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‘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
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)
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.
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!
Bus + Boat + Entry Passes
all inclusive day tour: 8-hr guided bus tour includes a seasonal boat cruise + entry to the National Archives Building and the U.S. Capitol Building
Reviews
3,311 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
alfredaI1049JY,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nick was a fantastic tour guide who made our trip really enjoyable. He knew a lot about every place we visited and shared fun stories that made each stop more interesting. His friendly attitude and sense of humor kept everyone relaxed and happy.
Awesome Tour
Tina H,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brittany, our guide, was fantastic! Knowledgeable, accessible, friendly, patient, respectful and fun!! Mr. Parker, our driver, was outstanding…a gentleman and a considerate guy.
DC Day tour
Katherine D,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Lots of walking so wear good shoes and comfortable clothes. Brittany and Mr Parker were awesome tour guides! So much fun and informative.
Gillie Girl Stepping out on Amazing DC Tour Experience!
pasitag2024,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an amazing time on the Discover DC Tour of the National Mall, Memorials, and Monuments! Our tour guide was truly outstanding — friendly, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable about every historical site we visited. He shared so many fascinating facts and stories that made the experience both educational and enjoyable. You could really tell he loves what he does and takes pride in helping others learn about the history and meaning behind each monument. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Washington, D.C. It’s the perfect way to see the city’s highlights and appreciate its rich history!
This was the most amazing experience!
Tia M,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved our tour guide Nick. He is intelligent, kind, and knowledgeable. I learned so much history about our nation and the people who made it great. My husband and I definitely recommend this tour to everyone who wants to see the sights in DC. Thank you for a great day and all the dad jokes Nick!
A great experience
E9027FPallenm,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nick is an amazing tour guide. He is incredibly personable and knowledgeable. His jokes are so so. Just kidding the guy is hilarious. I highly recommend taking a tour with him
Excellent First Time Introduction to come back for More.
marineboySG,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Love the tour. The guide was so experienced and knowledge with the history. He covered many locations and gave us a good story of them. I wanna come back again during a warm period and hope he can lead us again. Can’t wait to do a night tour soon. It’s gonna be an awesome trip. And it has been a marvellous first time experience in DC.
I can only speak from...
Salvatore D,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00I can only speak from personal experience, unfortunately we were unable to participate in the tour due to our Uber driver dropping us at the incorrect location. Despite promptly requesting to join the tour or reschedule, we were informed that we had missed it—with no indication that rescheduling was an option. Viator’s response mirrored this stance, and I must express my disappointment. For a company in the service industry, I found their approach lacking in flexibility and empathy. After several attempts to explain the situation via email and request, I have now been ignored and haven't any further acknowledgment or resolution. We did receive a paltry 10% refund....thanks for nothing Viator
Best Tour
Nancy R,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We recommend this tour 100% it was amazing, the best experience. The guide Nick is very knowledgeable and professional.
Dc
Bobbie B,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide and bus driver was so awesome. They worked well together. Gave a lot of information…………..
From $89.00
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Operated by USA Guided Tours