self guided tours in washington dc

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

23 Free Self-Guided Washington DC Walking Tours

This post lists over 20 self-guided walking tours of DC, including GPS-enabled audio tours and neighborhood guides all produced by our guides here at Free Tours by Foot.

Enjoy your self guided tour? Make a donation to help support the guides. You can Venmo @canden-ftbf or Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dcbyfoot

Self Guided tours of Washington DC are a great way to explore on your own time.

Though we love showing guests around Washington, DC on our guided tours , we realize that not everyone has the time to take a walking tour.

If our tour schedule doesn’t work for you, or if you would instead explore on your own, take advantage of our free self-guided tours of Washington DC.

Each tour comes with a Washington DC walking tour map, insider information about best times to visit, photo stops and the stories and symbolism behind each stop.

Tours We Offer:

• National Mall Self-Guided Tour
• Self -Guided Tour of the White House | Lafayette Park
• Arlington Cemetery Self-Guided Tours

Self-Guided Tours of Georgetown

• Other DC Self-Guided Tours

Check out our Things to Do in DC with budget advice, travel guides, and information about local Washington DC attractions, including Free Things to Do in DC , and save money with a tourist pass .

Don't forget to tag us on social media @topthingstododc when you take our self-guided tours! You can share your photos or even ask us a question! 

Self-Guided Tour of the National Mall & Memorials

The memorials tell about the lives of men and women from America's past and present.

The National Mall & Memorials Tour tells the stories from founding father George Washington to Rosie the Riveter during WWII.

You'll learn all about the history, symbolism, and a few hidden stories of these must-see sites.

Here is a sample of the tour:

You could also visit our main DC audio tours page for more samples and information. 

We even have a specific self-guided tour of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial,  Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial , and the Lincoln Memorial . 

Self-Guided Tour of the White House and Lafayette Park

The White House is the most famous building in all of America and is a must-stop while visiting Washington, DC.

While it may be a challenge to get White House Tour tickets , we recommend you at least visit from the outside and learn about it on our self-guided tour of the White House and Lafayette Park.

Learn about the heroes of the American Revolution as you stroll through the park and learn about the man it got its name from. 

The White House is also a featured stop on a number of our walking tours:  National Mall (from afar),   Lincoln Assassination ,  Secrets & Scandals , and  White House Ghost Tours .

Self-Guided Tours of Arlington National Cemetery

Established during the Civil War, Arlington National Cemetery is a testament to the incredible service and sacrifice of our many men and women in the Armed Forces.

Don't leave DC without a visit to these hallowed grounds, which are now the final resting place for over 400,000 veterans.

Though we offer a guided tour of the cemetery with a live tour guide, these self-guided tours are perfect for anyone who is short on time or would prefer a themed tour.

Interested in learning more about? Check out our guide to visiting Arlington National Cemetery !

Our Arlington National Cemetery Highlights Tour  gives you the chance to take your time exploring the cemetery. There is also an audio version available to guide you along the way. 

We also have a few self-guided tours to complement our walking and highlights self-guided tours:

• Black History of Arlington National Cemetery
• Notable Women Buried at Arlington National Cemetery

We recommend taking these after you've taken our highlights tour, as these self-guided tours expand and explore more of the cemetery. 

Older than the rest of Washington, D.C. by nearly half a century, Georgetown is a quaint neighborhood that boasts excellent shopping, critically acclaimed restaurants, and a highly reputable university.

We have a number of self-guided tours of Georgetown:

• Highlights Tour of Georgetown  
• Self-Guided East Georgetown Walking Tour  (also available in  audio tour version )
• Tour of Civil War Georgetown  
• Tour of Georgetown University  (also available in  audio tour version )
• Georgetown Cupcakes and Desserts Tour

EMBASSY ROW SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Originally called Millionaires’ Row, it was mansions and large homes built by the newly wealthy.

Today, the section of Massachusetts Ave NW north of Dupont Circle is the home to many of the embassies in Washington, DC. 

This tour will explore the neighborhood’s history and outside of embassies along the way, finishing up near the North entrance to the Dupont Circle Metro Station on the red line. https://freetoursbyfoot.com/embassy-row-tour-self/

Take our audio tour versions .

Other Self-Guided Tours of Washington DC

• U Street Food and History Tour
• Tour of the Washington National Cathedral
• Tour of Union Station
• Library of Congress Tours of the Jefferson Building
• The Only Cherry Blossom Festival Guide & Map You Need [2021]
• Adams Morgan Self Guided Tour
• Drinking History- A Walking Tour
• Tour of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
• Visit the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial
• Visiting the Air Force Memorial
• Self Guided Tour of Historic Annapolis
• Old Town Alexandria Self Guided Tour  (also available in  audio tour version )

Interested in a self-guided tour that we don't yet offer? Send us a note at [email protected] and we'll work on creating that tour in the future! 

