Top Washington DC Day Trips

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 Skyline Drive, including vibrant autumn foliage from mid-October to mid-November when weather permits.

Follow in the footsteps of the nation's first president on this half-day history tour. Travel to Mount Vernon, George Washington's home in Virginia and one of the nation’s most beloved historic sites. Also enjoy a bus trip around Old Town Alexandria, where you see 17th- and 18th-century homes and discover little-known facts about the landmarks. Upgrade to add a Washington DC night tour to your itinerary, if you wish.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

See a different side of Washington DC, and beat the daytime crowds, on a nighttime coach tour of the city's top sights. Travel in a standard vehicle, or upgrade for one with a glass roof. Along the way, gaze at floodlit memorials and monuments, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. Have time for photo stops, and learn more from your guide's narration en route.

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.

See Washington DC’s top historical highlights in one day—and continue to George Washington’s former estate, Mount Vernon—on this comprehensive tour. Leave the driving to someone else, and hop aboard a comfortable coach in the morning: view landmarks like the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial, and make quick stops at the White House, US Capitol, and more. Then, head to Mount Vernon for a self-guided audio tour of the estate.

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.

Head out after dark to see the iconic monuments of Washington, DC, lit up for the night. This evening tour takes you on a scenic ride past the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and other sites. This tour combines a ride in a tour vehicle with some stops where you'll get out to walk for a closer look. Upgrade to include a reserved entry ticket into the Washington Monument, Air & Space Museum, or African American Museum.

Explore Washington DC on this Full Day Guided Bus, Walking, and Boat Tour. Start your day with a 2-hour Guided Walking Tour through Capitol Hill where you'll pass by the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and Senate Office buildings. Travelers will be provided Entry into US Capitol to see a minimum of 3 rooms which may include the Crypt, Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, Old Supreme Court Chamber, or Old Senate Chamber. Following Capitol Hill, enjoy a guided Bus Tour and make stops outside 10+ top monuments including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and pass by sites including Washington Monument, Tidal Basin, and more. There is a lunch break roughly halfway through the day (own expense). Tour also features a scenic seasonal boat cruise along the Potomac River (typically mid March to mid October). When the boat is not operating, extra stops will be added to Jefferson Memorial, Air Force Memorial and Pentagon Mall.

Discover the place that President George Washington called home on a 5-hour tour to Mount Vernon. Relax and enjoy the scenery as provided transportation takes you from the capital into the countryside. Take a guided tour inside the mansion, then explore the 500 acre grounds independently and at your own pace. During the return trip to the city, stop at Christ Church in Alexandria, where Washington attended sermons.

Make exploring beyond Washington DC city limits easy—and enjoy a fully personalized sightseeing experience—on this private tour. In the space of just half a day, you can look forward to visiting Mount Vernon—former president George Washington’s estate—as well as Old Town Alexandria, whose colonial–era history offers plenty of opportunities for discovery. With round-trip transit and admission tickets included, the logistics are solved for you.

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.

See Washington DC’s iconic monuments in a single morning on this 3-4 hour guided sightseeing bus and walking tour of DC's top monuments and memorials. Travelers will have the opportunity to stop for photos at 10 Top Attractions including White House, MLK Memorial, US Capitol & Lincoln Memorial. Upgrade option is available at checkout to include a 2-hour guided walk through Arlington National Cemetery following your city tour. Visit the grave of John F Kennedy and his Eternal Flame. Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. View the Famous and historic Arlington house. The residence of general Robert E. Lee. Get a glimpse of the JFK family graves. Take in all 639 Acres of a national landmark with over 150 years of history.

Explore early American history on a guided walking tour led by world-renowned archaeologist and historian Dr. Yohannes Zeleke, offering expert insight and storytelling that elevates each stop along the journey. Visit historic grounds including preserved entrances to slave quarters, a historic well site, and key landscape features that reveal daily life on a colonial estate. A guided visit to the mansion is included, providing context on architecture, household life, and the people who lived and worked there. Optionally, learn about the quarry associated with George Washington and its connection to early American construction and enslaved labor. The tour continues into Old Town Alexandria, with optional time for lunch while exploring one of America’s most historic colonial port cities, including its ties to slavery and historic slave trade sites. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

Explore the wine-producing region of Loudon County, Virginia, on this full-day private tour from Washington DC. With your private party, travel in a comfortable SUV to three local wineries to take tours of the vineyards and cellars. Tastings are available at an additional cost. This private tour is customizable and offers the benefit of being able to travel at your own pace.

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.

Get a panoramic look at Washington DC—and enjoy a hassle-free way to check off its top sights—on this half-day sightseeing tour by bus. Listen to live narration as you see dozens of top attractions, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the monuments of the National Mall, and more. Additionally, stop for a closer look at eight top attractions, including the White House, Capitol, and Vietnam Memorial. Upgrade to visit George Washington's Mount Vernon, too.