duck tours dc

Washington DC Duck Tour

• Amphibious vehicle: travel by land and water
• Magnificent views of Washington as you cruise the Potomac River
• Choice of multiple tour departure times throughout the day
• Live commentary: fun and entertaining tour for all ages
• Narrated duck tour
• Local taxes
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks
• 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA Tour departs from Union Station. Guests are required to check in at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infant rates apply
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Clara79 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to see the city What a great and unusual way to see the city. Our guide was very informative and the speed of the truck provided a light breeze, a welcome respite from the heat. Heading through traffic and hearing key facts was great but the best bit was travelling on the water. The Potomac River was calm and quiet, only interrupted by the planes that you can nearly touch heading to Ronald Reagan airport! I would highly recommend this tour Read more Written November 24, 2019
• christineB6723DO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent trip This was a 1:30 trip 30 minutes on the 30 minutes on water and 30 minutes back. Really enjoyable. Captain very knowledgable and had a good sense of humour probably one of the best trips. Read more Written October 13, 2019
• LaurenG_11 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best thing we did Captain Steve was absolutely amazing. So knowledgeable about DC. It is clear that he loves what he is doing. He was awesome with our kids. Should have done this the first day we were there. Had absolutely nothing negative! Bring a camera!! Read more Written August 17, 2019
• alicesG6306BF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and interesting. Friendly staff and knowledgeable Captain. Unique views of the city and memorials. Nice alternative to the traditional bus tour. Well worth the time and money. Read more Written July 6, 2019
• Meander58337000071 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Go for the DC Duck! Enjoyable, often times lots of laughs. Sometimes difficult to hear driver and tour information. Loved being in the river. Book in advance - several people were turned away because they sell out! Read more Written July 1, 2019
• Destination80628 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles What a wonderful experience. It was on Father's day! Our driver was great and funny. My family had a fantastic time. My daughter had a chance to ride the boat on the water and my husband and I loved the fact that we were able to learn more in a town we leave in. Tourist(s) or not ... Take the ride! Thank you again. Read more Written June 26, 2019
• FraternityVillage 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Fun Captain Rob was entertaining, fun, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor! This is a great way to experience history. Read more Written June 18, 2019
• antaninak 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cool Experience with Captain Steve super interactive tour, we even had fun with duck sounds. Great captain/guide, told us some interesting facts about DC and its landmarks. Highly recommended Read more Written June 15, 2019
• RobbieB517 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Captain Salim! Captain Salim was very knowledgeable about the sites and made our trip very fun! We thoroughly enjoyed the Duck Tour and would recommend it to anyone coming to DC. The highlight of the tour was Capt. Salim waiting for a plane to come over the Potomac so we could literally be 100 feet below the plane as it came into Reagan to land... POWERFUL!! And we got a quacker... what!!?? Read more Written June 15, 2019
• BoardingPass714128 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Captain Steve was great!! My friend and I wanted a fun tour in the city, so I booked us tickets for the DC Duck Tour. It was easy to find, right out front of Union Station. We had Captain Steve for our trip and he was fantastic!!! Very funny, kept us all entertained, and did a great job narrating and giving us the history of the city and the duck vehicles themselves. I would definitely recommend this tour! It was about an hour and a half long. The day we went was kind of chilly and pretty windy, so hang on to your hats! Read more Written June 14, 2019
• PF005 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very Helpful Staff The ducks tour was great - lots of information and the WWII vehicle makes it extra special. What impressed me the most, however, were the people who worked there. When I booked, I had added the Arlington Cemetery tour. The online chat person made it seem like it was a stop on the duck tour. When I checked in, I found out that was not the case. But Larry at the ticket book took great care of us and made the transition work. Thanks so much for your help Larry!! Read more Written June 12, 2019
• threecarats 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Always Fun with Children This tour is great for children/tweens who don't have large attention spans, it's a nice overview for them to see things and not get bored. It's nice to go out on the Potomac as well. Even though it was pouring rain, we still had fun. Read more Written June 11, 2019
• Nelson W 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fun way to see DC We had a great time with Captain Steve, learned a little about World War II and lots about Washington DC. Best view of the DC landmarks we’ve had, and Captain Steve made sure to set up great photo ops. Best of all were the big smiles on kids steering the boat and ringing the bell. Everyone we encountered, from ticket sales to assistance to Captain Steve, was professional and pleasant. Thanks for making it such s good day. Read more Written June 5, 2019
• IAMedic 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Time We try to go on these tours each time we take a vacation. We liked that the vessel was a real navy "relic" and the Capt tried very hard to tell jokes...jk, jk, some of them were good. I especially like that you give out the quackers as part of the tour, as some of Duck Tour companies charge for them (Seattle). Read more Written May 29, 2019
• Debbie B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles CAPTAIN STEVE AND "CAPITOL" DUCK Captain Steve made this a great experience...Capitol is an original 1943 Duck that we were treated like VIPs on...and having a great tour guide like Captain Steve made this experience something I would do again! Lots of tips too like the clock tower in the Old Post Office, currently the Trump International Tower, is one of the best places to go for a great view of the city for FREE Read more Written May 17, 2019