Related Posts:

• Free Washington DC Bus Tour
• DC Audio Tours
• Free DC Walking Tours

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Canden Arciniega

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

THE 10 BEST Washington DC Self-Guided Tours

Self-guided tours & rentals in washington dc.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Washington DC Bike Rental

2. Washington DC Museums self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt

3. Outdoor Escape Room in Washington, D.C. - Adams Morgan

4. Washington DC Monuments self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt

5. Washington DC eBike Rentals

6. Washington, D.C. Ghost Hunt: The Ghosts of Washington D.C.

7. Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam

8. Scavenger Hunt in Washington DC by Crazy Dash

9. Zombie Scavengers Game - Washington, DC

10. Dupont & Logan Circles Self-Guided Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt

11. Explore Washington DC with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Wacky Walks

12. Washington Rollerblade Rentals

13. Celebrate with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Washington DC with Holly Jolly Hunt

14. Washington DC National Mall Augmented Reality Treasure Hunt

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore

Historic Annapolis Food Tour

Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park

Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point

Luxury Tours of Mount Vernon

Baltimore Harbor Tour

Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour

Amazing Alexandria Scavenger Hunt

Self Guided Walking Tour in Old Town Historic Alexandria

Historical Fredericksburg SmartPhone App Self Guided Walking Tour

Historic Battlefields Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle

E-bike Rental Along the Potomac River

Alexandria Scavenger Hunt: Old Town Made New

Bethesda Scavenger Hunt: The Fine (Art) Life in Bethesda

Nutty National Harbor Scavenger Hunt

Amazing Annapolis Scavenger Hunt

What travelers are saying.

• Redeem Password

Washington DC Walking Tour: Self-Guided

Tour Details

Upgrade to bundles & save.

Action+ Annual Unlimited Subscription of 160+ Tours for $99.99 SAVE WITH BUNDLES $99.99

East Coast Fall Foliage Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tours Bundle(20+ Tours) SAVE WITH BUNDLES $229.99 $74.99

Welcome to the washington dc monuments walking tour.

This Washington, D.C. walking tour begins next to Pershing Park, right across from the White House south lawn. From here, you’ll make your way to the White House itself, where you can admire the seat of American power and learn some fascinating tidbits about its construction. Did you know the entire East Wing was built as a distraction?

About the tour

Head south toward Constitution Gardens and pick up some insight into D.C.’s complicated history along the way. Through the gardens, you’ll find what was once the city’s most controversial monument: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Next, you’ll head to the Lincoln Memorial, one of the most iconic memorials on your self-guided walking tour, Washington DC.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is next, where you’ll hear about the fraught political struggle which wracked the White House during this bloody conflict. As you continue east, you’ll be filled in on the aftermath of the War of 1812, and how D.C. grew into what it is today.

Next up on your Washington DC Monument tour you’ll arrive at will be the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, honoring the nation’s most revered civil rights leader. Then you’ll cross the Kutz Bridge and learn why the Potomac River is so significant to this city’s history. From this bridge, you’ll also be able to see the impressive Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Then, you’ll reach the National Mall, which you’ve definitely seen on TV plenty of times. Here’s where you’ll get an up-close look at the Washington Monument, and learn the history of George Washington’s connection to this important city.

If you like museums, the next stretch of the tour is absolutely for you. Along this route, you’ll pass the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and the National Gallery of Art. There’s a reason D.C. is known as the number one place to go for museums!

On the final leg of the Washington Monuments tour, you’ll arrive at three of the most crucial buildings in the city: The Library of Congress, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court of the United States. The tour will conclude here, amid these three awe-inspiring structures.

Upgrade and Save:

Get the most out of your money with these bundle upgrades!

• East Coast Fall Foliage: Immerse yourself in 25+ self-guided driving and walking tours for $74.99 and save 67%.

Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+ :

• An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 160+ tours.
• Unlimited use throughout the year.
• Includes free access to new tours as they are released.

Washington DC Tour Map

Where To Start?

Starting point: 1445 New York Avenue Northwest

How Does It Work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome / white house visitor center.

Your journey through this historic, important city begins at the White House Visitor Center, right by the White House itself. Prepare to take a stroll past the best monuments, museums, and landmarks in all of Washington, D.C.

