Culture & History in Washington, D.C.

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Most recommended in Washington, D.C. Culture & History
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.

Washington DC In-App Audio Tour: Top Landmarks of the US Nation's Capital
Washington DC In-App Audio Tour: Top Landmark...

Washington, D.C, is a unique city that concentrates all the American nation's power, history, and culture. This self-guided in-app audio tour will show you the main attractions of the nation's capital and indulge you in its past and present. You will start exploring Washington, D.C., with a brief history of the U.S. capital and learn why it looks similar to Paris. Choose to marvel at the works of women artists from the Renaissance era to modern times at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Then, you will explore a neighborhood like no other in the city, Chinatown, and see the exquisite Friendship Archway. One of the major highlights of this tour is a visit to the place of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln — Ford’s Theatre, which displays exhibits related to that tragic night when John Wilkes Booth shot the former U.S. President. You will also spot the best views of the White House, the official residence of the President of the US, and the Capitol, a place where the US Congress meets. Then you will walk along the National Mall that hosts the iconic monuments, including the famous Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The tour will finish with a visit to the largest library in the world — the Library of Congress, and you will also see the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest court in the federal judiciary of the US. Join this tour and discover the capital city of America, its institutions, and an official yet cozy atmosphere!

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.

Attractions in Washington, D.C.

Self-guided tours
Entrance tickets

Best Washington, D.C. Culture & History

Discover the rich tapestry of America's capital city with immersive tours exploring top Culture & History in Washington, D.C.

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

What is it?
An in-app audio expedition showcasing the marvels of aviation and space exploration.
Why you should go?
Embark on an inspiring journey beginning with the America by Air Exhibition and the marvels of historical aircraft. Traverse the hallways of the Early Flight and the Wright Brothers exhibits to uncover the evolution of human flight. Delve into the We All Fly Gallery to appreciate the universal accessibility of modern air travel and the diversity within the field. Ascend further into the cosmos at the Exploring the Planets Gallery, gaining insights into Mars exploration amidst lifelike martian landscapes. Cohere your adventure amidst the triumphant displays of the Destination Moon exhibit, home to Apollo relics and Neil Armstrong's spacesuit, culminating with an encounter with Star Wars' X-Wing Starfighter and the resonant One World Connected exhibit.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: From Dinosaurs to Humans

What is it?
An educational audio tour teeming with prehistoric to present-day natural wonders.
Why you should go?
Step into a realm where the history of our planet unfolds before you. Encounter the imposing African Bush Elephant and tales of African heritage, confront the undersea leviathan that is the mega-tooth shark and traverse the oceanic world alongside majestic blue whales. Revel in the presence of the immense T. rex and Diplodocus among other dinosaur giants. Venture to skeletal displays, engage with augmented reality ocean life, and hearken to the narratives of Egyptian mummies. This audio guide illuminates the plethora of specimens and artifacts capturing the essence of life on Earth.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History In-App Audio Tour

What is it?
An audio guide through the heart of American innovation and cultural heritage.
Why you should go?
Immerse in the timeless journey of American progress and culture. Witness the splendor of the John Bull locomotive, delve into the evolution of American gastronomy at the Food Exhibition, and travel through historic transportation at America on the Water and on the Move. Be moved by the saga of the Star-Spangled Banner, explore presidential and military histories, and gain a new appreciation for the iconic First Ladies through their fashion. Conclude amidst modern art in the contemplative setting of the museum's courtyard with the Infinity Sculpture.

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

What is it?
A comprehensive in-app audio tour of the President's residence museum and surrounding park.
Why you should go?
Though the White House itself may elude many visitors, this audio tour offers a unique glimpse into presidential life and history through captivating exhibits and artifacts in the Visitor Center Museum. Continue your exploration as you stroll President's Park, reveling in stories of American heroes and witnessing the exterior of the nation's most recognized domicile, all while engaging with the park's rich historical tapestry.

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

What is it?
An audio stroll through the historic and picturesque neighborhood of Georgetown.
Why you should go?
Navigate the charming cobblestone milieu, rich with stories of past residents and its role in national history. Begin your sojourn at the venerable Old Stone House, promenade along the shores of the C&O canal, and relish the views from Washington Harbor. Admire the legacy of Georgetown University and explore the contributions of Alexander Bell at the Volta Bureau. Conclude your tour with encounters of Kennedy residences and the landmark Dumbarton House, each corner in Georgetown an echo of America's narrative.

