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!
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
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
3,350 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful!
Gina I,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Omg what a beautiful experience and fun! Thanks to Joey and Kareem! First time in Washington DC and it’s a great experience to see everything.
Great local tour on comfy bus
LukeB10001,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nick was a great local tour guide great stories and insights, took us to all the main sights, with good historical info also.
Outstanding!!!
Fernando G,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was wonderful. John and Joey were outstanding. They were very professional and courteous. The tour was informative and Joey was very funny. We really enjoyed it and hope to come back in the future when it’s warmer. Thank you so much
DC in a Day
aliciarA1252BO,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I absolutely loved it! The Discover DC tour was a perfect blend of fun and facts. Our bus driver Gary was great in getting us to and from places! Nick, our guide, was fantastic—super informative and engaging. There were so many highlights like the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Korean Conflict Memorial. I left feeling inspired and well-informed. Highly recommend!
Great tour
Leticia S,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Was great and fun, tour guys with a lot of knowledge and the driver was a sweet hard. They ready made the 6 hrs go fast.
Great tour
Sean S,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour it was chilly that day but you were never out side for too long definitely worth it nick was great vary informed.
DC tour
R1197SHchristopherl,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, hit all of the major spots in DC and all of the background info, with a twist of humor, that one could want. Nick and Calvin were our guides, definitely worth seeking them out
Awesome experience
thongn278,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour is a great experience for my and my family. We were able to see many famous and well-known places in DC. Thanks to Alvin and Nick, they're are a great team.
Two thumbs up
Steve M,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour. Will and Kareem were awesome. I would highly recommend if you’re looking for a DC tour.
BEST guide, 6 stars for Evan
hmulyo,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Evan is the best guide ever. He is super knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Driver was super nice too. Evan truly went above and beyond his duty as a tour guide. He ordered and PAID for our Uber when my phone died. Amazing guy.
From US$89.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by USA Guided Tours