More to explore in Washington DC

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Washington DC Duck Tour provided by D.C. Ducks

Washington DC Duck Tour - Washington D. C. - With Reviews & Ratings

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Washington DC Duck Tour - Washington D. C.

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Free Cancellation
• Instant Confirmation
• Lowest Price Guaranteed
• Duration: 1 Hr 30 Mins
• Language: English
• Departure Details : Tour departs from Union Station
• Cancellation Policy : For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Know More about this tour

From Union station you'll waddle down to the Mall, where you'll see the awe-inspiring monuments and fabulous Smithsonian Museums. Then at the Potomac River, splash down for a different look at the nation's capital. From the land to the water, you'll travel in the same vehicle! Along the way, your wise-quacking captain will entertain you with anecdotes and well-researched historical facts. Ducks depart hourly from Union station .

Narrated duck tour

Local taxes

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability

Not wheelchair accessible

Infant rates apply

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Traveler Reviews

The authentic WWII Duck is a neat vehicle. However, not much legroom for someone over 6 feet, and the seats are a bit small in width for a heavier person - no way to fit two people side by side if you're big and tall. Those infantrymen were young, fit, and nimble.

Our guide was a personable retired man. Pleasant enough, but most of his commentary centered on complaining about pedestrians and pointing out wildlife - much more of a nature tour than I expected.

As we drove through DC, he pointed out some of the buildings and had a few interesting facts and a couple of rather lame jokes about them.

When we finally reached the water, I was hoping the tour would begin to ramp up. Instead, we looked at ducks in the water and sat under planes as they landed at Reagan. And you could drive the old metal tank if you wished. Then we exited the water, drove quickly by a few more DC monuments and buildings. You did get to see the Pentagon from the water. And the Washington Monument in the distance. But all in all, it wasn't worth it.

This tour was amazing!

If you have a limited amount of time in DC, this is a fun way to get an overview of the monuments. We did drive past the Lincoln Monument, the White House, the Smithsonian Museums, the Capitol Building, Arlington National Cemetery and into the Potomac River. We could see the Washington Monument from pretty much everywhere and while in the Potomac, everyone who wanted to had a chance to drive the D.U.C.K. We watched a plane land at Reagan National Airport which was pretty exciting. Our tour guide was great about sharing interesting facts and told us when great photo spots where coming up. We weren't able to get off the DUCK and it we didn't make many photo stops but it was a fun experience and I would recommend it for a quick overview of the city. Captain Bucky was great!

I love the Duck Boats! This was the greatest way to get an overview of all D.C. In a short time. Our driver was extremely knowledgeable about all the sights, museums and monuments. The best part was when we went into the Potomac river! He took us out into the middle, then let anyone who wanted to, drive the boat. I totally recommend Duck Boats for the first day you are here, they are way more fun than a bus!

Our trip was wonderful. It was relaxing, informative and friendly. The captain was awesome, funny and knowledgeable. Our group was a family of 7. We had wanted to do this tour for years, and it was worth the wait. We will certainly do it again when we are in Washington DC.

Great short tour. Especially if you have young kids who get to drive the duck when it gets into the Potamac.

Super enjoyable experience! Tour guide/driver was entertaining and knowledgeable. Duck boat perspective from the water was a nice twist...many thanks!!!

Fun, but not much to see on the DC waterfront. The land portion was okay.

Fun trip, great value! Would do this again. Duck captain was knowledgeable and interesting. Be sure and bring some water with you, especially if it's hot out.

