Visiting Washington, DC
Washington is a city with something to offer everyone. To help you plan your visit I have included information on a number of Washington attractions. My office can also send you an information booklet, maps and brochures that will be helpful in planning your visit. My office is always happy to answer any questions you may have, just call 202-224-6221. Stop by for a visit while you're in town. Enjoy your trip!
Below are descriptions and links to some of Washington's most popular sights. All tours are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. With advance notice, congressional tours can be arranged for the White House, Capitol, FBI, and Bureau of Engraving and Printing through my office by calling 202-224-6221.
Please be advised that congressional tours are very limited and should be requested at least three months ahead of time. This is especially important if you are planning to travel between March and August, our busiest time of the year. While we can never guarantee tickets for any tour, we will do our best to provide you with the tours and information you have requested.
This map of downtown Washington, D.C. notes the location of many of the major tourist attractions. While visiting Washington, be sure and use the Metro to get around town.
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White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
202-456-7041
The White House is one of the most visited places in Washington DC. Tours of the White House take visitors through the East, Green, Blue, Red and State Dining rooms. Currently, The White House offers tours to groups of 10 or more. Please call my office to for more information on how to arrange for your group to visit the White House. Occasionally, the White House closes unexpectedly for special events or offers additional tours. For current information, visit the White House Visitor Center website or call the Visitor Center at 202-456-7041.
Take a video tour of the White House.
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The Capitol
East Plaza of the U.S. Capitol between Constitution and Independence Avenues
202-226-8000
The Capitol Building first opened to the public in 1800. Today all tours begin in the Capitol Visitor Center, which is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and Inauguration Day. Tours are free, but passes are required. Tours can be booked in advance online at the Capitol Visitor Center website. See the Visiting the U.S. Capitol page on my website for more information on the Capitol Visitor Center.
Gallery passes for the Senate and House are available from my office. These passes allow constituents to view the Senate or House from the Visitor's Gallery when Congress is in session. Information about tours for the disabled is available from the Congressional Special Services Office at 202-224-4048 (voice) or 202-224-4049 (TDD).
Take a virtual tour of the U.S. Capitol.
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Federal Bureau of Investigation
9th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
202-324-3447The FBI tour is a one hour, guided, walking tour taken by almost 500,000 people a year. The tour includes exhibits on the workings of the FBI, information on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted List," and a firearms demonstration.
FBI tours are available Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Tours take place every 20 minutes beginning at the E Street NW entrance. Groups wishing to take the FBI tour should contact the FBI directly.
Tours of the FBI are currently cancelled due to extensive renovations.
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Bureau of Engraving and Printing
14th and C Streets S.W.
202-874-2330
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produces over 70 billion dollars in cash every year. In addition to U.S. money, the Bureau also prints postage stamps. Tours of the Bureau of Printing and Engraving allow visitors to view money being printed. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing offers free public tours Monday through Friday (except federal holidays) from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Group tours, which require a reservation, are offered from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tickets are required to tour the Bureau during peak season from March through August. These tickets can be obtained at the ticket booth on Raoul Wallenberg Place SW (formerly 15th Street) beginning at 8 a.m. One person can obtain up to 4 tickets. Lines form very early and tickets go quickly. Tickets are not required during non-peak season, September through February. Evening tours are offered from April through August only and are conducted every 15 minutes between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. September through March and 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. April through August.
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Arlington National Cemetery
Memorial Drive, Arlington, Virginia
703-607-8000Arlington National Cemetery is the second largest national cemetery in the United States. Over four million people a year travel to Arlington to pay their respects to the more than 260,000 service men and women laid to rest here. Arlington is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Three soldiers, one each from WWI, WWII, and the Korean War, are interred here. An unknown soldier from the Vietnam War was also interred here, but later exhumed after DNA testing determined his identity. The Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by the US Army.
Arlington National Cemetery is open to the public from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. October through March, and from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. April through September. A wreath laying ceremony is performed every half hour.
