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Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool: Our most recommended tours and activities

DC: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

1. DC: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

Explore the grandeur of the Nation's capital in style with Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tours. With an entertaining and engaging audio commentary, you can sit back and relax on an open-top double-decker sightseeing bus as you journey through Washington, DC's rich history and daily life. Immerse yourself in the city's most iconic and historic memorials, monuments, and museums. Hop off at any stop to explore at your leisure. Make the most of your day with the flexibility to plan your own itinerary. Choose to do one full loop to see the city or hop off and have your photo taken with Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial. Look out over the Reflecting Pool at the Washington Monument, just as Martin Luther King Jr. did as he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech from that very spot. With buses arriving regularly throughout the day, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Experience all that Washington DC has to offer, from the White House to the US Capitol Building and Capital Hill to the Korean and WWII War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, and the MLK and FDR monuments along the beautiful Tidal Basin. Big Bus is the official tour operator of the National Mall, giving you the closest access to world-famous, free museums including the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, African-American History Museum, The Holocaust Memorial, National American-Indian History, National Portrait Gallery, and more. Complete your DC experience with the 3-Day Explore option and enjoy a scenic 45-minute cruise along the Potomac River between the The Wharf and Georgetown. Admire breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, including the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, from the comfort of a climate-controlled vessel. Explore Georgetown's historic colonial neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets, charming shops, and unique restaurants. Alternatively, visit The Wharf for its trendy restaurants, boutiques, concert venues, and on-the-water activities, plus easy access to downtown DC and the National Mall. Ticket is valid for a one-way journey in either direction.

Washington DC: See the City Segway Tour

2. Washington DC: See the City Segway Tour

Arrive 30 minutes before the tour time for instruction on how to ride a Segway, then head off on a thrilling guided Segway tour of Washington DC and its main landmarks. Listen as your guide recounts fascinating stories about these iconic locations, narrated via a state-of-the-art radio system. Before departure, receive training and get fitted for your equipment. Watch a brief video and presentation, then receive one-on-one instruction from the experienced staff. Don't be nervous! Many of the visitors are first-time riders and most people get the hang of it within a few minutes.  Once everyone is comfortable, you will do a quick soundcheck and off you go!  The first stop is the White House, just across the street from your starting point! From there, continue to explore as many of the following sites as possible: Lafayette Square US Treasury Constitution Gardens Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Vietnam Veterans Memorial Korean War Memorial DC War Memorial Tidal Basin WWII Memorial Washington Monument Smithsonian Museums National Gallery of Art US Capitol National Archives US Navy Memorial FBI Building Freedom Plaza and more!

Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour

3. Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour

On our location aware smart phone guided walking tour you will see D.C.’s best-known monuments and museums with a few hidden gems in between using the power of our patented walking tour technology and story telling. Go at your own pace, and schedule. On our adventure you’ll see the Vietnam war, Lincoln, Washington, Korean War, world war 2, General Grant, Garfield, Buffalo Dancer, Joan Miro and Marc Chagall monuments, memorials and statues, to name a few. You will also see the Smithsonian museums of American History, Natural History, Air and Space, American Indians, the National Gallery and the sculpture garden, all free to enter, if they are open of course. And along the way I’ll share with you the stories of each site, it’s hidden secrets, and how they influenced and changed the United States. I’ll even suggest a spot to grab lunch and have a picnic along the way.

DC: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour and Boat Cruise

4. DC: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour and Boat Cruise

See the best of Washington, DC in just 3 days with a combo tour. Hop aboard a Big Bus open-top double-decker to explore the city at your own pace, and in your own language with digital audio commentary. Then, board the Monuments Water Taxi for a scenic tour between The Wharf to Georgetown. As you ride the bus, see iconic monuments and memorials including the White House, Capitol Building, Washington Monument, and Arlington National Cemetery. Hop off at stops along the route to explore the Smithsonian National History Museum, Air & Space Museum, and more. Hop off at the National Mall to pay your respects at the memorials of some of the country's most important figures, including Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. If you want to dive deeper into the city's history, visit the Library of Congress or the International Spy Museum. Listen to digital commentary in multiple languages to learn about the city's top attractions and landmarks in your native language. Enjoy the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace, taking as much time as you need to fully appreciate everything that the nation’s capital has to offer. Once you've explored downtown DC’s history and culture, take the boat cruise to Georgetown and stroll through the picturesque colonial neighborhood filled with cafes, shops, and historic homes. Feel as if you’re transported back in time as you wander its cobblestone streets.

Washington, DC: Private National Mall Walking Tour

5. Washington, DC: Private National Mall Walking Tour

Take a fully-guided, interactive 2-hour walking tour where you will discover the most iconic monuments found along the National Mall in Washington DC. Explore America’s most-visited national park, where the past, present, and future come together adorned with monuments and memorials that honor American forefathers and heroes. See the National Stage where historic movements and celebrations have taken place such as the  “I Have a Dream” speech and the AIDS Quilt. Listen as your engaging guide tells your family the story behind the monuments and memorials along the Mall—what they stand for, why they were built, and what historical figures or events are associated with them. Admire the Smithsonian Museums, walk past the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, the WW II Memorial,  Lincoln Memorial, and many more iconic monuments.

Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour

6. Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour

Download a vibrant MP3 self-guided audio tour combined with a fully detailed map of the area of your tour. This young capital has risen to be a leader of the international world. Architectural influences from ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt show the grandiose intentions behind the city’s designers, see the world famous White House, The Washington Monument, National Mall, Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool. Immerse yourself in heart of the capital’s political and cultural center at the Smithsonian Institute and the United States Capitol. This tour is an unmissable experience in exploring the history of Washington D.C and the architectural marvels it beholds.

DC: 'Behind the Granite' Monuments and Memorials Tour

7. DC: 'Behind the Granite' Monuments and Memorials Tour

Did you know DC used to be a swamp? Or that rubbing Albert Einstein’s bronze nose will bring you good luck? There are hundreds of little secrets and details hiding in the National Mall, and you can uncover them with Junket. You’ll meet your seasoned local guide at the Washington Monument, where they’ll spin a dramatic tale involving Egypt, the Pope, and a political coup. From there, you’ll wind through six other famous monuments and two bonus stops. Find out why the Vietnam War Memorial is still the most controversial installation on the Mall. Uncover the story of “Kilroy,” a World War II meme that comforted American soldiers, and learn why it’s a bad idea to take a dip in the Reflecting Pool. Along the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to snap Instagram-worthy photos of DC’s iconic sites. You may even meet some baby ducks. This tour has something for everyone — from the family history buff to the disinterested teen — so join us for a behind-the-scenes adventure that may change the way you look at DC forever.

Other Sightseeing Options in Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

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What people are saying about Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 196 reviews

Very knowledgeable tour guides and Segways are the only way to do this tour. In about 2 hours, we were able to see what would normally take all day to see. We took lots of pictures. I will do this again!! Highly recommended!!

This was an excellent overview of what the National Mall has to offer in terms of the monuments and attractions. The information shared was insightful and can inform what you choose to explore later in more detail.

Amazing tour! Being clumsy, I was terrified of falling off, but the guides were really helpful and patient and I had so much fun! Highly recommend to anyway wanting to see the sights and have fun along the way.

It was an incredible way to see the city for first time visitors to get a layout of the places you will want to go spend more time at. And being on a Segway for the first time was a real blast.

Quick way to see all the main monuments. Great experience!