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DC Ducks Tour

Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave, Washington, 20002, DC

• Infants 0-2
• Little Kids 3-6
• Big Kids 7-9
• Tweens 10-12
• Teens 13-17

Climb aboard one of these restored (coast-guard approved) former World War II amphibious vehicles for a drive-by tour of the Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and several monuments. The “ducks” splash in to the Potomac River for awesome views of the city from the water and emerge back on land at Reagan National Airport, offering a cool perspective on incoming airplanes (be sure to cover little ears). “Wisequacking” captains entertain passengers with anecdotes, historical facts and jokes (and gives kids yellow duck whistles). Note: no space for stroller storage. Tickets can be ordered in advance online or purchased at the Union Station ticket booth. Adults are $32, children age 4 to 12 are $16, and children 3 and under, free, discounted tickets online. Open mid-March through October.

Family Hotels Near DC Ducks Tour

Hotel George – A Kimpton Hotel

Liaison Capitol Hill DC — a Joie de Vivre hotel

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/US Capitol

Hyatt Place Washington, D.C./U.S. Capitol

Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington, DC / Downtown

Family Attractions Near DC Ducks Tour

National Postal Museum

Sewall-Belmont House & Museum

United States Capitol

Library of Congress

National Gallery of Art

Constitution Gardens

Family Restaurants Near DC Ducks Tour

Cascade Cafe

We the Pizza

Fogo de Chao

Ollie’s Trolley

Ben’s Chili Bowl

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5 Best Family Boat Rides in Washington, D.C.

by Renee Sklarew

July 27, 2017

Summer  in Washington, D.C. is just getting started, and one of the most memorable outings to take is a boat ride down the Potomac River. Cruising in the middle of the city holds a kid’s interest and forces the whole family to slow down and just look (at something besides a screen ). Get your camera ready—these cruises are a ton of fun, scenic and family-friendly!

For pretending you’re a pirate:  Boomerang Tours

What kid doesn’t love pirates—for that matter, what adult? Four Boomerang Tours' Family Fun Treasure Hunt Cruises depart from Georgetown Harbor every Saturday and Sunday through the end of October. While on board, lil’ mateys help hunt for stolen keys to the city’s treasure chest, while shooting off the water cannons, dancing the limbo and posing for a little face paint. The bar is open on board and the crew sells snacks and drinks suitable for younger pirates. Passengers are encouraged to dress for the part. The ride lasts about one hour and is best for kids under age six. Boomerang cruises run from mid-April to the end of October. 

Cost:  $20 per person regardless of age.

For a no-frills trip on the water:  Capitol River Cruises

Capitol River Cruises operates both day and evening sightseeing tours. These tours depart from Georgetown’s Washington Harbor daily with hourly trips on the Nightingale starting at 11am. For 45 minutes, the boat passes multiple sights, including the Kennedy Center, Roosevelt Island, the Jefferson Memorial and Arlington Cemetery while audio narrates some tidbits of history. Seeing these sights from the water is different (and easier) from walking tours. The Nightingale holds up to 45 people. Tip: Check Groupon or BOGO for discounts. 

Cost:  Adults $15, children (ages 3-12) $7. Tickets sold at a reduced rate if you order online .

For quacking like a duck:  DC Duck Tours

This is a D.C. family favorite. DC Duck Tours begin at Union Station, making it an easy and convenient place to board (although there's no parking). The vehicle starts on land with a driver who narrates and shares interesting facts about the landmarks along the National Mall. Then it’s time to enter the water: These amphibious machines were designed during World War II to travel by both land and sea. The Duck Tour heads south down the Potomac River, by the Pentagon and eventually under the flight path of planes landing and taking off from Reagan Washington National Airport. After returning to land, the Duck boat travels over another bridge back to Union Station. This tour is better for kids ages six and up and even teens enjoy it, especially when they’re invited to “quack” at passers-by (the tour comes with little duck bills). The captain invites younger passengers to steer the boat when it’s in the water, making it extra special for them. The 90-minute tour is pricey, but look for discount tickets online—locals are eligible for a buy-one-get-one-free pass. 

Cost: Adults $42, children 12 and under $32. Tickets sold at a reduced rate if you order online .

For visiting someplace new:  The Potomac Riverboat Company

The Potomac Riverboat Company offers several boat tours, including a Washington Monuments Cruise, a cruise to Mount Vernon and one to Nationals Park. These tours are narrated by the crew with the opportunity to hop off and do some exploring at each destination. For kids, we recommend taking a Water Taxi ride. A small boat departs from three locations—the National Mall, Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor—returning from these locations periodically during the day. The boat ride from the National Mall lasts 30 minutes to Alexandria and 45 minutes to National Harbor. The water taxi drops passengers off and returns later that day, so you’ll feel like you took a little trip. Miss Sophie and Matthew Hayes (as the boats are called) are covered overhead and offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Check departure times and reserve your spot online. The crew sells popcorn and drinks and the boats operate year-round, except in January and February. 

Cost: Starts at $28 for adults, children (ages 2-11) $16.

For going back in time on a canal boat:  Great Falls Mule Drawn Boat Rides

We bet you didn't know that Great Falls Mule Drawn Boat Rides on the C&O Canal are back in action. Head to the Maryland entrance to Great Falls on weekends for one of three trips per day. Canal boats operated during the 1870’s and the Charles F. Mercer has been updated to carry passengers along the canal pulled by a team of mules, just like they did centuries ago. Park rangers wear period clothing and describe life as a canal boat driver during the ride. There’s even a demonstration of rising and falling of a boat lock. The rides are Friday through Sunday and subject to weather, so call in advance. It’s a first-come-first-serve situation with room for up to 65 people. 

Cost:  Adults $8, seniors $6, children (ages 4-15) $5.

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Washington DC

Land tours & sightseeing.

Old Town Trolley Tours of DC

Monuments by Moonlight Tour - Union Station

Arlington National Cemetery Tour

Monuments by Moonlight Tour - Welcome Center

DC Sites by Segway

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Best of Capitol Hill Bike Tour

Washington DC Monuments & Memorials Bike Tour

Monuments at Night Bike Tour

Mount Vernon by Bike and Boat

Mount Vernon By Bike-Roundtrip

Specialty tours.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament-Maryland

See The Best First

You’ve arrived! Now, get the insider’s view of the city aboard Old Town Trolley! Our DC Tours show you the best spots first, giving you the most comprehensive sightseeing experience of The Nation’s Capital.

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We may not be as old as the monuments, but as DC’s oldest tour company we know this city better than anyone else. We also know that the quality of your tour doesn’t depend on the mere number of tour stops, so we’ve carefully crafted our tour route, selecting the right amount of stops at all the right places with minimal interruptions.

Every seat is the best seat with our state-of-the-art stadium trolleys.

Monuments by Moonlight Tour

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Visiting with friends and family that don’t speak English? Our new exclusive foreign language app is here to help! Now you can enjoy live narration in 7 different languages. Sit back, relax, and enjoy all the sights and sounds via a fully-narrated tour through our nation’s capital.

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Whether you’re just breezing through or enjoying an extended stay, we’ve got several options to choose from to help you maximize your time in DC and still see the best first! Buy Your Tickets Online and Save!

“Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment ® , a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.”

1-Day Old Town Trolley Tour

• Hop On & Off at 15 Old Town Trolley Stops
• Fully Narrated Tour of Washington DC
• Our trolleys are all weather - rain or shine
• BEST VIEW! Tallest vehicles allowed by law with stadium seating
• Over 100 points of interest

Old Town Trolley Tour & Arlington National Cemetery Tour

• 50%* Discount on Arlington Tour Included In 1-Day Package
• Includes separate ticket to Arlington National Cemetery Tour*
• Trolley Tour and Arlington Cemetery Tour do not have to be taken on the same day

Monuments by Moonlight

• See the city’s most popular monuments in a different light
• Stops at FDR, Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials
• Hear historical tales and anecdotes

Arlington National Cemetery Tours

• Learn about cemetery's history and heroes from knowledgeable guides
• Be transported to notable graves and memorials
• Tours depart every 30 minutes
• Relax on our comfortable tour vehicles

Why use Old Town Trolley Tours in Washington DC

• Riding around the Beltway for over 30 years as DC’s longest-running city tour!
• All our DC tours are 100% live in real time - No pre-recorded narration
• The finest, most highly-trained and knowledgeable guides
• Unlimited hop-on & hop-off as often as you like all day long
• Proudly owned and operated in the United States
• The only tour authorized to enter the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery*
• Exclusive foreign language tour app offered in 7 languages

Sun, Rain or Snow...

