Like a trusty car and a full tank of gas, these cookies keep everything running smoothly. They power core features like secure login, navigation, and yo
Step into the story of America with Shaka Guide’s National Mall tour—where monuments, memorials, and hidden details come to life through immersive, GPS-triggered storytelling. Explore at your own pace while hearing powerful histories, surprising facts, and unforgettable moments right where they happened. It’s like having a personal tour guide in your pocket—making every step across the Mall meaningful, memorable, and uniquely yours. And the best part? This tour has been thoroughly researched and produced by a DC local!
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Marvel at the towering Washington Monument, the world’s tallest obelisk and the iconic heart of the Mall.
• Pay your respects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where over 58,000 names are etched in black granite.
• Stand where history was made at the Lincoln Memorial and take in sweeping views of the entire Mall.
• Stroll along the Reflecting Pool for one of the most iconic views in all of Washington, D.C.
• Honor those who served at the Korean War Memorial, featuring striking statues of soldiers on patrol.
• Explore the grand World War II Memorial, a powerful tribute to the 16 million Americans who served.
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Narrator & Writer
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
This tour has 16 stops and follows a counterclockwise loop along the National Mall, beginning at the Washington Monument and ending at the World War II Memorial. 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!
The National Mall itself is free to visit — no entrance fees for any of the monuments or memorials. The one exception is the Washington Monument interior, which requires a free timed-entry ticket that must be reserved in advance at nps.gov.
Food options on the Mall are limited, so budget for food trucks or nearby restaurants. Paid parking along Constitution Avenue starts at around $25 for nearby garages.
Pro Tip: Park Rangers are on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily — aim to start your tour within that window for the best experience.
The Washington Monument Lodge: ticket window opens at 8:45 AM daily
The Washington Monument:
Operating Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Last Entry: Generally 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM.
Lockkeeper's House: Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Park Police Stables: Thursday through Sunday, typically from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m
This tour follows a single counterclockwise loop, starting at the Washington Monument and ending at the World War II Memorial. We recommend following the route in order for the best storytelling experience.
Yes, you can join along the route at any point that works for you.
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
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:
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
Our next stop - your inbox! Subscribe to our email list for travel tips, inspiration, special offers, and more!