About this experience
Don't think a tour should be a huge list of dates? Me neither!
On this private walking tour, we will explore some of DC’s most iconic monuments, learning about the people they honor and those who made them. We will talk as a group about what monuments mean to you and why we have them.
Come prepared to walk about a mile (1.6km). There will be benches, but not at every stop. A water bottle is recommended. Most importantly, bring your curiosity (and your camera!).
So, who am I?
I’m glad you asked! My name is Shelley and I adore talking about people, especially the ones that lived in the past. I started my career as a ranger with the National Park Service – you know, those people with the funny hats. You could have met me at The Frederick Douglass House, Cape Cod National Seashore, or The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal during my seven years of service. I have a Master's in museum studies and a Bachelors in anthropology and linguistics. I’m excited to meet you!
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr–2 hr 30 min
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr–2 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
Washington DC Walking Tours Guide
Take the perfect Washington DC walking tour for your pace, budget, and interests before you miss the city’s most unforgettable route.
Best Washington DC Tours Without Much Walking
Compare Washington DC bus, electric-vehicle, pedicab, and seated specialty tours that make monuments and museums easier to enjoy with less walking.
Capitol Hill Walking Tour Guide
Plan a Capitol Hill walk around the U.S. Capitol with clear advice on entry, free guided tours, reservations, security screening, accessibility, transit, and timing.
What is included
- A Professional Tour Guide (Me!)
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Hotel Pick-up and Drop-Off
- Tips (Not expected, but always appreciated!)
- Bring a reusable water bottle! The National Mall has fill up stations.
- We will be outside the whole tour, bring snacks!
Itinerary and highlights
The tour will begin with the Washington Monument, which is dedicated to the United States’ first president, George Washington. We will view and discuss the monument from a distance. If you wish to see the monument up close, I recommend you do so before the tour.
The World War II Memorial honors the service of the 16 million Service Members who were part of the U.S. Armed Forces, the support of millions on the home front, and the 405,399 Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The Vietnam Veteran Memorial is made up of three separate parts: the Three Soldiers statue, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial (The Wall). While here, we will talk about how the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was created and how it is used today to honor those who died during the war.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial honors the sacrifices of the millions of Americans and allied partners who fought during the Korean War with a moving Wall of Remembrance and 19 service men statues.
We will end our tour at the Lincoln Memorial, which is dedicated to the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, who led the country during the American Civil War and was crucial to ending slavery.
Meeting and pickup information
- Meet on 17th St. SW next to a crosswalk. It is about halfway between Independence Ave and Constitution Ave on the East side of the street (the side with the Washington Monument. If walking from Constitution Ave, it will be the first crosswalk after the intersection. Find me in a green shirt.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Rethinking History
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for travelers that have a hard time walking long distances.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
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