We’re dc’s best all-weather touring experience.

• Best view! State-of-the-art stadium trolleys
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OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS

Old Town Trolley Tours

March 1 – January 1: Daily. January 2 – February 28: Thursdays – Sundays only. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

Hours: 9am – 4pm.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For more information go to Old Town Trolley Schedule  information.

Schedules for our Washington DC tours are subject to change. Please call for the most current information: (202) 832-9800

Arlington National Cemetery is open 363 days a year.

Operating Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm.

Special Operating hours: Memorial Day – Tours will begin at 2:00pm. Veterans Day – Tours will begin at 2:00pm.

Closed on Wreaths Across America: Wreaths In Day (December 2024 date coming soon) and Wreaths Out Day (January 2025 date coming soon).

GENERAL INFORMATION: (866) 754-9014 GROUP TOURS: (202) 832-2008

Daily. 7:15pm – 8:00pm.

Closures: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. July 4: Closed. Closed for Army Ten Miler.

For more information, go to Monuments by Moonlight Schedule .

Reservations are required. Call for availability prior to making your e-ticket purchase:

(202) 832-9800

What are the most popular stops on the DC tour route? + -

We take great pride in providing an itinerary that showcases all the great aspects of each city during our tours. The most popular stops on our DC tour include the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and the Lincoln Memorial.

How long is the DC tour route from start to finish? + -

In total, the day tour route is approximately one hour and 45 minutes long.

Do I have to start at stop #1? + -

You may start your Old Town Trolley Tour at any of our convenient stops. Click on Map and Stops to see a list of our stops with information about the attractions and points of interest at each stop.

What neighborhoods does the tour visit? + -

The Old Town Trolley Tour offers a comprehensive experience of the following neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.:

Downtown D.C.: Explore the heart of the nation’s capital, where iconic landmarks such as the White House, National Mall, and Washington Monument are located.

Capitol Hill: Discover the historic neighborhood surrounding the U.S. Capitol, known for its charming row houses, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress.

Lincoln Memorial: Visit this iconic memorial while enjoying scenic views of the Reflecting Pool and the National World War II Memorial.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial: Pay tribute to the civil rights leader in West Potomac Park.

Smithsonian Museums: Explore the area around the National Mall, home to numerous Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum.

Tidal Basin: Enjoy the beauty of the Tidal Basin, known for its cherry blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial.

FDR Memorial: Delve into the history of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s era at this memorial, located near the Tidal Basin.

Arlington National Cemetery: Cross the Potomac River to visit this renowned cemetery, where you can witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

These neighborhoods offer a diverse range of attractions and historical significance, making the Old Town Trolley DC Tour an ideal way to explore the nation’s capital.

Does the tour run on holidays and holiday weekends? + -

Go to the Old Town Trolley Schedule for more information.

How often do tours run throughout the day? + -

Old Town Trolley Tours of DC operates the city’s largest fleet of sightseeing vehicles, and this allows us to pick up and drop off more frequently than any other trolley company. The frequency of the trolleys depends on the time of the year, as well as traffic and weather conditions.

Which DC tours give me access to Arlington National Cemetery? + -

1. Old Town Trolley Ticket – Every Old Town Trolley day tour ticket offers a shuttle from the Lincoln Memorial stop to Arlington National Cemetery. Visitors can enter and walk Arlington at their leisure.

2. Old Town Trolley + Arlington Cemetery Tour Package – This package includes guided-tour access to Arlington and 10 unique stops at the most notable landmarks, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the John F. Kennedy gravesite, and Arlington House. A loop gives visitors the chance to hop on and off at a variety of key points of interest.

3. Monuments by Moonlight + Arlington Cemetery Tour Package – This package includes a nighttime tour of DC’s monuments, which offers a unique perspective of the monuments, and a separate ticket for Arlington National Cemetery tours for use at another time. With the Monuments by Moonlight Tour, you can cover many of these sites in one night, and the package allows you to visit Arlington National Cemetery during the day. Take advantage of the package and enjoy a special discounted rate. Transportation to Arlington is not included in the Monuments by Moonlight package.

