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
3,430 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
DC Discovery Tour
Mary L,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sam (Guide), Cortez (Driver) - Discovery Tour was very knowledgeable, friendly, patient and answered questions.
Great day, main monuments!
Passenger66932812364,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic experience with Nick, Tina and Clive. Nick was a wonderful guide, lots of information, great personality. Just the right amount of things to do. I really enjoyed the cruise. It was a nice and relaxing break in the day.
Very enjoyable full day tour
Scenic774102,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour - Raphael and Kolifa were great and knowledgeable hosts!
Great tour. Book now!
DayTrip17259494312,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour thanks to our outstanding tour guide, Sam. Having never been in the area before, this tour provided a very in depth tour and made learning the information easily digestible and fun. Sam was a wealth of knowledge, personable, and his passion for the subject was palpable. He also provided the name of multiple books I intend to read. Great tour and well worth the cost.
DC Tours
davidoS3273MA,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sam was an awesome guide! Lots of stories and interesting information!
Awesome experience!
V4920WNkristinf,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nick was an awesome tour guide! Thank you!!
Great tour-Highly Recommend
Sallie C,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Buzz and driver Osay took great care to provide an enjoyable tour in the open air convertible! The tour was split nicely with a a visit to some memorials in the morning followed by a break for lunch and the Potomac boat ride, and then ending with visits to the remaining monuments. Would highly recommend!
Impressive guide
Angel Y,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was very impressive. I learned things. I actually had to fact check him on the things he brought to light. He was dead on it. I hope this guy is paid well.
Best tour guides in DC
Chris G,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Brittany & Tanya were excellent guides. Super friendly and knowledgeable about the tour. Thank you for a great day in DC.
Great Tour
Ashley G,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour with Derek and Kareem. This trip saves on walking and hits all the major sites in the National Mall. Boat ride was a bit chilly but really cool way to see the city. Derek was very knowledgeable and shared some interesting facts we wouldnt have gotten without the tour. Highly recommend.
-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