National Archives Skip the Line Guided Tour
Skip the public line and stand before the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Magna Carta with a licensed DC guide who has researched every gallery. Your group of six enters through a separate entrance reserved for us, so the ninety minutes are spent with the documents, not in the queue outside.
What’s included
- A licensed DC guide and a group of no more than 6
- Entry to the National Archives Museum through a separate entrance, no public line
- The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom: the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights
- The 1297 Magna Carta and the Records of Rights gallery
Itinerary
We meet at National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 7th St NW.
Know before you go
- The tour lasts 90 minutes and is entirely indoors.
- Photography is not permitted inside the National Archives Museum, including the Rotunda.
- Security is airport-style. Small bags are fine; food and drink are not permitted inside.
- The Archives is closed on Thanksgiving Day and December 25.
- Expect a text from your guide about two hours before the tour with exact meeting instructions.
Private tour
Same route, same guide, just your group. Your own date and time.
$300 private booking fee, plus $65 per guest
Meeting point
- We meet at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004, on the corner of 7th Street and Constitution Avenue, directly across the avenue from the National Archives.
- Expect a text from your guide about two hours before the tour with exact meeting instructions.
FAQ
Do I need to reserve my own timed entry?
No. Your group enters through a separate entrance reserved for us, so there is nothing to book and no public line to stand in. Bring your booking confirmation and a photo ID.
Why only six guests?
That is the size of group our entrance admits at a time, and it is the right size for standing in front of a single document together. Larger parties can book more than one departure or a private tour.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The National Archives Museum is step-free with elevators between floors. If you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, tell us when you book and your guide will plan the route through the galleries accordingly.
Can I cancel?
Yes. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, and you can reserve now and pay later.
Reviews
Very good overview of Capital and Supreme Court. Enjoyed the guides: very informative and fortunate to go to gallery in The House
Shirleybeth H.
Viator
Will was very knowledgeable and engaging. Made sure we had an in-depth experience.
Appines S.
Tripadvisor
William did an amazing job! The tour was so informative and inclusive!
Mara E.
Tripadvisor
100%. Jesse was awesome and informative and funny and all the good things.
Jacob R.
Tripadvisor
Awesome experience, Derek was exceptional with his knowledge and was very polite and patient!
Bruce B.
Tripadvisor
Derek was a great guide and would tour with him again. Supreme Court was amazing to sit in the actual chamber and learn there is actually one court higher (fun fact). The Capitol tour was a lot to take it but so glad I did.
Gamal M.
Viator
Highly recommend Jessie amazing tour knew so much history and had a lovely voice and would highly recommend
Sarah A.
Viator
Many thanks to Jesse for a informative and engaging tour. I enjoyed his enthusiasm and personalisation of the tour in our small group of 6! Would highly recommend 🙂
Kam K.
Excellent. Jesse was informative and engaging for the whole tour. Highly recommend it
Verified guest
GetYourGuide
Archer guy was very knowledgeable, very comfortable settings. So much to see here definitely worth coming.
Sandra B.
Tripadvisor
Jesse was great! He kept it very interesting and we had a great time!
Shianne P.
Tripadvisor
Derek was an excellent tour guide and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed our tour very much!
Melissa P.
Tripadvisor
Jesse was extremely knowledgeable and provided an enjoyable afternoon. It was so great to learn so many new things I didn’t know about a city I’ve lived in for years!
Andrew S.
The tour was great, the guide had loads of knowledge and great stories, very informative. Nice small group so felt like everyone was included.
Verified guest
GetYourGuide
Jesse did an amazing job and was very knowledgeable and entertaining.
Lrobi N.
Tripadvisor
Great Tour!! Very knowledgeable and able to understand everything he said
Loba L.
Tripadvisor
We truly enjoyed our tour of the Capital and Supreme Court. It’s a must when visiting Washington DC.! Fee was included w/ visiting inside the Capital and Supreme Court. The tour lasted about 3hrs. but went pretty quickly, Derek was our tour guide, he was great very knowledgeable, he made it fun! Our group was small, which was perfect! We highly recommend this tour!!
Calogera T.
Tripadvisor
Jesse was very knowledgeable about history with the assination.
Verified guest
GetYourGuide
really great and educational tour, tour guide very connective and knowledgeable
Jenna F.
Tripadvisor
Jesse was a fantastic and informative guide on our Capitol + Library of Congress tour. Plenty of humour and plenty of facts – bonus points for having a small tour group. Many thanks from your Brits!
Verified guest
Tripadvisor
Jesse was amazing and we learned so much history on our tour! The Library of Congress is absolutely stunning!
Kimberley W.
Viator
Incredible experience. Small. Knowledgeable and took us the “smart way” so we weren’t going uphill the entire trip. Derek was fantastic
Verified guest
Tripadvisor
Experience was great, Jesse was fun and made the tour interesting!
Vaughn H.
Tripadvisor
Our guide William was very nice and knowledgable. Really interesting tour. Lots of walking!
Marija P.
Tripadvisor