250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided Tour

4.9 (21 reviews) Washington DC, USA
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Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 6 travelers

Overview

Experience 250 years of American history on this 3-hour guided walking tour led by a local historian & professional tour guide.

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where you’ll explore pivotal moments from the American Revolution to the 20th century and beyond. Rather than wandering aimlessly, you’ll follow a carefully curated narrative that makes history engaging, accessible, and relevant.

Head to the National Archives Museum, where you’ll enjoy skip-the-line entry. Inside, view the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, some of the most important original documents in world history.

Throughout the tour, the small group size allows for meaningful interaction, questions, and discussion, creating a more personal and enriching experience than large group tours.

What's included

  • Entrance & Guided Tour of American History Museum
  • Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide
  • Skip the Line Access into the National Archives
  • Gratuity

What to expect

  1. National Museum of American History
    1h 30m
    Rather than wandering aimlessly, you’ll follow a carefully curated narrative that makes history engaging, accessible, and relevant.

    You will see:
    -Star-Spangled Banner: The original flag that inspired the U.S. national anthem during the War of 1812.
    -Jefferson’s Writing Desk: The small portable desk where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence.
    -Gunboat Philadelphia: A Revolutionary War vessel recovered from Lake Champlain, offering rare physical evidence of early American naval warfare and the fight for independence.
    -Julia Child’s Kitchen: The kitchen where Julia Child filmed The French Chef, representing postwar cultural change, the rise of food media, and how everyday Americans embraced new ideas and lifestyles.
    -John Bull Locomotive: One of the oldest surviving steam locomotives in the world, illustrating how railroads powered America’s industrial growth, westward expansion, and economic transformation.
  2. The National Archives Museum
    40m · Admission ticket included
    Skip the Line Access into the National Archives for a guided tour

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide OUTSIDE the American History Museum, Constitution Ave. (note there is a National Mall entrance but that is the other side!) We are not affiliated with the information desk. Please be sure to find your DC by Foot guide specifically or contact us directly at the phone numbers provided.

End point

We end the tour inside the Archives Museum if you want to to explore more of the exhibits.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.9 (21)
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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