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.
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
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
3,336 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Discover DC
E5880LLtinas,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic trip! First time in DC. Discover DC was such a wonderful tour with the best informed guide. Our driver was GREAT!
Great information and entertaining as well
sskkam,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ali and Nick were professional, prompt and informative! Thoroughly enjoyable tour! Would highly recommend this company and these folks!
Thanks Nick!
jonny c67,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thanks Nick for a great trip. Very informative and educational, whilst light and easy to follow. Would highly recommend.
Read was our guide and did an amazing job. Extremely knowledgeable and made the experience extra enjoyable
Kim C,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great route thru the city to not only view the monuments but a great way to see so many different things.
Great tour of DC
Lisa d,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is a great way to not only see all the highlights of Washington, DC, but to learn so much history. It didn’t matter that the weather was not great, as we had a nice warm bus that was super clean and comfy. We got lots of steps in and there were ample breaks.
Great time enjoying the tour ..
Nora A,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Evan was awesome! His knowledge is incredible and great personality… He explained all areas and the history of each stop as well as other local spots of interest. He kept us very entertained while sharing details with exceptional detail. Ali was also very friendly and helpful..
Great tour of DC
Safari16666411670,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience with the friendly guide. He is funny and knowledgeable. This is a great way to cover many landmarks of the city.
10 stop tour
oriselg2023,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best experience ever. Nick is just the best. Knowledgeable, friendly and very funny. A lot of history and fun and not known facts about the memorials and museums
Great Tour !
Nancy F,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00If you are older, there is a lot of walking. Some of the sites, I felt a bit rushed, but I realized in order to visit that many sites in 6 hours, you have to stay on time. Our guide (Brittany) was super ! Knowledgeable, kind, funny !
Awesome tour! Our tour...
edsel i,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome tour! Our tour guide and driver were exceptional. I would definitely recommend this tour. It is totally worth it!
From US$89.00
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Operated by USA Guided Tours