Top Washington DC How to Get Around in 2026

Explore the best that the United States capital has to offer when you book this half-day, private sightseeing tour by mini-bus. Tours can accommodate up to 30 people, great for company events or large parties, and itineraries are completely customizable. Choose to see top monuments like the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and National Mall, or make stops at any location of your choosing in the district.

Skip long lines with this guided Capitol Hill tour, including entry to the US Capitol and Library of Congress. Pass by the Supreme Court, Senate Offices, and the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial while your guide handles security and logistics, allowing you to focus on the hill’s rich history and stories.

Go beyond the traditional daytime DC tours with an after-dark visit to the city’s famous landmarks. Climb aboard an air-conditioned vehicle and see famous memorials and monuments, taking in views of the illuminated Washington Monument, the White House, more along the way. As you go, you'll have the benefit of skipping daytime crowds and traffic and enjoying another perspective on the city.

The National Gallery is filled with incredible works by the likes of Da Vinci, Rubens, Rembrandt, Monet andVan Gogh but it can feel overwhelming for the first-time visitor. Rather than just wandering around, explore the museum's masterpieces in the company of a guide who can provide essential context on this small-group tour.

Explore two of Washington D.C.’s beloved museums with an art historian on this guided tour. Enjoy a small, personalized experience—the tour will include no more than eight participants—while learning about the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum. Discover the amazing history of the 19th century building where both museums are housed and the amazing works within it.

The Arlington National Cemetery is full of history but can be overwhelming to navigate on your own. Let your tour guide spotlight the incredible stories behind many of the cemetery’s residents in a guided walking tour. See the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as the changing of the guards. Pass by famous graves, including the Kennedy family gravesite, that you might overlook otherwise.

Experience the National Mall like never before on this enchanting night tour. A journey from the illuminated Washington Monument to the glowing Lincoln Memorial, passing iconic landmarks such as the World War II Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, all beautifully lit against the night sky. This evening adventure offers a unique and breathtaking perspective on American history, framed by stunning architecture and powerful tributes that shine even brighter after dark.

Skip the stress of securing hard-to-get timed passes! This small-group tour of the National Air and Space Museum includes guaranteed reserved entry, so you can step straight into the history of aviation without the hassle. Bypass the overwhelm and join an expert guide to uncover the thrilling stories of the pioneers and astronauts who defied gravity. Enjoy an intimate, conversational pace that large bus tours simply can't offer. Tour Highlights: Guaranteed Entry: Your timed museum passes are fully handled by our team. Dawn of Flight: Stand inches from the original 1903 Wright Flyer. The Space Race: Marvel at the Apollo 11 Command Module that went to the moon. Lunar Exploration: See real moon rocks in the "Destination Moon" exhibit. Expert Navigation: Let your guide seamlessly navigate the museum’s ongoing renovations to ensure you see the absolute best of what's currently on display.

Vigilance Tours is unlike other tours With 25 years of working knowledge of Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, Congress, and DC – Eric Hommel (Lt Col, USAF (retired)) is the only Cemetery guide who goes beyond the facts and figures and discusses the stories behind the facts and figures The tour is interactive – by getting to know you, Eric strives to make the tour meaningful while maintaining the reverence of Arlington National Cemetery In order to get to know each other, we limit the size of the tour group to a max of 12 visitors No subject is totally off limits – Eric is happy to discuss most topics (history, politics, military decisions, treatment of veterans, etc.) defining those interred at Arlington National Cemetery We will not rush you; the tour is scheduled for at least 3 hours, if you have less than 3 hours to visit the Cemetery we recommend shorter tours with other companies Eric is the author of: THE LOSING GAME: HOW TO LOSE A WAR AND FAIL VETERANS (Amazon)

Stroll through historic Georgetown with Preserve Tours and learn about the preservation of the neighborhood while your guide snaps photos of you along the way. You'll find yourself immersed in a blend of Federal, Georgian, and Victorian architecture, where every step unveils efforts to safeguard the neighborhood's architectural and cultural heritage. The tour begins in the heart of Georgetown’s shopping district with stops at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Georgetown University, the Volta Bureau, and more. Mel Serravalle worked a decade in an urban planning career before she founded Preserve Tours, curated walking and photo tours that would provide an opportunity to learn about historic neighborhoods and their role in the past and present. As a fourth generation Washingtonian herself, she strives to provide a quality educational experience with a local, fun feel. A portion of the proceeds of each tour goes to the Rosedale Conservancy, a community funded park in Upper Northwest DC.

