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.
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
3,377 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing tour with our...
SamJarvis,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour with our tour guide Read. Very knowledgable guide who made the day so interesting. Thank you, would highly recommend
Tour of DC
markwQ9988MZ,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Buzz and Leah were great! What a great way to see all the sites.
A Good Introduction To The City
Mick F,,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best way to get to know the city and highlights of its history in the least amount of time. Guide was very knowledgeable and engaging. I recommend to anyone new in the city.
Excellent Tour and Tour Guide!!
Nancy W,,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide and itinery really live up to the excellent ratings for this tour. Our guide Nick McCall was really wonderful, so very knowledgeable and entertaining. The best tour we've ever had! Bus driver Kalefe was very pleasant and added to having a remarkable day. Kudos to Nick! Would highly recommend to our friends to use Vrator and request for Nick. Very happy. Tour ended a little early but it was fine as 6 hrs was a bit too long for us. Nick did let us know as group was not large so able to get thru faster than expected.
Sam & Lea were great....
Effie E,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sam & Lea were great. Good knowledge of history. The only thing is a wrong meeting place was on my ticket.
Great tour!
Kerry R,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative tour with a good mixture of walking and time on the bus. Ticked off all the main sights and the bus driver knew some secret spots to get some good pictures. Will was a great guide and kept all of our spirits up when the rain came down. Would definitely recommend.
Walking tour through the memorials.
dynesham2022,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lea was an amazing driver. The tour guide Nick was amazing and had the best jokes!
Loved It!
destinyg941,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this tour! Nick was very informative and funny. Leah was our driver and she was the best!
Super fun tour of dc!
kodyj390,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lea and Nick lead a wonderful tour of dc very informative and fun.
great for first time in dc
yiqiangm,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the discover dc tour. Sam is passionate and a great storyteller. The bus is quite smooth. The guide and driver arranged the route and time very well.
From US$89.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by USA Guided Tours