Discover DC Bus Tour in Washington, DC

701 Pennsylvania Ave. NWWashington, DC 20004
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Overview

Explore Washington DC and northern Virginia on this immersive 6-hour bus tour. On this tour, you’ll stop at notable landmarks, renowned architecture, and historic monuments for an in-depth history lesson from knowledgeable tour guides. In addition, tours include a one-hour Potomac River cruise from March to October. Get a firsthand look at our nation’s history on the Discover DC tour.

1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Tour duration: approximately 6 hours.
  • Tours include a one-hour Potomac River cruise from March through October.
  • During the off-season, tours include time at the Pentagon City Mall.
  • The tour includes stops in Washington DC and northern Virginia.

Description

This six-hour USA Guided Tour is a journey through historic Washington, DC, and nearby Northern Virginia. This sightseeing tour begins at the U.S. Navy Memorial at 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, halfway between the White House and the U.S. Capitol.

On your way to the U.S. Capitol Building (the first stop) you pass the National Archives, which houses historic U.S. documents like the "Three Charters of Freedom" -- the original Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Next in view are the Newseum, the Canadian Embassy, and the National Gallery of Art.

Emerging in sight is the U.S. Capitol, where you take in a view of the two-mile long, panoramic view of the Smithsonian Museums (the largest museum complex in the world), and the Washington Monument (the tallest, freestanding stone structure in the world).

On your way to the White House, you pass the U.S. Botanic Garden, Grant’s Memorial, The U.S. Navy Memorial, the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice, and the J. Edgar Hoover Federal Bureau of Investigation.

When arriving at the White House, you’ll not only see the Executive Residence of the President and his family, you will also see the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. This stop also includes a walk past Lafayette Park, honoring the Marquis de Lafayette, leader of French forces.

Your next stop is the National World War II Memorial. Along the way, you will see the headquarters of the American Red Cross, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Organization of American States (OAS) - representing the U.S., Canada, and 35 Latin American countries. Onward, to the Jefferson Memorial.

Once you have marveled at the Jefferson Memorial and have taken lots of photos, we will visit the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial – dedicated in 2011 – just across the Tidal Basin.

On the walking part of the tour, you will visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and via a nice stroll along the tree line, you will emerge in front of the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorials.

For a unique experience, this tour offers a leisurely cruise on the Potomac River (March 15 to October 6) with your guide, who will answer questions. Lunch will be provided onboard. (In the winter months, we forego the cruise and visit a local indoor market, for lunch.)

The last stop is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial, which will transport you back in time to the years of 1933-1945. We return to the U.S. Navy Memorial at the end of the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions about Discover DC

Where do I meet for the tour?

Tours meet and begin at the US Navy Memorial.

When should I arrive?

They highly recommend you arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to ensure your reservation is honored. You have up to ten (10) minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure your seat on the tour. Ten (10) minutes before the departure time, they note outstanding reservations as "no shows." If they have walk-up passengers, they will be given a ticket and will be boarded at this time.

What vehicle is used for the tour?

They use 35-passenger shuttle vans for daily mixed tour groups. They reserve the right to substitute their larger 55-passenger buses, depending upon demand and/or their tour schedule. The 55-passenger buses have bathrooms on board for your convenience.

Can I bring a baby stroller or wheelchair on the bus?

Unfortunately, the shuttles are not wheelchair accessible, nor is there storage for baby strollers. If you have a wheelchair, please call the number on your e ticket to make special vehicle arrangements for your tour. Some of their tours involve longer walks so if you like, you may stay on board the shuttle, near the landmark, without exiting the shuttle bus every time.

How long is the tour?

The tour is approximately 6 hours long.

Is lunch served on the tour?

No. Refreshments are served.

What sights will we see on the tour?

Sights and stops include: - U.S. Navy Memorial - U.S. Capitol Building - White House - World War II Memorial - Jefferson Memorial - FDR Memorial - Martin Luther King Memorial - Korean War Memorial - Lincoln Memorial - Vietnam Memorial