Secrets, Spies, and Symbols DC: Mysteries of the Memorials Unlocked

Peek behind the curtains of power in Washington, DC, and uncover top secrets and cryptic symbols hidden in plain sight. Join the Secrets, Spies, and Symbols Tour to explore the city’s cloak-and-dagger history and the dark events from its troubled past.

Walk through the heart of Washington, DC, and discover the hidden stories of espionage, secret societies, and coded messages that have shaped the nation’s history.

5 Star Ratings (based on 56,079 reviews) Read Reviews

Book Your Secrets, Spies, and Symbols Tour Today

Tour Guide With Group Washington D.C.Hays-Adams House D.C.

Secrets, Spies, and Symbols DC: Mysteries of the Memorials Unlocked

Ready to uncover what secrets are etched into the marble and granite of Washington DC’s iconic monuments and memorials? Prepare to reveal the hidden truths and untold stories. From clandestine meetings at the Capitol to encrypted messages at the National Archives and the enigmatic Freemason symbols at the Washington Monument, nearly every memorial in the heart of the nation’s capital city whispers tales of mysteries and hidden agendas. Book the Secrets, Spies, and Symbols DC Tour today to unravel the hidden narratives behind these monuments and find out why Washington, DC, is truly the city of secrets.

compass graphic

Meeting location: At the public restrooms in front of the Washington Monument, at 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024

clock graphic

Starting Time: 10 AM

do graphic

Pet Policy: Pets are welcomed!

mug graphic

Alcohol Policy: No Drinking Permitted

face graphic

Adults Only: Yes

Book Now

Where to Meet, Park, and Directions

At the public restrooms in front of the Washington Monument, at 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024

We recommend parking near the Washington Monument. To see options, click below: Use parkme.com for more parking locations.

CBS Country Living Huffington Post INC Inside Edition MTV Sirius XM USA Today Boston Globe FOX New York Post Smithsonian Travel Wall Street Journal Yahoo!
CBS Country Living Huffington Post INC Inside Edition MTV Sirius XM USA Today Boston Globe FOX New York Post Smithsonian Travel Wall Street Journal Yahoo!
 

Five Stars

Great story telling! We had so much fun! We loved all the stories and learned a lot!

09.10.24
Shae Nunley
 

Five Stars

Our tour guide Tony was fantastic. He did a really good job and was able to answer questions from the tour group. Great history lessons while explorin...

09.08.24
Austin
 

Five Stars

June was a great tour guide and it was an easy walk with the breaks at the bars

09.05.24
Linda Hunsaker
Tour Gallery Tour Gallery

Tour Preview: Where You’ll Go

Tour Group Washington D.C.

Washington Monument

Originally planned as a towering Egyptian obelisk with Roman flair, the historic Washington Monument has seen it all. From its tumultuous beginning as an ambitious ode to George Washington to the scandalous theft of the Pope’s Stone by gun-toting individuals, every inch of this iconic structure whispers tales of ambition, folly, and its transformation from a slaughter yard for cattle to a symbol of national pride.

D.C. Tour Guide

Vietnam Memorial Memorial

The Washington DC’s Vietnam War Memorial stands as a solemn testament to America’s most divisive conflict, where over 58,000 lives were lost, and countless more were forever changed by the horrors of war. Walk with us through this historic site and hear touching stories of sacrifice and struggle etched into the black granite walls, each name a haunting reminder of the human cost of conflict.

Tour Group D.C.

Albert Einstein Statue

Standing tall and ever-wise, the 12-foot bronze Albert Einstein Statue in Washington DC isn’t just a monument but a hotspot of secrets, symbols, and fascinating traditions. Follow us as we uncover and discover the stories behind this iconic figure, whose scientific genius intersects with the deadly politics of war and peace.

What Is The Secrets, Spies, and Symbols DC Tour About?

Laws, policies, and decisions made in Washington, D.C., affect many lives and nations locally and globally, but how much do you know about the secrets hidden within its monuments and corridors of power? The Secrets, Spies, and Symbols DC Tour offers a fun and informative way to explore, experience, and enjoy the most iconic landmarks in Washington, D.C., where history is not just learned but lived.

Washington, D.C., is teeming with tales of espionage, cryptic symbols, and mysteries that will capture your imagination. From the towering Washington Monument to the inspiring Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the serene Constitution Gardens, each monument in America’s capital city tells a story of ambition, scandal, and sometimes downright madness.

Discover the lesser-known stories of Washington, D.C.’s iconic monuments and memorials and why it took political muscle and a lot of backroom deals to build them all. This thrilling Secrets, Spies, and Symbols DC Tour brings you up close and personal with the city’s symbolic monuments and memorials, some of which are often overlooked by the casual observer but crucial to understanding the narrative of American history.
Prepare to learn more about the divisive conflicts that tore at the soul of America and discover the espionage that played out right under the noses of unsuspecting citizens. Book the Secrets, Spies, and Symbols DC Tour today to see the part of Capitol City the history books will not mention.

