on your own.

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

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DC's Original Food and History Walking Tour - Starting at U Street and finding your bearings
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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 Washington’s U Street corridor with guides such as Jim, Rasheed, and Soneka. Expect generous tastings, including a Ben’s Chili Bowl half-smoke, Ethiopian food, Cuban pastries, and ice cream, plus stories of Black Broadway, murals, music, and local life.

“Really interesting history. Food was outstanding. So glad we did this tour. Highly recommend it to others. Our tour guide Someka was terrific!”

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Smithsonian Museum of American History Exclusive Guided Tour - Starting at 1300 Constitution Avenue
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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 2.5 hours with a private or semi-private guide at the National Museum of American History. Guides such as Rebecca, Leigh, Maribeth, and Ann Marie lead flexible visits through the Star-Spangled Banner, presidential objects, first ladies’ gowns, Dorothy’s slippers, and the Greensboro lunch counter.

“Great choice on what was and Ann Marie’s stories with the displays was excellent. Very enjoyable tour of both Natl Archives and Smithsonian with Ann Marie”

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Tastes of Georgetown Food & History Small Group Walking Tour - The first stop sets the local tone
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Tastes of Georgetown Food & History Small Group Walking Tour

9.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 such as Joe, Neka, or Mary. Expect four food stops, drinks, neighborhood stories, generous portions, and a group capped at eight. Vegetarian options are available, but vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free diets cannot be accommodated.

“Vanesa did a wonderful job! She was very friendly, knowledgeable, and encouraged us to get to know each other so we felt more like friends than strangers. Thanks!”

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Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C. - Four bars, four short history lessons
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Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.

10.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 General Andrew Jackson Statue across from the White House, then walk to four historic DC bars over about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Guides such as Dalton, Jo, Mike, Diana, and Cassie mix White House stories, Prohibition, local legends, and beer tips. Drinks are purchased separately.

“Mike was knowledgeable and a fun guide. The bars were each nice but yet different from each other. Definitely recommend this tour.”

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Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Small Group Tour: 8ppl Max - Ocean Hall, a Coral Reef, and a 45-Ton Whale
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Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Small Group Tour: 8ppl Max

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

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

Spend two hours with an art historian guide at Washington’s National Museum of Natural History. In a group capped at eight, you’ll see the Hope Diamond, Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, giant animals, and Ocean Hall, with time-saving stories that help this huge museum make sense.

“Our tour guide, Amanda, was amazing. We so appreciated her expertise. She pay particular attention to our grandson. We had a great time.”

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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour - Meeting your guide outside the museum
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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour

12.Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour

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

Spend two focused hours inside Washington’s Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History with an English-speaking guide such as Nur, DC, or Maurice. You’ll follow a highlights route through dinosaur fossils, gemstones, mummies, early human tools, plants, animals, and hands-on exhibits, with museum entry included.

“Nur was awesome, had a fun way of sharing knowledge and very personable!”

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Smithsonian Museum of American History Semi-Private 8ppl Max - Dorothy’s ruby slippers and America on screen
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Smithsonian Museum of American History Semi-Private 8ppl Max

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

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

Spend 2.5 hours inside the National Museum of American History with a guide and no more than seven other people. Expect major objects, First Ladies’ gowns, Civil Rights history, pop culture, and useful stories from guides such as Mary Beth, Rebecca, Brenda, and Tony.

“Super organized, expert guide, made it easy getting through crowds to next site plus being g thoughtful that our group stay as a group as a courtesy for other visitors. So polite and checked if we had any questions after he shared stories made us feel warm abd wel one of we had other questions”

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Washington DC History & Monuments Open Air Minibus Guided Tour - Capitol Hill and the first view of Washington’s power
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Washington DC History & Monuments Open Air Minibus Guided Tour

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

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

Cover Capitol Hill, the National Mall, memorials, and a White House photo stop in about two hours. Guides such as Lorenzo, Fernando, and Mr. Fossi add history and humor, while small groups, included photos, and day or evening departures make this a useful first look at DC.

“It’s great trip and really fun activities, really friendly tour guide. Really enjoyed the sightseeing with my family”

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DC Monuments Day or Night American History Electric Cart Tour - The Washington Monument is a quick photo stop
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DC Monuments Day or Night American History Electric Cart Tour

15.DC Monuments Day or Night American History Electric Cart Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Ride an open-air electric cart from downtown DC to Capitol Hill, the National Mall, the White House, and major memorials. Guides such as Fernando, Elmira, and Saul add history and humor, while brief stops allow photos. Choose daylight, sunset, or a city-lights ride.

“Amazing experience tour guide was amazing. I give it 10/10 an fill most definitely go back. I came from Alabama”

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New in Historical Tours

★ 4.1African American Heritage Walking TourFrom $9017 reviews
★ 4.9DC’s Original Food & History Neighborhood TourFrom $11216 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 Museum Semi-Private Guided TourFrom $1295 reviews
★ 5.0250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided TourFrom $753 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
★ 5.0Family Friendly Smithsonian Natural History Museum Private TourFrom $2683 reviews
★ 5.0Embassy Row & Dupont Circle: Gilded Age History Small-Group TourFrom $693 reviews
★ 5.0DC Spy History Walking TourFrom $4912 reviews
★ 5.0Private Black History Tour Washington DC for up to 10 Guests13 reviews
★ 5.0Natural History Museum & American History MuseumFrom $1665 reviews

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