Our Nation's Finest - DC Memorials and Monuments Tour

Visit an important gathering point in Washington, D.C. Currently there are 14 statues - Casimir Pulaski, Caesar Rodney, and 12 soldiers from the American Revolution.(10 min)

View the 3 parts of this memorial - Pershing Park, with a sculpture of General John J Pershing. Nearby is the wall depicting the movements of American Troops in the Meuse-Argonne in 1918. Separately is the powerful "A Soldier's Journey" tableau sculpture. Finally, note the interpretive panels detailing the movements of the American "Doughboys" in the First World War.(10 min)

View the White House, the official residence of every American president since John Adams became its first presidential occupant in 1800. With 132 rooms and more than two centuries of history, the White House has witnessed countless events that have shaped the nation. Your guide will share stories about the building, its architecture, its residents, and its role in American history. Please note: THIS IS AN EXTERIOR TOUR ONLY. We will view the White House from an available public vantage point on either the north or south side, depending on security restrictions and access on the day of your tour. Public interior tours of the White House are arranged separately through a Member of Congress. DCBT cannot arrange, authorize, or guarantee admission to the White House.(10 min)

Tour this powerful memorial, authorized by an act of Congress and dedicated in 2004 in the presence of thousands of World War II veterans, including the late Senator Robert Dole of Kansas. Notice the 56 pillars representing the states, territories, and District of Columbia, and the great Atlantic and Pacific arches framing the memorial. Your guide will explain the symbolism throughout architect Friedrich St. Florian’s design, from the memorial’s fountains and sculptural details to the meaning behind its overall layout. The fountains generally operate through much of the year, including the Christmas holiday season, although operation may vary because of weather, maintenance, or other conditions. And keep an eye out for two familiar faces from World War II — the hidden “Kilroy was here” engravings tucked into the memorial.(20 min)

As we drive around the Tidal Basin, you will learn why the basin was built, why the Jefferson memorial was chosen for it’s location, and the architectural and historic meanings behind the famous design.(25 min)

Explore the approximately 7.5-acre Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, one of Washington’s most accessible and unusual presidential memorials. Designed as a series of outdoor rooms, the memorial takes visitors through each of Roosevelt’s four terms in office, from the New Deal and the struggle against the Great Depression through World War II. Your guide will point out the memorial’s waterfalls, sculptures, quotations, and symbolic details while discussing major programs and events of the Roosevelt presidency, including the New Deal and Works Progress Administration. The memorial also honors Eleanor Roosevelt, who transformed the role of First Lady and later became the first U.S. delegate to the United Nations. Her sculpture is the only depiction of a First Lady in a presidential memorial. And keep an eye out for a special cameo by FDR’s beloved Scottish Terrier, Fala, seated beside the president in one of the memorial’s best-loved sculptures.(20 min)

Walk along the Tidal Basin to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, dedicated to the life and legacy of the slain Civil Rights leader. Notice quotations drawn from Dr. King’s sermons, speeches, and writings along the memorial’s inscription walls, and see his monumental granite figure emerging from the Stone of Hope. Your guide will explain the symbolism behind the memorial’s design — including the relationship between the Mountain of Despair and the Stone of Hope — while exploring Dr. King’s life, leadership, philosophy of nonviolence, and his role in the struggle for civil rights in America. Take time to look closely at the sculpture, the words surrounding it, and the memorial’s remarkable setting along the Tidal Basin.(15 min)

See highlights of Georgetown, Washington’s historic waterfront neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets, Federal-era architecture, historic homes, shops, restaurants, and connections to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and Potomac River. Your driver-guide will point out landmarks including Georgetown University, the famous “Exorcist Steps,” and Martin’s Tavern, long associated with John F. Kennedy’s proposal to Jacqueline Bouvier. Along the way, hear stories of Georgetown’s transformation from an eighteenth-century port town into one of Washington’s best-known neighborhoods. We will stop in Georgetown for lunch, with time to relax and enjoy one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants before continuing the tour.(15 min)

As we depart Georgetown to our first and only stop in Arlington, you’ll get views of the Washington National Cathedral, The Kennedy Center, The Watergate, and Georgetown University as we cross the Potomac River. As we get closer to the memorial, you’ll also get a preview into Arlington National Cemetery.(20 min)

Experience the somber and chilling Vietnam Veterans Memorial, composed of Women’s Memorial statue, The Vietnam Wall, and the Three Servicemen statue.(20 min)

Walk up to the iconic Lincoln Memorial with great views of the National Mall, as well as a backside view of Arlington. Stand in the exact spot where Martin Luther King, Jr stood as his gave his famous “I Have A Dream” speech.(20 min)

Visit the Korean War Memorial, where you’ll learn more about the memorial’s hidden symbolism and the history of the war itself. This is also where our vehicle will pick us up, saving us time and distance.(15 min)

As we drive past the iconic Washington Monument, take in the history behind the monument including it’s original design and change in color. The tour will also drive past certain Smithsonian museums, such as the Castle and Arts & Industries Building.(10 min)

Completed in 2020, our latest presidential memorial doesn’t get visited as much as the others. We’re here to change that. Learn about this memorial as well about the history behind Air and Space Museum located right across the street.(10 min)

Our final stop of the day. One last photo opportunity along the west front of the Capitol, where the presidential inauguration takes place, and a beautiful view of the National Mall.(15 min)

You will be dropped off at the point where the tour started - Freedom Plaza.(10 min)