The White House

Your first stop will be none other than the White House known around the world. Here, you'll not only get a good look at this incredible landmark, but also some little-known history about its construction

Constitution Gardens

Continuing along your path, you'll pass through the lovely Constitution Gardens, one of D.C.'s many beautiful green spaces

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The first memorial you'll reach is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a poignant, thoughtful work of art which stirred up quite a controversy when it was first unveiled

Lincoln Memorial

Up next is the iconic Lincoln Memorial, where you'll find an enormous statue of Lincoln overlooking his pavilion in front of a powerful inscription

Korean War Veterans Memorial

After that, you'll come to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, honoring those who fought and died during the Korean War. This unusual memorial blends thousands of photographs with surprising architecture, and you'll learn about all the symbolism behind it

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Next, you'll arrive at the memorial to civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr. Here, you'll get a quick refresher on King himself and learn how one of his speeches inspired the design of this monument

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

You path brings you next to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, dedicated, of course, to the president responsible for saving America from the Great Depression and implementing many of the social programs we take for granted today

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

It's impossible to miss the next memorial, an immense structure dedicated to one of America's founding fathers: Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson himself may be a controversial figure, but there's no denying that this memorial is awe-inspiring!

National Mall

Next you'll arrive at the National Mall a picturesque stretch of greenway which is also home to many of Washington's most iconic sights

World War II Memorial

You'll pass the intricate and expansive World War II Memorial next, where you have the chance to pay your respects to the Americans who gave their lives in the fight against fascism and search for the two hidden "Kilroy was here" engravings

Washington Monument

You'll then approach the Washington Monument, that iconic white obelisk reaching skyward. Did you know this was once the world's tallest structure? It was actually dethroned by none other than the Eiffel Tower!

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Then it's on to the National Museum of African American History, honoring and detailing the many named and nameless African American heroes who built this country

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

After that, you'll arrive at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the ultimate place to go for anything American history related

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

Next door to the American History Museum is the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, full of fascinating scientific exhibits

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

Then, stroll through the Sculpture Garden, a cozy little park full of strange, captivating works of art

National Gallery of Art

You'll pass the National Gallery of Art next, one of the finest art museums in America, and also the only one in the whole country with an original Leonardo da Vinci painting

US House of Representatives

Want to see the place where, as the saying goes, "the sausage gets made"? That's up next, at the House of Representatives, where congress meets to create and debate legislation

Library of Congress

After that you'll arrive at the ultimate library: the Library of Congress. Home to over 32 million books along with tons of other pieces of media, this building contains some serious knowledge!

United States Capitol

Next is the United States Capitol Building, that iconic domed structure you've seen on TV. Get an in-person look at this landmark and hear about how this branch of the government came into being

Supreme Court of the United States / Conclusion

Finally, you'll arrive at the Supreme Court of the United States, where the ultimate authorities on Constitutional Law bring down their gavels. The tour concludes here

Preview The Tour

  can you walk everywhere in washington dc.

While you might not be able to walk everywhere in Washington on foot, you probably won’t need a car, especially in the center where most Washington DC tours take place. Washington is a relatively small city, and unlike many American urban centers, the public transportation system is fairly robust. That means you can easily get in and out of downtown Washington without a car, and you’ll be able to walk once you make it there.

  What do visitors see at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?

When your Washington monument tour takes you to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, you’ll actually be seeing two different monuments. The first is the Memorial Wall, two large granite slabs engraved with the names of those who died in the war . The other part is the Three Soldiers statue, which was added afterward when the wall itself proved to be too grim an image for the public.

  Can you visit the MLK Memorial?

 Absolutely! The Martin Luther King Memorial is open every day, 24 hours a day, and is always free to the public.

  What should you not miss in DC?

 If there’s one place you should not miss on your Washington DC tour, it’s definitely the National Mall.

  What is the best time of year to visit Washington DC?

 If you’re thinking of taking a Washington monuments tour, your best bet is to either visit between September and November or March and May.

  Is it easy to walk around Washington DC?

 The answer is yes, absolutely! As any Washington DC tour will tell you, the capital is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the United States.

  What is there to do in DC for two hours?

Funny you should ask – we at Action Tour Guide just so happen to have a Washington monuments tour that lasts for about two hours. This Self-Guided Tour will take you to all the best and most interesting monuments on the National Mall, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the controversial Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Not only that, but the tour also includes a ton of other interesting sites, like the White House, the Ford Theater, and the US Capitol building. In between stops, we’ll pepper in some information you might not know about topics like the War of 1812, President Roosevelt’s secret bunker, and even the history of graffiti.

  What is the most interesting museum in Washington?

