Sports History Walking Tour in Washington

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Playmaker Tours are not trivia tours - we offer history tours that use sports as an entryway to our national story, because the world of sports is where some of the most important stories in American life actually happened.

Uncover hidden moments that made history in DC and around the world, and hear new angles of stories you may have heard before. Discover a Major League catcher becoming a World War II spy, the lawsuit over public golf access that cracked open civil rights law, how photos of the president’s daughter at the racetrack caused a scandal, and so much more.

Join us for incredible sports stories hiding in plain sight among our national landmarks!

What's Included

Local, professional, and licensed tour guide
Gratuities
This is an outdoor walking tour that does not include admission/entry to museums - please reach out if you would like to customize your itinerary!

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Go to the pavilion on the East Front of the Capitol building (not the National Mall side) and look for a guide with a pennant flag.

End point
World War II Memorial

This tour ends at the World War II Memorial in the center of the National Mall.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • U.S. Capitol (Pass by)

    We gather at the East Front of the Capitol Building to meet each other, go over what to expect on the tour, and learn about the ties between Congress and sports in America.

    Admission ticket free
  • Supreme Court (Pass by)

    We take in the grand exterior of the Supreme Court building and learn about influential Court decisions that stemmed from the world of sports and recreation.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    As we walk to the National Archives through the Capitol grounds and down Constitution Avenue, we discuss some lesser-known stories about Congress’ role regulating sports in America, Presidents and baseball, the early days of the NCAA, and more!

    Admission ticket free
  • The National Archives Museum (Pass by)

    Outside the Natonal Archives, we will explore the role of record-keeping in sports, and re-trace a 110-year dispute over an American athlete’s Olympic gold medals.

    Admission ticket free
  • National Mall (Pass by)

    As we head west, taking in the beautiful National Mall, we will discuss sports-related scandals in DC, the evolution of the green space and playing fields on the Mall, and play some trivia.

    Admission ticket free
  • Washington Monument (Pass by)

    We take in the magnificent Washington Monument and the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, learning about George Washington’s little-known athletic prowess, can’t-miss displays at the NMAAHC, and DC’s unique history of marathons and other road races.

    Admission ticket free
  • White House (Pass by)

    With a view of the south side of the White House across the Ellipse, we explore the unique, fun, historic, and sometimes tragic relationship between presidents and athletics - including their own sporting passions and the complicated history of baseball and race relations in DC.

    Admission ticket free
  • National Mall (Pass by)

    Walking to our final stop, we discuss Jackie Robinson’s military career during WWII, and the importance of his role as a civili rights trailblazer - before he ever played professional baseball.

    Admission ticket free
  • National World War II Memorial (Pass by)

    To close the tour, we cover some inspiring stories of service and sacrifice from athletes who played pivotal roles - espionage, combat, military recruitment, veterans health care, and more - both during and immediately following World War II.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Playmaker Tours DC
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Tags

Private and Luxury
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Nature Walks
Small Group

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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