Explore American Heritage: Private National Archives and Museum of American History Tour in Washington, D.C.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended due to walking and standing periods.
Overview
Dive into America’s past with a private guided tour that takes you from the founding documents at the National Archives to iconic artifacts at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Discover the stories that shaped the nation in a personalized, skip-the-line experience in Washington, D.C.
Combo: National Archives + Museum of American History Tour - Private
5.5 hrs | Daily | Ultimate comprehensive overview
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 5 to 5.5 hour private tour through Washington, D.C.'s National Archives and Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Stand before iconic founding documents, explore legendary artifacts like the Star-Spangled Banner and Dorothy's ruby slippers, and uncover the rich tapestry of American history with expert guidance.
Book way in advance - we sell out
Rates
- Adult: - $159 - $485
- Youth: - $159 (Ages 10 - 17)
- Child: - $139 (9 and under)
Duration
- 5 - 5.5 hours (including a lunch break)
Meeting Point
- Meet your guide on the corner of 9th Street NW and Constitution Ave.
About
- Take this 5 to 5.5 hour private walking and museum tour that gives a comprehensive overview of 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.
- Visit both the National Archives and the National Museum of American History to get the most out of your trip to DC with one of our delightful guides.
- This tour is in English.
Includes
Private Walking Tour & Museum Tour Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You Duration 5 - 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break) Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
Excludes
Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi) Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
Full Tour Description
This is the best way 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”.
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.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Easy Meeting
Plan to arrive at the Constitution Avenue meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts to ensure a prompt departure.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect several hours of walking indoors; comfortable footwear will make your experience more enjoyable.
Small Bag Only
Only handbags or small, slim backpacks are allowed inside the museums—avoid bringing large bags to prevent delays.
Respect Quiet Zones
Some museum rooms require visitors to speak quietly or limit conversation; follow your guide's instructions to maintain decorum.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban squirrels in nearby Constitution Gardens
- Seasonal migratory birds near the National Mall
History
The National Archives were established in 1934 to preserve the foundational documents of the United States.
Conservation
Both museums emphasize sustainable practices through energy-saving systems and responsible artifact preservation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Support your feet during extended indoor walking tours.
Weather-Appropriate Layered Clothing
Washington, D.C. weather can vary—layers keep you comfortable inside and outside.
Photo ID or Passport
Required for entry and to receive your tickets from the guide.
Small Bag or Purse
Only small bags are allowed inside the museums for security reasons.