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
3,456 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun
janas473,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nick was a fabulous tour guide. We loved his jokes and especially all his knowledge of Washington DC. I give Nick a 10++
Fantastic! Rob was...
Debora F,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic! Rob was amazing! So knowledgeable about each memorial. Absolutely loved being “delivered” to each of the attractions- Highly recommend this trip🤗
Great Tour and Tour Guide. Lots of insight and information
Rich M,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This bed s a wonderful well guided tour with lots of information and insight. We really enjoyed our experience.
Great experience despite the chilly weather
maggie0484,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sam was the best tour guide! He had endless knowledge of so many sights and answered all questions. Sam gave helpful information beyond the tour, such as the best way to tour the capital without a reservation. He spoke clearly and loudly so all could hear him and was courteous and always mindful of safety. Mr Parker drove the bus smoothly and accurately, was respectful and polite and helpful during loading and unloading. I would say that we could've foregone the "weather dependent" boat ride given the windy, chilly conditions.
DC tour
Mark L,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour was very well done. We visited all the major monuments and were able to learn quite a bit of the historical aspects of each.
Wonderful Tour of DC
Bob M,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour of DC was fantastic! Mr. Parker was a great and friendly driver. Sam was an EXTREMELY knowledgeable tour guide. He answered any and all questions.
DC Tour
Mark S,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Nice bus. Informative tour guide. We saw most of the monuments. Enjoyable boat ride on the Potomac. Complimentary bottled water.
Awesome tour and awesome guide.
Doug B,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour. Our guide Nick was the best! He was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. We felt very fortunate to have him as our guide.
⭐ “An Outstanding Washington Tour – Calvin & Joey Were Brilliant!”
JayneMargaret K,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We’ve just finished an open-top bus tour of Washington and it was absolutely fantastic. Our driver, Calvin, was brilliant—smooth, safe, and friendly throughout. A special mention also to our guide, Joey, who truly made the experience unforgettable. Her knowledge of the city’s history was incredible, and she brought everything to life in such an engaging and entertaining way—we learned so much! This was one of the highlights of our trip and we would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Washington. A perfect 5-star experience—thank you both!
Awesome tour! Sam was an excellent guide.
FarAway17884465383,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome 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