Tidal Basin

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Tidal Basin

Tidal Basin: Our most recommended tours and activities

DC: Hop-on Hop-off Tour by Open-top Bus with 17 Stops

DC: Hop-on Hop-off Tour by Open-top Bus with 17 Stops

Big Bus is the official preferred tour of the Cherry Blossom Festival. No one gets you closer to the natural beauty of the Nation's Capital. 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 Capitol 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 ticket and enjoy a scenic Monuments Water Taxi cruise along the Potomac River between 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. Or take the Water Taxi to the Wharf for its trendy restaurants, boutiques, concert venues, and riverside views, plus easy access to downtown DC and the National Mall. Ticket is valid for a one-way journey in either direction.

Washington DC: National Mall Night Bus Tour

Washington DC: National Mall Night Bus Tour

Admire the atmospheric landmarks of the capital from an open-top or glass-top bus as the sun sets on Washington, DC. Take a trip to the twilight zone with mesmerizing views of the city highlights at dusk. See the most famous monuments lit up, casting a glimmering glow over the city. Begin at the U.S. Navy Memorial, before heading through the half-light to capture views of the White House, the Korean War Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Each monument features special illuminations at night, with regular opportunities to hop off and see the spectacular sculpture work up close, along with countless photo opportunities. Marvel at the full shimmering skyline at the start and endpoint of your tour, which also includes views of the twinkling Tidal Basin and Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Night tours don’t get much more magical than this, and pair perfectly with a day tour the following day.

Washington, DC: Full-Day Tour with a Scenic River Cruise

Washington, DC: Full-Day Tour with a Scenic River Cruise

Discover all the delights of Washington DC with this day-tour around the city, hitting hotspots such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol Building, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Board your glamourous, climate-controlled, panoramic bus at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Head to all the major highlights of regular sightseeing tours and enjoy a lunch break and an opportunity to travel through the Tidal Basin. Learn about some of the most fascinating landmarks in the USA, including the White House, U.S. Capitol Building, and National Archives, plus breathtaking memorials of Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Roosevelt. After lunch, summer brings the opportunity for a boat ride through Georgetown and the DC Waterfront. In winter, this Washington bus tour culminates with a visit to the Pentagon and several more fascinating war memorials. The tour price includes a boat cruise, and tourists will have the opportunity to purchase lunch at one of several waterfront restaurants in the summer. During your tour learn from your live tour guide who hops off the bus with you to ensure you receive an intimate and personalized experience of each attraction.  Your guide will educate you on the important details of each monument. From April through October, take in the fresh air on a scenic 1-hour cruise along the Potomac River. The full itinerary of this tour includes: • Jefferson Memorial • U.S. Capitol Building • FDR Memorial • World War II Memorial • Iwo Jima Memorial • Vietnam Memorial • Martin Luther King Memorial • Lincoln Memorial • White House

Washington DC: Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

Washington DC: Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

Explore the hottest sights in Washington DC in an eco-friendly way on this guided bike tour through the National Mall and along the Potomac Tidal Basin. Learn about the war and presidential memorials that you stop to see up close along the route.  Meet your guide at the Wharf DC and get set up with your high-quality bike and helmet. Set off on your family-friendly route to the Washington Monument, Vietnam Memorial, World War II Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. Engage with history as your guide tells you the store behind sights like the Jefferson Memorial. Get the chance to walk around and explore the each of the memorials. Return to the Wharf DC at the end of your biking experience.

Washington DC: See the City Segway Tour

Washington DC: See the City Segway Tour

Arrive 30 minutes before the tour time for instruction on how to ride a Segway, then head off on a thrilling guided Segway tour of Washington DC and its main landmarks. Listen as your guide recounts fascinating stories about these iconic locations, narrated via a state-of-the-art radio system. Before departure, receive training and get fitted for your equipment. Watch a brief video and presentation, then receive one-on-one instruction from the experienced staff. Don't be nervous! Many of the visitors are first-time riders and most people get the hang of it within a few minutes.  Once everyone is comfortable, you will do a quick soundcheck and off you go!  The first stop is the White House, just across the street from your starting point! From there, continue to explore as many of the following sites as possible: Lafayette Square US Treasury Constitution Gardens Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Vietnam Veterans Memorial Korean War Memorial DC War Memorial Tidal Basin WWII Memorial Washington Monument Smithsonian Museums National Gallery of Art US Capitol National Archives US Navy Memorial FBI Building Freedom Plaza and more!

