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Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: 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: Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour

2. Washington DC: Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour

See the most popular monuments of the U. S. capital illuminated at night on a guided trolley tour. The route follows streets that have been traveled by presidents and makes three stops for you to get off the trolley and explore the memorials on your own and take photos. Enjoy entertaining commentary from a professional tour guide who will entertain you with stories about the Capitol’s colorful past. The three stops on the tour are: 1. The Martin Luther King Memorial & the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial 2. The Iwo Jima Memorial (aka US Marine Corps War Memorial) 3. The Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Besides stops at the major memorials, you will also get spectacular views of the Washington Memorial the White House, the National Mall, the Capitol Buildings, the Jefferson Memorial, the Smithsonian Museums and Castle, the FBI & Dept of Justice Buildings, and the World War II Memorial.

Washington, DC: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour

3. Washington, DC: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour

Named "Washington's Best Tour" by the Washingtonian Magazine and one of the top 10 hop-on hop-off tours in the world by Forbes, the Old Town Trolley offers the most comprehensive tour of the nation's capital. Relax while expert tour guides help you discover the beauty and majesty of Washington, D.C. This popular tour covers Washington's major attractions such as the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, and Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. Expert guides share colorful anecdotes, humorous stories and well-researched historical information. Upgrade to include a trolley tour of Arlington National Cemetery, an enduring tribute to those who’ve dedicated their lives to defending the nation. You’ll be transported to some of the most notable graves and memorials. DC City Tour Trolley stops: 1. 1001 E. St. NW: Washington Welcome Center/Ford's Theatre/Peterson House 2. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave: The White House/The White House Visitor Center/WWI Memorial 3. 701 Constitution Ave NW: National Archives (West/East Gallery of the NGA, Navy Memorial) 4. 400 New Jersey Ave NW: Japanese American Memorial/Hyatt Regency 5. 50 Massachusetts Ave NE: Union Station and the Smithsonian Postal Museum 6. 1st St. NE: US Capitol (Botanic Gardens, Supreme Court and Library of Congress) 7. 600 Independence Ave SW: Air/Space Museum, Museum of the American Indian/Eisenhower Memorial 8. Maine Ave SW at 9th St. SW: The Wharf 9. 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW: International Spy Museum 10. 1398 Independence Ave SW: Washington Monument, Smithsonian Museums and Castle, Holocaust Memorial Museum 11. 16 E Basin Dr SW: Jefferson Memorial/George Mason Memorial 12. 1964 Independence Ave SW: Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial/Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial 13. 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir. NW: Lincoln Memorial/Vietnam Veterans Memorial/Korean War Veterans Memorial/World War II Memorial 14. 1400 Constitution Ave NW: National Museum of American History/National Museum of African American History & Culture/National Museum of Natural History 15. 800 F St. NW: National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum (temp closed for Holiday Market) Arlington Cemetery Trolley stops: • Arlington National Cemetery • President John F. Kennedy Gravesite • US Coast Guard Memorial • John J. Pershing • The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier • Arlington House • US Marine Corps War Memorial Iwo Jima • Arlington Niche Wall Columbarium Courts

From NYC: Guided Day Trip to Washington DC by Van or Bus

4. From NYC: Guided Day Trip to Washington DC by Van or Bus

Journey from NYC to Washington on a full-day trip to see the sights of the nation’s capital with a Spanish-speaking guide. Visit the most important monuments, memorials and buildings like the White House and the Washington Monument. Head down South from NYC in a comfortable air-conditioned bus, passing through New Jersey and Delaware, with a stop in Delaware to stretch your legs and use the restrooms. Continue on past Maryland until Arlington, Virginia. The tour starts properly at Arlington National Ceremony, where the tour guide will take you to Kennedy’s grave and explore with you the lush grounds. Then, head to the Iwo Jima memorial, with time to take photos. During the whole journey, your guide will tell you interesting facts about the city.   Next, head to Washington DC across the Potomac River. Pass along Constitution Avenue where you’ll see the State Department, the Institute of Peace, and the Albert Einstein Memorial. Go to the National Mall and walk with your guide to places that have been featured in movies and TV series. See the Korean War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial. You’ll recognize the Reflecting Pool from Forrest Gump. You’ll also see the most-visited monument in the city, the World War II Memorial.   Back on the bus, you’ll continue to view offices of important organizations such as the Organization of American States, the American Red Cross, and the Treasury Department until you finally reach the White House. Take some time to take pictures in the gardens before continuing on to see the FBI buildings, the National Archives, and more. Your final stop will be the National Mall, where you’ll have some free time to visit the exhibits, have lunch, and take photos of the Capitol Building. On the way back to NYC, you’ll be treated to a night-time panoramic view of NYC from New Jersey. 

