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Washington, DCNight tours

Our most recommended Washington, DC Night 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: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit

2. Washington DC: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit

See the sights of Washington DC from onboard the Spirit of Washington with a lunch or dinner cruise on the Potomac River. Enjoy a buffet dining experience as you sail, and delight in panoramic views. Board your vessel and receive a personal greeting. Have your photo taken by the ship's photographer to capture the memory before being seated at your private table. Once there, gorge on your lunch or dinner buffet consisting of creative entrees prepared fresh daily and listen to the onboard music. After your meal, visit any of the three climate-controlled decks as you glide by the sights. LUNCH/DINNER BUFFET SAMPLE MENU SALADS FIELD GREEN SALAD (G*)(VG)Tomatoes | Cucumbers | Carrots | Ranch Dressing | Balsamic Dressing KALE QUINOA SALAD (G*)(VG)(V)Quinoa | Roasted Red Pepper | Spinach | Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette GREEN GODDESS PASTA SALAD (V)Sweet Peas | White Beans | Scallions MAIN HONEY SESAME CHICKEN (G*)Scallions | Fresno Chillies OVEN ROASTED WHITEFISH (G*)Spicy Tomato | White Bean Ragu BAKED ZITI PASTA (V)Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Mozzarella Cheese | Spinach Cream Sauce ROOT VEGETABLE FRICASSEE (G*)(VG)(V)Idaho Potatoes | Broccoli | Grape Tomatoes | Gremolata | Cauliflower Coconut Cream Sauce COMPLEMENTSROASTED BROCCOLI (G*)(VG)(V)Toasted Garlic | Chili Flakes GARLIC MASHED POTATOES (G*)(V)Idaho Potatoes | Roasted Garlic DESSERTSIGNATURE DESSERT STATION (V)Cakes | Brownies | Seasonal Fruit | *May Contain Nuts *Menus subject to change

Washington DC: The Wharf Self-Driven Boat Tour with Map

3. Washington DC: The Wharf Self-Driven Boat Tour with Map

Choose a 1, 2 or 3-hour boating tour on the water for you and your family. Experience an outing for groups of up to 8 people and enjoy the freedom of choosing your own route as you captain the boat yourself. Start your adventure at the meeting point where the friendly staff of the local operator will instruct you on how to operate the boat. After a brief chat, set out on your adventure. Travel on the peaceful waters as you witness Washington landmarks and historical sites. Use the map given to you during your orientation to help you travel to your chosen destination. Pack a picnic to take with you and create memories with your friends and family as you behold the exciting atmosphere of Washington.

Washington DC:Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey

4. Washington DC:Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey

Cruise on the Potomac River and see the sights of Washington DC from a luxury boat, The Odyssey. Get a keepsake photo taken by the ship's photographer, then embark on an elegant dining cruise along the Washington DC shoreline. After being seated at your private table, enjoy a brunch or 3-course dinner, with meals prepared fresh daily by your onboard executive chef. Menu items are subject to change. After your meal, relax on any of the 3 climate-controlled decks as you watch the monuments glide by. Sample Brunch MenuEarly Riser:Breakfast pastries Scottish smoked salmonScrambled eggsBreakfast meats Breakfast potatoes French toast Late Risers:Caesar salad Greek salad Sun-dried tomato pasta saladBaked orecchiette pastaBirria-style chicken Chesapeake Bay rockfish Hand-carved tri-tip steak Kid's station Dessert: Individual dessertsIn-season fruit Sample Dinner Menu Starters (choice of one): Caesar salad Lobster soup Main Course (choice of one): Jumbo forest mushroom ravioli Oven-roasted frenched chicken breast with rosemary and thyme Broiled salmon filet Braised beef short rib Pan-seared fresh Pacific cod Desserts (choice of one): New York-style cheesecake Triple chocolate mud pie Duo of sorbet Freshly cut fruit Odyssey signature warm butter cake

Washington DC: Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour

5. Washington DC: Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour

See the most popular monuments of the U. S. capital illuminated at night on a guided trolley tour. The route follows streets that have been traveled by presidents and makes three stops for you to get off the trolley and explore the memorials on your own and take photos. Enjoy entertaining commentary from a professional tour guide who will entertain you with stories about the Capitol’s colorful past. The three stops on the tour are: 1. The Martin Luther King Memorial & the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial 2. The Iwo Jima Memorial (aka US Marine Corps War Memorial) 3. The Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Besides stops at the major memorials, you will also get spectacular views of the Washington Memorial the White House, the National Mall, the Capitol Buildings, the Jefferson Memorial, the Smithsonian Museums and Castle, the FBI & Dept of Justice Buildings, and the World War II Memorial.

Washington DC Monuments by Night Bike Tour

6. 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, the monuments are crowd-free, and the illuminated views are magnificent. As dusk sweeps the city and the memorials and monuments light up magnificently, your guide will take you through the National Mall and around the Tidal Basin near the Washington Monument, the war memorials, the Lincoln 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. This 4-mile ride is rated as easy, covering mostly flat terrain. All riders are provided with reflective vests and safety lights.

