Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour + boat cruise
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Board your glamourous, climate-controlled panoramic bus at the U.S. Navy Memorial for one of the best bus tours in Washington DC!
Expanding on our popular Highlights Tour, this six-hour excursion also includes a lunch break and the opportunity to travel through the Tidal Basin.
See the very best of Washington DC in one day! Enjoy guided walks around the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and more! For a unique experience, this tour includes a leisurely seasonal (Apr 1 to Sep 30) cruise on the Potomac River! In winter, we get to explore the Pentagon City.
Upgrade to our convertible tour bus for a unique sightseeing experience with an open-air view when weather permits, and a climate-controlled, glass-top roof for comfort during sudden weather changes!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Small carry-on bags are allowed, however it is recommended that you travel lightly. Due to security concerns, the tour operator reserves the right to search any bags or purses you bring on board. Many of the attractions in Washington DC are equipped with metal detectors at the entrances. Traveling without bags or purses is recommended
Due to time restrictions, you cannot go inside any of the monuments, however you can spend about 15-20 minutes at each stop to enjoy up-close views
No food allowed on buses (snacks are fine!)
The boat cruise is seasonal from Apr 1 to Sep 30
Convertible buses switch from open-tops to glass-tops between October and March due to colder temperatures
If you're driving, there is street parking and garages available near the meeting location, including directly under the Navy Memorial meeting location.
We will meet guests in the front of the Navy Memorial, a large fountain plaza, by the tall navy flags - on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 7th & 9th St NW. Please note: rideshares tend to bring people to the opposite side of the block.
What To Expect
United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center
Starts/Ends
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
Guided Walking Tour of the U.S. Capitol Building (outside only)
Options
Discover DC with Nick
Discover Washington DC with Nick McCall — "The DC Tour God" — as seen on Netflix's Queer Eye!
Upgrade: Glass-Top/Convertible
Duration: 6 hours: 6-hr guided bus tour Glass-Top Convertible: Small Group Glass Roof Convertible Sprinter Van. Open During the Spring & Summer For Fresh Air!
Discover DC Guided Bus Tour
Duration: 6 hours: 6hrs tour approx Closed-Top Bus: Fully Guided Day Bus Tour in a Luxury Climate-Controlled Bus. Free Bottled Water. Lunch is Not Included in the Price.
What‘s Included
Boat Cruise on the Potomac River (seasonal: April 1 to September 30)
Upgrade to glass-top bus available
English-Speaking Live Tour Guide (on and off the bus)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3,620 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good Experience
thebirdguy123,Jul 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on July 5 and many roads were still closed but our driver and guide did their best to still show us as much as possible. Very friendly and helpful.
Family Trip
Linda B,Jul 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour is very organized and Derrick and Sylvia were amazing. Adjusted the tour schedule based on road closures and events happening around DC. Would highly recommend.
Disappointing
Katie H,Jul 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Disappointing. Many road closures and we only saw two of the listed stops the entire day.. Drove around in circles.
It’s just okay
Aimee W,Jul 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00This tour was pretty good. I wouldn’t call it excellent or anything. The monuments felt very rushed on one hand but on the other hand the tour is very long. Also, I could do without all the “people who look like me” comments from our tour guide. The phrase is getting a little tired.
A must do!
jacqualine h,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide was very knowledgeable about the city. The tour hits all the major landmarks Even if you think you have seen it all...see it with nick
It was record heat in DC...
Jacalyn M,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was record heat in DC on the 4th of July! Despite the heat (over 100) and the rolling road closures, our driver, Ms Tiana and guide, Dion (13) did a fabulous job. Informative tour so many facts. Tons of water. Positive attitude kept the morale high.
Poor website information
M1291IVrichardg,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Tour company was excellent. Viator was horrible. Sent us to the wrong pickup location. As a result we missed our tour and they had to integrate us o to a different tour. All of this despite the fact that I booked this specific tour 2 to 3 months in advance. Extremely disappointing. Additionally, when I contacted customer service I was told to make my way over to the actual pick up point. I spoke with another couple who were also given incorrect information for pick up. They called and were told to stay put for pick up on another tour. Very disappointing!
Scorching skies, Sizzling memories
Rachelle R,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was HOT, HOT, HOT! And being the holiday weekend, many roads were closed, but that didn’t stop Buzz and Leonard, our guide and driver. They were so accommodating, finding ways to get around road closures, keeping us hydrated, and still providing the best experience possible. We are very grateful for their efforts and will remember this day forever!
Awesome!! Great experience
Dawn R,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sam was awesome! Great way to see a lot in one day vs driving and walking all over the place especially since so hot.
Washington DC tour
Kathleen B,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Rob was our tour guide and he was very knowledgeable about all the stops; and entertained us with many side stories. It rained the entire time, but it didn’t stop us from the stops. Driver, Osa, knew his way around; no problems there. Boat ride was a bit of a disappointment. We were unable to see any of the statues the recording was pointing out, as they were hidden behind trees (Teddy Roosevelt, and the soldiers raising the flag.) It would have made more sense to tell the story behind the Potomac River being the “Nation’s River”, and why it was an escape route during the Civil War. Also, we were a party of five, split into three different tables. I was with a table of 4 other ladies and none of them were listening to the recording. Otherwise totally worth the price. Certainly covered a lot of boxes!😊
Related Experiences
Operated by USA Guided Tours