Washington, DC: Full-Day Tour with a Scenic River Cruise

5. Washington, DC: Full-Day Tour with a Scenic River Cruise

Discover all the delights of Washington DC with this day-tour around the city, hitting hotspots such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol Building, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Board your glamourous, climate-controlled, panoramic bus at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Head to all the major highlights of regular sightseeing tours and enjoy a lunch break and an opportunity to travel through the Tidal Basin. Learn about some of the most fascinating landmarks in the USA, including the White House, U.S. Capitol Building, and National Archives, plus breathtaking memorials of Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Roosevelt. After lunch, summer brings the opportunity for a boat ride through Georgetown and the DC Waterfront. In winter, this Washington bus tour culminates with a visit to the Pentagon and several more fascinating war memorials. The tour price includes a boat cruise, and tourists will have the opportunity to purchase lunch at one of several waterfront restaurants in the summer. During your tour learn from your live tour guide who hops off the bus with you to ensure you receive an intimate and personalized experience of each attraction.  Your guide will educate you on the important details of each monument. From April through October, take in the fresh air on a scenic 1-hour cruise along the Potomac River. The full itinerary of this tour includes: • Jefferson Memorial • U.S. Capitol Building • FDR Memorial • World War II Memorial • Iwo Jima Memorial • Vietnam Memorial • Martin Luther King Memorial • Lincoln Memorial • White House

Washington DC: Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

6. Washington DC: Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

Explore the hottest sights in Washington DC in an eco-friendly way on this guided bike tour through the National Mall and along the Potomac Tidal Basin. Learn about the war and presidential memorials that you stop to see up close along the route.  Meet your guide at the Wharf DC and get set up with your high-quality bike and helmet. Set off on your family-friendly route to the Washington Monument, Vietnam Memorial, World War II Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. Engage with history as your guide tells you the store behind sights like the Jefferson Memorial. Get the chance to walk around and explore the each of the memorials. Return to the Wharf DC at the end of your biking experience.

Washington, DC: African American History Tour & Museum Entry

7. Washington, DC: African American History Tour & Museum Entry

Gain a fascinating insight into the most significant moments and landmarks related to the civil rights movement on a guided African-American history tour of Washington DC. Pass by the Emancipation Statue, Lincoln Park, and visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture Meet your guide at the U.S. Navy Memorial and travel to monuments such as the Emancipation Statue and Howard Theatre. Make your way to the Lincoln Memorial and stand where Martin Luther King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963, gazing out over the large reflecting pond. Stop outside the Home of Frederick Douglass, the famed abolitionist, followed by a visit to Lincoln Park. Here you will stop to see the statue of educator, activist, and founder of the National Council of Negro Women, Mary McLeod Bethune. Head next to Howard University, one of the oldest black universities in the United States. Take a stroll around the beautifully maintained campus as you learn more about the civil rights movement with your guide. Next, drive through Le Droit Park, Shaw Neighborhood, and Historic “U” Street. which was once home to the largest urban African-American community in the United States in the early 1900s. Hear about its own “Black Broadway”, home to entertainment legends from the past and present.  Next, stop outside the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum and discover how the course of the Civil War was impacted by the African-American soldiers who perished on the front lines. Explore downtown DC and admire the sights of Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue, the White House, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the National Council of Negro Women. Enter the Logan Circle historic district and see the Metropolitan AME Church and the Mary McLeod Bethune Council house.  Finish the tour at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Benefit from reserved entry to the museum and explore the vast collection of artifacts and exhibits at your own pace, learning more about African-American culture and history.

