National Mall Bus Tour & Cruise

From$59
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

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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Great

Will and Rafael did a wonderful job. The tour was enjoyable. Very knowledgeable and personable. Highly recommend.

H3039UHjennifermMay 28, 2026TRIPADVISOR

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

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