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
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.
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
3,335 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
I've seen all the top spots.
Rebecca C,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nick was amazing and so full of knowledge. So friendly and would 100% recommend. Don't forget the driver, Mr Calvin, he got us endurance safely. Thank you for the great experience.
This is a big YES of a tour!
catherinebD655YZ,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience! Kyle was an excellent tour guide and Mr. Calvin was a bonus as our bus driver! They make a great team! We learned so much about D.C and it was worth our day!
Capital TOUR!!!
Jerry S,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is a fantastic way to experience the awesome monuments and buildings that make DC such a unique venue to visit, in a limited amount of time. Our tour guide Nick’s knowledge of American history is amazing, he is a walking encyclopedia of facts, and he shares them mixed with delightful stories and humor that keeps your interest. Our driver Ali safely maneuvered us through snow and street closures on a busy DC day with ease. We enjoyed the excellent recommendation for lunch. Highly recommend this tour if you have a chance, you won’t be disappointed.
Great high level tour of the National Mall
stanyslavm2025,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice high level tour of the National Mall. This tour is especially nice in the winter because you get to warm up in the bus.
Very informative tour
Manny Y,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Despite the cold weather and it was snowing back then, Britney and the dtiver gave us a cheerful and informative tour all around DC. Britney is very kind and professional. I love her. No wonder she loves her job for more than 10 yrs already. That is what I called dedication. 😍
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.
From US$89.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by USA Guided Tours