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Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW
202-488-0400The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is dedicated to "presenting the history of the persecution and murder of six million Jews and millions of other victims of Nazi tyranny from 1933 to 1945." The Museum houses a permanent exhibit, as well as a children's exhibit, and regular special exhibitions. The Holocaust Memorial Museum is recommended for children eight and older.
The Holocaust Memorial Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Passes are required for the permanent exhibition. Passes are distributed at 10 a.m. for admittance for tours from 10 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. One person may obtain four passes. Passes may be ordered ahead of time for a small fee, details on this service are available on the Holocaust Memorial Museum web page.
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Kennedy Center
2700 F Streets NW
202-416-8340
Guided tours of the Kennedy Center take visitors through the Hall of States and Hall of Nations, and the Center's main theaters. Kennedy Center tours are available in many languages. A virtual tour of the Kennedy Center is available online. Tours of the Kennedy Center are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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Library of Congress
First Street and Independence Avenue S.E.
202-707-8000
The Library was founded in 1800 and was originally housed in the Capitol Building. In 1814, much of the collection was destroyed when the British burned the Capitol. In 1815, Congress authorized the purchase of Thomas Jefferson's personal library of 6,000 books to supplement the holdings of the Library of Congress. Since then the Library of Congress has become the largest library in the world housing 130 million items. The Library of Congress offers guided tours both in English and Spanish. Public tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.,1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.,1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tours begin at the Thomas Jefferson Building visitor entrance.
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Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA
703-780-2000
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has operated George Washington's home, Mount Vernon, since 1858. This private, non-profit organization accepts no government funds and maintains Mount Vernon through visitor's fees and private donations. Admission ranges from $6.00 to $13.00. Audio tours are available for an additional fee. Take an online tour of Mount Vernon.Mount Vernon is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through August; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March, September and October; and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through February.
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Smithsonian Institution
202-633-1000
Established in 1864 with funds left to the US government by James Smithson, the Smithsonian Institution maintains 140 million pieces for "the increase and diffusion of knowledge." The Smithsonian consists of 16 museums, the National Zoo, and a variety of research facilities. All museums and the National Zoo are free and open to the public. Hours may vary for different exhibits and museums, though most are open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. For more information, see the sections below or visit the Smithsonian web page or call Dial-a-Museum at 202-357-2020. -
National Air and Space Museum
6th Street and Independence Avenue SW
202-357-1400
The National Air and Space Museum has 23 main exhibits as well as many smaller, temporary exhibits. The museum houses the world's largest collection of historic air and spacecraft, including the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," Apollo 11 command module, and a Lunar rock sample that visitors can touch. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum offers daily IMAX movie screenings and daily tours. Guided tours of the National Air and Space Museum are given daily beginning at the tour desk.
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National Gallery of Art
Between 3rd and 9th Streets and Constitution Avenue NW
202-737-4215In 1928, Secretary of the Treasury, Andrew Mellon, introduced the concept of a National Art Gallery. Upon his death in 1937, Secretary Mellon left his art collection to the United States, along with funding for the construction of the National Gallery of Art. Soon after this, Congress passed legislation authorizing the establishment of the National Gallery of Art as an independent branch of the Smithsonian Institution. Since then the National Gallery has grown into one of the world's finest art galleries, with exhibitions ranging from Raphael to Alfred Stieglitz.
The National Gallery of Art is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. During these hours the public is invited to tour the gallery at their leisure. In addition, guided tours of the various collections are given in English and other languages. Guided tour times vary depending on the exhibit. The National Gallery grounds are home to the Sculpture Garden. Visitors can enjoy a free jazz concert every Friday at 5:00 pm. from Memorial day to Labor day. For more information please visit the National Gallery online. Virtual tours are also available online.
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National Museum of American History
14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
202-357-2700In 1964, the Museum of History and Technology first opened its doors to the public. The museum was created in 1955 by President Eisenhower and was renamed the National Museum of American History in 1980. The museum is responsible for the preservation and display of over 17 million artifacts, including priceless stamps in the National Postal Museum. The National Museum of American History takes visitors on a trip through American history.
The National Museum of American History has recently reopened after extension renovations. See the calendar of events and programs for upcoming events.
