Things to do in Washington, D.C. for self travelers

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Top sights in Washington, D.C.

All self-guided activities

Activities found:26
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Self-guided audio tour
2h
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: From Dinosaurs to Humans
$9per tour
5.0
Self-guided audio tour
2 – 2.5h
Smithsonian National Museum of American History In-App Audio Tour
$10per tour
4.3
Self-guided audio tour
1.5h
National Museum of the American Indian In-App Audio Tour
$10per tour
5.0
Self-guided audio tour
2h
White House Visitor Center Museum & the President's Park In-App Audio Tour
$9per tour
5.0
Self-guided audio tour
2 – 2.5h
The National Mall: Reflecting on the Memory and Values of the Nation
$9per tour
5.0
Self-guided audio tour
2.5 – 3h
Georgetown in 3 Hours: Exploring the Coziest Neighborhood of the Capital City
$9per tour
Entry ticket + Audio tour
2 – 4h
National Air and Space Museum Reservation & In-App Audio Tour
$9per person
4.0
Self-guided audio tour
1h
Congressional Cemetery: a High-Spirited Walk with Stories of Extraordinary Lives
$9per tour
Self-guided audio tour
1.5h
Explore Capitol Echoes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
$10.54per tour
Self-guided audio tour
1.5h
Explore Hallowed Echoes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
$10.54per tour
Self-guided audio tour
40m
Uncover Secrets with the Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour
$10.54per tour
Self-guided audio tour
1h 15m
Discover Blossoms & Monuments: D.C. In-App Audio Tour
$10.54per tour
Self-guided audio tour
2h
Uncover The Tidal Basin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
$10.54per tour
Self-guided audio tour
40m
Discover Georgetown's Kennedy Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
$10.54per tour
Self-guided audio tour
20m
Uncover Secrets with In-App Audio Tour of City Parks
$10.54per tour
Self-guided audio tour
20m
Uncover Mysteries: D.C. In-App Audio Tour
$10.54per tour
Self-guided audio tour
20m
Uncover Mysteries with the Self-Guided Audio Tour
$10.54per tour
Self-guided audio tour
20m
Uncover the Secret Gardens: Self-Guided Audio Tour
$10.54per tour
Self-guided audio tour
1h
Uncover Secrets with Embassy Row In-App Audio Tour
$10.54per tour
Self-guided audio tour
40m
Uncover Dickens' Witty Critique: DC Self-Guided Audio Tour
$10.54per tour

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    Most recommended in Washington, D.C.
    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: From Dinosaurs to Humans
    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural Histor...

    Take this informative and educational audio tour to explore the collection of natural history artifacts, from dinosaur skeletons to early humans. Learn the history of the planet through an immersive experience of walking through the interactive halls of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. On the first floor of the museum, you will see the huge African Bush Elephant and learn the culture of African people. Here, you will face the mega-tooth shark and dive into the ocean along with the blue whales. Dinosaur lovers will be excited to see giants like Tyrannosaurus rex, Diplodocus and many more. The second floor will take you to the world of bones where you will see skeletons of monkeys, giraffes, snakes, turtles and many more. Critical Distance augmented reality experience will give you a possibility to swim with the orcas and “see” the underwater world through their eyes. Egyptian mummies will "tell" you the story of the most ancient civilization. This audio tour will help you to find the highlights of numerous museum halls and reveal the most incredible facts about creatures ever inhabiting the Earth. The tour is not affiliated with the museum and was provided by an independent creator.

    Smithsonian National Museum of American History In-App Audio Tour
    Smithsonian National Museum of American Histo...

    Discover rich American history guided through the museum's captivating exhibits by your own audio tour. Keep in mind that this museum has a free (!) admission. By buying this audio tour, you don’t pay for your entry. However, you get an opportunity to explore the beauty of the museum at your own pace, following the carefully planned route, seeing the best the museum has to offer, and listening to amazing stories. The tour may be used anytime during the opening hours: from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Start the tour from the first floor to see the American technology and engineering wonders, such as the magnificent John Bull locomotive. Then visit the Food Exhibition to learn how the new technologies transformed what we eat today and see Julia Child's recreated kitchen. Explore America on the Water and America on the Move exhibits to marvel at the early American Navy and all the types of vintage vehicles from the United States. On the second floor, you will hear the story of the original Star-Spangled Banner Flag. The third floor will take you to the military and political history of the United States. You will see the Gunboat Philadelphia and the famous exhibit of the First Ladies of America outfits. Finish the tour in the museum's courtyard, where you can see the famous abstract Infinity Sculpture. This tour is not affiliated with the NMAH but is provided by an independent creator. Entrance is free and requires no reservation.

    National Museum of the American Indian In-App Audio Tour
    National Museum of the American Indian In-App...

