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Activity Washington DC, USA

Washington DC Monuments Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

1.0 (one review) 3–4 hours Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Washington DC Monuments Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

About this activity

Discover the rich history and drama of the nation’s capital. This self-guided driving tour covers all the iconic sights, like the Washington Monument, the White House, the Supreme Court of the United States, and the National Archives. You’ll cross the Potomac to pay your respects at Arlington, then loop through East Potomac Park to see the Jefferson and MLK Memorials. Stop by the National Art Museum and Portrait Gallery, then hear all the details of Lincoln’s tragic tale at Ford’s Theater.

Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

After booking, check your email for instructions. Download the separate Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps REQUIRE good internet/Wi-Fi access. Do NOT attempt while on the road.

New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Historical Tours Car Tours Short term availability

At a glance

Duration
3–4 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–4
Audio guide
English
Operated by
Action Day Trips

What is included

Included

  • Included: Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
  • Included: Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
  • Included: Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
  • Included: Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
  • Included: Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
  • Included: Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
  • Included: One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
  • Included: Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
  • Included: Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
  • Included: Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Not included

  • Not included: No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Itinerary

  1. The National Archives Museum

    10 min

    This historic building where some of the most important documents in American history are preserved. Here you can see the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights, displayed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.

  2. National Museum of the American Indian

    10 min

    Discover the history, culture, and traditions of Native peoples from across the Americas. This museum features powerful exhibits, artifacts, and stories that celebrate Indigenous heritage and resilience.

  3. United States Botanic Garden

    10 min

    Explore one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America, featuring beautiful conservatories filled with plants from around the world. Visitors can walk through tropical forests, desert landscapes, and seasonal garden displays.

  4. Stop 4

    10 min

    See the iconic home of the U.S. Congress, where the Senate and House of Representatives meet. Its grand dome, historic chambers, and central role in American government make it one of Washington’s most important landmarks.

  5. The National Archives Museum

    10 min

    See the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights in the famous Rotunda. This museum showcases some of the nation’s most important documents and moments in American history.

  6. Washington Monument

    10 min

    This towering obelisk honors George Washington and stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the nation’s capital. From the top, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Washington, D.C.

  7. The White House

    10 min

    The official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, this iconic building has been at the center of American leadership for over two centuries. Its neoclassical design and historic significance make it one of Washington’s most recognizable landmarks.

  8. Stop 8

    10 min

    This striking statue depicts George Washington on horseback, symbolizing his leadership during the American Revolution. Located in Washington, D.C., it honors his role as a military commander and the nation’s first president.

  9. Old Stone House

    10 min

    Built in 1765, this is the oldest unchanged building in Washington, D.C. It offers a glimpse into colonial life, with preserved architecture and a quiet garden tucked along busy M Street.

  10. Blues Alley

    10 min

    One of the oldest jazz supper clubs in the country, Blues Alley has hosted legendary musicians since 1965. This intimate venue offers live jazz performances in a cozy, historic Georgetown setting.

  11. Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge

    10 min

    Spanning the Potomac River, this bridge connects Georgetown to Virginia and is named after the author of the U.S. national anthem. It offers scenic views of the river and surrounding landmarks.

  12. The Pentagon

    10 min

    One of the world’s largest office buildings, the Pentagon serves as the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. Its unique five-sided design makes it a recognizable symbol of the nation’s military leadership.

  13. Stop 13

    10 min

    This historic rail bridge crosses the Potomac River, connecting Washington, D.C. to Virginia. It has played a key role in transportation since the early 1900s and offers views of the river and nearby landmarks.

  14. Stop 14

    10 min

    Located along the Potomac River, this popular recreation spot features a public golf course, driving range, and scenic views. It’s a relaxing stop with open green space just minutes from the city’s monuments.

  15. Hains Point

    10 min

    Located at the southern tip of East Potomac Park, Hains Point offers scenic river views, walking paths, and a peaceful escape from the city. It’s a popular spot for picnics, biking, and watching planes overhead.

  16. Jefferson Memorial

    10 min

    This elegant domed memorial honors Thomas Jefferson, one of the nation’s Founding Fathers and the author of the Declaration of Independence. Set along the Tidal Basin, it offers beautiful views, especially during cherry blossom season.

  17. Tidal Basin

    10 min

    This scenic reservoir is surrounded by walking paths and famous memorials, including the Jefferson Memorial. It’s especially popular during cherry blossom season, when the area fills with blooming trees and visitors.

  18. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

    10 min

    This powerful memorial honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring a striking stone statue and inspiring quotes from his speeches. It stands as a tribute to his leadership in the civil rights movement.

  19. National Gallery of Art

    10 min

    This world-class museum features an extensive collection of European and American art, from classic masterpieces to modern works. Visitors can explore galleries, sculpture gardens, and rotating exhibitions.

  20. National Portrait Gallery

    10 min

    This museum showcases portraits of influential Americans who have shaped the nation’s history and culture. Its collection spans presidents, artists, activists, and other notable figures across time.

  21. Ford's Theatre

    10 min

    This historic theater is where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. Today, it operates as both a museum and working theater, sharing stories of Lincoln’s life and legacy.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Start at the White House Visitor Center (1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC), with grand stone buildings on your right and tree-lined plazas on your left. Suggested start; not affiliated, so staff won’t have tour info. Audio auto-starts—check email/text, download on strong internet.

End point

Using your ticket

IGNORE THE QR CODE ABOVE

The QR code CANNOT be presented for a ticket onsite.

The QR simply contains your tour access instructions. Please follow these instructions BEFORE you’re onsite because they require WiFi/signal.

1. Download my Action Tour Guide app:

actiontourguide.com/app

2. Sign in/ register with your email (this is will automatically generate a one-time verification sent to your email. That code is NOT your tour password).

3. Go to “My Tours” and select “Enter Password”. Find your password in the instructions email sent by “Action Tour Guide” to you by email and text.

4. Download your tour NOW. Do not wait until you are onsite.

BEFORE YOU START

This is a self-guided audio tour. No guide will meet you.

Entrance tickets, attraction tickets, parking, and transportation are not included.

Your tour has lifetime access with no expiry. Use it on any date—no need to change your booking date.

For walking tours, we recommend headphones.

See how it works: actiontourguide.com/tutorial

NEED HELP?

Setup: actiontourguide.com/redeem

FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq

Call: 1-508-506-1844

Email: [email protected]

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.

  • Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.

  • At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.

  • Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.

  • Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.

  • More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.

  • Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.

  • Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.

  • Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.

  • Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.

  • The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.

Traveller ratings

1.0 out of 5 · one review
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Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Washington DC Monuments Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

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