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National Museum of Natural History
10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
202-357-2700The National Museum of Natural History houses a variety of exhibits on the history and development of our world. Permanent exhibits range from Dinosaurs to African Culture to Gems and Minerals. The Museum of Natural History also offers IMAX movies as well as daily educational events.
The National Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Visitors are free to tour the museum on their own during these hours. Guided tours of the Museum of Natural History are available Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Guided tours begin in the rotunda.
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National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Avenue NW
202-673-4800
The National Zoo is home to many interesting and exotic animals. The National Zoo sponsors weekly seminars which can be attended in person or online. In addition, the zoo offers many online opportunities to view the animals. The National Zoo's website offers daily live viewing of kiwis, elephants, komodo dragons and 11 other animals. The National Zoo grounds are open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. from April to October and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November to March. The zoo buildings are open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guided tours of the National Zoo are available on a limited basis with advance reservation. To arrange a guided tour contact the zoo at 202-673-4955.
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National Archives
700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW (and Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th)
202-357-5450The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent agency that helps document and preserve our country's history by managing all federal records. The National Archives houses the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The National Archives Exhibit Hall is open to the public every day. Spring and summer hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fall and winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Researchers wishing to use the National Archives should contact the National Archives online or call 1-800-234-8861. Reserved tours of the National Archives are available Monday through Friday at 9:45 a.m. The tour lasts an hour and a half. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 202-357-5450.
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Pentagon
Off I-395, Arlington, Virginia
703-697-1776
The Pentagon is one of the world's largest office buildings. Approximately 23,000 Department of Defense staff work at the Pentagon every day. The Pentagon began its tour program as a special part of the Nation's Bicentennial celebration in 1976. Demand for these tours was so high that they were continued. Schools and educational organizations that would like to tour the Pentagon may call the Pentagon tour office at 703-697-1776
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State Department
2201 C Street NW
202-647-3241
Tours of the State Department take visitors through the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. These rooms are used by the Secretary of State, the Vice President and Cabinet members for meeting and entertaining both foreign and domestic dignitaries. The Diplomatic Reception Rooms are furnished with historic American furniture, all provided through donations from private citizens. An online tour of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms is available through the State Department website.Public tours of the Department of State are available by reservation only and must be made at least 90 days ahead of time. Tours run Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 2:45 p.m. The State Department is a secure building and all visitors require picture identification.
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Supreme Court
First and East Capitol Streets, NE
202-479-3211
The Supreme Court of the United States held its first session on February 1, 1790, in New York City, then the capital of the United States. Currently the Court begins session the first Monday in October and hears cases until late June or early July. Over 7,000 cases are on the Court's docket per session. Of these, only 100 are granted plenary review with oral arguments. The Justices issue formal written opinions on approximately 80-90 of the cases. Visitor services at the Supreme Court vary according to the case schedule. The Court is in session for two weeks every month beginning the first Monday in October through the April. To determine the hearing schedule during your trip contact the Court at 202-479-3499. When the Supreme Court is not in session, tours and courtroom lectures are available. Groups should call 202-479-3300 for more information. The Supreme Court is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. When the Court is in session, visitors may observe the arguments. There are two lines for admittance; one allows visitors to hear the entire case and one allows visitors to hear the case for three minutes.
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Washington Monument
15th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
202-426-6841
Though authorized by Congress in 1833, the Washington Monument was not fully completed until 1888. The 555 foot tall monument has 897 steps. These steps are now closed to the public except for guided tours. Today's visitors reach the 500 foot landing via a 70 second elevator ride. From this landing, visitors have a clear view of Washington, DC.The Washington Monument is open from April to September from 8 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. The rest of the year the Monument is open from 9 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. Free tickets are required and are available at the ticket kiosk on 15th Street NW, which opens at 8:30 a.m. For reserved tickets, call 1-877-444-6777.
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Monuments of Washington, DC
The National Parks Service
202-619-7000Washington, DC is home to many national monuments. Information regarding these attractions is available at the National Parks web page or by calling the National Park Service.