Washington DC Monuments by Night Bike Tour

8. Washington DC Monuments by Night Bike Tour

Bike to the major sights of Washington, D.C. on a guided tour after dark. Enjoy America’s capital city at night, when the air is cooler and the monuments are crowd-free. As dusk sweeps the city and the memorials and monuments are illuminated magnificently. Your guide will take you through the National Mall and around the Tidal Basin. You will visit: the Washington Monument; the World War 2, Korean and Vietnam War memorials;, the Lincoln Memorial: the Martin Luther King Memorial; the FDR Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. Along the way you’ll have the opportunity to learn about each of the sights, and also a few minutes to walk through the memorials and experience them on foot. You will also have a view of the illuminated White House and the lawn where the president’s helicopter lands. This approximately 4-mile ride is rated as easy, covering mostly flat terrain. All riders are provided with reflective vests and safety lights.

Washington DC: Bus Tour to the Highlights of the Capital

9. Washington DC: Bus Tour to the Highlights of the Capital

Capitalize on your time in the capital with this whistle-stop city tour of Washington DC. Board one of the luxury buses at the U.S. Navy Memorial before cruising past the National Archives to the U.S. Capitol Building. Let your guide give you the lowdown, from the original Declaration of Independence to the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Take in incredible views of the two-mile-long Smithsonian Museum and imposing Washington Monument, which is the tallest freestanding stone structure in the world. You’ll have the chance to stretch your legs with stops at the White House and Lincoln Memorial, where you can climb the stairs to see the famous statue of America’s 16th President. Then, take an informative guided walk around the beautiful WW2 Memorial. The tour takes a loop from the United States Navy Memorial, stopping at memorable sites, such as the Vietnam Memorial, US Capitol Building and Lincoln Memorial. An experienced guide will explain every significant detail of each monument and memorial, and give you the most comprehensive and intimate tour experience DC has to offer. Marvel at the many Smithsonian museums, National Mall, Freedom Plaza, and much more from onboard the bus. Then, learn the history of the White House, Capitol Building, FDR Memorial, and Martin Luther King Memorial during short guided walks.

Washington DC: Monuments Self-Guided Walking Tour

10. Washington DC: Monuments Self-Guided Walking Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Note: This 2+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Washington DC in 1-2 hours. Visit the most iconic landmarks of America’s capital city on this flexible self-guided walking tour. See the White House, Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol Building, and much more, and learn the revolutionary history behind the creation of Washington, D.C. Along with being developed by local guides, creative writers, and professional voice artists, most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms. You'll begin your adventure next to Pershing Park, right across from the White House south lawn. From there, make your way to the White House itself, where you can admire the seat of American power and learn some fascinating tidbits about its construction. From here, head south toward Constitution Gardens and pick up some insight into D.C.’s complicated history along the way. Through the gardens, you’ll find what was once the city’s most controversial monument: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Next, head to the Lincoln Memorial, one of the most iconic memorials in D.C. The Korean War Veterans Memorial is next, where you’ll hear about the fraught political struggle which wracked the White House during this bloody conflict. As you continue east, you’ll be filled in on the aftermath of the War of 1812 and how D.C. grew into what it is today. The next monument you’ll arrive at will be the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, honoring the nation’s most revered civil rights leader. Then, cross the Kutz Bridge and learn why the Potomac River is so significant to this city’s history. From this bridge, you’ll also be able to see the impressive Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Later, reach the National Mall, which you’ve definitely seen on TV plenty of times. Get an up-close look at the Washington Monument and learn the history of George Washington’s connection to this important city. If you like museums, the next stretch of the tour is absolutely for you. You’ll pass the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and the National Gallery of Art. On the final leg of the tour, visit three of the most crucial buildings in the city: The Library of Congress, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court of the United States. The tour concludes amid these three awe-inspiring structures.

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What people are saying about Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 3,376 reviews

Took bus in front of union station. Need to validate at desk inside front of station but did not know. Driver accepted pass and validation at end of line where switched bus quickly to do initial stops. Bus does not take you to Arlington cemetery. You have to make own way there where there is another smaller hop on hop off tram tour. Also excellent. There’s a stop close by but would have to walk a while and over busy bridge so not safe. Could stop there and cab or Lyft/uber

We had the most amazing, educational and moving Guided Night Bike Monuments Tour with our guide Joe. He was so kind, informative, witty, friendly and insightful. We highly recommend Joe as a tour guide.

I enjoyed the detailed content of the tour, plus getting to parts I had not scene . . . The Iwo Jima memorial and the MLK and Roosevelt Memorials.

Nick was Great! He knows his History! Wonderful Job.. keep up the great work

Our tour guide Jewl was very informative. Great experience!