National Mall Bus Tour & Cruise
From$49.56
3 hours
Washington DC, USA
About this activity
Experience Washington D.C.'s iconic landmarks on a guided bus tour, complemented by a scenic Potomac River cruise, all in one exciting package.
Highlights
- Explore iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial
- Enjoy panoramic views from the open-top bus
- Cruise along the Potomac River for scenic vistas
- Learn about history from expert guides
- Capture memorable photos of Washington D.C.
Full description
Discover the heart of Washington D.C. with our comprehensive National Mall Bus Tour and Seasonal Cruise. This engaging experience combines a guided open-top or glass-top bus tour of the National Mall, showcasing landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. Enhance your adventure with a seasonal Potomac River cruise, offering unique perspectives of the city's skyline and monuments. Expert guides provide insightful commentary, enriching your understanding of the nation's capital. Perfect for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike, this tour offers a memorable and convenient way to explore D.C.'s most celebrated sites.
Included / Excluded
- Open-top or glass-top bus tour of the National Mall
- Seasonal Potomac River cruise
- Live commentary from expert guides
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
No Washington DC experience is complete without a stop at the most famous address in the world — 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Get up close to the iconic North Lawn of the White House for a brief stop and the perfect photo opportunity. From the comfort of our open-top convertible bus, you'll capture stunning unobstructed views of the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. Your expert guide will share fascinating stories and behind-the-scenes history about this legendary landmark as we pause for your photos.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NO
2
Pass by: Pay tribute to the greatest generation at the stunning World War II Memorial, situated at the heart of the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. This powerful monument honors the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces and the more than 400,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. During our brief stop, you'll have the perfect opportunity to capture photos of the memorial's striking plaza, twin pavilions, and iconic Freedom Wall from our open-top convertible bus, while your expert guide shares the remarkable story of America's defining role in the war that shaped the modern world.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Pass by: Catch a breathtaking drive-by view of the Washington Monument — the world's tallest obelisk. Standing at over 555 feet tall, this iconic tribute to America's first president. As we pass by, you'll have the perfect opportunity to capture stunning photos from the comfort of our open-top convertible bus, giving you an unobstructed panoramic view Your guide will share fascinating facts and stories about this American treasure as we cruise past.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial during our brief stop at this stunning neoclassical monument on the banks of the Tidal Basin. Dedicated to the author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States, this iconic domed structure is one of DC's most photographed landmarks. From our open-top convertible bus, you'll have an incredible vantage point to capture the perfect shot while your guide shares the remarkable story of Jefferson's enduring legacy.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Experience a powerful moment as we make a brief stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial — the first on the National Mall dedicated to an African American. The iconic Stone of Hope sculpture, featuring Dr. King emerging from a mountain of granite, is one of DC's most moving and photographed landmarks. From our open-top convertible bus, you'll have a stunning unobstructed view and the perfect opportunity to capture this remarkable tribute to one of America's greatest civil rights leaders while your guide shares the inspiring story behind its creation.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Pass by: Often called America's "Forgotten War," the Korean War and its veterans are powerfully honored at this moving memorial just steps from the Lincoln Memorial. During our brief stop, you'll have the opportunity to capture stunning photos of the iconic stainless steel statues depicting a squad of soldiers on patrol — one of DC's most striking and emotional tributes. From our open-top convertible bus, your expert guide will share the story of the 5.8 million Americans who served during the Korean War and the profound sacrifice they made in defense of freedom.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
No visit to Washington DC is complete without seeing the magnificent Lincoln Memorial. During our brief stop at this iconic neoclassical monument, you'll have the perfect opportunity to capture stunning photos of one of America's most beloved landmarks from our open-top convertible bus. Gazing up at the 36 columns representing the states of the union at the time of Lincoln's death, your expert guide will bring to life the remarkable history of the 16th President and the pivotal role this memorial has played in America's most defining moments — including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legendary "I Have a Dream" speech delivered from its very steps.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
US Navy Memorial Plaza, Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm the tour schedule and availability for your desired date.
- Be aware that the seasonal cruise operates during specific months; verify its availability.
- Note that the tour may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or special events in the city.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and varying weather conditions.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and landmarks.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the tour operates rain or shine.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Tour buses do not have storage for accommodating carry-on bags or baby strollers. Please only bring purses, briefcases, or backpacks for your tour.
- No food allowed on buses (snacks are fine!).
- Convertible buses switch from open-tops to glass-tops between Oct - Mar due to colder temperatures.
Traveler reviews
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Wonderful sights of Washington
I had a really good time with this tour. Evan was a great tour guide and provided the historical perspectives of the various monuments in Washington. Was able to share his vast knowledge of the city and its history. The boat ride which was part of the tour I have taken could have been better spent doing another part of the city. The bus with the glass roof was good as you could take pictures of the whole buildings and monuments. Although it got hot in the midday sun. Water was provided which was good.
Marat_FMay 12, 2026VIATOR
A night out on the town! Monument style!
Jack and Tyrone were the perfect guides! A great navigator and a great historical guide. The monuments are beautiful on their own but they came to life with these guides. The open air bus and small group were the icing on the cake
ginahC7819BYMay 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR
A memorable tour of DC
A great tour to experience the memorials of dc. Brittany our tour guide was fabulous. She was friendly and knowledgeable and accommodating and our bus driver John got Us in and out quickly safely and easily. Highly recommend
tracyduncan424Nov 7, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Awesome DC Mall/Monuments tour
The tour was awesome and made especially wonderful because our guide Iconick was informed, entertaining and very knowledgeable.
stanschmengeOct 16, 2025TRIPADVISOR
DC Day tour
Elvis was the narrator and Tonya the driver and they were 10 of 10 rating. Excellent tour. Knowledgeable. They were very accomadating and Elvis had a great sense of humor and made us laugh.
Meander55860147110Oct 9, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Shuttle buses and vans do not have storage for accommodating carry-on bags or baby strollers. Please only bring purses, briefcases, or backpacks for your tour.
No food allowed on buses (snacks are fine!).
Convertible buses switch from open-tops to glass-tops between Oct 15 - Mar 15 due to colder temperatures.
The tour price includes a boat cruise, and tourists will have the opportunity to purchase lunch at one of several waterfront restaurants in the summer.
In off-peak season (Oct 16 – Mar 31), instead of boat cruise and Georgetown stop, we'll have lunch at Pentagon City Mall