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
3,399 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Georgetown Gastronomic Goodies
Gregg N,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My wife and I have become "foodies" since retiirement. We look foraward to visting different locations, and sampling the local cuisine. Secret Food Tours (Washington DC) proved to be another delightful adventure, on a beautiful spring day. Cooper, our knowledgable guide, etertained and informed us about historical Georgetown tidbits. The highlight (of course), were the food samplings, as wide and diverse as the people that populate this unique suburb of DC. Kudos to Cooper, and Secret Food Tours, for providing yet another reason to continue partaking in these delicious journeys.
Discover DC
478janicef,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brittney was our tour guide. She was knowledgeable, pleasant and delightful.
A bus, not a van as I was told via chat.
Lisa E,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00This is a bus, not a van as I was told via chat. Not really geared toward kids under 10. Yes, they can ride around on a bus and see the monuments, but commentary is at an adult level.
Amazing experience for all ages!
Shonda H,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience! Evan was so interactive and knowledgeable. He made the experience so enjoyable. Mr. Cortez was so helpful, friendly and courteous. He safely got us to all our destinations. This team made the experience a great memory for our family.
Viewing DC in Six Hours
majorb160,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour for visitors to view what Washington DC offers. The bus was comfortable, and the driver made me feel safe. Lastly, the tour guide was knowledgeable, entertaining, accommodating, and cordial in every respect. My recommendation particularly for people visiting DC for the first time.
Love it
Scenic29596126959,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Overall is a great city to live and visit. Washington is remarkable
Excellent Tour of DC!
Aditya S,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was one of the BEST tour experiences I have ever been on worldwide! Sam - our tour guide from USA Guided Tours - was wonderful and made history come alive!
DC 6 Hour Bus Tour
Q5674EXvictoriaf,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! Enjoyed the entire tour and all of the information about each memorial and site. I've definitely learned a lot about DC, including facts about specific areas around DC! Our tour guide Sam was the best!
Find a Different Tour
James F,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00The tour takes you to a few interesting places but is somewhat disorganized and amateurish. It is definitely NOT worth paying for the longer tour, they stop for lunch which pay for yourself and then see one location after lunch. That location is near the earlier sites visited so they could have just tacked it on to the first part of the tour and saved everyone 2 hours time, an hour buying one’s own lunch and an hour in traffic.
Washington DC in One Day Tour
Angela S,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a great tour for those who have been to DC previously. A snapshot of each location to fill in the blanks. Nick, the tour guide is knowledgeable on a variety of topics. I would recommend the tour on the convertible, glass top bus.
From US$89.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by USA Guided Tours