Capitol Hill Walking Tour, Washington DC

Duration
2-4 Hours
Audio Points
21
Tour Stops
14

About The Tour

Step into the heart of American democracy with Shaka Guide’s Capitol Hill Walking Tour, where iconic landmarks and untold stories bring history to life. From hidden corners rich with political intrigue, to calming gardens exploding with color, you’ll uncover the people, power, and pivotal moments that shaped the nation’s laws ...

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Step into the heart of American democracy with Shaka Guide’s Capitol Hill Walking Tour, where iconic landmarks and untold stories bring history to life. From hidden corners rich with political intrigue, to calming gardens exploding with color, you’ll uncover the people, power, and pivotal moments that shaped the nation’s laws and leadership. It’s an immersive, guided experience that’ll make you feel like you’ve got your own personal, local tour guide—right in your pocket!


Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!

• Wander through lush tropical plants and stunning seasonal blooms at the US Botanic Garden, a free oasis steps from the Capitol.
• Admire the largest equestrian statue in D.C. at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, a sweeping tribute to the Civil War general.
• Uncover the story of the women’s suffrage movement at the Belmont-Paul National Women’s Monument, its historic headquarters.
• Step inside the Folger Shakespeare Library, home to the world’s largest Shakespeare collection and a breathtaking Tudor-style interior.
• Marvel at one of the most beautiful buildings in Washington at the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world.

Sample Tour Audio

Garfield Memorial
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Creating the Capitol Building
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Bonus Story: January 6th 2021
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Tour Stops

Spirit of Justice Park
Barthodi Fountain
US Botanic Garden
Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
Capitol Building West Lawn
The Summerhouse
Robert Taft Memorial Carillon
Senate Fountain
Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument
The Florida House
Folger Shakespeare Library
Library of Congress
The United States Supreme Court
Capitol Building East Side

Tour Route


Customer Reviews

(76489)

Fantastic!

Love the Shaka audio tours. Great detail and lets you drive the bus.

Good Bat-Bad Bat | 6 hours ago | iOS

Good and interesting information. Excellent instructions. Things that I would have missed otherwise.

Deanna McCoy | 12 hours ago | Android

Customer support was quick and very helpful. there's certainly a learning curve here. I clicked on the number i wanted to go to next and hit play but apparently that's not how you get it to go and start you on your way. My husband figured it out so i still don't know. I liked that there were 3 starting points depending on where you stayed on the island. I appreciated the warnings regarding narrow roads, they were no joke.

Lynn Beilfuss | 19 hours ago | Android

Great tool

Would have been 5 stars except that while using it for the sunrise tour, it gives you places to see and stop at. However, it’s pitch black and everything is closed at 3AM. Maybe add something for after the sunrise. Places for breakfast, and seeing the sights in the way down. Road to Hana was great, but lava robe was closed and has been for sometime. Perhaps an update?

On the road again27 | 1 day ago | iOS

Good audio guide

We did the badlands. The guide and script are very good. The issue is with the app. Every time I would pause it while we walked a trail or just took pictures, the guide got lost and I would have to start it over again. It would pick up fine but I’m not sure whet I had to start the guide over each time. Also the app not having a CarPlay app is annoying. They are working on it.

CrabbyPants77 | 1 day ago | iOS

We have used Shaka Guide for multiple drives on the different Hawaiian islands and really enjoy their tours. They are easy to use and it's fun to hear fun facts we otherwise would never know driving through. would highly recommend for other travelers!

Caitlin Adamcik | 1 day ago | Android

This app made the Road to Hana so much fun! We didnt do all of the stops that the tour suggested, but it was flexible enough with that for sure. Well worth the cost!

Taylor Winkel | 1 day ago | Android

Wimea canyon private guide

This app was great!! First time trying a tour via app. We had a excellent organized tour. Great history and tidbits about the area we were visiting. It was fun too. Loved the control. I’m still learning all the capabilities. Can’t wait for my next tour with this App

Sra de Chico | 2 days ago | iOS

Great Travel Tool

What a wonderful way to see the island! We would have missed not only the history, but many of the places to stop, on our driving tour of the Big Island, without the Shaka Guide audio tour.

Silicon Valley Realtor | 2 days ago | iOS

The tour app was able to stay synced with our location even when we stopped for any amount of time.

Ed Wallace | 2 days ago | Android

Can I go inside the U.S. Capitol and how do I get tickets?

Yes, visitors can go inside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. All guided tours are free of charge and led by professional Capitol Visitor Center tour guides. Timed-entry tour passes are available and strongly recommended, as same-day availabili...

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What else is there to see near the U.S. Capitol besides the Capitol building?

There is a full day’s worth of free attractions within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The Library of Congress, located directly across the street, is the largest library in the world and one of the most architecturally st...

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How much time should I plan for visiting Capitol Hill?

Visitors to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. should plan for a full day to make the most of the area. Shaka Guide’s Capitol Hill Walking Tour takes approximately 2 to 4 hours to complete, covering 14 stops on a clockwise loop around the Capitol bu...

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What is an Audio Tour Guide?

Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here's how it works:

  • GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
  • Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
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Tour FAQs

Where does this Capitol Hill Walking Tour go?
This tour has 14 stops and follows a clockwise loop around the U.S. Capitol building, starting at Spirit of Justice Park near the Capitol South Metro station. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops, and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go!
What should I pack for this Capitol Hill Walking Tour?
Photo ID — required for entry into federal buildings like the CapitolTicket or reservation confirmations if you booked building tours in advancePhone and headphonesPortable chargerComfortable walking shoes — the tour includes uphill and downhill sectionsWeather-appropriate clothing (hot and humid in summer, cold and windy in winter)Reusable water bottleSunglasses and sunscreen for open areas around the Capitol groundsSmall backpack or crossbody bag — easier to carry through security checkpointsSnacksCamera if you want something beyond your phone
What should I budget for this Capitol Hill Walking Tour?
Most stops on this tour are free to visit. Here are a few things to keep in mind:Folger Shakespeare Library: Admission is free, but recommends booking timed-entry passes online in advance for the new exhibition halls. These are donation-based, and all donations go directly to funding ongoing projects Library of Congress: Free, but requires a timed-entry ticket. Can be acquired here. Capitol Building East SideAdmission is free, but advanced reservations for tours are encouraged. Can be made here. Folger Shakespeare Library is free to enter, but the organization does suggest advanced, timed-entry pass with a suggested donation to the organization (generally around $5 to $15)
What are the hours for the Capitol Hill stops?
US Botanic Garden: open 7 days a week 10AM - 5PMCongressional Offices: check this website for detailed hours and informationBelmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument: open FRI-SUN 10AM - 5PMFlorida House: Open MON - FRI:  9:00 AM to 5:00 PMFolger Shakespeare Library: Open TUES - SUN 11AM - 6PMUS Library of Congress: Open TUES - SAT 10AM - 5PMSupreme Court: Open weekdays 9AM - 3PM but check this website for more details on building tours and gallery seatsUS Capitol Building: Visitor center open MON - SAT from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PMPlease note: Shaka Guide’s Capitol Hill Walking Tour does not include guided tours inside any of the buildings. Visit each organization’s website for details on interior tours.
Can I join this Capitol Hill Walking Tour along the route?
Yes, you can join along the route at any point that works for you.
Can I take this Capitol Hill Walking Tour in the opposite direction?
This tour is designed as a single clockwise loop around the Capitol building, starting at Spirit of Justice Park. We recommend following the route in order for the best storytelling experience.
Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.

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