Learn about the history and impact of Washington D.C.’s Black community during this full-day private tour. Listen to stories and insights from your own personal guide as you explore the city by chauffeured vehicle. Highlights include the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Howard University, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Embark on a one-hour sightseeing boat tour with Boomerang Boat Tours on the Potomac River and prepare for an engaging experience that caters to both visitors and locals alike. Throughout the cruise, you can expect a journey enriched with historical narration, offering captivating insights into the capital's storied past. Delve deeper into the significance of the iconic landmarks and monuments that line the Potomac's shores, gaining a newfound appreciation for the city's rich heritage while soaking in the breathtaking views of Washington, D.C.'s picturesque cityscape. Meanwhile, onboard, a well-stocked bar awaits, offering a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options for purchase, alongside pre-packaged snacks to satisfy any cravings. After the cruise, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant Georgetown waterfront, where an abundance of great bars, restaurants, and shops await. Credit Cards are accepted. We offer complimentary water.

Explore far more of the US capital than you could on foot thanks to this small-group open-air nighttime cart tour. Gaze up at some of Washington DC’s most popular landmarks illuminated beneath the night sky, including the Smithsonian Museums, the Washington Monument, and the White House, all from the comfort of the tour vehicle.

Northern Virginia is peppered with vineyards, each offering a unique variety of wines. Spend a day wine tasting through Virginia wine country when you book this private tour that begins with pickup anywhere in the DC metro area. Your driver-guide can suggest wineries to visit or you can create your own itinerary based on vineyards that interest you. Note: tastings are not included.

Combine history and the future on this small-group Smithsonian tour that visits both the National Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum. Travel with a small group during this half-day tour and discover iconic artifacts such as the Hope Diamond, a T-Rex skeleton, meteorites, and Neil Armstrong's spacesuit.

Celebrate the magic of the season on the water with a Christmas Eve Premier Dinner Cruise in Washington DC. You and your guests will enjoy a holiday 3-course, plated dinner freshly prepared by our chef, full bar service, and City Cruises’ distinctive hospitality. While onboard, experience exceptional views of Washington DC’s iconic landmarks, DJ entertainment, and festive décor. Our team will happily take care of the details, leaving you to celebrate the holidays on the Potomac River with your friends and family. Happy Holidays! Includes Three-hour Christmas Eve dinner cruise on the Potomac River Chef-prepared, three-course, plated holiday menu The most breathtaking views of the nation's greatest landmarks including the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial DJ entertainment Complimentary coffee, hot tea, and iced tea

Visit two top DC museums on a small-group, guided tour that explores some of America's national treasures. With so much to see in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American History it's easy to get overwhelmed, but visiting with a guide means you'll go straight to the most spectacular exhibits and artifacts. This tour is a great way to learn the stories behind the museums as you see sparkling gems, pieces of American history, and more.

See Washington DC's monuments and memorials the way they were meant to be seen at night — floodlit, dramatic, and unobstructed from the open-air deck of our convertible luxury coach. This guided evening tour takes you past the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, WWII Memorial, Washington Monument, and the US Capitol, with panoramic open-top views of each illuminated landmark. Your expert local guide shares the stories behind the monuments while you soak in the DC skyline under the stars. Weather turning? Our convertible roof closes for full climate-controlled comfort — so the tour goes on, rain or shine. Perfect for first-time visitors, photography lovers, and anyone who wants to experience why DC is considered one of the world's most beautiful cities after dark.

On this adults-only walking tour, discover how a neighborhood once nicknamed Murder Bay transformed into the nerve center of American power. From 19th-century brothels to Cold War espionage, political cover-ups to presidential indiscretions, this is the side of D.C. that rarely makes it into textbooks. You’ll explore the streets where corruption, vice, ambition, and power collided — and learn how these hidden stories helped shape the nation’s capital as we know it today.

Washington, DC has so many landmarks to take in that it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to start. On this half-day combination sightseeing bus and walking tour, take in more than 20 sights as you explore the city, including the Jefferson Memorial, the White House, the National Archives, and much more.

For travelers short on time, this guided Washington DC sightseeing tour covers the U.S. Capitol and White House, with time to get out, walk around, and take photos at both stops. From the air-conditioned vehicle, see major landmarks including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery as you travel past them. The shared tour includes a live guide and starts and ends in Washington DC.

Discover the history and highlights of the nation’s capital when you take this sightseeing tour of Washington DC. Join a private guide and see top landmarks including the Capitol Building, the White House, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Kennedy Center, and more. Ride around in private, air-conditioned comfort, stepping out when necessary to get a closer look at the monuments.

On this leisurely walking tour, be immersed in one of the most historically significant parts of Washington D.C. Delve into Georgetown's colonial and Federal period history with a private guide, who will bring to life stories of long-standing traditions, high society and world politics. Home to world-class shopping, rich history, five-star restaurants and one of the world’s best universities, Georgetown simply cannot be missed.

Make the most of your time in Washington DC on a private tour of the city’s highlights with a professional driver-guide. Kick off the day at the White House, then visit the Supreme Court, Jefferson Memorial, and more of the capital's most iconic monuments and museums. Finish the day with a stop at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.