Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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)
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
Options
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.
Reviews
3,371 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sam & Lea were great....
Effie E,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sam & Lea were great. Good knowledge of history. The only thing is a wrong meeting place was on my ticket.
Great tour!
Kerry R,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative tour with a good mixture of walking and time on the bus. Ticked off all the main sights and the bus driver knew some secret spots to get some good pictures. Will was a great guide and kept all of our spirits up when the rain came down. Would definitely recommend.
Walking tour through the memorials.
dynesham2022,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lea was an amazing driver. The tour guide Nick was amazing and had the best jokes!
Loved It!
destinyg941,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this tour! Nick was very informative and funny. Leah was our driver and she was the best!
Super fun tour of dc!
kodyj390,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lea and Nick lead a wonderful tour of dc very informative and fun.
great for first time in dc
yiqiangm,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the discover dc tour. Sam is passionate and a great storyteller. The bus is quite smooth. The guide and driver arranged the route and time very well.
We love seeing all the...
Katie C,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We love seeing all the highlights of DC in the comforts of a bus and still getting the opportunity to get out and walk around
Best Tour of Washington
annsB4173QG,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing tour which covers so many of Washingtons top highlights. Will, our guide for the day was informative, friendly and very helpful. His bubbly personality made the trip go so fast. He made sure he spent one on one time with everyone in the group and nothing was a problem for him. His photography skills were also commendable. Kareem our driver today was welcoming and also very friendly. His driving skills in the wet rainy conditions were impressive and his efforts to drop us off as close to the stops as possible were great. I can highly recommend this tour if you want to leave Washington with a lot of knowledge of this historical city and you will be in for a great day if you have Will and Kareem to accompany you.
All of these are picture...
Jerrel J,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00All of these are picture opportunities! If you would like to take tours of the monuments that are separate. The tour guide, Alex, I think his name is was very knowledgeable and wanted to get to know with everybody and was very flexible and positive! Thank you to the driver too, she was very welcoming.
Highly recommend!
desireemI1430NS,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sam is very informative and very helpful in every way. Leah is a very good driver and very cheerful. This duo is very recommendable.
From US$89.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by USA Guided Tours