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
3,446 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
⭐ “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
Wow !!!
Christo S,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was indeed a WOW experience! Sam, our guide, was pure joy and knows the history of Washington, D.C. inside and out! Our bus driver, Cortez, bought ice on this warm day from his own pocket! What a lovely experience - an experience I can truly recommend!! Christo Swart (PhD)
Great way to see monuments as a family
Q2964LUmaryw,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nick made the trip enjoyable for the whole family, sharing great facts about the local monuments and answering any questions we had. Highly recommend. Easier on the kiddos than walking to all the sights. Cortez, the driver did a great job of being where we needed the bus, on time. And avoiding traffic back ups.
Important opportunity for everyone
judykenna,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great comprehensive overview of memorials and major sites in central Washington. Great Tour of Memorials
Loved it!
jeanmZ2456AY,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sam was knowledgeable and fun! Cortez saved us when he purchased ice for our water as it was 91 today!
Great Tour of DC! Loved our Guide Nick!!!
Abby K,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great tour of the city! We were able to see the highlights of DC. Loved our guide, Nick! He did a wonderful job engaging my kids. We really loved our tour!
A great day in DC
Jet31102613756,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour. Nick the tour guide that was awesome. Informative and hilarious.
Great time!
Andrea H,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Brittany was a great guide. Very personable and knew her stuff. Cortez was a great driver and got us everywhere without incident. 😄
The guide Nick was very...
Natalie S,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide Nick was very entertaining and knowledgeable about history. It was an excellent experience
-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