Top Washington DC Day Trips

Step back in time to when George Washington was founding the United States when you take this tour of his former home, Mount Vernon, and Old Town Alexandria. See the 18th- and 19th-century buildings of Alexandria, including the Masonic Memorial dedicated to the first president. Then, tour the former estate of George Washington where you can learn about the story of his life and watch historic reenactments.

Explore Washington DC's iconic landmarks and monuments on a full-day coach tour. Stop at the White House, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and more. Depending on the season, you'll be invited to enjoy a Potomac River cruise or extra memorial stops and Pentagon Mall lunch. Upgrade options include admission to the Washington Monument, National Air and Space Museum, African American Museum, or a guided Capitol Hill walk with U.S. Capitol entry.

Visit Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington, on this convenient 4-hour guided tour from Washington DC. Travel in comfort on a climate-controlled bus and enjoy a scenic drive through Old Town Alexandria, one of the region’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide shares insight into Washington’s life, leadership, and legacy before arriving at the Mount Vernon Estate, where admission tickets are included. Step inside the Mount Vernon Mansion with a guided tour, then explore the gardens, grounds, and outbuildings at your own pace. Highlights of the estate include the Tombs of George and Martha Washington, and slave quarters and memorial. Reenactments and immersive exhibits help bring the story of Washington’s life and the history of the estate to life.

Dive deeper into US history when you embark on this day trip from Washington DC to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Head north from the nation’s capital to Gettysburg National Military Park to learn about the Civil War and the 1863 battle that took place on those grounds. Watch a short film and then explore downtown Gettysburg before heading back down to Washington DC.

Experience Washington DC from a different perspective on this evening coach tour. Visit multiple sites when the crowds are lower and the atmosphere is a little more relaxed. Discover the highlights of the National Mall, including the White House, the US Capitol, and Lincoln Memorial. Make stops along the way for an up-close look, and learn more from your guide's commentary. Additionally, upgrade to include admission tickets to DC museums (for later, independent sightseeing).

Pack two of Virginia’s natural must-sees into one full-day excursion with this guided tour of Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park’s gorgeous Skyline Drive. In Luray’s limestone caves, you’ll explore stalactites and other geologic formations before hitting the road to take in the spectacular views of Shenandoah National Park along the Skyline Drive.

Visit George Washington’s historic home and estate with a 6-hour tour of Mount Vernon from Washington, D.C. Get a glimpse of the President’s life and work as you explore an elegant mansion furnished with period antiques and Washington’s personal belongings. Browse education exhibits at the onsite museum, and visit the tomb where George and Martha Washington were buried. Learn about the legacy of slavery at Mount Vernon in the slaves’ quarters, then tour the beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds before returning to D.C.

Step away from the city and experience the peaceful traditions of the Amish Country on this full-day trip from Washington, DC. Travel through the rolling countryside of Lancaster County and visit an Amish village and working farm. An optional guided countryside bus tour, farmhouse visit, and farm tour provide a deeper understanding of Amish history, values, and daily life. Enjoy time at the Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, where you can browse local foods and handmade goods. With curated stops and comfortable transportation, this tour offers a rare look into one of America’s most distinctive cultures.

Discover the best of Washington DC all in one day on this time-saving, multi-stop tour. Drop by the city’s top landmarks and monuments, from the White House and the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and beyond. Explore on foot and by comfortable bus, or upgrade to travel by glass-topped vehicle for unimpeded views. This tour also includes a seasonal Potomac River cruise for a new perspective on the nation's capital.

Take a hop-on hop-off Washington DC trolley tour to explore the nation’s capital at your own pace. The route encompasses the city’s top attractions, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and more. Just hop off at any stop when you want to explore, and then hop back on the trolley to continue around the city. You can also upgrade to include Arlington National Cemetery entry.

Venture beyond Washington DC city limits—and explore some of the nation’s key historical landmarks—on this half-day coach tour. Pick between morning and afternoon departure times, and set off via the George Washington Memorial Parkway: you’ll spy landmarks like the Robert E. Lee Childhood Home, George Washington Masonic National Memorial, and Alexandria’s Christ Church. Upon arrival, go for a self-led audio tour of Mount Vernon’s grounds and museum.

