Hidden Halls of Power: Secret History of the White House & DC
Overview
Washington, DC, has not always served as the federal government's headquarters. Following the Revolutionary War, the Residency Act of 1790 allowed for the establishment of the federal government in New York City, Philadelphia, and finally Washington, D.C. Establishing the federal government's seat was difficult due to the undeveloped state of the area that is today known as downtown Washington, DC. Land needed to be surveyed, maps needed to be created, and plans needed to be created for the new US capitol. Given that the newly established federal government had incurred enormous debts during the Revolutionary War that needed to be paid off, these duties proved to be easier said than done. As we travel through historical sites that date from the period immediately following the Revolutionary War to the present, we will be reminded of the American tale.
What's Included
- Thoroughly researched and accurate history
- Professional and knowledgeable local guide
- Food and drink
Meeting Location
Pennsylvania Ave NW &
16th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
748 Jackson Place Northwest
Washington, DC 20006, USA
End your tour with a stop at the historic Decatur House.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Lafayette Square (pass by)
White House (pass by)
United States Department of the Treasury (pass by)
The President's Park (pass by)
Haupt Fountains (pass by)
Octagon Museum (pass by)
Blair House (pass by)
Decatur House (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Hidden Halls of Power: Secret History of the White House & DC?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-70686P5
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool DC customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- Thoroughly researched and accurate history.
- Professional and knowledgeable local guide.
- Food and drink.
The minimum age to participate is 13..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Hidden Halls of Power: Secret History of the White House & DC is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Hidden Halls of Power: Secret History of the White House & DC will be included in your confirmation email from Cool DC. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Thoroughly researched and accurate history
- Professional and knowledgeable local guide
- Food and drink
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