Washington DC: Monuments by Night Bike Tour

Washington DC: Monuments by Night Bike Tour

Bike to the major sights of Washington, D.C. on a guided tour after dark. Enjoy America’s capital city at night, when the air is cooler and the monuments are crowd-free. As dusk sweeps the city and the memorials and monuments are illuminated magnificently. Your guide will take you through the National Mall and around the Tidal Basin. You will visit: the Washington Monument; the World War 2, Korean and Vietnam War memorials;, the Lincoln Memorial: the Martin Luther King Memorial; the FDR Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. Along the way you’ll have the opportunity to learn about each of the sights, and also a few minutes to walk through the memorials and experience them on foot. You will also have a view of the illuminated White House and the lawn where the president’s helicopter lands. This approximately 4-mile ride is rated as easy, covering mostly flat terrain. All riders are provided with reflective vests and safety lights.

NYC: Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, Washington DC 4-Day Tour

NYC: Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, Washington DC 4-Day Tour

Visit the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls. Stop at an outlet mall for shopping, continue to the historic city of Brotherly love in Philadelphia and see the famous Liberty Bell and Independence Hall Square. You will also visit Washington DC, the US Capitol and visit the US Mint. Continue to Lancaster to learn about the Amish community. Day 1: New York - Finger Lakes - Niagara Falls Your morning departure from the Big Apple takes you north where you will pass the beautiful Delaware Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls passing Seneca Lake, arriving in the late afternoon. Tour the American and Canadian sides of the Falls including the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Goat Island, and Sister Island. At night tour Niagara Falls where you will marvel at the colorful lighting of the waters. Overnight: Ramada - Wyndham Day 2: Niagara Falls - New Jersey As you depart the hotel, hear the thundering water of Niagara Falls. See the falls up close from Horseshoe Falls and experience the power of the current aboard the Maid of the Mist (May-October). From November through April you will tour the Power Vista Hydro-electric Station, and the Cave of the Winds. At noon depart south to New York State. On the way to New York, enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls along the way, where you can hunt for bargains at their brand name stores. Overnight New Jersey - La Quinta Inns & Suites  Day 3: New Jersey - Philadelphia - Washington DC Depart New Jersey to Pennsylvania and to the city of brotherly love Philadelphia. Arriving in the Historic area of Philadelphia you will visit the famous Liberty Bell, and Constitution square and Constitution Hall, one of the symbols of freedom in America. Stroll Elfreth’s Alley (the oldest inhabited street in America) then continue on a panoramic tour of Philadelphia that includes the financial district, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Historic Philadelphia and more. Departing Philadelphia, see the famous “Rocky Steps” and then continue north to Lancaster county home of the Amish people. Ride on an authentic Amish Buggy, visit an Amish market place of handmade arts and crafts and learn what it's like to live without the benefit of modern technology, electricity, running water or telephone service. Overnight at: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Alexandria Day 4: Washington DC - New York  Start the day with a visit to Thomas Jefferson Memorial, by the Tidal Basin, surrounded with famous Japanese cherry blossom trees. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the changing of the guards and the Kennedy family gravesite.  Next stop is Capitol Hill. See the US Capitol and the White House to understand the core of the US government. Continue to the Air and Space Museum before visiting the Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Korea and Vietnam Memorials.  In the late afternoon, depart north for an evening arrival in New York.

Washington DC: Pirate Ship Cruise with Open Bar

Washington DC: Pirate Ship Cruise with Open Bar

Prepare to embark on our 21+ party cruise aboard a Pirate Ship, where even the most landlocked souls will find their sea legs in no time! Embrace the pirate spirit by swaggering between the starboard and portside, mingling with your fellow passengers, and having an absolute blast! Cruise beneath the sun, gaze at the sunset, or dance under the moonlight, grog in hand. While we delight in seeing our spirited guests come adorned in pirate attire, please know that dressing like a pirate is not a requirement. Your presence and enthusiasm are all that’s needed to make this journey unforgettable. With your all-inclusive ticket, you’ll enjoy: A 2-hour cruise A premium open bar featuring our lively bartenders mixing a variety of delicious cocktails, along with an array of liquor options, beer, wine, High Noon seltzers, filtered water, sodas, juices, and pre-packaged snacks. A professional sound system boasting an extensive library of music to set the perfect mood for your voyage. The magnificent cityscape of Washington, D.C. from the vantage points of our two open-air decks.