Discover Washington DC's monumental grandeur and democratic ideals with your self-guided audio tour, allowing you to explore America's capital at your own pace. Begin at the National Mall where the monuments to Lincoln, Washington, and the fallen of America's wars create a two-mile corridor of national memory stretching from the Capitol to the Potomac. Wander through the Smithsonian museums. Stand before the White House where every president since John Adams has lived and governed, then explore the halls of the Capitol where Congress has debated the nation's course since 1800. Marvel at the neoclassical grandeur of the Jefferson Memorial reflected in the Tidal Basin, especially magical during cherry blossom season when pink clouds frame the founding father's bronze figure. Discover Georgetown's cobblestoned streets where Federal townhouses and waterfront dining create the city's most charming neighborhood. Experience the solemn power of Arlington National Cemetery.

Escape the bustle of Washington DC for a day—and enjoy an indulgent excursion in Virginia Wine Country—on this small-group tour. Depart in the morning from a central departure point, and cross over into Virginia. You'll visit two wineries, where you'll enjoy extensive behind-the-scenes tours, tutored tastings, and snacks, and will also have the option to purchase lunch on one of the estates.

See the moving Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns on a guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Be perfectly placed for good views of the moving ceremony, then continue to some of the cemetery's most important gravesites and memorials, including places dedicated to John F. Kennedy, the USS Maine, Second World War soldier Audie Murphy, and more, learning the fascinating history of the cemetery as you walk.

Discover the story of America in a single day on this complete Washington D.C. tour. Walk the grounds of Capitol Hill, view the White House, and explore iconic memorials honoring leaders and veterans. Continue through the National Mall, Smithsonian Castle, and the National Gallery of Art and the National Air and Space Museum with next-day reserved entry. End the day at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s treasured estate overlooking the Potomac River, where the origins of the nation come to life. A powerful and efficient journey through the capital’s most significant sites.

Explore 10 iconic Washington DC landmarks in just four hours with a professional guide! Travel comfortably in a 12-passenger van, stopping outside historic sites like the US Capitol, White House, and Lincoln Memorial. Enjoy expert commentary, photo opportunities, and learn the rich history of each location. Convenient pickup and drop-off at the Washington Grand Hyatt.

Have only a short amount of time to explore the nation’s capital? This private tour lets you customize the itinerary to fit your schedule and interests. Pick between half- and full-day durations, enjoy hotel pickup, and travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. See sights like Arlington National Cemetery, the US Capitol, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and more.

Explore the many famous monuments and memorials of Washington, DC by moonlight on this narrated sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and get an educational and entertaining rendition of the storied history of the nation’s capital. Take in views of an illuminated Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and more. Leave the brochure at home—your guide has way better stories.

Experience Gettysburg National Military Park on a private, fully personalized full-day sightseeing ride from Washington, DC with an English-speaking local driver. Enjoy a smooth countryside journey into Pennsylvania while learning about the Civil War and the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg. Explore key sites including Gettysburg National Military Park, Little Round Top, Cemetery Ridge, and Gettysburg National Cemetery, where Lincoln delivered his famous address. Your friendly driver shares stories and insights as you move at your own pace, with time for photos, short walks, and breaks. This flexible, door-to-door experience lets you customize your route and enjoy a stress-free visit to one of America’s most important historic landmarks before returning comfortably to Washington, DC.

Escape the city and explore Washington DC’s nearby wine country on this day trip to Loudon County. Visit three wineries and enjoy discounted tastings (or try the all-inclusive upgrade) at each, and also have time to explore the vineyards. Ride in comfort roundtrip on a coach bus and let someone else take care of the driving and navigation so you can drink worry-free at each stop.

Step into American history with admission to Mount Vernon, the home of the nation’s first president—celebrated as first in war, first in peace, and a lasting symbol of integrity and honor. This immersive experience pairs a guided exploration of George Washington’s estate with a visit to the charming streets of Old Town Alexandria, where colonial architecture and waterfront views bring the past to life. Your tour is led by world-renowned archaeologist and historian Dr. Yohannes Zeleke, offering expert insight and storytelling that elevates each stop along the journey.

Step into the world of Thomas Jefferson with a day trip from Washington D.C. to Monticello, his meticulously designed mountaintop estate and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy included admission and a 45-minute official guided tour that brings Jefferson’s life, ideas, and influence on life through expert storytelling and preserved interiors. From architectural innovation to sweeping views of the Virginia countryside, Monticello offers a deeper understanding of one of America’s most complex founders. This thoughtfully planned experience provides a meaningful journey into U.S. history without the hassle of organizing transportation or tickets.

Most Washington DC tours can be packed full of people, making it hard to take in all the information your guide shares, but not this Washington DC Premium Small-Group Tour. This small-group experience takes you to the US capital’s top highlights, as well as lesser-known landmarks, in just one day. Plus, with less tour goers in your group, you’re sure to enjoy your guide’s commentary.