Castle to Capitol: Museums of the National Mall Walking Tour

Visit the Smithsonian Institution and some of America’s most famous museums — focusing on their architectural elements — on this National Mall walking tour in Washington, DC.

Most of Washington's best-loved and frequently visited museums can be found on the east side of the National Mall, located between the United States Capitol building and the Washington Monument.

The tour begins at the Smithsonian Castle and Garden. The Smithsonian Institution, also known as ‘America's Attic,’ is one of the largest museum organizations in the world — boasting 30 million annual visitors, 19 museums and more than 140 million items in its vast collection. Explore how the Smithsonian has helped to shape the fabric of the National Mall, from its beginnings in 1847 until today.

In addition to the Smithsonian Castle and Garden, see the James V. Forrestal Building (also known as the Department of Energy), the Arts and Industries Building, the Hirshhorn Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art (from a distance), the National Museum of the American Indian, the United States Botanic Garden and the United States Capitol building.

The tour concludes on the west lawn of the US Capitol building.

Starting at the Smithsonian Castle, we'll visit the original home and oldest museum on the Mall. We'll see the crypt of James Smithson, the founder of the Smithsonian who never came to this country in his lifetime. We'll take a look at some old photos of Washington, showing the transformation of DC over the past 150 years, and an original model of the Castle. Next, we'll head outside to the gardens- "backstage" National Mall. We'll stop at the second home of the Smithsonian, the Arts & Industries Building, one of the most colorful and eclectic structures in the city. We'll pass the Hirshhorn Museum, our spaceship on the mall, and peek at the modern sculpture garden. We'll also stroll by the most popular museum in the U. S. , the Air and Space Museum, and one of our most underappreciated, the Museum of the American Indian. Heading through the Botanical Garden to a hidden gem known mostly by hill staffers, we'll wrap up at the foot of Capitol Hill with beautiful views of the US Capitol.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, an alternative or full refund will be offered
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers