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Washington, DCHop-on Hop-off tours

Our most recommended Washington, DC Hop-on Hop-off tours

DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Optional Cruise

1. DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Optional Cruise

Explore the grandeur of the Nation's capital in style with Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tours. With an entertaining and engaging audio commentary, you can sit back and relax on an open-top double-decker sightseeing bus as you journey through Washington, DC's rich history and daily life. Immerse yourself in the city's most iconic and historic memorials, monuments, and museums. Hop off at any stop to explore at your leisure. Make the most of your day with the flexibility to plan your own itinerary. Choose to do one full loop to see the city or hop off and have your photo taken with Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial. Look out over the Reflecting Pool at the Washington Monument, just as Martin Luther King Jr. did as he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech from that very spot. With buses arriving regularly throughout the day, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Experience all that Washington DC has to offer, from the White House to the US Capitol Building and Capital Hill to the Korean and WWII War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, and the MLK and FDR monuments along the beautiful Tidal Basin. Big Bus is the official tour operator of the National Mall, giving you the closest access to world-famous, free museums including the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, African-American History Museum, The Holocaust Memorial, National American-Indian History, National Portrait Gallery, and more. Complete your DC experience with the 3-Day Explore option and enjoy a scenic 45-minute cruise along the Potomac River between the The Wharf and Georgetown. Admire breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, including the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, from the comfort of a climate-controlled vessel. Explore Georgetown's historic colonial neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets, charming shops, and unique restaurants. Alternatively, visit The Wharf for its trendy restaurants, boutiques, concert venues, and on-the-water activities, plus easy access to downtown DC and the National Mall. Ticket is valid for a one-way journey in either direction.

Washington, DC: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour

2. Washington, DC: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour

Named "Washington's Best Tour" by the Washingtonian Magazine and one of the top 10 hop-on hop-off tours in the world by Forbes, the Old Town Trolley offers the most comprehensive tour of the nation's capital. Relax while expert tour guides help you discover the beauty and majesty of Washington, D.C. This popular tour covers Washington's major attractions such as the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, and Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. Expert guides share colorful anecdotes, humorous stories and well-researched historical information. Upgrade to include a trolley tour of Arlington National Cemetery, an enduring tribute to those who’ve dedicated their lives to defending the nation. You’ll be transported to some of the most notable graves and memorials. DC City Tour Trolley stops: 1. 1001 E. St. NW: Washington Welcome Center/Ford's Theatre/Peterson House 2. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave: The White House/The White House Visitor Center/WWI Memorial 3. 701 Constitution Ave NW: National Archives (West/East Gallery of the NGA, Navy Memorial) 4. 400 New Jersey Ave NW: Japanese American Memorial/Hyatt Regency 5. 50 Massachusetts Ave NE: Union Station and the Smithsonian Postal Museum 6. 1st St. NE: US Capitol (Botanic Gardens, Supreme Court and Library of Congress) 7. 600 Independence Ave SW: Air/Space Museum, Museum of the American Indian/Eisenhower Memorial 8. Maine Ave SW at 9th St. SW: The Wharf 9. 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW: International Spy Museum 10. 1398 Independence Ave SW: Washington Monument, Smithsonian Museums and Castle, Holocaust Memorial Museum 11. 16 E Basin Dr SW: Jefferson Memorial/George Mason Memorial 12. 1964 Independence Ave SW: Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial/Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial 13. 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir. NW: Lincoln Memorial/Vietnam Veterans Memorial/Korean War Veterans Memorial/World War II Memorial 14. 1400 Constitution Ave NW: National Museum of American History/National Museum of African American History & Culture/National Museum of Natural History 15. 800 F St. NW: National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum (temp closed for Holiday Market) Arlington Cemetery Trolley stops: • Arlington National Cemetery • President John F. Kennedy Gravesite • US Coast Guard Memorial • John J. Pershing • The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier • Arlington House • US Marine Corps War Memorial Iwo Jima • Arlington Niche Wall Columbarium Courts

Washington DC: Arlington Nat. Cemetery Ticket & Tram Tour

3. Washington DC: Arlington Nat. Cemetery Ticket & Tram Tour

Discover the enduring tribute to the men and women that have dedicated their lives to defending the ideals of the United States of America with a tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Explore more than 600 acres of hallowed ground that once belonged to George Washington's adopted son, George Washington Parke Custis. In 1857, Custis left the property to his daughter Mary Anna Randolph Custis, when it became the family home for her and her husband Robert E. Lee. Throughout its history, the grounds have been used for various purposes, including serving as a camp and headquarters for Federal Troops during the Civil War, and as a safe haven for slaves transitioning to freedom after abolition. Arlington National Cemetery held its first military burial on 13 May 1864, and is now the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans, and their families. Honor the men and women who gave their lives in service at 3 stops which include the JFK Gravesite, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and The Arlington House.

DC Combo: 3-Day Hop-on Hop-off Tour and Potomac River Cruise

4. DC Combo: 3-Day Hop-on Hop-off Tour and Potomac River Cruise

See the best of Washington, DC in just 3 days with a combo tour. Hop aboard a Big Bus open-top double-decker to explore the city at your own pace, and in your own language with digital audio commentary. Then, board the Monuments Water Taxi for a scenic tour between The Wharf to Georgetown. As you ride the bus, see iconic monuments and memorials including the White House, Capitol Building, Washington Monument, and Arlington National Cemetery. Hop off at stops along the route to explore the Smithsonian National History Museum, Air & Space Museum, and more. Hop off at the National Mall to pay your respects at the memorials of some of the country's most important figures, including Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. If you want to dive deeper into the city's history, visit the Library of Congress or the International Spy Museum. Listen to digital commentary in multiple languages to learn about the city's top attractions and landmarks in your native language. Enjoy the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace, taking as much time as you need to fully appreciate everything that the nation’s capital has to offer. Once you've explored downtown DC’s history and culture, take the boat cruise to Georgetown and stroll through the picturesque colonial neighborhood filled with cafes, shops, and historic homes. Feel as if you’re transported back in time as you wander its cobblestone streets.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Washington, DC

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What people are saying about Washington, DC

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 452 reviews

Took bus in front of union station. Need to validate at desk inside front of station but did not know. Driver accepted pass and validation at end of line where switched bus quickly to do initial stops. Bus does not take you to Arlington cemetery. You have to make own way there where there is another smaller hop on hop off tram tour. Also excellent. There’s a stop close by but would have to walk a while and over busy bridge so not safe. Could stop there and cab or Lyft/uber

Love seeing the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. So glad I experienced the sight of JFK burial site and the eternal flame.

Arlington is much bigger than we expected and the guided trolley is a great way to see it with helpful information from thr narrators.

The tram tour is an excellent way to get around the cemetery. If time allows, hop on and off the tram at each stop.

a must unless you want to walk a ton...uphill! the guides were interesting and informative.