Fully private, fully customizable tours in Washington DC — plus the top attractions to see, each with its own guide. Tell us what matters to you and we'll build the day around it.
Washington DC is the capital of the United States and, unusually for a major American city, was purpose-built to be one — laid out in the 1790s around a grand ceremonial core rather than growing organically from an existing settlement. That core is the National Mall, a two-mile stretch of open lawn connecting the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, lined on both sides by the free Smithsonian museums and the monuments most visitors come to see.
The Capitol and the White House anchor the seats of America's legislative and executive branches, both recognizable from a thousand photographs but genuinely striking in person. The Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington Monuments punctuate the Mall's western half, especially dramatic at sunset or reflected in the Tidal Basin during the spring cherry blossom season. Arlington National Cemetery, just across the Potomac in Virginia, adds a quieter, more solemn stop to most itineraries.
Unlike many capital cities, DC's biggest attractions are almost entirely free — the Smithsonian museums charge no admission — which makes it less about ticket logistics and more about time management across a genuinely large campus of sights. A private tour is the most efficient way to cover the Mall's full length alongside outlying stops like Georgetown or Arlington in a single day.
Popular stops our guides build into Washington DC itineraries — tap any attraction to learn more.
Late March through April brings the famous cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin, though it's also the busiest season. September and October offer comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds.
The National Mall itself is walkable but genuinely long — end to end is about two miles. A vehicle makes it realistic to also fit in Georgetown, Arlington, or outlying monuments without exhausting your group on foot.
All Smithsonian museums along the Mall are free to enter, with no advance tickets required for most (a few special exhibits are the exception) — a rarity among world capitals.
Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold with occasional snow. Comfortable walking shoes matter given how much ground the Mall covers on foot once you're there.
The US dollar is used throughout, and 18–20% is standard tipping at restaurants. Contactless card and mobile payment are widely accepted.
The Capitol, White House grounds, and many museums involve security screening similar to airport checkpoints — arrive a little early and expect bag restrictions at the most sensitive sites.
Tell us your group size and dates — we'll take care of the rest.
