Tour stop
Capitol Hill Walking Tour, Washington DC
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
STARTING POINTS
- Spirit of Justice Park, adjacent to the Capitol South Metro stationRECOMMENDED START TIME: 8:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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1. Welcome to the Capitol Hill Walking Tour Preview!
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2. Garfield Memorial
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3. Creating the Capitol Building
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4. Bonus Story: January 6th 2021
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5. Summerhouse
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Capitol Hill Walking Tour, Washington DC Map
Explore Tour Map
Capitol Hill Walking Tour, Washington DC Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Barthodi Fountain
Tour stop
US Botanic Garden
Tour stop
Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
Tour stop
Capitol Building West Lawn
Tour stop
The Summerhouse
Tour stop
Robert Taft Memorial Carillon
Tour stop
Senate Fountain
Meet the Creators
Jess Conaway
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.
Creators behind the Capitol Hill Walking Tour, Washington DC
Jess Conaway
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.
Matt Caracciolo
Writer & Editor
Favorite Quote:
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." --J.R.R. Tolkien
Adam Kampe
Producer
Favorite Quote:
"Don't Think Twice, It's Alright." - Bob Dylan
Purchase Options
1.
Capitol Hill Walking Tour, Washington DC
$ 9.99
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
Capitol Hill Walking Tour, Washington DC FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts, and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride for your trip.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- More than a map and directions — your tour, fully guided
- Audio storytelling that plays as you drive
- Music and immersive sound to upgrade your drive
- Human-created, professionally narrated tours
- Pre-planned route with turn-by-turn directions
- Itinerary mapped out with must-see stops
- Expert travel tips
- Offline access – works without data or wifi
- Flexible, self-paced experience
- One purchase per vehicle (not per person)
- Lifetime access (tours never expire)
- Reliable customer support
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Meals
- Attraction admission or park entrance fees
- Parking fees
- Live tour guide or in-person services
- Trip planning or booking services
- Fully customizable navigation like Google or Apple Maps
- On-demand route planning or custom directions
- Open-ended navigation tools
Tour FAQs
1. 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!
2. What should I pack for this Capitol Hill Walking Tour?
Photo ID — required for entry into federal buildings like the Capitol
Ticket or reservation confirmations if you booked building tours in advance
Phone and headphones
Portable charger
Comfortable walking shoes — the tour includes uphill and downhill sections
Weather-appropriate clothing (hot and humid in summer, cold and windy in winter)
Reusable water bottle
Sunglasses and sunscreen for open areas around the Capitol grounds
Small backpack or crossbody bag — easier to carry through security checkpoints
Snacks
Camera if you want something beyond your phone
Ticket or reservation confirmations if you booked building tours in advance
Phone and headphones
Portable charger
Comfortable walking shoes — the tour includes uphill and downhill sections
Weather-appropriate clothing (hot and humid in summer, cold and windy in winter)
Reusable water bottle
Sunglasses and sunscreen for open areas around the Capitol grounds
Small backpack or crossbody bag — easier to carry through security checkpoints
Snacks
Camera if you want something beyond your phone
3. 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 Side
Admission 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)
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 Side
Admission 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)
4. What are the hours for the Capitol Hill stops?
US Botanic Garden: open 7 days a week 10AM - 5PM
Congressional Offices: check this website for detailed hours and information
Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument: open FRI-SUN 10AM - 5PM
Florida House: Open MON - FRI: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Folger Shakespeare Library: Open TUES - SUN 11AM - 6PM
US Library of Congress: Open TUES - SAT 10AM - 5PM
Supreme Court: Open weekdays 9AM - 3PM but check this website for more details on building tours and gallery seats
US Capitol Building: Visitor center open MON - SAT from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Please 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.
Congressional Offices: check this website for detailed hours and information
Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument: open FRI-SUN 10AM - 5PM
Florida House: Open MON - FRI: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Folger Shakespeare Library: Open TUES - SUN 11AM - 6PM
US Library of Congress: Open TUES - SAT 10AM - 5PM
Supreme Court: Open weekdays 9AM - 3PM but check this website for more details on building tours and gallery seats
US Capitol Building: Visitor center open MON - SAT from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Please 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
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.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
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.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.