What is the National Mall, how large is it, and does Old Town Trolley cover it all? + -

Our DC tours cover a majority of the National Mall, with stops at several Smithsonian museums and National Monuments and Memorials, such as the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the FDR Memorial.

In what order should I see the monuments in DC? + -

It’s important to realize that there is no “best” order to see the monuments in DC. It’s really up to you and what you want to see first. However, if you’re looking for a logical and efficient route, an Old Town Trolley Tour is a fantastic way to see all of the best monuments in Washington. By following the tour, you will be able to see all of the important monuments in a logical order. Start with the National Mall, home to some of the most iconic monuments in DC, such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Continue your monument tour with a visit to the World War II Memorial. This memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served in World War II and the more than 400,000 who gave their lives. It’s a beautiful and moving tribute that will leave you feeling very patriotic.

You can finish up with a stop at Arlington National Cemetery, where many of our nation’s heroes are buried, such as John F. Kennedy and the unknown soldiers from various wars.

How long does it take to visit the National Mall? + -

The National Mall is home to several monuments, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, among others.

We suggest deciding which monuments and memorials you want to visit and planning your itinerary accordingly. However, with over 2 miles of history to explore, it can be a daunting task to see everything efficiently. Old Town Trolley Tours has a special package that includes unlimited hop-on, hop-off access to their trolley system for one day. That means visitors can take their time exploring the National Mall at their own pace. The trolleys cover most of the area’s main attractions, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian museums. In total, the trolley route is approximately one hour and 45 minutes long, meaning visitors can take advantage of the unlimited access to create their own itinerary through the National Mall.

Can you tour the National Mall at night? + -

Many monuments on the National Mall are open 24/7, which makes it possible to experience them at any time of the day or night. However, visiting them during the night provides a unique opportunity to see them at rest. The memorials and landmarks are lit up, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the dark sky. The National Mall at night is peaceful and calming and sets an entirely different mood than during the daytime. There are fewer crowds, which makes the experience more intimate and allows you to take your time to appreciate the structures’ details and beauty.

The Monuments by Moonlight Tour will take you on a journey through history and showcase the stunning beauty of the monuments when they are illuminated. Embark on an exciting journey through DC’s historic neighborhoods. Once you reach the National Mall, you will experience the incredible beauty of the monuments at night. You’ll tour famous landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and, as you explore them in the evening, you will get fascinating insights into their history and significance. The monuments and memorials are beautifully illuminated at night, giving them an almost ethereal look, which adds to the experience.

How long does it take to visit Washington? + -

You can experience the best of the city in two days, especially if your group chooses Old Town Trolley for your transportation needs. You’ll be able to see the most popular sites without getting lost or spending too much time figuring out the city layout by yourself. The trolley stops at various landmarks across the city, including the U.S. Capitol and the Smithsonian museums. That way, you get more out of your time and an immersive experience!

What are the most famous attractions in Washington, D.C.? + -

There are a few Washington landmarks that definitely cannot be missed:

1. The National Mall is the first attraction that comes to mind while visiting Washington. It is essentially a walkable park that connects the White House to the Lincoln Memorial. The park is adorned with some of the most impressive monuments and memorials, including the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument, which serves as the centerpiece of the park.

2. The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and was built in 1800. Visitors can take guided tours of the White House but must secure their bookings months in advance. The White House gardens are open to visitors every day of the year.

3. The 19 Smithsonian museums have something for everybody, from space exhibitions at the Air and Space Museum to the hidden stories of African-American history in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

4. The United States Capitol Building is the home of the U.S. Congress. Visitors can take guided tours of the Capitol that include visits to the House and Senate galleries and an overview of the U.S. Congress’ history and workings. A new addition is the Capitol Visitor Center, which offers interactive displays that showcase the Capitol’s history.

5. Arlington National Cemetery is America’s most famous military cemetery. It was founded during the American Civil War, and several thousand service members and their families have been laid to rest here over the years. The cemetery features exquisite headstones of service members and families, notably the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by the soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment.

Can you see everything in Washington, D.C. in one day? + -

With so many landmarks, museums, and monuments, it can be overwhelming to see everything D.C. has to offer in just one day. But, don’t worry — we have a solution! Start your day early with a hop-on, hop-off tour of the city. With Old Town Trolley, you’ll have access to the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and more. Take advantage of this opportunity to immerse yourself in U.S. history, admire iconic buildings, and learn about the city’s vibrant political culture.

