Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour + boat cruise
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 with Nick
Discover Washington DC with Nick McCall — "The DC Tour God" — as seen on Netflix's Queer Eye!
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
3,529 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Happy Customer
Brandon G,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nick and the bus driver did great. Definitely shared a lot of history that I didn’t know. I give them a A+ Well Done.
Although there is not a...
George M,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Although there is not a lot of walking. Come prepared to walk. Van was very comfortable. The meeting point was easily accessible.
Good Trip, well worth doing!!!!
Mark W,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was a great tour. Sam was our guide and was very engaging and ensured he kept the group together. I have given this 4 out of 5 as i didnt get much out of the boat trip. To me this just covered most of the landmarks we had visited up close, and on the river, these were at quite a distance to see. I think more would be gained from binning the boat trip and covering the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetry via the bus. More interesting in my opinion. Sam was excellent though and Cortez the Driver was on the ball with the vehicle and the cold water. They worked as a team and made the trip a success. Thanks for YOUR service guys!
A great way to experience the best of Washington DC
Richard B,May 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is an excellent tour with foot stops at all the mojor government buildings and memorials in Washington DC. There is ample time allowed at each stop to visit and the guide explains everything in great detail. Additionally many other sights of interest are pointed out and explained along the way from the bus. The little boat ride on the Patomac is good and feels safe. Immediately prior to that there is time to buy lunch to go which can then be enjoyed on the boat. On the bus unlimited chilled water is provided and even rain ponchos if needed. The bus is spacious, comfortable and has seat belts that work. We were expertly driven by Cortez who clearly takes grsat pride in his bus and looking after his passengers. A special mention has to go to guide Samuel. What an absolute professional. He knows everything there is to know about Washington DC and its history. He is friendly, amenable and goes out of his way to make sure every guest is well looked after and happy. A brilliant tour, highly recommended.
Excellent tour to see it all.
Rhonda D,May 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Guide Rick really knew his history. He was very funny and really knew everything about anything. Excellent trip.
Fun and facts
Roswitha K,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our USA guide was an absolute pro in delivering facts and with such an wit and sometimes irony! I would do this again any time and probably get more facts out of the man!! Loved the tour.
Elvis was on the bus
Carol P,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time with Elvis, tour guide and Leah our driver. They made us laugh and smile throughout the day. We were able to take in the memorials and monuments learning more than just their names but much history that surrounds them. My last visit to DC was more than 40 years ago and to see the newer memorials and learn about the creators, the lives they represent and the international community that was affected and also lost lives in wars and conflicts along with Americans was thought provoking and an emotional experience for me. While my family didn't lose loved ones in WWI, WWII, KOREA OR VIETNAM we had men and women who served in each and were affected by their service for the remainder of their lives. We also enjoyed a delightful boat tour and delicious lunch with a friend we made on our tour. I highly recommend the glass top tour to anyone wanting to see as much as possible in a single day.
Amazing Tour for My 1st Time in D.C.
719ashtonw,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00*BUDDY BUDDY! * 😂 This tour was exactly what I was looking for! I flew into Baltimore from Atlanta for work and decided to take an extra day visit D.C., as I’ve never been! So, trying to find a tour to really see a LOT of the city and main spots was very important to me! Nick was incredibly knowledgeable of the city he was born and raised in and you could tell how much he truly prided himself. He was the KING of dad jokes!! It felt like a 6 hour comedy/trivia tour! My face hurt from smiling and laughing all day! He was offering to take pictures of whoever wanted one. As someone who was traveling solo, this was great! Selfies only go so far! Definitely take his advice on places to eat or museums to visit. I decided to go the Archives Library after our tour and was so cool to see with your own eyes! (Gift shop was great!) I also had dinner at the oldest bar in D.C. called Old Ebbitt Grill. I ordered the oysters and crabcake! delish!!! Nick and Cortez were an amazing team and couldn’t recommend them more!!
Awesome Tour for My 1st Time in D.C.
Ashton W,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00*BUDDY BUDDY! * 😂 This tour was exactly what I was looking for! I flew into Baltimore from Atlanta for work and decided to take an extra day visit D.C., as I’ve never been! So, trying to find a tour to really see a LOT of the city and main spots was very important to me! Nick was incredibly knowledgeable of the city he was born and raised in and you could tell how much he truly prided himself. He was the KING of dad jokes!! It felt like a 6 hour comedy/trivia tour! My face hurt from smiling and laughing all day! He was offering to take pictures of whoever wanted one. As someone who was traveling solo, this was great! Selfies only go so far! Definitely take his advice on places to eat or museums to visit. I decided to go the Archives Library after our tour and was so cool to see with your own eyes! (Gift shop was great!) I also had dinner at the oldest bar in D.C. called Old Ebbitt Grill. I ordered the oysters and crabcake! delish!!! Nick and Cortez were an amazing team and couldn’t recommend them more!!
Well worth it!!
Jennifer G,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic tour! Nick was awesome and really made the tour even more enjoyable! I highly recommend this tour!!
-20% off
From US$71.20Was US$89.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by USA Guided Tours