Washington by Moonlight: VIP Memorials & Capitol Hill Tour

Experience Washington after dark on a private VIP tour of illuminated memorials and Capitol Hill. Travel by private vehicle and step out at selected memorials to explore them on foot as the city changes from twilight to night. Your guide will share the history, symbolism, architecture, and stories behind Washington’s most important memorials while helping you make the most of the city’s dramatic nighttime setting. The experience also includes a special Capitol Hill drive past the illuminated U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress. This tour is especially well suited to couples, families, returning visitors, photographers, history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers with limited time who want to experience Washington at its most atmospheric.

1. 1

   National World War I Memorial

   10 min

   Visit the National World War I Memorial, which honors the 4.7 million Americans who served during the First World War. At the heart of the memorial is “A Soldier’s Journey,” sculptor Sabin Howard’s dramatic 58-foot bronze relief depicting the experience of an American soldier from departure and combat through loss, survival, and return home. It is especially striking when illuminated at night. You will also see the statue of General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, along with battle maps, inscriptions, quotations, and interpretive panels that trace America’s role in the war and its lasting impact. Your guide will explain the symbolism throughout the memorial and help bring the stories of the men and women who served during the Great War to life.

2. 2

   The White House

   10 min

   View the White House from an available public vantage point and hear a brief introduction to its history and the presidents who have lived and worked here. Please note: THIS IS AN EXTERIOR TOUR ONLY. White House interior tours are arranged separately through congressional offices. DCBT cannot arrange, authorize, or guarantee admission to the White House.

3. 3

   National World War II Memorial

   20 min

   Explore the World War II Memorial as evening falls, with its fountains and dramatic views toward the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. Your guide will explain the symbolism of Friedrich St. Florian’s design, including the Atlantic and Pacific arches and the 56 pillars representing the states, territories, and District of Columbia. And keep an eye out for two familiar faces from World War II — the hidden “Kilroy was here” engravings tucked into the memorial. This is also our first scheduled restroom opportunity.

4. 4

   Thomas Jefferson Memorial

   20 min

   As we travel around the Tidal Basin, learn why the basin was created, why this location was chosen for the Jefferson Memorial, and the architectural and historical meanings behind its famous design. At night, the illuminated memorial and its reflection across the water create one of Washington’s most memorable views.

5. 5

   Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

   15 min

   Experience the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial after dark, when the monumental figure of Dr. King takes on a particularly striking presence. Your guide will explain the symbolism of the Mountain of Despair and the Stone of Hope, point out quotations drawn from Dr. King’s sermons, speeches, and writings, and discuss his life and leadership in the Civil Rights Movement. From the memorial, enjoy another beautiful nighttime view across the Tidal Basin toward the Jefferson Memorial.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   10 min

   Cross the Potomac into Arlington, Virginia, and learn how lands that are now part of Arlington were originally included within the District of Columbia. See the dramatic U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial — often called the Iwo Jima Memorial — illuminated against the Washington skyline.

7. 7

   Vietnam Veterans Memorial

   15 min

   Begin at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the Three Servicemen statue, and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.

8. 8

   Lincoln Memorial

   15 min

   Continue to the Lincoln Memorial, with sweeping nighttime views across the National Mall. Stand near the place where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the 1963 March on Washington.

9. 9

   Korean War Veterans Memorial

   15 min

   Finish at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, one of Washington’s most evocative memorials after dark.

10. 10

    The National Mall

    10 min

    As we travel through the National Mall, see the illuminated Washington Monument and learn about its original design, construction history, and famous change in stone color. Depending on routing and road access, we may also pass several Smithsonian landmarks, including the Smithsonian Castle and Arts and Industries Building.

11. 11

    Capitol Hill

    15 min

    Continue to Capitol Hill for a nighttime drive past three of Washington’s great civic landmarks. See the illuminated United States Capitol, home of Congress and one of the defining symbols of American government. Drive past the Supreme Court of the United States and its monumental classical façade. Then see the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, one of Washington’s great Beaux-Arts landmarks. Together, the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress create a spectacular nighttime finale and offer a view of Washington’s legislative, judicial, and cultural institutions within one remarkable architectural setting.

12. 12

    Freedom Plaza

    5 min

    The tour ends where it began - at lovely Freedom Plaza. It is near many central hotels and the subway line - your driver can help you find your way home.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.