National Museum of the American Indian In-App Audio Tour

What is it?
An in-app audio guide through the heritage and culture of Native Americans.
Why you should go?
This tour serves as an insightful exploration of the National Museum of the American Indian, unveiling millennia of Native American history. From the Potomac Atrium to the immersive Americans Exhibition, travelers will engage with the enduring legacy of the native peoples. Interactive activities and artifacts narrate stories from the Chesapeake Bay region to the overarching influence of Native American imagery in modern America. Conclude the experience with native culinary delights or shop for distinctive mementos.

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

What is it?
An enlightening self-guided audio tour of the National Mall's historical memorials.
Why you should go?
Step onto the grounds of American democracy and explore the National Mall's profound memorials. From the Ulysses S. Grant Monument to the evocative Lincoln Memorial, absorb the architectural storytelling and ideals embodied within these iconic landmarks. This tour provides a reflective narrative on America’s deep historical roots, monumental achievements, and aspirations for the future as seen through the lens of the capital's structural artistry.

Washington DC In-App Audio Tour: Top Landmarks of the US Nation's Capital

What is it?
An audio journey spotlighting Washington, D.C.'s most prominent landmarks and history.
Why you should go?
Embark on an in-depth tour of Washington, D.C., to experience the heart of America, from Chinatown’s Friendship Archway to the pivotal Ford’s Theatre, site of Lincoln’s assassination. Discover the capital's history, gaze upon the White House, saunter along the National Mall, and stand in awe of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the esteemed institutions of the Library of Congress and U.S. Supreme Court.

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

What is it?
An audio tour capturing the intriguing tales of notable historical figures at Congressional Cemetery.
Why you should go?
Explore the Congressional Cemetery with an audio narrative from a public radio reporter who breathes life into the past residents' stories. Unearth the history of Washington from the Prince of Bummers to the esteemed Capitol designer, experience tales of grave robbers, celebrate photojournalism pioneers, and honor the legacy of activists like Leonard Matlovich with each step through this storied necropolis.

TOP-5 most rated Culture & History in Washington, D.C.

• Soar through aviation history with the National Air and Space Museum's in-app audio tour, featuring must-see exhibits like the Wright Brothers and Apollo 11 artifacts. • Traverse time from dinosaurs to modern biodiversity at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History via an engaging audio tour. • Uncover America's narrative through technological marvels and historical treasures with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's in-app audio guide. • Discover presidential history and iconic U.S. heritage through the White House Visitor Center Museum & the President's Park with an insightful in-app audio tour. • Stroll the cobblestone charm of Georgetown, immersing in the neighborhood's historic and cultural stories, with a comprehensive audio walking tour.

TOP-5 new Culture & History in Washington, D.C. for experienced tourists

• Blast off to the National Air and Space Museum with an audio tour taking you from early flight to space exploration, including Apollo 11's celebrated moon landing. • Journey through time at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, encountering dinosaur fossils, ocean giants, and remarkable stories from our planet's history. • Delve into the technological advancements and rich tapestry of American life at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History through a narrated audio experience. • Navigate the complexities of obtaining a White House tour with the White House Visitor Center Museum and the President's Park audio guide, enriched with tales of America's leaders. • Meander through Georgetown's historic streets and explore the captivating tales of its illustrious former residents and buildings with a comprehensive audio walking tour.

FAQ

The best Washington, D.C. Culture & History can be experienced through its renowned museums and historic sites. Key attractions include the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of American History. Additionally, the White House Visitor Center and the rich architectural district of Georgetown provide immersive historical insights.
Apart from culture and history, Washington, D.C. offers scenic parks, such as the National Arboretum, kayaking on the Potomac, engaging art galleries, and vibrant shopping districts such as Dupont Circle. The city’s culinary scene is diverse, ranging from upscale dining to iconic food trucks near major attractions.
Cultural and historical tours in Washington, D.C. can range from a quick visit of about an hour to in-depth explorations lasting several hours or a full day. The duration typically depends on the individual's pace and interest level, with self-guided audio tours offering the flexibility to tailor the experience to personal preferences.
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