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
3,382 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome experience!
dnk0920,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are so happy we chose USA Guided Tours! Our tour guide, Nick, was not only super knowledgeable but also fun and energetic! We went on the 6 hour tour hitting so many major sites and had lunch in Pentagon City. Leah kept us safe navigating the bus through crazy traffic like I’ve never seen anyone do before. I would recommend this tour 100 times over again.
Awesomeness
Stephen D,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Worth every penny Worth every penny Worth every penny Worth every penny Worth every penny Worth every penny
1st Time Tour
Alicia P,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s my time in DC, so I took the day tour. I liked it very much, very educational. The tour guide and driver were very professional and nice. The tour guide knows his history and am very impressed with his knowledge of the history and the city. I definitely recommend this to everyone.
Washington,DC
Mary R,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Visited most national monuments, adequate time at each. Sam was a fantastic guide! A wealth of knowledge with lots of little known facts. Bus was comfortable with a great driver, Kholife. Highly recommend
Great tour will recommend
Kimberly A,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My family thoroughly enjoyed the entire tour. Although our group was small, the experience was enjoyable and memorable. The tour involves a fair amount of walking, but, it started snowing during our tour. Thankfully, the bus provided warmth and comfort. Our tour guide, Nick, was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, while our driver, Cortez, was equally accommodating. We had ample time to visit each stop, and as a foreigner, I gained a wealth of knowledge about DC and American history. If you’re a history enthusiast and want to explore the beautiful historic sites of DC, I highly recommend this tour guide. Thank you!
Why it was worth it!
Jim L,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide Reed did a very impressive job with a lot of factual information. While we could have walk all this on our own, the additional information made it all worth the price for the tour.
Great tour will recommend
kimberlyalamo22,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family thoroughly enjoyed the entire tour. Although our group was small, the experience was enjoyable and memorable. The tour involves a fair amount of walking, but, it started snowing during our tour. Thankfully, the bus provided warmth and comfort. Our tour guide, Nick, was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, while our driver, Cortez, was equally accommodating. We had ample time to visit each stop, and as a foreigner, I gained a wealth of knowledge about DC and American history. If you’re a history enthusiast and want to explore the beautiful historic sites of DC, I highly recommend this tour guide. Thank you!
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.
From US$89.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by USA Guided Tours