Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour

Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour Photos (13)

There are few cities that are more beautiful by moonlight than Washington DC, and with the Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour offers a trolley tour through the nation's capital, exploring the many landmarks as they are lit up at night.

This 2.5-hour tour includes a narrated (often humorous and enlightening) look at the city. As the sun goes down and the moon raises over Washington DC, the various attractions in the city become illuminated by their own unique spotlights, causing some to glow blue and others green and white. Even if you've visited each of these sites during the daytime, seeing them at night provides you with a whole new look at each monument, making them just as exciting as the first time you saw them.

Detailed Tour Itinerary

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 Tour Stop at  Iwo Jima Memorial

Especially beautiful at night, this memorial, known officially as the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, honors Marines who have fallen in the line of duty. Take in the different aspects, especially the statue of the flag raising on Iwo Jima, one of the most well-known events from World War II.

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 Tour Stop at  Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

Admire the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in the dark, which honors our 32nd President and the 12 years of American history during his time in office. The outdoor galleries are divided into four sections, each representing one of his terms in office, with a wide variety of sculptures, quotations, waterfalls and pools, quiet alcoves, and many other symbolic works of art.

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 Tour Stop at  Lincoln Memorial

Built to honor the 16th President, the Lincoln Memorial is in the form of a Greek Doric temple with a large seated sculpture of Abraham Lincoln. While you're admiring the statue on your evening tour, make sure to read the inscriptions of two well-known speeches by Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address.

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 Tour Stop at  Vietnam Veterans Memorial

This national memorial honors U.S. service members who fought in the Vietnam War, those who died in service in Vietnam and South East Asia, and those who were unaccounted for during the war. While you're there this evening, make sure to take in all three separate parts, the Three Soldiers statue, Vietnam Women's Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the best known part of the memorial.

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 Tour Stop at  Korean War Veterans Memorial

Located in West Potomac Park, the Korean War Veterans Memorial was built to commemorate those who served in the Korean War. This memorial serves as a place of reflection for visitors as they walk through the 19 stainless steel statues that form a squad on patrol.

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 Tour Stop at  Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Located near the Tidal Basin, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial was opened in the fall of 2011 to honor Dr. King. Although he isn't the first African-American honored with a memorial, his is the first near the National Mall and only the fourth non-President to be memorialized in such a way.

 Drive By 

 Drive By  The White House

Admired for its beautiful gardens and extensive offices, the White House can be seen all lit up on this tour, which offers stunning views of the building and grounds. Inside the complex is the Executive Residence, West Wing, East Wing, Eisenhower Executive Office Building, and Blair House, a guest residence.

 Drive By 

 Drive By  U.S. Capitol

See the U.S. Capitol located on Capitol Hill, where legislators conduct their daily business. Each year, more than three million visitors from around the world visit the Hill to explore this living museum of American history and see democracy at work. On this tour, you will have fantastic sights of this majestic building, lit up for stunning views up close and from afar.

Stops may change due to traffic, weather, maintenance, etc.

As you travel about the city, your guide will provide you with plenty of historical information and some stories you may have never heard before, such as the ghost stories of the various spirits that call the nation's capital their home. This tour is unlike any other as you get a look at the city from a different perspective along with entertainment from the driver of your trolley. Don't forget the camera to capture these memories!