Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
Port schedule
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Skip the Line National Archives and Capitol Hill Tour

5 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Washington DC, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Visit the National Archives and Capitol Hill without the long lines. This tour grants you skip-the-line access to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, allowing for a reflective experience before the crowds arrive. Discover a rare 1297 copy of the Magna Carta, learn its fascinating history, and connect the founding principles to modern-day policies as you explore the Supreme Court and Capitol. With Friends in DC’s unique charm and perspective, this tour is perfect for families and travelers wanting to explore history in a relaxed and inspiring manner, without feeling overwhelmed.

- Early access to the National Archives and key documents
- A beautiful stroll through The National Mall, filled with secret stories and hidden symbolism even your kids won’t get bored of.
- Engaging storytelling designed for families and history enthusiasts

What's Included

  • Skip-The-Line Archives Access
  • Expert, English-Speaking Guide
  • Bottled water Guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
  • Encouraged but not mandatory
See 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

701 Constitution Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20408, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

First Street Southeast
Washington, DC 20515, USA

The tour ends outside the US Capitol Building.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

The National Archives Museum

Skip-The-Line and be one of the first people of the day to see the Charters of Freedom. After digesting this quiet moment with The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, explore their many exhibits with your expert guide and discover the other hidden treasures of The National Archives.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

National Mall

While strolling down Washington DC’s most iconic and majestic public park, hear the stories that make this place come alive. Assassinations, art, dubious figures; all are explored while we make our way to Capitol Hill
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Supreme Court

Embrace the Supreme Court of the United States and all its grandeur. With the help of your guide, you and your party will connect the dots of how those founding documents function in today’s society.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

After indulging in one of the best photo opportunities in the nation, our guide brings it all together. By connecting the dots between The Declaration of Independence and this marvelous structure in front of you, you and your party leave filled big “aha” moments that would never have been experienced without your guide. Come for the history, stay for the American journey.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 3 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Skip the Line National Archives and Capitol Hill Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5666660P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
5 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
5
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Afternoon Mount Vernon and Alexandria Tour plus DC Night Tour

Experience first hand where George Washington, America’s founding father lived, walked and dined. Guest would have the opportunity to explore the Mount Vernon property and …More

Experience first hand where George Washington, America’s founding father lived, walked and dined. Guest would have the opportunity to explore the Mount Vernon property and...

7 hours Free Cancellation
3.0 (2)
from
$158

Washington DC Monuments Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

Discover the rich history and drama of the nation’s capital. This self-guided driving tour covers all the iconic sights, like the Washington Monument, the White …More

Discover the rich history and drama of the nation’s capital. This self-guided driving tour covers all the iconic sights, like the Washington Monument, the White...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$20

Private Night-Time Monuments Tour of DC for up to 10 Guests

Experience the magic of Washington DC under the stars with Perfect Private Tours on our enchanting 3-hour Night Tour. As the city's iconic landmarks shimmer …More

Experience the magic of Washington DC under the stars with Perfect Private Tours on our enchanting 3-hour Night Tour. As the city's iconic landmarks shimmer...

2 to 3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (357)
from
$675

Private Tour of Mount Vernon by Van with Guided Mansion Tour

The journey to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate is a scenic route in itself, catching a glimpse of the beautiful Potomac Waterfronts. The experience at …More

The journey to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate is a scenic route in itself, catching a glimpse of the beautiful Potomac Waterfronts. The experience at...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.4 (5)
from
$500

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Hop-on Hop-off Tour of DC with 18 Stops and Arlington Audio Tour

Explore Washington, D.C. with the Official Tour of the National Mall. As the National Park Service's authorized concessionaire, Big Bus takes you closer to the …More

Explore Washington, D.C. with the Official Tour of the National Mall. As the National Park Service's authorized concessionaire, Big Bus takes you closer to the...

60 to 110 minutes Free Cancellation
3.8 (3,417)
from
$45

DC Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, National Mall, Tickets

Experience Washington DC lit up at night during this 3-Hour Guided Night Tour of the National Mall and Monuments. Make your way through the city …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience Washington DC lit up at night during this 3-Hour Guided Night Tour of the National Mall and Monuments. Make your way through the city...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (5,881)
from
$63

DC Monuments by Night: 10+ Landmarks | Open-Top Upgrade Available

See a different side of Washington DC after dark on a guided night tour of the city's floodlit monuments. This tour runs on our standard …More

See a different side of Washington DC after dark on a guided night tour of the city's floodlit monuments. This tour runs on our standard...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (7,151)
from
$58

Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House

The first Lincoln Assassination tour to go into Ford's Theatre! Step back in time to April 14, 1865, and investigate the conspiracy that shattered a …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The first Lincoln Assassination tour to go into Ford's Theatre! Step back in time to April 14, 1865, and investigate the conspiracy that shattered a...

2 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (573)
from
$59

What's Included

Activity name

  • Skip-The-Line Archives Access
  • Expert, English-Speaking Guide
  • Bottled waterGuests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
  • Encouraged but not mandatory

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name