Group-friendly locations and activities in Washington DC

Discover the political heartland

A visit to the capital of the United States would not be complete without exploring the buildings and monuments that make it famous, including the most famous house in America.

Take a walking tour, or hop on a bus tour and take in the iconic sights of the White House, the Capitol Building, the United States Supreme Court and the Lincoln Memorial. Alternatively, take a tour inside the Capitol with an expert tour guide and learn all about the home of US Congress and American politics.

For those looking to get a more in-depth understanding of the White House, The People’s House, situated on Pennsylvania Avenue, is a three-floor site that features exhibits and galleries, bringing the White House and its storied history to life. 

Visitors can interact with a large-scale White House model, recreation of the Rose Garden, full-scale replica of the Oval Office and recreations of White House moments. The People’s House welcomes large parties, school groups, and adult and professional groups for pre-booked visits.

Explore vast museums

Discover history, science, art and aviation at the Smithsonian Institution. The museum and research complex consists of 17 museums and galleries in Washington, DC, including the National Zoo.

Investigate the origins of man and the natural world with your group at the National Museum of Natural History, and for quieter visits try January and February.

Or marvel at the past, present and future of flight at the Air and Space Museum. Perhaps you will recognise some of the locations from the 2009 film, Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian.

To immerse yourself in Americana visit the National Museum of American History and discover how the states have been shaped over time and the legends of American past, including the hat worn by Abraham Lincoln and the flag which inspired the US national anthem. 

The site of Lincoln’s assassination

Visit Ford’s Theatre with your group and step back in time to 14th April, 1865, the night of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Groups of 20 or more can book a visit to find out about the events of the assassination and the lasting impact it had on the country. 

For something more upbeat, the theatre hosts performances throughout the year and groups can book tickets, choosing from seats in the premium orchestra, rear orchestra, dress circle or balcony.

Explore vibrant neighbourhoods

After a busy day learning about American history and politics, take time to relax and see the vibrant neighbourhoods that make up DC and the people that live there. 

The diverse neighbourhood of Adams Morgan is known for its night life and eclectic dining scene, with bars and restaurants throughout, as well as a variety of independently owned shops, selling art, vintage clothes and classic books.

Food lovers should head to U Street. One of the best ways to experience the food in the neighbourhood is on a U Street Food Tour, with opportunities to eat globally-influenced food choices and hear stories behind local murals, buildings, and sculptures. Groups can book a private food tour with Blue Fern Travel.

Georgetown feels a world away from Capitol Hill and combines the past and present with its cobbled streets, classic houses and C&O Canal. There is a thriving retail scene and more than 100 places to eat and drink which results in a bustling community for residents and visitors alike. 

Georgetown Waterfront Park offers picturesque kayaking, jogging and cycling backdrops, whilst Blues Alley provides a venue for jazz lovers to get into the swing of things.

Take part in a Kennedy walking tour and discover where John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy spent their happiest and most tragic times, or discover African American history on the African American Heritage Trail, visiting the institutions and homes of Herring Hill, home for families migrating to Washington after the Civil War.

Watch America’s favourite sports

For sports fans, Washington DC is home to multiple teams, with basketball, baseball, ice hockey and American football all available for groups to watch.

Take in ‘America’s favourite pastime’, baseball, and watch the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in south east Washington. Groups of 20 or more can get discounted tickets and unique experiences are available depending on group size, including a scoreboard message on the big screen for groups of 50 or more.

There are plenty of opportunities to catch the NBA’s Washington Wizards, with 41 home games throughout an NBA season and discounted tickets for groups of ten or more and access to fan experience programs for groups of 25 or more.

Alternatively, WNBA side the Washington Mystics play their games in the south east of the city at Entertainment & Sports Arena and group packages are available when purchasing ten tickets or more.

Groups can purchase tickets for the Washington Capitals and receive a free hat when they go to watch ice hockey, or watch the Commanders take to the gridiron in the NFL. Tickets are subject to availability.

Uncover secrets at the International Spy Museum

Come face-to-face with spies and spymasters, gadgets and engineers, and stories from the past and present. With two floors of interactive exhibits, the International Spy Museum is the perfect place for ‘wannabe’ James Bonds in your group to explore.

Groups of ten or more can take advantage of benefits when booking in advance, including discounted rates and a dedicated arrival time.

Visit memorials and monuments

World-famous monuments and memorials are among the most popular sites for tourists visiting the US capital. 

Most of these major attractions are located on the National Mall, extending from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and they are open 24-hours a day, 365-days-a-year so you do not need to book.

The Lincoln Memorial towers over the Reflecting Pool, with the 19-foot tall, 175-ton statue of President Lincoln sitting below a famous quote which reads: “In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.”

Other memorials include one that was built to honour George Washington; the Washington Monument towers over the National Mall and Reflecting Pool. Visitors can head up 50 stories to the observation deck and look out over the capital and its landmarks.

Resembling the Pantheon in Rome, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is located on the National Mall’s Tidal Basin, a large body of water that is bordered by DC’s cherry blossom trees.  

This memorial is open 24 hours a day and offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about the third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence.

Located nearby is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, designed as a lasting tribute to Dr. King’s legacy as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement. 

Surrounding the statue of Dr. King is a 450-foot long Inscription Wall, which features 14 quotes from King’s speeches, sermons and writings.

Explore lively markets

Markets are a great way for groups to experience the city like a local. 

Located in the heart of the historic Capitol Hill neighbourhood, Eastern Market is DC’s destination for fresh food, community events and on weekends, local fresh produce and handmade arts and crafts. The market is open everyday, apart from Mondays and with no advance booking required, is a good choice for those looking for a low-cost way to spend time. 

Union Market is a busy neighbourhood within the city, home to a 20,000-square-foot market selling food, drinks and other goods, alongside streets lined with independent shops and services. The neighbourhood is also home to La Cosecha, a contemporary Latin American marketplace with a wide range of exciting food and drink to try. Definitely an option for visiting groups looking to taste international cuisine.