About this experience
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!
At a glance
- Duration: 6 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 6 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- 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
- 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.
Local guides to help you plan
Potomac River Sightseeing Cruise Guide
Plan a Potomac River sightseeing cruise in Washington DC, compare narrated tours with water taxis and dining cruises, find the correct Wharf pier, and prepare for tickets, timing, and accessibility.
One Day in Washington DC Itinerary
Get the perfect One Day in Washington DC Itinerary, from Smithsonian treasures to moonlit memorials—before you miss the stop that changes everything.
Mount Vernon Boat Tour From Washington DC
A Mount Vernon boat tour from Washington DC combines narrated Potomac sightseeing, estate admission, and roughly 2.5 to 3 hours ashore. This guide explains the itinerary, costs, accessibility, timing, and alternatives.
What is 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)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Lunch
Itinerary and highlights
Starts/Ends
Guided Walking Tour of the U.S. Capitol Building (outside only)
Guided Walking Tour of the White House (outside only)
Guided Walking Tour of WWII Memorial
Guided Walking Tour of Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Guided Walking Tour of FDR Memorial
SEASONAL (Apr 1 - Sep 30); in the warmer months, guests enjoy a boat cruise on the Potomac River and can purchase lunch and explore Georgetown.
SEASONAL (Oct 1 - Mar 31); The Pentagon City; lunch break & free time.
Guided Walking Tour of MLK Memorial
Guided Walking Tour of Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Guided Walking Tour of Korean War Veterans Memorial
See the iconic memorial up close!
Meeting and pickup information
- For either the Discover DC Guided Bus Tour (6349touronly) or the Upgrade: Glass-Top/Convertible (TG4) departure @ 10 AM: Look for the tour greeter near the tall, white flagpoles on the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the U.S. Navy Memorial Plaza (between 7th & 9th Streets) outside the Archives metro.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- USA Guided Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- 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.
Questions about this experience
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Service animals allowed
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