Before you hop off the trolley at each stop, make sure to listen to the onboard narration. This will provide you with a wealth of historical and cultural information about the landmark or museum you are visiting. You can always hop back on the next trolley when you’re ready to move on to the next destination.

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Experience an enriching sightseeing journey led by our expert tour guides , who will accompany you at each stop!

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Our NYC and Washington DC bus tours have garnered numerous industry-recognized awards over the years!

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Our bus tours are conducted with climate-controlled luxury tour buses that offer comfort and protection from weather elements!

Washington DC Best Sellers

DC at Dusk Bus Tour

Experience the enchantment of Washington DC at night: Award-winning tour with expert guides and luxury transport. Book your memorable evening journey today!

African American History and Culture Bus Tour

Explore pivotal civil rights sites: Join our insightful tour, including entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Don’t miss this historic journey!

Best of DC — VIP Bus Tour

Experience Washington DC like a VIP: Our ultimate day tour with exclusive access to the National Archives and the U.S. Capitol Buildings. Book now for a presidential journey!

New York Best Sellers

Discover NY Bus Tour

Discover NYC’s Best: Award-Winning Bus Tour With Expert Guides! Luxury Transportation, Choose Closed-Top or Glass-Top Buses. Book Your City Adventure Now!

Big Apple in Lights Bus Tour

Experience NYC’s Nighttime Magic: Join Our Comfortable, Fully-Guided Bus Tour For an Unforgettable Evening Exploring New York City’s Amazing Sites After Dark!

NYC Private SUV Tour

Private NYC SUV Tour: Explore With Your Group, Led by Our Expert Guides and Designated Drivers. Dive into the Heart of the City in Style!

In the Press

For an immersive exploration of New York City, hop on the Discover NY Bus Tour. At each stop, guides will exit the vehicle with the group for short walks and provide detailed information regarding sights. The informative and friendly guides routinely win praise from tour-goers!

There’s just so much to see; it’s nice to hand over the reins to someone else who has insider knowledge. Take Discover NY guided bus tour – the 3rd most booked sightseeing experience in the USA this spring on Tripadvisor!

Tour-takers tend to appreciate trips with USA Guided Tours for their knowledgeable guides and the frequent stops for photos at D.C.’s must-see sights!

Customer Reviews

Both tours with Joanna & Cesar were excellent! We saw more than we could have done any other way and more importantly understood more of what we were looking at!

We appreciated Nick’s humor, enthusiasm, and knowledge. He made the daytime and the night tours very enjoyable!

Ralph was fantastic! He interacted with everyone in a personal way and made the tour great!

My husband was skeptical at first since it was a bus tour and I was worried we wouldn’t get enough time at our stops, BUT it was great! I felt like there was a perfect amount of time to look and take pictures and even, when available, to stop at the gift shops. Our guide was informative and dependable. The complimentary water was great and we appreciated the access to free ponchos since it was a heavy sprinkle off an on during our tour. The bus was great, the perfect temperature and the seats are comfortable.

Did it on my first day in DC and gave me ideas on what to revisit or what other venues to go to. The guide Christopher was very knowledgeable and came over excellently.

We had a wonderful tour with Joey! She was knowledgeable, engaged, funny, friendly and a terrific host. We highly recommend this tour. Our only regret is that we didn’t have another day to spend in DC sightseeing!