With so many great museums on any Washington DC tour, picking the best one will depend on what you’re interested in. The Smithsonian Institute has 23 different museum branches all over the area, so there’s sure to be something for everybody. There are also some terrific independent museums in Washington as well, like the International Spy Museum or the (somewhat controversial) Museum of the Bible.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Nearby tours.

Sending login info,please wait...

Sending info,please wait...

Sending register info,please wait...

All tours are valid for a lifetime. Buy now, travel whenever—coupon code on the next screen. Subscribe to our newsletter below.

Know about new tour launches, get exclusive access to sales and much more. Subscribe to our newsletter below—coupon code on the next screen. 

How Can I Tour the White House in Washington, DC?

Everything you need to know about planning a visit to the country’s most famous house., requesting a white house tour.

Touring the White House requires some advance planning. Public tour requests must be made through your member of Congress ( find your member of Congress and contact information ) and submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days prior to your visit. If you're an international visitor and wish to schedule a tour, please contact your home country’s embassy in Washington, DC.

You are encouraged to submit your tour request as early as possible as tours fill up quickly and a limited number of spaces are available. Tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. All White House tours are free. Please note tours are subject to last-minute cancellations based on the official White House schedule.

Public, self-guided tours are 45 minutes and are run between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays unless otherwise noted. For complete details on White House tours, visit the White House tours and events page or call the White House Visitors Office 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041. The White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Touring the White House - Washington, DC

What to expect on a White House tour

If there is a tour slot available during your visit to DC, you will be given a specific date and time to arrive and be instructed on where to check in. All guests over 18 years old will be required to present a valid, government-issued photo ID upon check-in. Foreign nationals must present their passport. Please bring as little as possible (avoid backpacks, food, large handbags, bottled water, etc.). Note that smartphones and compact cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches are permitted on the public tour route, but video recording devices and flash photography are not allowed inside the White House. Visitors will go through security prior to entering the White House. There are no restrooms available at the White House. The closest restroom is located at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion nearby.

Public tours of the White House include the public rooms in the East Wing, which includes the Blue Room, Red Room and Green Room; the State Dining Room; the China Room; and a view of the White House Rose Garden. Secret Service members are stationed in each room and are available to answer questions about the history and architecture of each room.

You can also visit the White House Visitor Center   before or after your tour.

Stephen Melkisethian

How to get to the White House

The closest Metro stations to the White House are Federal Triangle (Blue and Orange lines), Metro Center (Blue, Orange and Red lines) and McPherson Square (Blue and Orange lines). Please note there is NO PARKING near the White House. Public transportation is strongly encouraged.

@abroadwife

How to tour the White House Garden

Another opportunity to visit the White House is to attend either its fall or spring garden tour. Check whitehouse.gov in early October and April. The announcement of the garden tours is usually made within a week or two of when they take place. Garden tours generally run for two consecutive days. They may be canceled due to poor weather. A ticket is required for all attendees (including small children). Usually, tickets are distributed by the National Park Service at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion on 15th and E streets NW on each tour day beginning at 9 a.m. Review the announcement for specific details.

Will I still be able to see the White House without going on a tour?

While visitors are not allowed entry to the White House without requesting a tour through your congressional representative, you will still be able to see the White House from Pennsylvania Avenue NW at Lafayette Square and view the White House and the South Lawn from the Ellipse. Please note that a new fence is currently under construction at the White House, as the current 6-foot fence is being replaced by a stronger, wider fence that will be 13 feet.

Where can I store my belongings during the tour?

It is important to note that security at the White House is extremely high. If your hotel is nearby, we suggest leaving your belongings in your room during the tour. If this is not possible, there are a few other options. You can designate one member of your tour group to hold everyone’s belongings. That person can take the self-guided tour once his or her group has finished the tour.

If you're a ticketed Amtrak customer, you may be able to check luggage in advance at  Union Station . These are located near Gate A. Lockers are available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. A photo ID is required and lockers must be paid for via cash or credit in advance. Rates are $3-$6 per hour per bag depending on the size of your bag. For questions on bag storage, please call 202-906-3000.

Catch up on White House history with the free podcas t The 1600 Sessions and enhance your trip with the  White House Experience app  from the White House Historical Association. The app offers three tour experiences, including a virtual tour of the White House (with rooms you normally don't see on the tour), a neighborhood walking tour and a room-by-room guide for visitors on an in-person tour of the White House.

Now that you have read up on the White House, explore DC’s other awesome  monuments and memorials .

More About DC

You may also like..

80+ Things to Do This May in Washington, DC

Where to Enjoy an Outdoor & Drive-In Movie In & Around Washington, DC

Family-Friendly Restaurants & Places to Eat in Washington, DC