Quick Details
This walk is currently only available for private booking.
Private Tour
$ 250
Tour Overview
Washington’s National Mall is home to some of the nation’s most beloved museums, stretching from the Smithsonian Castle to the U.S. Capitol. Known as the “Nation’s Attic,” the Smithsonian Institution includes 19 museums, over 150 million objects, and attracts 30 million visitors annually. Each museum is a gem of its own, showcasing distinctive design that reflects changing eras and evolving ideas about culture, science, and design.
From the Gothic towers of the Smithsonian Castle to the sculpted curves of the Museum of the American Indian, the east side of the National Mall is a rich tapestry of architectural contrasts. This tour reveals how design, symbolism, and controversy—not artifacts—tell the story of America’s most-visited museums.
What We’ll See
Our tour begins outside the Smithsonian Castle, the Mall’s original museum, a graceful mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. We’ll discuss the curious story of James Smithson, the British-born founder who left his fortune to a country he never visited in life yet came to rest at a decade after his death. Behind the Castle, the peaceful Enid A. Haupt Garden conceals two underground museums and three distinct landscapes.
We’ll glimpse the hulking Brutalist Forrestal Building before examining the Arts & Industries Building, one of DC’s most eclectic structures. Passing the Hirshhorn Museum, affectionately known as the “Brutalist donut,” we’ll peek at its modern sculpture garden, stroll by the Air and Space Museum to highlight its pioneering design and ongoing restoration, and explore the grounds of the Museum of the American Indian, a wind and water sculpted marvel full of symbolism and controversy.
Crossing the Mall, we’ll explore inside the National Gallery of Art’s two buildings– one strictly neoclassical, the other hyper-modern. Walking through the U.S. Botanic Garden, we’ll pause at Bartholdi Fountain, a hidden garden honoring the designer of one of the world’s most famous statues. We wrap up near the foot of Capitol Hill at the dramatic Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, with sweeping views of the U.S. Capitol and the entire National Mall.
Tour Highlights
- Smithsonian Castle
- Enid A. Haupt Gardens
- James Forrestal Building
- Arts and Industries Building
- Hirshhorn Museum
- National Air and Space Museum
- National Gallery of Art (inside and out!)
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Bartholdi Fountain
- Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
- United States Capitol Building
Private & Group Tours
Experience this tour exclusively on your schedule! Available any day and time, for groups of all sizes, from solo travelers and families to a full bus load. Reserve your private walking tour for up to twelve guests via our online calendar or get in touch to arrange custom times, larger groups, driving tours, or personalized itineraries.
Where to Meet
Meet your guide outside the Smithsonian Castle along Jefferson Drive near the Joseph Henry Statue.
GPS Address: 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560
Your tour ends at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.
Map of the Tour Route
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join a group tour?
This tour is currently only available to be booked privately. Check our private bookings calendar or contact us directly to reserve outside the times listed online, for groups over 12, or to arrange a driving tour.
Do we go inside the museums?
This is a mostly outdoor tour, perfect for soaking in the architecture and design details of the Smithsonian Museums. We don’t explore museum collections, but we will go inside the National Gallery of Art to experience the architectural contrast between the West and East buildings.
How strenuous is the route?
The tour covers about 1 mile at a modest pace on flat sidewalks and paved paths. It is fully accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes! Guests of all ages will enjoy seeing the Smithsonian’s landmark buildings and learning the stories behind their design.
What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend sturdy walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and bottled water.
Are there bathroom stops on this tour?
Yes, our scheduled restroom stop is at the National Gallery of Art.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in from of the Smithsonian Castle at 1000 Jefferson Dr SW near the Joseph Henry statue and ends at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.
How do I get to the starting location?
By Metro: The Smithsonian Station (Orange/Blue/Silver Line) is a 5-minute walk from our starting point in front of the Smithsonian Castle.
By Car: Street parking is limited around the National Mall and metered for two hours. Paid garages are nearby, inlcuding:
⚲ Colonial Parking – 901 D St SW
⚲ Capital Gallery Parking – 600 Maryland Ave SW
Please arrive early to allow time for parking.
Is tipping expected?
Thanks for asking! Gratuities are never required but are always appreciated. Our guides work hard to provide a fun and memorable experience!
What if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine. In the case of severe weather (such as thunderstorms or extreme heat), we’ll notify you by email and text at least 2 hours before your tour with any changes or cancellations.
How can I contact my guide on the day of the tour?
Your guide will email you the day before with their cell phone number for day-of coordination.
