See famous presidential monuments on the National Mall and get the stories of how and why they were built.
About the Route
This tour begins at the Garfield Monument (First Street and Maryland Avenue SW, at the foot of Capitol Hill) and ends at the Lincoln Memorial. This tour is entirely outdoors, usually lasts 2.5 hours and covers 2.2 miles. The route is flat and mostly follows the National Mall.
Guests who want to extend the guided tour to the FDR and Jefferson Memorials along the Tidal Basin (additional fee required) will walk an additional 1.25 miles.
What You'll See
The National Mall is home to some of the most famous monuments in the world – amazing works celebrating U.S. presidents. This tour gives an up-close look at those monuments and tells the stories of how they came to be. Find out about obsessed artists, secret societies, sunken sewers, crazy “first draft” plans and more. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this is a great way to get a new perspective on America’s most famous public space.
Presidents Included
You'll see monuments and memorials for James A. Garfield, Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The extended version of this tour also includes the memorials to FDR and Thomas Jefferson, along the Tidal Basin.
Recommended Audience
This tour is best for people 13 and up. Some stories have mature content, plus it helps to have a little background in U.S. history.
What to Bring / About the Route
You may want to bring bottled water and (in warmer months) sunscreen and bug repellant. Expect to be on your feet for two hours. There are public restrooms available along the route.
Weather Policy
If the forecast calls for heavy rain or other inclement weather, customers will be contacted before the start of the tour about possible rescheduling.