WASHINGTON, D.C.
The best way to spend a day in D.C.
The 14 best 1-day tours in Washington, with what each one covers, what it costs and how long to set aside. A shortlist for planning real days on and off the National Mall.
A 6-hour Washington DC guided tour with bus-and-walk routing, seasonal Potomac cruise, and an optional glass-top upgrade from $89.
Most Popular“It was wonderful. John and Joey were outstanding. They were very professional and courteous. The tour was informative and Joey was very funny. We really enjoyed it and hope to come back in the future when it’s warmer. Thank you so much”
Half-day tour from Washington DC to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria, with mansion admission, plus guided bus stops.
“It was a so-so tour. Too bad the house was on repair and didn't exactly see the whole parts of it because of the repairs. The tour around alexandria was quick as well. The night tour was ok also.”
One-day Washington highlights from NYC: Lincoln Tunnel, Arlington, National Mall monuments, White House, Capitol time, and photo stops by bus with a guide.
“I liked the fact that you could move around the city with the bus, this allows you to see all the most important points during the day. Also the guide explains a lot of stuff while being in the bus to make the best out of it. We made a final stop with amazing view…”
A small-group Potomac River cruise plus guided Mount Vernon estate walk with lunch included, starting fast from DC’s Wharf.
“This is a great tour! Faith M. Our guide was Fantasic! We traveled by boat on the Potomac which was great! We were able to see Mt Vernon from the river in its glory. We hiked, we toured the home, and saw the gardens. Our guide Faith made the trip so memorable with her knowledge…”
River cruise to Mount Vernon with expert guides, VIP seating, and included lunch—plus time on the estate and grounds for a full day.
“Ray was an excellent guide. It was a beautiful place to tour. Approaching it from the river is very stunning.”
Half-day to Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria from downtown DC. Mansion tour, free estate time, and a guided look at key sights.
“would have been good to have had half hour in alexandra for some photo of the old buildings”
Small-group Gettysburg day trip from DC with guided battlefield tour, Cyclorama, museum film, Lincoln site, and downtown time.
“Everything was as advertised. Our tour guide was personable and knowledgeable. The Gettysburg museum was very interesting and we had a good amount of time to explore. The battlefield site guide was excellent as well. He really knew his stuff. I recommend the tour to anyone.”
NYC to Washington, DC in a day with guided tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, Arlington Cemetery, and major memorials for $99.
“excelente el tour el guía nos dio excelente información y ayuda”
A guided one-day trip from New York to Washington, D.C. See the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and cherry blossoms with easy pickup and optional in-depth viewing.
“Don't book this Tour from Viator. Same tour Jupiter legend website they offer lower price $98 I sent email to Viator lowest price guarantee no reply and after that I contacted Viator customer support and Viator provide terrible customer service”
See the Pentagon, 9/11 Memorial, U.S. Capitol, White House sites, and Lincoln/Vietnam memorials in one day, with optional Mount Vernon.
“Amy was a wonderful guide! We greatly enjoyed our full day trip. She was very flexible to our needs since we were such a small group. She was full of information and shared all day long. We only had 2 days in DC so this was well worth it!”
Niagara Falls in 2 days from Washington DC: Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, night illumination, plus Corning Museum of Glass.
“Great experience, structured and well organized! 2 days super tight on schedule!”
Private Monticello day trip from DC with a guided tour, luxury round-trip ride, and optional lunch at Michie Tavern.
“Tour was terrific. Dione was great”
1-day Washington DC tour from NYC: Capitol, Mall, White House photos, Lincoln & Vietnam Memorials, Air Force view, guided day.
“I loved the communication from the organizer. i had a 5-star VIP tour with Kenny the guide who explained the déroulé of the tour before departure. He informed me about the names and the history of towns, states and important monuments, remarquable events and rivers from the time we left New Jersey, the moment we…”
One-day Washington DC tour from NYC with White House, Capitol, Arlington, and National Mall free museum time.
“Great route, great guide”
Every corner of the capital, and every way to see it.
