Top Washington DC Day Trips

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.

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.

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.

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.

Experience the sights and sounds of Washington, DC in one day on this guided walking and riding sightseeing tour around the nation’s capital. Visit the city’s historic, iconic landmarks and monuments, like the White House, the United States Capitol, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. See and learn about the memorials of famous American leaders who helped shape the United States, like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Martin Luther King, Jr., to name a few. Includes a seasonal Potomac River cruise.

Get a panoramic look at Washington DC on this half-day bus sightseeing tour. Listen to live narration as you see dozens of top attractions, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the monuments of the National Mall, and more. You'll also stop for a closer look at eight top attractions, including the White House, Capitol, and Vietnam Memorial. Choose to upgrade to extend the experience with a visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon.

Ride a luxury mini-coach past major landmarks on this night bus tour of Washington DC. Gaze at floodlit memorials and monuments, such as the magnificent Lincoln Memorial and the glow of the Jefferson Memorial reflected in the Tidal Basin. After this sightseeing tour, you’ll understand why the nation’s capital is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities at night.

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.

Explore the famous monuments and war memorials of Washington, DC on this small-group or private sightseeing tour. Hop aboard a special eCruiser vehicle and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of our nation’s capital. Get a glimpse of the White House and travel around and through Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian museum complex, plus a plethora of famous memorials and monuments — like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument — and many other hotspots. This is a great way to see many of DC’s most famous landmarks.

Discover the most popular sights in Washington, DC on this hop-on hop-off bus tour. Drive past many of the capital's top attractions, including the White House, the Washington Monument, the National Mall, and Arlington National Cemetery. Select a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass (the latter comes with water taxi passes), then hop on at any of the stops on the Red Route, and listen to the audio commentary.

Beat the long entrance lines and experience some of the most popular attractions in Washington, DC like an insider on this full-day sightseeing tour. Enjoy priority entry into the United States Capitol Building, the home of Congress. Then see the city’s most famous landmarks and monuments, like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and more. End your tour with a visit to the National Archives Museum, where the original Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution are on display.

See Washington DC’s best sites light up after dark on a 3-Hour Guided Nighttime Tour of the National Mall and monuments. Listen to an entertaining narrated history of the capital city, then stop to explore the most important destinations, from moving tributes to America's 20th-century wars to inspiring presidential landmarks. Take in the White House and the U.S. Capitol building at their most picturesque and get the perfect orientation and overview of 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. Learn about the history of the sites and ask plenty of questions.

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.

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 to cater to your interests. Pick between half- and full-day durations, meet your guide directly at your hotel, and travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. You can see sights like Arlington National Cemetery, the US Capitol, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and much more.

Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of America’s first president on this fully guided tour through Mount Vernon. Get the VIP treatment on a scenic river cruise down the Potomac River, soaking up some of DC's most iconic sights along the way. After landing at Mount Vernon, you’ll be led through the former home of George Washington on a comprehensive tour of the estate and grounds, gaining an insight into one of the most defining chapters of the nation’s history. With tickets to the mansion included—saving you the hassle and extra expense of booking them yourself—along with breakfast and lunch on the boat, this day trip is the perfect way to experience an iconic American locale with all logistics handled for you.

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 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.

Make the most of your trip to the US national capitol with this 3.5-hour SkyVue convertible tour of the Washington DC area. From the comfort of a SkyVue vehicle, take in panoramic views as you drive to some of the most well-known spots on America’s east coast. Stop to explore the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, US Marine Corps War Memorial, and US Air Force Memorial. Plus visit Maryland’s National Harbor, and choose to take a ride on the 180-foot (54.9-meter) Capitol Wheel (own expense).

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.

Explore Washington DC's highlights at a faster pace than you'd be able to do on a walking tour by signing up for a guided scooter tour. Hop aboard a scooter with extra-large tires (for added comfort and smoothness) and set out to explore the National Mall, visiting key sights such as the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the US Capitol building along the way.

Dig deep into Washington, DC’s history on this 6-hour group tour of the nation’s capital. Travel by bus, on foot, and on a Potomac River-cruise (seasonal). Relax on board a climate-controlled bus for a sightseeing tour of the US Capitol, White House, and major memorials. Get insightful commentary from your guide at each location and have plenty of time to stop for photos and explore. Avoid the hassles of driving and navigating and leave the logistics to your guide.

Experience George Washington’s home and Arlington National Cemetery on a private tour. Comfortable round-trip transportation from your hotel allows you to visit a number of points of interest, without the hassle of car rental. There’s no risk of going hungry with a light breakfast and lunch at Mount Vernon included. Enjoy immersive guided visits at each stop on your itinerary, with ample opportunity to ask questions and take photos.