From all-around-the-city tours, to relaxing river cruises, professionally guided tours are some of the best ways to explore Washington DC. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive overview of the city to kick start your sightseeing or want to learn about Washington DC's history with the freedom to explore on your own, Washington DC has lots of tours to choose from, so it’s easy to find one (or a few) tailored to your interests. We put together a list of the best Washington DC sightseeing tours to help you choose one that suits your sightseeing style.
Save on Popular Washington DC Sightseeing Tours & More
Admission to a bunch of these Washington DC tours are included on the Washington DC Explorer Pass®. Choose as you go from top attractions and save up to 40% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available Washington DC passes, attractions & prices. A few of the available sightseeing activities include…- Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Washington DC Tour
- Washington Walks Walking Tours
- Washington Monuments Cruise by Potomac Riverboat Company
- Bike and Roll DC Bike Rentals
- And more
Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Washington DC Tour
See the sights, learn about the history, get an overview of the top monuments, museums, and historic sites, and get a feel for the city layout on this comprehensive, hop-on hop-off bus tour - a perfect introduction to Washington DC and the best way to start your sightseeing.
You’ll learn fascinating facts while on the bus while the running commentary directs your attention to all the landmarks you'll pass along the way, making sure you see it all.
Some top sights you’ll see along the way include:
- White House
- Pentagon City Mall
- Arlington National Cemetery
- WWII Memorial
- and more
Washington Walks Walking Tours
Another great way to start your sightseeing in Washington, DC - and discover just how walkable of a city it is - is on a guided walking tour tailored to your interests. Washington Walks Walking Tours offer lots of seasonal walking tours throughout the year.
These two-hour walks are geared towards a range of topics, from cherry blossom viewing in the spring, to nighttime strolls along the National Mall, to autumnal walks along Embassy Row, to haunted tours from April to October, and more.
Whichever tour you join, Washington Walks makes sure you'll get the best experience with entertaining and knowledgeable tour guides, strategically planned stops for photo opps, and more. Most tours depart from a Metro station, too, so they’re easy to get to.
The Capital Wheel
If getting some of the best views in Washington, DC is on your trip bucket list, the Capital Wheel is one the best ways to do it.
The 180-foot tall observation wheel offers views of some of the most iconic elements of the DC skyline, including: the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building, downtown Alexandria, and the Potomac River.
Be sure to bring your camera!
Getting In: The Capital Wheel tickets is an included attraction choice on the Washington DC Explorer Pass®.
Washington Monuments Cruise by Potomac Riverboat Company
Go on a charming sightseeing cruise and experience DC’s waterfront while taking in views of DC's landmarks anf landscapes along the way.
Top sights you’ll cruise past include: the Kennedy Center for the Performing arts, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, Arlington National Cemetery, and more while informative narrations fills you in on the historical significance of each.
Insider Tip: present your Explorer Pass at the ticket booth prior to boarding your cruise and arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your desired sail time.
Getting In: Washington DC Monuments Cruise tickets are available as an option on the Washington DC Explorer Pass.
Bike and Roll DC Bike Rentals
Rent a bike and get in some exercise while seeing the sights. Biking is one of the best ways to get around the city - you'll be able to cover a lot of ground in the three-hours of your rental.
There are lots of bike paths and trails that highlight landmarks, like the monuments, memorials, National Mall, and more. You'll get a map that outlines a few popular trails and pinpoints top sights so you can easily plan your route based on what you want to see.
Getting In: DC Bike rentals by Bike and Roll DC are available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass.
George Washington's Mount Vernon
If you have a car in DC, consider checking out George Washington's Mount Vernon for a tour of the first President's stunning estate and grounds.
In addition to the guided tour, you'll have a chance to explore the grounds on your own. You'll get to visit the old and new tombs of George and Martha Washington, learn about the role of slavery and Washington’s contradicting views on the matter, visit mini-museums, memorials, and more. You'll learn all about the Washington family and the history of farming and agriculture - it's a chance to see first hand how America's first President lived in the late 18th century.
Getting In: George Washington’s Mount Vernon tickets are available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass®.
Remember to Save on Sightseeing Admission
Many of the tours on our list of the best Washington DC sightseeing tours and fun ways to explore the city are available as attraction choices on the Washington DC Explorer Pass®. From all-around walking tours to hop-on hop-off bus tours, cruises, and everything in between – you'll be able to find a tour of the city that caters to your sightseeing interests. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun touring options to your vacation itinerary.