NYC: Niagara Falls, Toronto, Philadelphia & DC 5-Day Tour

NYC: Niagara Falls, Toronto, Philadelphia & DC 5-Day Tour

Embark on a 5-day trip to Niagara Falls, Toronto, the 1000 Islands, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and the Amish Country in Lancaster from New York City. Witness the magnificent Niagara Falls, visit the Arlington National Cemetery, and enjoy the convenience of included accommodation and entry tickets. Day 1: NEW YORK – FINGER LAKES – NIAGARA FALLS Depart from the Big Apple heading north where you will pass the beautiful Delaware Water Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls passing Seneca Lake, arriving in the late afternoon. Tour the US side of Niagara including the American Falls, Goat Island, and Luna Island. Experience the power of Niagara aboard the Maid of the Mist. At night, you can appreciate the colorful lighting of the waters. Stay at the Ramada by Wyndham. Day 2: NIAGARA FALLS – TORONTO – 1000 ISLANDS Start with the magnificent Horseshoe Falls view followed by the visit to the picturesque village of Niagara on The Lake. Continue to Toronto, the financial capital of Canada. Visit the HTO Park, Brookfield Place — home of the Hockey Hall of Fame — City Hall, and The Distillery Historic District. Towards the evening, depart Toronto east along the world-famous Lake Ontario for an evening arrival to the 1000 Islands area (in April, based on weather conditions the tour may return to Niagara Falls for overnight). Stay overnight at Gananoque – Comfort Inn (April, Niagara Falls – Ramada by Wyndham). Day 3: 1000 ISLANDS – NEW YORK Start the day with a cruise through the amazing 1000 Islands along the St. Laurence River. See the houses of the rich and famous built atop private islands — such as Boldt Castle and Heart Island. Enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls along the way. Arrive at your hotel in New Jersey at the La Quinta Inn and Suites. Day 4: NEW JERSEY – PHILADELPHIA – WASHINGTON DC Depart from New Jersey to Pennsylvania and to the city of brotherly love Philadelphia. Visit the famous Liberty Bell, Constitution square, and Congress Hall. Continue on a panoramic tour of Philadelphia that includes the financial district, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Historic Philadelphia, and more. See the famous “Rocky Steps” and then continue to Lancaster county home of the Amish people. Enjoy an authentic Amish Buggy ride through the Amish farm country. In the late afternoon, depart east for an evening arrival in Washington DC where you will stay at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Alexandria. Day 5: WASHINGTON DC – NEW YORK Start the day with a visit to Thomas Jefferson Memorial, by the Tidal Basin, surrounded by famous Japanese cherry blossom trees. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the Changing of the Guard, and the Kennedy family gravesite. The next stop is Capitol Hill. See the US Capitol and the White House to understand the core of the US government. Continue to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (while the Air and Space Museum is closed due to renovations) before visiting the Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Memorials. In the late afternoon, depart for an evening arrival in New York.

Washington: Cherry Blossom Tour

Washington: Cherry Blossom Tour

Enjoy the fragrant, fluffy blooms of the famous Washington cherry blossom on a springtime tour of Washington D.C.'s National Cheery Blossom Festival. See the city on a bus tour, then stroll around Tidal Basin on a guided walk. The cherry blossom tour starts at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Hop on an air-conditioned sightseeing minibus to see some of the city's important sights. Listen to your guide as they tell tales of Washington's cherry blossom trees. First planted over 100 years ago, these trees served as a special gift to unite the Empire of Japan and the U.S., and they have been a regular part of the city’s storied past ever since.

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What people are saying about Tidal Basin

Overall rating

4.6
(1,786 reviews)

I'd like to blame them, but the tour was surprisingly good! The only two cons: 1. There are two Bus stations near Washington Monument, we jump to wrong one. However, there was allowed to us to reach missed stops.0 2. It's not an orgranizator's issue, but you won't be able to get into white house. The oval cabinet and souvenir shop on the opposite side of the road.

Excellent guides with experience and knowledge. My trip was divided into two; Niagara Falls was with 9 people, the vehicle seats needed improvement because of the long hours traveling. The Philadelphia and Washington DC tour was in a different vehicle and the seats were very comfortable.

The tour of the monuments of Washington was complete but the waiting time was too long and the euro tickets did not work well. Overall it is worth it to have an idea of the history of Washington.

Please provide functioning outlets for us to charge phones 😊 thanks Overall the tour is good 👍

Very professional good price point any easy to find