Washington, DC: African American History Tour

7. Washington, DC: African American History Tour

Travel back in time to some of the most iconic moments from the civil rights movement on an African American history tour of Washington DC. You will pass by the famous Emancipation Statue, the National Council of Negro Women, and more while learning about the history of the city from your guide.  Get picked up at the U.S. Navy Memorial and head to monuments such as the Emancipation Statue, Howard Theatre, and vibrant local black communities. Stand where Martin Luther King stood when he gave his famous "I have a dream" address and feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. After taking a glimpse into the past at the Home of Frederick Douglas, proceed to Howard University - one of the oldest black universities in the United States. On the way to Howard University, you will drive by Lincoln Park to visit the statue of educator, activist, and founder of the National Council of Negro Women - Mary McLeod Bethune. Following your visit to the beautiful Howard University campus, drive through Le Droit Park, Shaw Neighborhood, and Historic “U” Street. Home to the largest urban African American community in the United States in the early 1900s, it created its own “Black Broadway” - a home to entertainment legends from the past and present.  Next, see the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum to discover how the course of the Civil War was impacted by these disenfranchised soldiers. You will then take a journey into downtown DC to the sites of the national headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women, Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue, the White House, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Once downtown, enter the Logan Circle historic district to see the historic Metropolitan AME Church and the Mary McLeod Bethune Council house. Finish the tour at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Enter inside and explore the absorbing artifacts and exhibits at your leisure.

Washington, DC: Scenic Monuments Night Tour by Open-Top Bus

8. Washington, DC: Scenic Monuments Night Tour by Open-Top Bus

Get ready to experience the enchanting beauty of Washington, DC like never before, as you embark on a unique, open-top double-decker night tour with Big Bus Tours. With the city's monuments and memorials dramatically illuminated by the city lights, you'll be mesmerized by the grandeur and significance of the nation's capital. With our expert live guide, available on Friday-Sunday tours only, you'll learn the fascinating history and hidden stories of the Nation's Capital from its founding after the Revolutionary War to its modern workings today. Or, listen to our state-of-the-art digital commentary providing a completely captivating and entertaining experience (Monday-Thursday tours offer digital commentary only with souvenir earbuds). And don't forget to snap some photos along the way! With breathtaking views of the city's most iconic landmarks, you'll want to capture every moment of this unforgettable evening exploring the heart of America's history and culture. See the National Mall and gaze out on the Reflecting Pool just as MLK, Jr. did during his famous "I Have a Dream" speech from the Lincoln Memorial. Pass by the Jefferson Memorial and enjoy the breeze over the Tidal Basin. Take photos of the imposing Washington Monument and the elaborate dome of the Capitol Building, all from the scenic and relaxing top deck seats of the open-top bus. As the official National Park Services tour partner, Big Bus gets you closest to the best DC has to offer: •National Mall •The White House •Lincoln Memorial •Martin Luther King Memorial •Jefferson Memorial •The Capitol Building •WWII Memorial •And much, much more!

Washington DC: National Mall Night Bus Tour

9. 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: DC Ghosts Tour

10. Washington, DC: DC Ghosts Tour

Visit the capital city's most haunted locations in the company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide. Kick off your tour with an introduction to the dark history of the nation's capital before embarking on a haunted route to 8 locations located near the White House. After an introduction into general history and hauntings of DC, walk through the dark streets to President's Park and listen to stories and eyewitness accounts of personal hauntings, like St. John's Episcopal Church, also known as the President's Church. From there, head to the most important haunted house in the country, the White House. Learn about Lincoln's ghost that greets each incoming President when they take office, and hear how he still tries to help the leaders of the free world from the grave. You will then visit a host of other haunted locations where you will hear, in gripping detail, the history and eyewitness accounts of hauntings and paranormal activity in DC. Finally, head to the final stop at the Treasury Building, where you will listen to a final recap of D.C.'s strange activity, ask any ghost questions you might have, and check out and exchange any paranormal pictures and activity caught on camera.

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Frequently asked questions about Washington, DC Night tours

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Other Sightseeing Options in Washington, DC

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What people are saying about Washington, DC

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 815 reviews

Anna Marie was knowledgeable and interesting. The sites were absolutely beautiful. I would recommend to anyone wanting to get a great orientation of the area.

Great knowledgeable guide, friendly and provided some good murder stories. Great way to learn some history whilst enjoying the DC vibe. Definitely recommend.

Our guide was absolutely fantastic. Both my parents and my tween/teen kids really enjoyed this tour. My 12-year-old daughter said, “I was really moved!”

I enjoyed the detailed content of the tour, plus getting to parts I had not scene . . . The Iwo Jima memorial and the MLK and Roosevelt Memorials.

Our tour guide Jewl was very informative. Great experience!