Exploring the iconic landmarks of Washington, DC at night can be a truly enchanting experience. The Night Monuments Tour offers an opportunity to do just that, guiding us through 8 must-see sites across the city. With photo stops and optional admission upgrades, this tour provides a unique chance to capture the capital’s most famous monuments under the moonlight. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for a fresh perspective, this tour promises to…
Key Points
- The Night Monuments Tour offers a 3-hour guided experience featuring iconic landmarks of Washington, DC, including the Capitol, White House, and Lincoln Memorial.
- Tour includes 10 photo opportunities at significant sites and provides complimentary bottled water, with optional ticket upgrades for next-day attractions.
- Upgrades available for self-guided entry to the Washington Monument, Air & Space Museum, and African American Museum.
- Tour accommodates up to 40 travelers, with strollers welcome, but is not wheelchair accessible, offering flexibility for modified walking.
- Knowledgeable guides provide historical context and facilitate interactive engagement throughout the tour’s nighttime perspective of Washington, DC’s landmarks.
Tour Overview and Highlights
The Night Monuments Tour in Washington, DC offers travelers a captivating 3-hour guided sightseeing experience featuring the city’s iconic landmarks.
With a combination of vehicle and walking stops, the tour showcases the Capitol, Washington Monument, White House, Lincoln Memorial, and more.
Guests enjoy 10 photo opportunities at major attractions, including the White House, MLK Memorial, and Arlington Cemetery.
Complimentary bottled water is provided, and optional ticket upgrades are available for self-guided entry into the Washington Monument, Air & Space Museum, or African American Museum the following day.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Washington DC
Tour Details and Upgrades
For the Night Monuments Tour, we offer several optional ticket upgrades to enhance your experience.
These include:
- Self-guided entry into the Washington Monument
- Admission to the Air & Space Museum
- Entrance to the African American Museum
These add-ons are available for the following day, allowing you to extend your sightseeing.
Gratuities aren’t included, but hotel pickup and drop-off are available.
The tour accommodates up to 40 travelers, though strollers are welcome.
While not wheelchair accessible, guests can choose to remain on the bus or modify their walking as needed.
Meeting and Duration Information
The Night Monuments Tour meets at 800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near the National Archives, in Washington, DC. The tour starts at 7:30 PM and ends at the same location, lasting approximately 3 hours. It’s not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed.
Tour Details | Information |
---|---|
Meeting Point | 800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC |
Start Time | 7:30 PM |
End Time | 7:30 PM |
While the tour may not be suitable for all mobility levels, guests can stay on the bus or modify their walking as needed. Be sure to dress for outdoor conditions and wear comfortable shoes. The knowledgeable guide will provide historical context and answer questions throughout the journey.
Tour Experience and Expectations
Guests may stay on the bus at any stop or modify their walking amounts as needed.
We recommend dressing for the outdoor conditions and wearing comfortable shoes. During the tour, our knowledgeable guides will provide historical context and answer any questions you may have throughout the journey.
The tour experience includes:
- Flexibility to adjust your level of physical activity
- Appropriate attire for the weather
- Interactive engagement with the tour guide
This tour is designed to provide an informative and entertaining nighttime perspective of Washington, DC’s iconic landmarks.
Exploring the Capitol Building
As we begin our exploration of the iconic Capitol Building, we’ll witness its impressive neoclassical architecture illuminated against the night sky.
The Capitol is the meeting place of the United States Congress and a stunning landmark in Washington, DC.
Our guide will provide insights into the building’s history and point out its key architectural features, like the central dome and the intricate sculptures adorning the façade.
We’ll have the opportunity to take photos from the best vantage points, capturing the grandeur of this national symbol.
The Capitol tour is a highlight of our night monuments experience.
Love the evening vibe? Here are more after-sunset activities we've covered in Washington DC
- DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour
- DC National Mall Night Tour With 10 Stops, Reserved Entry Tickets
- Night Monuments Tour With 8 Stops and Admission Ticket Upgrades
- Small Group National Mall Night Tour With 10 Top Attractions
- Washington DC Sites at Night Guided Bicycle Tour
- Washington DC Night-Time City Bus Tour With Optional Mount Vernon
Admiring the Washington Monument
Next, we make our way to the iconic Washington Monument, an impressive obelisk standing tall against the night sky.
This marble monument honors the nation’s first president and offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Our guide shares fascinating facts about the monument’s history and construction:
- The Washington Monument stands 555 feet tall and was the world’s tallest structure when completed in 1884.
