Experience your own private tour of Washington, DC, with a friendly personal guide from ToursByLocals. Your professional guide is a local who knows Washington as only locals do, and is pleased to give you a unique private tour, based on your own interests.

Discover fascinating places on America's "Main Street" — Pennsylvania Avenue, between the Capitol and the White House. Your personal guide walks you through a private tour of this National Historic Park, from the Navy Memorial to Lafayette Square. Explore local places that have played a national role in ceremonies and historic events, including the recent Inauguration of President Obama. There's no better way to experience the real Washington, DC, than a private walking tour of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Choose from the Washington DC tours offered by ToursByLocals, and feel free to suggest alternative places and activities. Your private tour can be customized by your personal guide to include exactly what you want to see and do in Washin

Washington-DC

Half Day Washington Highlights Private Walking Tour

DC is like an outdoor museum. It truly is and on this tour we'll see the most iconic places and I'll explain the history and cover anecdotes relating each. On this walking/riding tour, you'll experience the beauty, and feel the history around you. We'll meet near the White House and walk around both sides. We'll then walk to the Washington Monument and use the Circulator bus to visit the Jefferson, MLK, FDR, Korean Veterans, Lincoln and Vietnam Veterans Memorials. We'll walk past the reflecting pool to the World War II Memorial. Optional lunch can be arranged at the Old Ebbitt Grill (not included in the price or time of the tour) We can also hire a car servicer if you prefer. As flexibility on a tour is the key to its success, the itinerary will be adjusted to meet your interests.

Accepting only fully vaccinated travellers.

See the Popular Memorials on this half day Washington tour

Join me in stepping into America's front yard and delighting in the history and events as told by our national memorials and monuments.

Every monument and memorial has its own unique story. We'll discuss the national figures behind the memorials, the history surrounding their time in history, and some surprising and unfamiliar facts about each.

I will never forget the first time I climbed the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, read the names of our Vietnam War heroes on the Wall and wondered about their lives and loves, and stood on the site where Dr. King gave his riveting "I Have A Dream" speech.

Please join me for this and so much more. Note that I am doing only daytime tours of the monuments and memorials.

History on America's Front Yard

Washington's Memorials & Monuments Private Tour

See more in 3-4 hours than most see in two days. From pictures at the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, see Washington in a special half day tour that highlights many of the major attractions and shows the ever evolving city that is the Nation's Capital.

An overview of the Nation's Capital with a private driver/guide

Washington DC half day private tour

Half Day Private Walking Tour of Highlights of Washington DC

Washington DC is one of the most beautiful and historic cities of the world. On this tour we can enjoy many of the memorials and monuments around the National Mall, including outside views of the White House and the Capitol

It may be possible to see the magnificent Library of Congress, one of the most stunning buildings on earth, visit the Lincoln Memorial, VietNam wall, Korean War memorial, World War II memorial the FDR and Martin Luther King memorials and others. Visits to Arlington National Cemetery will be included on request as well as the Iwo Jima monument. We will use a combination of walking, metro trips and Uber rides as desired. I have led many tours of Washington DC for years now and always present the facts in a very lively and entertaining way!

Explore one of the most beautiful and historic cities of the world and learn about our great restaurants

Via private SUV with your own guide, get up close to all of Washington's monuments on this half-day tour while minimizing your walking. Discover the Lincoln, Vietnam War, Korean War, FDR, WWII, MLK, Washington, and Jefferson Memorials.

Early morning or early evening is recommended to optimize your experience though any time of day that you prefer is available. Includes a spectacular view of the city from the Washington Monument's observation deck!

Experience the National Mall by Private Car

Half Day Washington Monuments Tour

Take a pleasant and easy walking tour through the beautiful historic center of Annapolis! This is the colonial heart of the city, with grand buildings on narrow, brick streets and the picturesque city dock and harbor. The Georgian architecture of the great mansions, the iconic Maryland State House, and much more anchor some fascinating stories of our town, small in size, but big in impact.

We'll explore the sites where the Treaty of Paris was signed (bringing to a conclusion the Revolutionary War) and where General Washington resigned as general, thus becoming the "greatest man in the world" and the "American Cincinnatus. " We'll explore the campuses of two institutes of learning that have shaped American culture. We'll walk along the city dock, harbor, and see the view to the Chesapeake Bay and wider world.

I'll also share personal and family stories along the way, to add a personal dimension to the tour. I welcome all questions and special interests for our tour!

View of the Academy, Severn River, and Chesapeake Bay Bridge

The room where Washington resigned as general

On the steps of the Hammond Harwood House, one of Annapolis' most beautiful colonial homes.

