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“Nick was a great tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable. Made the tour enjoyable. His insight was interesting.”
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.
“The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended to everyone visiting Washington DC.”
VIP skip-the-line National Archives tour in Washington DC: see the Declaration and Constitution up close with a small-group guide.
“Kirsten was knowledgeable about the subject matter and related historical topic, and very entertaining! A very enjoyable experience 😊”
Skip-the-line guided look at the National Archives and US Capitol, including the Declaration, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Magna Carta.
“Awesome guide ! Very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended !”
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.
“You can see the archives without a guide, but you miss out on so very much. My husband and I took this small group tour with Christina, and she was extremely knowledgeable, passionate about the archives and was just super fun. She described the sculptures on the building, meaning behind the huge paintings and answered…”
Skip-the-line in DC for the National Archives and American History Museum, with a small-group guide covering founders, rights, and Hollywood.
“So glad we got our guide Christina. She was knowledgeable, personal and engaging. Covered the highlights and more.”
Skip-the-line, small-group National Archives tour that connects the Declaration, Bill of Rights, and Magna Carta to real-life civil rights.
“Our guide Maribeth was so knowledgeable and organized. I could not imagine the Archives without a guide to help us understand the process and history of the documents we viewed. She made it fun and interesting. 10/10”
Skip the line to the National Archives, Sculpture Garden, and U.S. Capitol with reserved entry, a small group, and guided context.
“I booked this tour to avoid long lines and get into the Archives and Capitol building. It was a good choice because we didn't have to wait in lines for a minute. The guide was nice and talkative. However, he didn't give us much information about the exhibits, just general facts. He just led us…”
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.
“This was a brilliant tour. As a visitor to the US the guide Shane gave us so much history and context to the Archives and the museum. We could never have hoped to appreciate all that we saw without his help.”
Skip-the-line small-group tour pairing the National Archives and National Portrait Gallery, with close-up founding documents and major portrait shows.
“Guide was excellent- great stories, pick very interesting exhibits to highlight for us. Great pace for the tour one of the best of the week.”
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.
“This tour was great! The guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. This made my trip to DC so memorable. I learned a lot and had a great time!”
Every corner of the capital, and every way to see it.