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Washington DC Duck Tour

• Amphibious vehicle: travel by land and water
• Magnificent views of Washington as you cruise the Potomac River
• Choice of multiple tour departure times throughout the day
• Live commentary: fun and entertaining tour for all ages
• Narrated duck tour
• Local taxes
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks
• 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA Tour departs from Union Station. Guests are required to check in at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infant rates apply
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Clara79 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to see the city What a great and unusual way to see the city. Our guide was very informative and the speed of the truck provided a light breeze, a welcome respite from the heat. Heading through traffic and hearing key facts was great but the best bit was travelling on the water. The Potomac River was calm and quiet, only interrupted by the planes that you can nearly touch heading to Ronald Reagan airport! I would highly recommend this tour Read more Written 24 November 2019
• christineB6723DO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent trip This was a 1:30 trip 30 minutes on the 30 minutes on water and 30 minutes back. Really enjoyable. Captain very knowledgable and had a good sense of humour probably one of the best trips. Read more Written 13 October 2019
• LaurenG_11 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best thing we did Captain Steve was absolutely amazing. So knowledgeable about DC. It is clear that he loves what he is doing. He was awesome with our kids. Should have done this the first day we were there. Had absolutely nothing negative! Bring a camera!! Read more Written 17 August 2019
• alicesG6306BF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and interesting. Friendly staff and knowledgeable Captain. Unique views of the city and memorials. Nice alternative to the traditional bus tour. Well worth the time and money. Read more Written 6 July 2019
• Meander58337000071 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Go for the DC Duck! Enjoyable, often times lots of laughs. Sometimes difficult to hear driver and tour information. Loved being in the river. Book in advance - several people were turned away because they sell out! Read more Written 1 July 2019
• Destination80628 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles What a wonderful experience. It was on Father's day! Our driver was great and funny. My family had a fantastic time. My daughter had a chance to ride the boat on the water and my husband and I loved the fact that we were able to learn more in a town we leave in. Tourist(s) or not ... Take the ride! Thank you again. Read more Written 26 June 2019
• FraternityVillage 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Fun Captain Rob was entertaining, fun, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor! This is a great way to experience history. Read more Written 18 June 2019
• antaninak 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cool Experience with Captain Steve super interactive tour, we even had fun with duck sounds. Great captain/guide, told us some interesting facts about DC and its landmarks. Highly recommended Read more Written 15 June 2019
• RobbieB517 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Captain Salim! Captain Salim was very knowledgeable about the sites and made our trip very fun! We thoroughly enjoyed the Duck Tour and would recommend it to anyone coming to DC. The highlight of the tour was Capt. Salim waiting for a plane to come over the Potomac so we could literally be 100 feet below the plane as it came into Reagan to land... POWERFUL!! And we got a quacker... what!!?? Read more Written 15 June 2019
• BoardingPass714128 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Captain Steve was great!! My friend and I wanted a fun tour in the city, so I booked us tickets for the DC Duck Tour. It was easy to find, right out front of Union Station. We had Captain Steve for our trip and he was fantastic!!! Very funny, kept us all entertained, and did a great job narrating and giving us the history of the city and the duck vehicles themselves. I would definitely recommend this tour! It was about an hour and a half long. The day we went was kind of chilly and pretty windy, so hang on to your hats! Read more Written 14 June 2019
• PF005 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very Helpful Staff The ducks tour was great - lots of information and the WWII vehicle makes it extra special. What impressed me the most, however, were the people who worked there. When I booked, I had added the Arlington Cemetery tour. The online chat person made it seem like it was a stop on the duck tour. When I checked in, I found out that was not the case. But Larry at the ticket book took great care of us and made the transition work. Thanks so much for your help Larry!! Read more Written 12 June 2019
• threecarats 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Always Fun with Children This tour is great for children/tweens who don't have large attention spans, it's a nice overview for them to see things and not get bored. It's nice to go out on the Potomac as well. Even though it was pouring rain, we still had fun. Read more Written 11 June 2019
• Nelson W 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fun way to see DC We had a great time with Captain Steve, learned a little about World War II and lots about Washington DC. Best view of the DC landmarks we’ve had, and Captain Steve made sure to set up great photo ops. Best of all were the big smiles on kids steering the boat and ringing the bell. Everyone we encountered, from ticket sales to assistance to Captain Steve, was professional and pleasant. Thanks for making it such s good day. Read more Written 5 June 2019
• IAMedic 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Time We try to go on these tours each time we take a vacation. We liked that the vessel was a real navy "relic" and the Capt tried very hard to tell jokes...jk, jk, some of them were good. I especially like that you give out the quackers as part of the tour, as some of Duck Tour companies charge for them (Seattle). Read more Written 29 May 2019
• Debbie B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles CAPTAIN STEVE AND "CAPITOL" DUCK Captain Steve made this a great experience...Capitol is an original 1943 Duck that we were treated like VIPs on...and having a great tour guide like Captain Steve made this experience something I would do again! Lots of tips too like the clock tower in the Old Post Office, currently the Trump International Tower, is one of the best places to go for a great view of the city for FREE Read more Written 17 May 2019

More to explore in Washington DC

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Washington DC Duck Tour provided by D.C. Ducks