The WWI Alumni Memorial at St. John's College

The fascinating story of St. John's College

The Maryland State House, oldest state capitol in continuous use

Outside the historic, pie-shaped Maryland Inn

On the steps of Bancroft Hall on Tecumseh Court at the US Naval Academy

On the portico of the Maryland State House.

Lover of history, architecture, and the classics.

Discover the history of beautiful colonial Annapolis!

2-Hour Annapolis Walking Tour

Secret Symbols: Washington, DC Memorial Tour

Discover the obscured, often forgotten meanings behind the architectural flourishes & design elements in these iconic monuments and memorials. I'll share the history behind the subjects & the stories behind the memorials themselves. Our understanding of these individuals changes over time and I love discussing these interpretations!

1. An iconic palace for the 16th President, and three thoughtful memorials for American war veterans.
[Abraham Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War, and World War II Memorials. Bonus visit: DC World War I Memorial]

2. Three leaders, three eras, three approaches to American democracy.
[Martin Luther King Jr, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson. Bonus visit: George Mason]

I'll discuss the overall themes of each memorial, how newer memorials interact with those from the early 20th century, in addition to the meaning of often overlooked design elements and nods to history embedded in each memorial.

Typically, I host groups sized 10 people or fewer.

Korean War Memorial (under construction until 2022)

Eleanor Roosevelt at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

The complex design of the FDR's 7.5 acre memorial.

Ray Kaskey's bas relief panels at the World War II Memorial are enlightening.

World War II Memorial's Atlantic Theatre Tower

For DC first-timers and students of history

On this tour we will see the most famous buildings and monuments of Washington DC. From the Washington Monument you have a clear view of the US Capitol and Smithsonian museums on one side, the World War 2 Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial on the reflecting pool on the opposite side, and the White House almost perpendicular.

As we stroll between the monuments you will learn the amazing and often controversial history of the struggle to construct the National Mall and the monuments, which has taken over 200 years to achieve!

The tour stops are completely customizable to your interests and preferred pace. Tours can begin in the morning or afternoon. Please dress for the weather, it gets colder beside the river!

Explore The Monuments And Memorials On The National Mall

Half Day Washington DC Walking Tour

Enjoy the Nation's Capitol at night! Your personal Tour Professional will pick you up from your hotel, then you'll be headed to see how Washington DC lights up when the sun goes down.

Enjoy the beautiful Potomac River. See the enchanting Thomas Jefferson Memorial reflected in the Tidal Basin. See the Washington Monument's breath taking reflection in the reflection pool. Enjoy an educational, and entertaining narration while you are escorted in your luxury SUV by your tour professional through the city of Washington DC.

Bottled water is provided during this great experience.

See Washington DC at night in private vehicle.

Private Night Tour of Washington DC

Annapolis Colonial Mansions, Museums & Gardens Private Tour

As a life long resident of the region I know and love the Chesapeake area. Our day will find us visiting one of the oldest and best preserved Colonial towns. We will stroll cobblestone sidewalks lined with beautiful trees and gardens. Annapolis is referred to as a museum without walls due to one of the largest concentrations of 18th and 19th Century homes anywhere. We'll visit spectacular preserved mansions filled with art and antiques. Main Street is lined with shops, boutiques, homemade ice cream and candy shops, bars and restaurants of every flavor. The waterfront is an idyllic setting for any meal with spectacular views and stellar people watching. The Chesapeake Bay's seafood bounty offers the best and most extensive crab offerings anywhere; Our oysters and striped bass (rockfish) are legendary. We are The Sailing Capitol and home to the Naval Academy. With temperate weather, street festivals, art & craft fairs, free concerts and a charming sophistication Annapolis is an ideal destination year round

Hamond Harwood House, Naval Academy and William Paca admissions, film and tours .

The most beautiful door in the world according to Thomas Jefferson.

Hammond Harwood Dining Room with period settings

Expansive shrub lined backyard at Hamond Harwood House

Experience 18th Century Antique Treasures and Historic Architecture !

Walking the grounds, you can imagine its historical evolution. Since 1789 when Pierre L'Enfant laid out a plan for the new federal city, the National Mall has been an integral part of his grand design. The two-mile tree-lined green space connecting the U. S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial has transformed from L'Enfant's original vision.
In the early days, it was no more than an English garden bordering the capitol grounds expanding to the Washington Monument. The first monument's construction was stalled by the Civil War. The mall would be pivotal in the defense of the Capitol, the White House. There the Union Army established headquarters with Union troops were present on the Mall from 1860 to 1865. In 1902, Michigan Senator McMillian the vision it has become today. The Plan made several recommendations for improving the design and appearance of the grounds, and expanding into the swampy marshland, and subverting Tiber Creek underground.

