WASHINGTON, D.C.
The best way to spend a day in D.C.
The 15 best national archives tours in Washington, with what each one covers, what it costs and how long to set aside. A shortlist for planning real days on and off the National Mall.
VIP Best of DC covers the U.S. Capitol, major monuments by coach, and the National Archives with reserved entry and a seasonal Potomac option.
Most Popular“Thorough tour of Washington DC. Guide was amazing. He gave us time to do bonus stop. Wx was awful but experience was great.”
Skip-the-line expert tour of the National Archives, including the Constitution, Declaration, Bill of Rights, JFK letters, and Magna Carta connections.
“Meghan was great, she was knowledgeable about the subject and we learned a lot from her today. We enjoyed it very much.”
A semi-private National Archives skip-the-line tour in Washington DC. See the Constitution and other originals with small-group storytelling.
“We learned so much more than we would have if we did this by ourselves. The guide was great and very knowledgeable.”
VIP skip-the-line National Archives tour in Washington DC: see the Declaration and Constitution up close with a small-group guide.
“The tour was good and informative. We thought we would be waiting for our tour guide outside the Archives, only to find out that that we had to meet at their office and then we walked back to the Archives. Seems like it would have been better to meet our guide at the site of…”
Skip-the-line guided look at the National Archives and US Capitol, including the Declaration, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Magna Carta.
“We enjoyed our tour very much. Joe was knowledgeable and extremely pleasant. 100% recommend!”
Skip the line at the National Archives in a small group. VIP entry plus a guide who explains the Declaration and Constitution in plain English.
“Enjoyed the tour. It was easy walking . The guide was very informative. He knew alot of history. Made the tour fun. Grandson 11 enjoyed it. My husband is almost deaf. The guide made sure he could hear him. Everyone in the office was very friendly and helpful. Gave us good advice on other things…”
Skip-the-line in DC for the National Archives and American History Museum, with a small-group guide covering founders, rights, and Hollywood.
“We are on a big history quest, and for the important sites we just get so much more out of it with the tour, but the small group it is easier to make sure we cover what is important to us.”
Skip-the-line, small-group National Archives tour that connects the Declaration, Bill of Rights, and Magna Carta to real-life civil rights.
“Brenda was absolutely wonderful. Knowledgeable, experienced, professional and answered all our questions. Come away smarter than when you arrived with all these cool facts on history. She was fantastic.”
Skip the line to the National Archives, Sculpture Garden, and U.S. Capitol with reserved entry, a small group, and guided context.
“Jesse was a great guide. He was great with the kids too. He made sure they were involved the whole time. Our tour was at 10am, and the money was worth it for us to be first in line.”
A private guided day in Washington DC linking Arlington’s cemetery to the National Archives and Smithsonian American History Museum.
“Our tour guide, Annemarie, was kind and detailed. We visited the two museums where I admired the history of the U.S.. I would recommend this to anyone visiting the National Archives Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.”
A 2-hour small-group tour with reserved entry to the National Archives and Smithsonian’s American History Museum in Washington, DC.
“Andrew was absolutely fantastic. A lot of backstories and inside knowledge made the tour extremely interesting.”
Skip-the-line small-group tour pairing the National Archives and National Portrait Gallery, with close-up founding documents and major portrait shows.
“Awesome experience! Three generations and we all found the tour interesting and informative. Our tour guide Annemarie was top notch. Her knowledge and love of history was infectious. Well worth the money!”
Exclusive 5.5-hour tour pairing the National Archives and National Portrait Gallery, with skip-the-line access and expert guide stories.
“Brenda was a great tour guide that was able to answer all the questions and tell interesting stories.”
Skip the lines at Washington’s National Archives and Smithsonian to see the Declaration, Constitution, Magna Carta, Star-Spangled Banner, and First Ladies.
“Brenda was an amazing tour guide! She guided us to all of the primary important founding documents for our nation within the National Archives and educated us on the history of each document and the important people, places, and events in our nation’s history! She also guided us through the American History Museum to see…”
Guided highlights tour through the National Museum of American History and skip-the-line National Archives, plus views from Old Post Office Pavilion.
“So fun! The guide was very knowledgeable and engaging. The family I was traveling with had two kids who hung on her every word. Canden is such a great tour guide. I loved walking right into the Archives via the exit, I felt so VIP. The view down Penn Ave was incredible and heading to…”
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