National Archives + American History Museum Exclusive Guided Tour

44 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 44 reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Washington DC, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.

5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

This 5.5 hour exclusive guided combo tour welcomes guests to skip-the-line and experience the two “must see” museums in Washington DC. This is the best way to explore the experiment that is the United States of America! Start with our founding document and end with an exploration of what has happened since. Our guides provide stories, context, and anecdotes for the dynamic results.

Highlights often include (but are not limited to):

-The original Declaration of Independence
-The Constitution
-The Bill of Rights
-1297 Magna Carta
-Lincoln’s Top Hat
-First Ladies exhibit
-Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers
-Star-Spangled Banner

What's Included

  • Guided Walking Tour & Museum Tour
  • Private Transportation Included Between Tour Locations If Necessary
  • Duration 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break)
  • Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
  • Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
See 2 moreSee 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

700 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20408, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

1300 Constitution Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20560, USA

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

The National Archives Museum

This is the best way to skip-the-line and save time, to explore the experiment that is the United States of America! Start with the original handwritten “Charters of Freedom” housed in their spectacular Rotunda. Your guide will narrate the extraordinary circumstances that brought this nation into existence. No trip to the US Capital city is complete without a visit to the National Archives. Surround yourself with documents and paintings that offer both depth and nuance to the period that founded the United States of America. And at Babylon we take it a step farther. In the Rubenstein Gallery, go even deeper into the philosophical foundations by viewing a 1297 copy of the Magna Carta. Your guide will encourage you to explore the concept of citizenship, what it means and how the criteria for those included have evolved from a declaration which stated “all men are created equal”.
Read more

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

American History Museum

After a break to ponder the complexity of history (and grab a bite) your guide will lead you to the Smithsonian American History Museum. This museum is a caretaker for an incredible blend of scholarly history and pop culture whose memories create a unique bond among the people who experienced them. Your guide will introduce you to the most famous items in the collection, like the flag that flew over Ft McHenry inspiring the poem that was eventually adapted into the National Anthem. Featured too is the most visited exhibition in the history of the Smithsonian: the First Ladies exhibit. While you’re there, see why the most requested artifact is Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers — displayed not too far from the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore that fateful night to Ford’s Theatre. Your guide will provide stories and background to expand on the reason these items (out of hundreds of thousands in the collection) serve as living touchstones for the concept we call the United States of America.
Read more

2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 1 more stop

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)

Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the National Archives + American History Museum Exclusive Guided Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-40048P6

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
44 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 44 traveler reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
44
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Arlington National Cemetery: Private Half-Day Walking Tour

During this inspirational three-hour tour, you will learn the stories of the military heroes, states-people and presidents who have been buried in Arlington National Cemetery …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

During this inspirational three-hour tour, you will learn the stories of the military heroes, states-people and presidents who have been buried in Arlington National Cemetery...

3 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$75

Sherazade's Washington Monuments in Meaning

This tour is an in-depth educational experience of the history and meaning of the monuments. We will begin at the entrance point to the FDR …More

This tour is an in-depth educational experience of the history and meaning of the monuments. We will begin at the entrance point to the FDR...

2 to 3 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$40

National Archives VIP Skip-The-Line Small Group Guided Tour

Don't waste your D.C. vacation waiting in the massive lines outside the National Archives! Book this VIP Skip-the-Line tour and gain priority access to the …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Don't waste your D.C. vacation waiting in the massive lines outside the National Archives! Book this VIP Skip-the-Line tour and gain priority access to the...

1 hour • Free Cancellation
4.9 (158)
from
$69

Extended Monuments & Memorials Tour

You can see all Washington DC Monuments and Memorials, the White House and the Capitol at your own pace, with no bus-filled crowding or walking …More

You can see all Washington DC Monuments and Memorials, the White House and the Capitol at your own pace, with no bus-filled crowding or walking...

4 hours 45 minutes • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (27)
from
$997

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Hop-on Hop-off Tour of DC with 18 Stops and Arlington Audio Tour

Explore Washington, D.C. with the Official Tour of the National Mall. As the National Park Service's authorized concessionaire, Big Bus takes you closer to the …More

Explore Washington, D.C. with the Official Tour of the National Mall. As the National Park Service's authorized concessionaire, Big Bus takes you closer to the...

60 to 110 minutes • Free Cancellation
3.8 (3,394)
from
$45

DC Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, National Mall, Tickets

Experience Washington DC lit up at night during this 3-Hour Guided Night Tour of the National Mall and Monuments. Make your way through the city …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience Washington DC lit up at night during this 3-Hour Guided Night Tour of the National Mall and Monuments. Make your way through the city...

3 hours • Free Cancellation
4.7 (5,720)
from
$63

DC Monuments by Night: 10+ Landmarks | Open-Top Upgrade Available

See a different side of Washington DC after dark on a guided night tour of the city's floodlit monuments. This tour runs on our standard …More

See a different side of Washington DC after dark on a guided night tour of the city's floodlit monuments. This tour runs on our standard...

3 hours • Free Cancellation
4.7 (7,112)
from
$58

Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House

The first Lincoln Assassination tour to go into Ford's Theatre! Step back in time to April 14, 1865, and investigate the conspiracy that shattered a …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The first Lincoln Assassination tour to go into Ford's Theatre! Step back in time to April 14, 1865, and investigate the conspiracy that shattered a...

2 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (543)
from
$65

What's Included

Activity name

  • Guided Walking Tour & Museum Tour
  • Private Transportation Included Between Tour Locations If Necessary
  • Duration 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break)
  • Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
  • Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
  • Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
  • Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Notes: The National Archives & American History Museum and other attractions or museums in DC may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.

Report Product Issue

Activity name