This tour is choked with fun facts and historical anecdotes.

Half Day walking tour from the Washington Monument to FDR

DC Monuments and Memorials Tour

DC in a Heartbeat - Half-Day Private Tour

Laid out along two miles between the US Capitol and the Potomac river is nothing less than the cultural and political axis of DC and the United States. In addition to being a grand public open space, the National Mall has become an incredible stage for expressing America's democratic ideals and heritage.

Take a journey with a DC area native through the heart of "America's Front Yard" with historical stories, tidbits, and hidden secrets about the major players and events in DC and American history that have earned memorials and monuments on the Mall. It is an exciting experience you will never forget and will keep your heart beating in awe of the capital city of the United States.

America's 32nd President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

The Korean War Veterans' Memorial to those who served in the "Forgotten War"

The White House (AKA: The President's Home, The President's Palace, and The Executive Mansion)

The Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, simply known as "The Wall"

DC's tallest structure, the Washington Monument

The memorial to Civil Rights Icon Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Jefferson Memorial during Cherry Blossom season

The National World War II Memorial to the "Greatest Generation"

Explore the National Mall with a Private Guide

We start the tour in front of the White House and West Wing. From there, we proceed to the National Mall for a tour of the famous monuments. On the way, we stop at the wonderful memorial to Albert Einstein - a favorite with young people - before continuing on to the Mall's most famous monuments: the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall), the Korean War Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and finally the beautiful World War II Memorial. We end our tour at the base of the Washington Monument - a great place for picture taking.

Note: This tour is perfect for younger visitors!

Total mileage: about 2-1/2 miles. Terrain: easy. Total time: about 3hours.

Souvenirs can be purchased at the Lincoln, FDR and MLK memorials.
Snacks are available at a small kiosk by the Lincoln Memorial.

A walking tour of DC's highlights

White House and Memorials Private Tour

Monuments and Memorials - half day walking tour in Washington DC

You can hardly say you've been to DC without a trip to the Mall and this tour will cover all of the main monuments and memorial sites like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. However we will also visit some of the more obscure outlying memorials and understand the stories behind the history and locations of the memorials and the creation of the Mall itself.

Going right back to L'Enfant's original plan for the city we will talk about the initial layout of the monuments and why they didn't quite end up where they were intended. We'll also hear the incredible story of the planning and building of the Lincoln Memorial and how FDR ended up with two memorials despite not wanting any.

Signers of the Declaration of Independence island

Uncover the backstory and myths behind the historic National Mall

Washington D.C. Complete Guided City Tour

Washington D. C. Guided City Tours are available in English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.

A professional tour guide will take you in small groups to explore and learn about Washington D. C. in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van. You will also step down during the tour and visit the White House, World War 2 Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, Iwo Jima Memorial and much more!

Our tours are convenient! We pick you (and your family) directly from your D. C. Hotel and drop you off at the National Mall at the end of the tour to continue exploring our beautiful Nation's Capital.

Please let us know if you have any questions, we would love to host you!

Eisenhower Building (Vice -president's Office)

Explore Monuments, Memorials, Federal Building and Museums

DC Highlights Tour - 4 hours (up to 4 People)

Visiting DC, especially if you're a first-time visitor, it's likely that DC's world-famous monuments and memorials will be at the top of your must-see list.

The United States is often called a cultural melting pot, and the architecture of its capital city, Washington, D. C. , is truly an international blend. Famous buildings in the District incorporate influences from ancient Egypt, classical Greece and Rome, medieval Europe, and 19th-century France. the museums informs people of all ages about the power of architecture and its influence on our lives.
For me as a tour guide and architect by education, the cultural relevance of the historical buildings, museums and monuments of the capital is a very important aspect, and especially why conducting this particular tour.

The tour will cover most of DC's major sights in four hours on this private tour of the city, and can be conducted in one of the following languages:
English - Russian - Hebrew.

Capitol hill tours

Explore with 112 tours and 18 guides.

Ellen M.

$ 400 (USD)

Susan M.

$ 400 (USD)

Edward D.

$ 265 (USD)

Stephen M.

$ 300 (USD)

Tom S.

$ 800 (USD)

Michael B.

$ 245 (USD)

Timothy W.

$ 325 (USD)

Pablo B.

$ 250 (USD)

Christopher W.

$ 395 (USD)

Arnold S.

$ 600 (USD)

Bill

$ 325 (USD)

Christian M.

$ 300 (USD)

Joanne P.

$ 195 (USD)

Nigel H.

$ 400 (USD)

Victor D.

$ 540 (USD)

Michael Z.

$ 665 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Capitol hill

Customize your tour