Should we do a monument tour?

Question

I’m wondering if we should do a monument tour on DC or visit them on our own. One member in the party has walking difficulties, but it’s not clear to me, looking at the map, whether a tour would save much walking at least among the monuments on the Lincoln Memorial side of the mall.

If we do do a tour, any you recommend? We are going in February.

Answer

Visiting the monuments along the National Mall, especially the Lincoln Memorial side, can be done independently or as part of a guided tour. Since one member of your group has walking difficulties, a tour could help minimize walking by providing transportation between key sites or structured stops that require less navigation.

Walking distances along the Lincoln Memorial side can be significant. For example, walking from the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial along the Tidal Basin is roughly a mile one way, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is about halfway between. While the terrain is mostly flat, the total distance can add up, particularly in colder February weather.

Some considerations for your group:

If you go on your own, consider renting a wheelchair or mobility scooter for the member with walking difficulties. Many rentals are available near the National Mall.
Self-guided walking allows flexibility to stop whenever needed and take photos at your own pace, which can be nice in winter when daylight is limited.
Guided tours can provide historical context, skip-the-line benefits, and transportation options that reduce walking. Some tours even use vans or small buses to shuttle visitors between major monuments.

Recommended tours in DC for minimal walking:

Hop-on Hop-off bus tours: These cover the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and more. You can get off and explore at your pace and get back on the next bus.
Private or small-group van tours: Companies like DC Tours, DC by Foot (private van option), and Presidential Tour Service can tailor the route to reduce walking distances and provide seating between stops.
Pedicab tours: For short distances around the Lincoln Memorial and nearby areas, pedicabs can be a fun and low-effort way to get around.

Overall, for February, a guided tour that minimizes walking or allows for flexible seating options could be more comfortable for your party. If everyone is okay with moderate walking and you bring layers for winter weather, a self-guided visit is feasible with strategic planning for shorter legs of the walk.

Should we do a monument tour?

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