School trips to Washington DC
Where history, politics, culture and creativity come together.
From the White House and Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian museums, this is a city shaped by some of the most influential people, events and ideas in American history.
But Washington DC is far more than a political capital. Few cities can match its concentration of world-class museums, galleries and cultural institutions. It's a destination where students can walk in the footsteps of presidents, civil rights leaders, artists and innovators, while experiencing the many different stories that have helped define modern America.
What to expect on a school trip to Washington DC with NST
Washington DC gives students access to some of the most important places in the United States. From the White House and Capitol Hill to the Smithsonian museums and National Mall, the city is packed with landmarks that have played a role in shaping modern America.
It's this combination of history, politics, culture, and creativity that makes Washington DC stand out. Students can experience the institutions they've heard about in the classroom, while exploring the museums, galleries, and memorials that help tell the wider story of the nation.
What are the highlights of a school trip to Washington DC?
Washington DC is home to some of the most recognisable landmarks and institutions in the United States.
- The White House & Capitol Hill – experience the political heart of America and see where many of the country's most important decisions are made.
- The Smithsonian Museums – explore world-renowned collections covering everything from American history and culture to art and innovation.
- The Lincoln Memorial – one of America's most significant national monuments and the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous I Have a Dream speech.
- National Portrait Gallery – discover the people who have shaped American history through one of the country's most important collections.
- And more... the National Mall, the Pentagon, the FDR Memorial, American art collections and cultural institutions that help tell the story of the United States.
Why book your school trip to Washington DC with NST?
The right support starts long before you arrive in Washington DC.
From booking flights and accommodation to arranging visits and planning your itinerary, our team will help bring every element of your trip together. We'll guide you through the process, keep things moving, and be on hand when you need us.
And when you're away, you'll still have the reassurance of 24-hour support and experienced travel partners, helping your trip run smoothly from departure to return.
Browse our most popular Washington DC school trips
Why choose NST?
Here's why thousands of teachers choose NST each year...
- Unrivalled school trip knowledge
Your dedicated Tour Co-ordinator will use their trip planning knowledge and expertise to create a tailor-made, curriculum-linked itinerary to meet your group’s exact needs.
- Making it easier for you
Your own trip organiser, travel app, free classroom packs and trip promo resources.
- Free group leader inspection visits
Visit your chosen destination free of charge and plan with confidence.
- Value for money, always
We work hard to make every penny count.
- Over 55 years’ experience
With NST you can rest assured that your group is in safe hands.
- Aligned to your learning outcomes
Every trip can be built around your specific goals — from the latest GCSE and A level curriculum requirements to particular themes, interests or visits you want to focus on.
- Risk assessment guidance
Clear, practical support to help you manage group safety including our free guide.
- Offsetting carbon emissions
Through our partnership with Carbon Footprint, we're committed to offset one tonne of CO2 emissions, and plant a tree on school grounds in the UK, for every trip booked.
Washington DC trip highlights - our groups love...
Walking Tour - Political Sites
Half day tour with a local guide covering externally all the major government buildings:
- Pennsylvania Avenue
- The US Capitol (the Senate, House of Representatives, Supreme Court, Library of Congress)
- The Mall
- George Washington Monument
Ford's Theatre
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Ford’s Theatre Museum - explore Lincoln's presidency from his arrival in Washington to the very minute he arrived at Ford's Theatre on the fateful night of April 14, 1865. You will see rare artefacts related to the assassination.
The Pentagon
The headquarters of the Department of Defense is one of the world’s largest office buildings. It is possible for groups to have a guided tour around the building which covers highlights of significant moments in history. Tours must be booked direct by the group via your local MP.
FDR Memorial
This park traces 12 years of the history of the US using a sequence of outdoor rooms; one for each of Roosevelt’s terms of office. Sculptures and murals depict scenes from the Depression enabling you to stand in the ‘Breadline’.
Lincoln Memorial Steps
Stand on the site of Martin Luther King’s famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech during the defining moment of the Civil Rights Movement in America.
National Museum of American History
Traces the country’s development in an entertaining and fairly lighthearted manner.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Covering a wide variety of themes and movements of American Art with notable works by O’Keefe, Hopper and Homer.
National Portrait Gallery
The portraits of Presidents and notable Americans are on permanent display. Works such as the ‘Lansdowne’ portrait of George Washington are among its many highlights.
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Located beside the National Mall, the striking museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and focuses on contemporary and modern art from the last 50 years.