- It took over 30 years to build the monument due to lack of funding and the Civil War.
- Visitors can opt to upgrade their tour to include a self-guided entry to the monument’s observation deck for breathtaking city vistas.
Visiting the White House and Lincoln Memorial
From the Washington Monument, we continue our tour to the iconic White House, the official residence and executive office of the President of the United States.
We’ll have the chance to take photos of the grand façade and learn about its history.
Next, we visit the Lincoln Memorial, an impressive marble structure honoring the 16th president.
We’ll ascend the steps and stand before the iconic statue of Lincoln, contemplating his legacy.
The tour guide will provide historical insights and answer any questions we may have.
This evening’s journey offers a unique perspective on these famous landmarks.
Honoring the Fallen at Arlington Cemetery
Our tour now takes us to the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, where we honor the brave men and women who’ve served and sacrificed for our nation.
As we explore this sacred site, we’ll:
- Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and witness the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony.
- Walk among the rows of white marble headstones, each a testament to the ultimate sacrifice.
- Pause at the John F. Kennedy Gravesite, where an eternal flame burns in remembrance of a fallen president.
This poignant stop on our tour serves as a humbling reminder of the cost of freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
While the tour features iconic landmarks, the 3-hour duration and nighttime schedule may not be well-suited for young children. We recommend considering the energy level and attention span of your group when deciding if this tour is the best fit.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
We’re afraid you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provides complimentary bottled water, but outside food and beverages are not allowed. Please plan to enjoy any snacks or drinks before or after the tour.
Are Audio Guides Available for a More Immersive Experience?
Unfortunately, audio guides are not provided on this tour. However, we can enjoy the knowledgeable live commentary from our tour guide throughout the journey, allowing for a more interactive and informative experience of DC’s iconic landmarks at night.
Can We Extend the Tour to Include Additional Monuments or Museums?
While the current 3-hour tour covers the key monuments, we can upgrade to an extended 4.5-hour version that adds visits to the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?
We can cancel or change the tour up to 72 hours before the start time for a full refund. Within 72 hours, we may incur a 50% cancellation fee. Refunds are not available for no-shows or early departures.
The Sum Up
The Night Monuments Tour offers an unforgettable nighttime exploration of Washington, DC’s iconic landmarks. With 10 photo opportunities, knowledgeable guides, and optional admission upgrades, it’s the perfect way to experience the city’s most famous sites in a unique setting. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this tour promises an enchanting and memorable experience.
More Private Tours in Washington DC
- Private Tour of Washington DC: Transportation Only, No Guide
- Washington: VIP Private Tour of the U.S. Capitol & Library
- Washington to Washington Airport (DCA) Departure Private Transfer
- Washington to Baltimore Airport (BWI) Departure Private Transfer
- Private Transfer Washington Airport DCA to Washington DC Hotels
- Private Black Car Service in Washington D.C.
More Tours in Washington DC
- DC: Monuments & Memorials Sunset Tour by Open-top Bus
- Washington, DC: Day & Night Electric Cart & Vintage Car Tour
- Washington DC: Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour
- Private Tour of Washington DC: Transportation Only, No Guide
- DC: Ghosts of Georgetown Haunted History Nighttime Tour
- Highlights of National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Tour
More Tour Reviews in Washington DC
- DC: Monuments & Memorials Sunset Tour by Open-top Bus
- Washington, DC: Day & Night Electric Cart & Vintage Car Tour
- Washington DC: Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour
- Private Tour of Washington DC: Transportation Only, No Guide
- DC: Ghosts of Georgetown Haunted History Nighttime Tour
- Highlights of National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Tour
Still browsing? Here are more Washington DC experiences we've covered recently
- DC: Monuments & Memorials Sunset Tour by Open-top Bus
- Washington, DC: Day & Night Electric Cart & Vintage Car Tour
- Washington DC: Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour
- Private Tour of Washington DC: Transportation Only, No Guide
- DC: Ghosts of Georgetown Haunted History Nighttime Tour
- Highlights of National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Tour
- DC: Historic Georgetown History & Architecture 2 Hour Tour
- DC: Lincoln’s Assassination 2 Hour Nighttime Walking Tour
- From Washington DC: Old Town Alexandria & Mount Vernon Tour
- Washington DC: Must See Sights Half-Day Tour
- Washington DC: National Museum of Natural History Tour
- Washington: VIP Private Tour of the U.S. Capitol & Library