School trips to Washington DC
Washington D.C. is packed with monuments, museums and eclectic neighbourhoods – the perfect destination for students to get a taste for American history, politics and culture.
There are also a number of world-renowned landmarks to enjoy, such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and, of course, the White House. This makes Washington D.C. a must for students interested in political history, and a favourite hotspot for budding artists and their sketchbooks.
The US capital has over 70 first-class museums, many of which offer free admission. The Smithsonian Institution is surely the most well-known, a collective museum and research complex that includes plenty of history museums, art galleries and even a zoo! Thousands of school groups flock to Washington DC each year to discover this treasure chest of knowledge for themselves.
Take a look at our most popular options below or feel free to get in touch with one of our experts for more information or advice on planning your perfect school trip to Washington D.C.
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.
