DC Monuments: Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour

Embark on a self-guided smartphone walking tour of DC’s iconic monuments and museums, uncovering hidden gems and fascinating stories along the way. Explore at your own pace and discover the rich history that shaped the United States.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial - The tour begins here, where you’ll witness the impressive memorial and hear the tale of Korea, the outbreak of the war, and the US’s efforts to assist South Korea.

In total, approximately 1,780,000 Americans served, with 36,574 killed, 103,284 wounded, and 4,714 taken as prisoners of war. Today, it’s often referred to as the forgotten war.

  • Lincoln Memorial - Ascend the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delve into the history of Lincoln, his rise to prominence, and his transformative impact on the USA.

You’ll view the monument, uncover a few secrets about the memorial and its steps, and dispel some conspiracies.

  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial - The tour continues through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where you’ll learn about the Vietnam War, its origins, and the US’s involvement.

You’ll see the memorial and discover its history.

  • Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool - The tour proceeds to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where you’ll hear about the historic events that took place here for Civil Rights and Martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, along with some Forrest Gump trivia.

You’ll learn about the pool’s history and walk to the WW2 memorial.

  • World War II Memorial - Visit the WW2 Memorial, learn about Kilroy, and explore the history and stories behind WW2 and the memorial.
  • Washington Monument - Uncover the story of George Washington, his initial loyalty to Britain, his notorious nickname “Town Killer,” and his eventual decision to lead a revolution and win the war!

Please note, this tour does not include entry into the monument. Tickets are free but not always available. You’ll need to secure a ticket in advance to ensure entry.

  • National Gallery of Art – Sculpture Garden - View statues by Chagall and Miró, and learn their stories.

Pause for lunch at the Café and enjoy the art.

  • National Gallery of Art - Explore works by the world’s most renowned artists, including Da Vinci, Van Gogh, and many others, and learn their stories and histories.
  • National Museum of the American Indian - Discover the stories of Native Americans, the Buffalo Dancer, the totem poles, and much more as the tour navigates the museum.
  • Capitol Reflecting Pool - The tour stops at the Capitol Reflecting Pool, where you’ll hear about the history of General Grant and the pool.
  • United States Capitol - The tour concludes at the steps of the Capitol Building, where you’ll learn about its story and history.
What's Included
  • Unlimited access - tour never expires.
  • Explore the National Mall, memorials, and museums for free.
  • Self-guided tour via our user-friendly walking tour app.
  • Complete flexibility - tour available 24/7 every day of the year, entirely outdoors.
What's Not Included
  • No food or drinks.
  • Washington Monument ticket must be booked before hand, it’s free. (but first come, first serve)
Additional Information

Embark on a smartphone-powered, location-aware walking tour that will take you to Washington D.C.’s distinguished monuments and museums, coupled with a few undisclosed treasures, leveraging the combined power of our unique tour technology and storytelling. Undertake this adventure at a pace and schedule that fits you.

Your journey will include visiting significant monuments, memorials, and statues such as the Vietnam War, Lincoln, Washington, Korean War, World War II, General Grant, Garfield, Buffalo Dancer, Joan Miro, and Marc Chagall, among others. Not forgetting the incredible Smithsonian museums like American History, Natural History, Air and Space, American Indians, the National Gallery, and the Sculpture Garden, all admission-free, if operating hours permit.

Throughout this exploration, I will enrich your experience by sharing interesting narratives and undisclosed facts about each site, explaining how they helped shape the United States as we know it.

I will even recommend a lunch spot where you can have a picnic along the way. Our journey initiates at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, right next to the soldiers adorned in ponchos.

  • • Washington Monument ticket must be booked before hand, (Limited slots) it’s free but first come, first serve.
Location
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Ohio Drive Southwest
The tour starts at the Korean War Veterans Memorial where you'll hear the history of Korea, the Korean war and the how the US participated. You'll also see amazing statues. From here the walking tour app will guide you through to the Lincoln Memorial and then through the National Mall.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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(1 Rating)
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Melaniecw8639qs
Jun 7, 2023
Best tour ever!! - I'm not one to usually take the time to write a review, but....This is the best tour!! It was very user friendly, and can be used for one person or a group. --I'd choose this tour over an in-person tour guide any day, because you can do it at your own pace, and stop and restart whenever. I stuck my AirPods in, and followed along to the narrator. He provided awesome tips and trivia, which is right up my alley. He tells you exactly where to walk for the entire length of the National Mall with stops at all of the memorials. He is even as specific was which crosswalk or intersection to walk on. He allows time for you to get to these specifc spots while filling in the time with additional fun facts. He even goes over each of the Smithsonian's as you walk by them! I learned so much information that I did not know about DC and the memorials.. including the coolest fun fact at the WW2 memorial. And if all that is not enough, he even sends a follow-up email with alll the tour highlights. Who does that?!! I'm so impressed. Do yourself a favor and get this tour!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1
Adult
September 2024
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