    Discover the culture and heritage of America's indigenous peoples guided through the Museum of the American Indian by your in-app audio tour. National Museum of the American Indian houses one of the world's largest collections of Native American artifacts spanning thousands of years. This tour will take you through the museum's highlights and introduce you to the rich heritage of the Native American peoples. The tour starts in the Potomac Atrium, the heart of the building, where you will get a glimpse into the history of the museum. Here, you will see some artifacts and artworks demonstrating the traditions of the American Indians. Next, you will learn about the Native peoples of the Chesapeake Bay region, now Washington, D.C., through photos, and ceremonial and everyday objects showcased at the Return to a Native Place exhibition. The 3rd floor also offers family activities where you can enjoy hands-on displays in the ImagiNATIONS Activity Center. While visiting the Americans Exhibition, you will see how Native American imagery has imbued the life of modern Americans and hear the true story of Pocahontas. Learn about clothing, toys, tools, and ceremonial objects through Window on Collections Exhibitions on the 3rd and 4th levels. After the tour, choose to try native foods at the Mitsitam Cafe or shop for unique souvenirs. This tour is not affiliated with the NMAI but is provided by an independent creator. Entrance is free and requires no reservation.

    White House Visitor Center Museum & the President's Park In-App Audio Tour
    White House Visitor Center Museum & the Presi...

    Obtaining a White House tour can be very difficult. Explore the White House through its Visitor Center Museum and walk along the President's Park guided by this in-app audio tour. It will make your experience easy and exciting! NOTE! This is not a tour of the White House but of its museum only! The museum has a free admission. By buying this audio tour, you don’t pay for your entry—you get an opportunity to explore it at your own pace with audio commentary along the carefully planned route. The tour starts at the White House Visitor Center, which offers a window into the president's iconic home and the oldest public building in the District of Columbia. You will hear about presidents' daily life and see historical artifacts, such as the miniature White House, the 1898 Eagle Flag Pole, Monroe's soup tureen, the French Red Armchair, and many more. The tour will continue along the North Trail of the President's Park, where you will see the statues of American heroes, such as General Jackson and General Lafayette, and hear the stories behind notable historical events. Get a glimpse of the White House while walking along this 1.5-mile trail. NOTE! The White House Visitor Center is open from Tuesday to Friday from 7.30 am to 4 pm, and is closed on Sunday and Monday. Reserve 15 minutes for security screening. This tour is not affiliated with the White House Visitor Center but is provided by an independent creator. Admission is free, and no reservation is needed.

    The National Mall: Reflecting on the Memory and Values of the Nation
    The National Mall: Reflecting on the Memory a...

    Discover the symbolic architecture of the historical memorials on the National Mall in Washington with the help of this comprehensive self-guided audio tour. You will find yourself right in the heart of America's democracy and learn about the meaning of the National Mall, which embodies the country's rich heritage and principal ideals. You will reflect on the past, present, and future of the United States, starting your journey at the foot of the Capitol Building by the Monument of Ulysses S. Grant — the 18th president of the United States. You will proceed to the Lincoln Memorial, a pivotal moment in American history that pays tribute to some of its heroes. This architectural tour will help you get insights into the emblematic landmarks' design and understand the messages they communicate. Uncover how architects tell stories and convey emotions and discover the United States reflects on its past on a journey along the National Mall.

    Georgetown in 3 Hours: Exploring the Coziest Neighborhood of the Capital City
    Georgetown in 3 Hours: Exploring the Coziest ...

    Welcome to picture-perfect Georgetown in Washington D.C.! This audio tour will walk you along the cobbled streets and distinguished houses to introduce notables who lived or worked there and give a glimpse of the neighborhood's history. The tour begins near the Old Stone House, the oldest one in Georgetown, and the whole city. Next, you will cross the iconic tranquil Chesapeake & Ohio canal that evokes Venice. From there, you will get to Washington Harbor, the popular leisure area with a vista of the Potomac River and the site of the city's biggest ice rink. Take pictures in front of Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the U.S. founded in 1789 that boasts world-famous alumni like Bill Clinton and Bradley Cooper. Passing by the beautiful Volta Bureau building, where famous Alexander Bell researched into deafness, you will discover his accomplishments apart from inventing the telephone. Walking up and down the streets, you will meet the Kennedy family and see the Federal-style houses they lived in before and after the White House. Near one of them, you will admire the imposing Dumbarton House where the United Nations charter was mapped out to be signed in San Francisco in 1945. Finally, you will spot the tiny Old Wooden House built before the Civil War, which is one of the oldest in the city. Join the tour and experience the storied past and present of this charming historic district in the United States' capital!

    National Air and Space Museum Reservation & In-App Audio Tour
    National Air and Space Museum Reservation & I...

    Take this in-app audio tour of the best air and space museum in the world to spot its jewels and must-sees! Note! The museum has a free (!) admission. By buying this in-app audio tour, you get the reserved entry required by the museum and audio commentary along a planned route! The tour starts at the America by Air Exhibition where you will see aircraft that revolutionized transportation: Ford Tri-Motor, Boeing 247 etc. You will then learn how a dream of flying became a reality at the Early Flight and the Wright Brothers exhibits. This enabled different ways that everyone can fly and the diversity of careers in aviation, shown at the We All Fly Gallery. Next, you will get higher into space and hear about the exploration of Mars while walking through martian landscapes and rovers at the Exploring the Planets Gallery. The culmination of the tour is the Destination Moon which celebrates the first lunar landing in 1969. Here, you'll find artifacts like Neil Armstrong's spacesuit and the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia. Finish the tour by admiring the full-size X-Wing Starfighter from Star Wars and strolling under the shiny satellites overhead at the One World Connected exhibit. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the NASM, but submitted by an independent creator.