Reasons to Take The Secrets, Spies, and Symbols DC Tour

Icon
You're Fascinated by Symbols and Their Hidden Meanings

Symbols aren't just pretty designs; sometimes, they tell stories of power, rebellion, and the eternal struggle for control. O ... n our tour, you'll decode the enigmatic symbols scattered across DC's monuments and memorials. From the cryptic messages etched into the walls of the National Archives to the iconic statues that speak volumes about America's past, every symbol has a tale to tell. Discover why these symbols were chosen, what they represent, and how they've influenced the course of American history.

Icon
You're Obsessed with American History, Especially the Mysterious Bits

Let's face it: Washington, DC, isn't just a city of power suits and politics; it's a city where every monument and memorial w ... hispers secrets that shaped the nation. If you're fascinated by the symbols hidden in plain sight or the covert operations that defined pivotal moments in history, our Secrets, Spies, and Symbols DC Tour is your backstage pass. Discover why the Washington Monument took two decades to build, the intriguing etchings at the World War II memorial, and how a once crime-ridden swamp turned into America's beloved National Mall.

Icon
You’re Intrigued by Espionage

True crime might be all the rage, but have you delved into the world of espionage? Washington, DC, is a hotbed of spy stories ... , from Cold War double agents to modern-day intelligence operations. On our Secrets, Spies, and Symbols DC Tour, you'll learn about notorious spies who walked the very streets you're on and uncover the covert operations that have shaped global politics.

Icon
You’re a History Buff Who Loves the Darker, Coded Side

History isn't all textbooks and documentaries—sometimes, it's about the scandals, secrets, and shadows that never made it i ... nto the classroom. Walk through the heart of DC and uncover the murky tales of espionage, secret societies, and coded messages. From clandestine meetings at the Capitol to encrypted notes at the National Archives, our tour shows you the side of history that the history books will only gloss over.

Icon
You Want to Make Unique Memories

Add a layer of excitement to your day or night out, and feel the thrill of uncovering hidden symbols that hold the key to the ... city’s past. Whether you’re looking for a unique date idea or an adventurous family outing, our tour insights into the mysteries and symbolic structures that have shaped Washington, DC, into the capital of intrigue and power. You will discover the battles fought to erect these structures, the controversies they sparked, and the secrets they conceal. Join us today to walk the path of historical intrigue and leave with stories that will make your friends’ jaws drop.

You May Also Like

DC Ghosts

A ghost tour at night around the White House in our nation’s incredibly haunted capital takes you to multiple haunted locations including the White House, Treasury Annex, Octagon Building, and more!

Meeting LocationTour Meeting Location: All tours meet and end on the steps behind the Treasury Building (NOT the Treasury Annex) at the intersection of 15th Street NW and F Street NW.

Tour TimeTour Times: Daily @ 8PM

Tour LengthTour Length: Approximately 1 hour

Tour WeatherGhost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Need a bit of liquid courage before hearing ghostly tales of DC's most historic haunts and drinking hotspots?

Meeting LocationTour Meeting Location: All tours meet outside the The Old Ebbit Grill, located at 675 15th Street NW, Washington D.C., 20001.

Tour TimeTour Times: Daily @ 6PM

Tour LengthTour Length: Approximately 2 hours

Tour WeatherGhost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

DC Ghosts Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour

Join us on a ghost tour around the White House! With our Ultimate Tour, you get more locations and more haunted stories.

Meeting LocationTour Meeting Location: All tours meet at Lafayette Park (Under the statue of Andrew Jackson) looking towards The White House.

Tour TimeTour Times: Daily @ 10PM

Tour LengthTour Length: Around 75 minutes

Tour WeatherGhost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

Hidden Halls of Power: Secret History of the White House and DC

Dive into the madness of cover-ups, conspiracies, deadly plots, and more as you get a crash course on the secret history of D.C. Deep in D.C.’s past are a collection of mysterious and shocking stories that outline a hidden history previously known to only an elite few. In the real halls of power, secrets, and information rule the nation and world.

Meeting LocationTour Meeting Location: Meet your tour guide in LaFayette Park, on the north side of the White House. Across from The Hay-Adams and St. John's Episcopal Church.

Tour TimeTour Times: Daily @ 11AM

Tour LengthTour Length: Approximately 2 hours

Tour WeatherGhost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

Secrets of DC: Underground and Hidden History of Museums and Capitol Hill

Join us at the National Mall for an exploration of America's Front Yard as you journey through an array of some of the country's most beautiful and awe-inspiring monuments, museums, and sculptures.

Meeting LocationTour Meeting Location: Please meet your guide in front of The Smithsonian Castle (998 Jefferson Dr SW.) next to the Professor Joseph Henry Statue.

Tour TimeTour Times: Daily @ 3PM

Tour LengthTour Length: Approximately 2 hours

Tour WeatherGhost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

Check Out Our Blog

Ghost of Smithsonian Castle Washington D.C.

The Haunted Smithsonian Castle

Washington, D.C., is a historic city steeped in ghosts, mysteries, and intrigue. It serves as the capital of our nation and a place where th... Read More

07.31.24

Devil-Cat Capitol Building Washington D.C.

Ghosts of The U.S. Capitol Building

The U.S. Capitol building stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. This magnificent neoclassic... Read More

07.31.24

Interior Haunted National Theatre Washington D.C.

The National Theatre

Behind a plain windowed façade on Pennsylvania Avenue hides the oldest continuously operating playhouse in the country, The National Theatr... Read More

06.27.24

Chat