Any Washingtonian will tell you that the best time to tour the monuments is at night. But whether you want to play tourist in your own city, take your out-of-town guests sightseeing, or are planning a visit to the nation’s capital, there are seemingly endless moonlit monument tours available. To find some of the best monument tours in DC, we scoured the reviews on Viator.com. From bicycle tours to trolley tours, here are six of the best ways to see the monuments—all under the starry glow of the night sky.
A Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour
Among the more economical options, this nighttime trolley tour of the monuments starts at $60 a person. The 2.5-hour tour includes six stops and passes by more than half a dozen other points of interest, with commentary—including some ghost stories—along the way.
A Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Luxury Mini-Coach
This three-hour “luxury mini-coach” bus tour (it seats up to 30) covers nine stops. Tickets start at $58, or you can upgrade to the panoramic open/closed glass-top bus for $94 a person.
Washington DC by Moonlight Electric Cart Tour
For a more intimate, open-air option, check out the two-hour moonlight tour on an electric cart, which allows for easy on-and-off access. The cart tour is limited to seven passengers per trip, but can be booked either in full or by individuals, starting at $86 a person.
A Private Moonlit Minivan Tour
This three-hour private minivan tour starts at $260 and can accommodate up to six passengers. The tour lasts about three hours, and has a five-star rating with more than 160 reviews.
A Private Night Tour for Four
Sightseeing with a smaller group? This three-hour tour—which can accommodate up to four people—has are nine stops, ranging from 5 to 20 minutes each, to experience and photograph various points of interest. Guests can also customize the itinerary to their interests. Prices start at $400 for a group of four.
A Private Bike Tour
Looking for a more active experience? Consider a private bike tour for groups of one to six, ranging from $595 to 799 per group. The tour lasts from two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half hours, features a customizable itinerary, and includes all the necessary equipment, such as lights and helmets. Bikes are also provided, though you are welcome to ride your own if you have one.
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
