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
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.
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!
Reviews
3,476 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The tour guide was funny...
Carlos B,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was funny and knowledgeable about the area. The spots chosen for the tour were great and the ride was comfortable.
Great Tour Guides and drivers. Weather was great.
MICHAEL G,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bathroom breaks are built in. Boat ride was excellent and the Guides were extremely knowledgeable and courteous.
If you only have one day - do this tour
Kylie O,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend. Day ran like clockwork. Very knowledgeable and engaging tour guide, saw all the highlights.
Just about the right...
James K,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Just about the right amount of time to see and hear all that you need and very informative with additional facts whilst travelling
Washington DC guided bus/walking tour with Nick
Danielle B,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide, Nick, was one of the best guides I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and learning from… the knowledge he had with many fun facts along the route kept the tour very engaging and fun! His personality and jokes were truly the best! He made it so enjoyable for us especially my autistic daughter who has a hard time with keeping focus. He kept her attention during the whole trip! I definitely recommend this tour and hopefully you will be lucky enough to have Nick as your guide!
Enlightening tour with Nick and Cortez
Departure38889636498,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great tour with Nick (our guide) and Cortez (our driver) in April '26. The bus was comfortable, and the pace was perfect for the day. Nick's extraordinary depth of history proved he is a true lifelong student of history. It made for a memorable tour of the monuments in DC, we highly recommend their tour.
Go with Nick!!!
Mina M,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00USA tours is excellent, especially if Nick is your guide! It's an excellent way to see Washington DC.
Would be 5 stars if correct information was given
Vivianne M,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Our guide, Rocky, was great. The instructions on where to meet and the tour itinerary were not accurate. We were told to meet by the Naval Museum, but the actual tour started at the Capitol causing us to have to walk an extra 20 minutes after having already walked 20 minutes to the meeting point given. We were also told that the Capitol tour would be outside only, so we had just bought $20 worth of snacks & water that had to be thrown away unopened. Very aggravating that we were not given proper instructions. I have attached the itinerary that was on my reservation. You might want to double check if you decide to take this tour.
The tour covers many...
Tom N,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour covers many famous Washington DC historic sites in 6 hours. The tour guide is very active, polite, and knowledgeable about the US history and the landmarks. The bus driver is also very good. The weather was overcast and cold on the day of our tour so the Potomac River Cruise was not really enjoyable, but it is not their fault.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. It was great! Nick was our tour guide and he was the best. Had a great time.
Marcia B,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00There is a lot of walking but worth it. Be sure to take a camera because there are so many things you'll want to take pictures of. I myself probably took over 200 pictures. Our tour guide was great his name is Nick. Not only is he informative but entertaining as well. I highly recommend this tour.
-20% off
From US$71.20Was US$89.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by USA Guided Tours