    Congressional Cemetery: a High-Spirited Walk with Stories of Extraordinary Lives
    Congressional Cemetery: a High-Spirited Walk ...

    Walk through the cemetery where the stories of the famous come to life with this in-app audio tour! Led by a public radio reporter, this tour will introduce you to the colorful characters for whom the Congressional Cemetery became a final resting place. From the Prince of Bummers to the designer of the U.S. Capitol, each stop on the tour offers a unique perspective on Washington's history. You'll start at the Accordion headstone, one of the cemetery's quirkiest features, before paying your respects at the grave of John Philip Sousa, the King of the March. From there, you'll "meet" the charming 19th-century grifter and learn about the mechanics of grave robbing. You'll also hear the story of a pioneer in photojournalism whose work you may carry in your pocket every day. As you wander through the cemetery, you'll hear Dr. William Thornton, the designer of the U.S. Capitol, "speaking" about his attempt to resurrect George Washington. You'll also "meet" John Edgar Hoover, the legendary FBI director who took down some of the most notorious gangsters of the 20th century. The tour ends at the grave of Leonard Matlovich, the "face of homosexuality in America" in the 1970s. Matlovich's bravery and activism for gay rights made him a symbol of hope for a generation.

    Explore Capitol Echoes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
    Explore Capitol Echoes: A Self-Guided Audio T...

    Discover the echoes of democracy and the pivotal sights of Capitol Hill with this immersive in-app audio tour. This experience caters to history enthusiasts and political aficionados seeking an in-depth exploration of the January 6th insurrection events, revealing the landmarks that served as silent observers to these critical moments in American history. Starting at the illustrious Willard Hotel and culminating at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, the route takes listeners on an insightful passage around the U.S. Capitol, where corridors of power have shaped the nation. Along your journey, you will tread the very ground that has witnessed grand political ceremonies and unexpected acts of history, providing a profound sense of the political and cultural evolutions that define Washington D.C. Linger at the Senate Chamber, the Capitol Reflecting Pool, and the path less traveled by beneath the Capitol's imposing edifice, each offering its own story and connection to the country's legacy. The memorable experiences will include standing before the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, contemplating the whispers of past Congressional debates, and retracing the steps of crucial political figures whose decisions continue to resonate within the fabric of American society.

    Explore Hallowed Echoes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
    Explore Hallowed Echoes: A Self-Guided Audio ...

    Step into the heart of history with 'Explore Hallowed Echoes,' a tour crafted for anyone with a passion for delving deep into the soul of America through its monuments. This audio tour invites history enthusiasts to embark on a reflective journey through Washington D.C.'s iconic landmarks, honoring the narratives of valor woven into the nation's fabric. The route commences grandly at the Lincoln Memorial, capturing the essence of American democracy and leadership, then proceeds solemnly to the tributes at the Korean and Vietnam War Veterans Memorials, echoing the unspoken stories of sacrifice and unity. Winding along the Reflecting Pool, the tour intimately connects participants with the silent sentinels of the past, leading from the serene waters that mirror the sky to the grounded memorials that mirror the nation's soul. The starting point at the Lincoln Memorial sets the stage, with the path concluding at the vivid tableau of service and courage represented by the statues and the Pool of Reflection at the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Each step is a step through time, offering an unbroken narrative of the nation's historical milestones. Travelers will depart with lasting impressions of granite guardians and bronze soldiers, entwined with the personal and collective memories they embody. The stillness of the Reflecting Pool stands in contrast to the powerful echoes of history, ensuring that the journey is as moving as it is memorable. Embrace the quiet dignity of these hallowed places, and carry with you the profound reflections stirred by the stories of those commemorated along the way.

    Attractions in Washington, D.C.

    Self-guided tours
    Entrance tickets

    Reviews about activities in Washington, D.C.

    Overall rating
    4.4
    20 ratings 6 reviews
    16
    5
    0
    4
    2
    3
    0
    2
    2
    1
    Anonym
    July 2023
    5
    National Museum of the American Indian In-App Audio Tour
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Had some technical difficulty getting the audio for the tour initially, but got it sorted quickly.
    Gary
    October 2024
    3
    National Air and Space Museum Reservation & In-App Audio Tour
    Mispronouncing words is very distracting. Not much depth to the tour. Felt myself wanting about 2x more info.
    Anonym
    March 2023
    3
    Smithsonian National Museum of American History In-App Audio Tour
    Tour was pretty good. It definitely needs to be updated starting with the first exhibit the Bat Mobile that isn’t even there anymore. Overall it was ok. If I go again I’ll il just go where I want and read the information at each display which was great.
    Andre
    June 2024
    1
    National Air and Space Museum Reservation & In-App Audio Tour
    The museum not identified the tickets as some valuable ones…we didn’t enjoy the attraction as had been promised. We have paid for nothing.
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