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DC at Dusk Bus Tour: Iconic Night Views in Washington DC - Washington, DC

DC at Dusk Bus Tour: Iconic Night Views in Washington DC

Washingtoneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Minimal physical fitness is required as most of the tour is by bus with short, easy walking segments.

Overview

Discover Washington, DC illuminated after dark on a private, three-hour bus tour. Capture unforgettable photos of iconic monuments and enjoy unique nighttime perspectives of the city’s historic landmarks.

Bus Tour
Museum
Northern Lights Tour
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Winter Activities
Washington, District of Columbia

DC at Dusk Bus Tour

3 Hours • All Ages • Experience breathtaking views of our nation's capital, flooded with lights!

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About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating three-hour journey through Washington, DC, as the city transforms under the night sky. Experience iconic landmarks like the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and the stunning Tidal Basin, all beautifully illuminated. This guided tour offers unique photo opportunities and a magical perspective of the nation's capital after dark.

Fully Guided • Luxury Buses • Award-Winning

Admire the atmospheric landmarks of the capital as dusk settles with our Washington, DC, monuments by night tour!

Duration

3 Hours

Tour Details

  • This three-hour night tour takes you on a light-filled journey through historic Washington, DC and nearby Northern Virginia.
  • Your guided DC night tour begins at the U.S. Navy Memorial at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW - halfway between the White House and the U.S. Capitol - and will bring you a unique and breathtaking look at our nation's capital!
  • On your way to the White House (first stop), you'll pass the U.S. Botanic Garden, Grant's Memorial, the U.S. Navy Memorial, the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice, and the J. Edgar Hoover Federal Bureau of Investigation. When arriving at the White House, you'll also see the Executive Residence of the President and his family, as well as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building. This stop also includes a walk past Lafayette Park, honoring the Marquis de Lafayette, leader of French forces.
  • Moving along and on your way to the next stop - the United States Capitol Building - you pass the National Archives, which houses historical U.S. documents - the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. En route, you will also see the Newseum, the Canadian Embassy, and the National Gallery of Art.
  • Emerging in sight will be the United States Capitol, where you'll take in a memorable, two-mile-long, panoramic view of the Smithsonian Museums (the largest museum complex in the world), and the Washington Monument (the tallest, freestanding stone structure in the world), flooded with lights – creating an unforgettable experience.
  • Next, your next stop is the National World War II Memorial. Along the way, you will see the headquarters of the American Red Cross, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Organization of American States (OAS).
  • Once finished at the World War II Memorial, you will visit the beautiful Thomas Jefferson Memorial – which was built from 1938 –1943 – on the Tidal Basin, lined with cherry trees that were a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan.
  • Across the Tidal Basin, you'll visit the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial – dedicated in 2011; quite a sight, at night!
  • Onward to pay a visit to the US Marine Corp War (Iwo Jima) Memorial.
  • On the walking part of this popular Washington, DC night tour - you will visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and via a nice stroll along the tree line, you will emerge in front of the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorials.
  • On the way to the last stop at the U.S. Navy Memorial, you will, once more, be able to take in a twinkling, and spectacular view of the Washington, DC landscape.

FAQs

ARE WE ALLOWED TO BRING BABY STROLLERS AND/OR WHEELCHAIRS ON BOARD THE TOUR VEHICLES? We strive to make our tours accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Our small-capacity tour buses can accommodate foldable wheelchairs and foldable baby strollers. However, if you or a member of your party uses a full-size wheelchair that requires a ramp, we kindly ask you to contact us directly. We're more than happy to make arrangements to accommodate your mobility needs.

For those with full-size strollers, we recommend storing them at your hotel or utilizing a professional storage service to ensure your tour experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Our tours do involve some walking, but we want to assure you that your comfort is our priority. If you prefer, you have the option to stay on board the bus near each landmark, without the need to exit at every stop.

ARE WE ALLOWED TO BRING CARRY-ON LUGGAGE ON THE TOUR VEHICLE? Our shuttle buses and vans do not have storage for accommodating carry-on bags. We ask that you only bring purses, briefcases, or backpacks for your tour. We recommend storing carry-on and large bags at your hotel or utilizing a professional storage service to ensure your tour experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Please note that USA Guided Tours reserves the right to inspect any bags, book bags, briefcases, or backpacks you carry.

HOW LONG DO WE STAY AT EACH STOP? It depends on the stop. Your tour guide will tell you the planned amount of time for each stop. We have allowed enough time at every stop for you to walk around and take plenty of pictures!

Adventure Tips

Bring a camera or smartphone

The tour offers fantastic nighttime photo ops of illuminated landmarks, so having a good camera or phone with you is essential.

Dress warmly in winter

Even though you spend much time on the bus, some outdoor stops can get chilly after sunset in colder months.

Arrive 10 minutes early

Arriving early ensures your seamless check-in and the best seating on the bus for optimal views.

Use comfortable footwear

Light walking is involved at some stops, so wear comfortable shoes suitable for paved and uneven surfaces.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Urban squirrels commonly spotted near the Tidal Basin
  • Occasional sightings of migratory birds around the Potomac River

History

Washington, DC’s monuments illuminate the rich history of American leadership, commemorating the country’s presidents and pivotal events.

Conservation

Local efforts focus on reducing light pollution and maintaining the National Mall’s greenery to protect urban wildlife and enhance monument visibility.

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Adventure Hotspots in Washington, DC

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Camera or smartphone

Essential

Capture the beautifully lit monuments and unforgettable night scenes throughout the tour.

Warm jacket

Essential

Evenings can get chilly in fall, so a warm jacket keeps you comfortable during outdoor stops.

fall specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Light walking around the stops requires sturdy, comfortable footwear.

Umbrella or raincoat

Spring showers are possible, so an umbrella or raincoat helps you stay dry.

spring specific