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Learn More About the 2009 Inaugural Information
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Visiting Washington, D.C. Our nation's capital offers attractions sure to please everyone from history buffs to dinosaur lovers to political junkies. This list will help you plan your visit. Be sure to contact my office 2-3 months in advance of your trip so I can schedule a White House and U.S. Capitol tour to accommodate you and your family. I also encourage you to stop by my office and let us know how we can help make your stay more enjoyable.
Our nation's capital offers attractions sure to please everyone from history buffs to dinosaur lovers to political junkies. This list will help you plan your visit. Be sure to stop by my office and let us know how we can help make your stay more enjoyable. 2305 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-4076 (Phone) 202-225-5602 (Fax) METRO: Capitol South (Blue and Orange Lines)See the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where the changing of the guard occurs every hour on the hour and every half hour during the summer months, the Ampitheater, the Custis-Lee Mansion and graves of Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft. Open daily:8 a.m. to 5 p.m. October through March, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. April through September Phone:703/692-0931 Metro:Arlington National Cemetery BOTANICAL GARDENS (1ST Street and Maryland Avenues, S.W.) The gardens are house in a conservatory with soaring ceilings in front of the Capitol on the south side of the Mall. The conservatory includes a cactus garden, tropical plants and a display on subtropical plants that includes orchids. Seasonal displays are also featured throughout the year. Located south of the conservatory is Bartholdi Park featuring many exotic plants. Open daily:9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October through April 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. May through September Phone:202/225-8333 Metro:Federal Center S.W. BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING (14th and C Streets, S.W.) Watch money being made from start to finish. A museum displays famous coins and currency and shows the types of errors that are caught by careful examiners. Visitor Center: Features displays and items for purchase, such as uncut sheets of currency. Open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (until 8 p.m. in June, July and August) VIP/Congressional Tours: 40-minute guided tour arranged through Congressional offices. Weekdays 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. (also 4 and 4:30 p.m. in June, July and August) Public Tours: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Also 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in June, July and August) No tickets required from October through February (enter at 14th Street entrance) Free same-day tickets required in June, July and August Ticket booth located on Raoul Wallenburg Place open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Group Tours: Weekdays between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. (Also 5 p.m. in June, July and August) Contact Terri Phelps, School Group Coordinator, at 202-874-2155 to schedule Closed weekends, Federal holidays and Christmas to New Year's week. Phone:202/874-3019 Metro:Smithsonian This is the city's oldest private art gallery, housing one of the most comprehensive collections of American art in the world. With a large collection of paintings, the Corcoran is also known for is devotion to historic and modern photography. Open daily (except Tue):10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (also Thursday evenings until 9 p.m.) Phone: 202/639-1846 Metro:Farragut West This is the former home of Robert Woods Bliss and his wife. They've added a music room to showcase their Byzantine collection. Visitors can now view their rare books and collections of Pre-Columbian and Byzantine art. Surrounding the Federal-style house is 10 acres of formal gardens that includes many interesting and beautiful plants Gardens open daily:2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Museum open Tuesday through Sunday:2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to garden:Adults ($1); Senior Citizens (Free on Wed.) Children under 12 (free) Phone:202/339-6401 Metro:Foggy Bottom FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Take a look at the "Ten Most Wanted", watch how the FBI finds them and finish off with a marksmanship demonstration.CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Open Monday through Friday:9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (Closed weekends and holidays) Free 60 to 75 minute tour every 15 to 20 minutes (reservations needed for groups 15+) For Info:www.fbi.gov Metro:Metro Center FORD'S THEATRE AND LINCOLN MUSEUM This theatre where Pres Lincoln was shot is now an active theater. Musicals and This theatre where Pres Lincoln was shot is now an active theater. Musicals and plays that embody family values, underscore multiculturalism, and illuminate the eclectic character of American life currently show, while still serving as a historical monument.Open daily:9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed during rehearsals & matinees) Brief, informative tour:9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone:202/426-6924 (Box Office Info at 202/347-4833) Metro:Metro Center FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL The memorial is divided into four outdoor galleries, one for each of FDR's terms in office. Each room conveys in its own way the spirit of this great man. Open daily (except Christmas):8 a.m. to 12 midnight Phone:202/426-6841 Metro:Smithsonian GEORGETOWN( See the Old Stone House, the oldest standing house in Washington. Shopping, boutiques, restaurants and night clubs are in the old colonial section. Metro:Foggy Bottom-GWU The museum's main exhibition, The Holocaust, spans three floors and presents a comprehensive history of the Holocaust through artifacts, photographs, films and eyewitness testimonies (recommended for visitors 11 years and older). For the younger visitors there is the Remember the Children: Daniel's Story exhibition that recounts the history of the Holocaust from the perspective of a young boy growing up in Nazi Germany (recommended for visitors 8 years and older). Open daily:10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. year-round 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 through June 15 Tickets:Timed passes are needed for visiting the Permanent Exhibition - The Holocaust - and can be obtained at the museum each day or in advance by calling tickets.com at 800/400-9373 Groups:Groups having more than ten people can secure an advance entry time only through the Museum's Group Scheduling Office at 202/488-0419 or 202/488-0455 Phone:202/488-0400 Metro:Smithsonian America's third President and author of the Declaration of Independence is remembered at a sight graced by a sweep of Japanese cherry trees reflected in the waters of the Tidal Basin. At the Swan Boathouse, you can rent a paddle boat to cruise the Basin. Open daily (except Christmas):8 a.m. to 12 midnight Phone:202/406-6841 Metro:Smithsonian JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS Congressional Tours: Arranged through Congressional offices up to two months in advance Available Mon. To Sat.:9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (9:45 a.m. April to Sept.) Morning tour departs from the Hall of States Afternoon tour departs from the Friends Tour Desk on Level A and ends at the Millennium Stage in time for the 6 p.m. free performance Public Tours: Conducted by Friends of the Kennedy Center volunteers Available daily:10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tours depart from the Friends Tour Desk on Level A Group Tours: Arranged up to one year in advance through the Friends Tour Line at 202/416-8345 Available weekdays (except holidays):10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Phone:202/416-8340 Metro:Foggy Bottom/GWU The statues depicting fighting men on patrol represent the army, navy, Marine Corps and Air Force working together for a common goal - victory. Open daily (except Christmas):8 a.m. to 12 midnight Phone:202/426-6841 Metro:Foggy Bottom/GWU Congressional Tours: Arranged through Congressional offices Available Mon. through Fri.8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Public Tours: No reservation required Available Mon. through Sat.11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. Group Tours: Available for groups of 10 or more Arranged through the Visitor Services Center at 202/707-4684 Phone:202/707-5000 Metro:Capitol South The memorial's 19-foot high statue of a seated Lincoln overlooks the Reflecting Pool and the Mall. His major speeches are carved into the memorial's walls. Open daily (except Christmas):8 a.m. to 12 midnight Phone:202/426-6841 Metro:Foggy Bottom/GWU MARINE CORPS MEMORIAL--IWO JIMA Located on Route 50, just over the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the statue depicts the famous flag-raising on Iwo Jima. Located at the end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Virginia just 16 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. It is recommended that guests plan to spend two hours on the estate. Guides are stationed throughout the Mansion to interpret the home and answer questions during the self-guided tour. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (April through August)> 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (March, September and October) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (November through February) Adults ($9); Senior Citizens ($8.50); Children 6-11 ($4.50); Under 5 (free) 703/780-2000 (24 hours) NATIONAL AQUARIUM (14TH St. between Constitution Ave. & D St. N.W.) Located in the U.S. Commerce Building, the oldest public aquarium in the country featuring tanks of fish, frogs, alligators, sharks, etc (fed three times a week). The aquarium also has a special area where children can handle sea creatures. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults ($2); Senior Citizens & children under 12 (75 cents) 202/377-2825 Federal Triangle NATIONAL ARCHIVES (8th and Constitution Avenue, N.W.) The Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights are displayed here, along with exhibits of documents pulled from the Archive's huge collection. Open Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Labor Day through March 31) 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (June through Labor Day) Phone:202/272-6272 Archives NATIONAL CATHEDRAL (Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, N.W.) Standing higher than the Washington Monument, the Cathedral crowns fifty-seven acres as the city's highest point, a living symbol of our country's heritage of religious freedom and faith. The sixth largest cathedral in the world, its roots date to the inclusion of a great "church for national purposes" in the original plans for the city of Washington. Open weekdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Extended hours May 1 - Labor Day 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; 12:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. a donation of $3 per adult and $1 per child is requested 202/537-6200 Tenleytown NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART (Constitution Avenue and 6th Streets, N.W.) The classical West Building, with its Old Masters and changing exhibits, is set off by I.M. Pei's geometric East Building, home to monumental sculpture and modern art. Open Monday to Saturday:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Sunday concerts are held at 7 p.m. in the East Wing from October through June. General tours available 202/377-2825 Archives NEWSEUM (CLOSED DURING MOVE TO NEW LOCATION) The world's only interactive museum of news containing exhibits that are fun for the entire family. Open Tuesday through Sunday:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except holidays) 888/639-7386 Rosslyn OCTAGON HOUSE (18th and New York Avenue, N.W.) Served as James Madison's White House following the destruction of the real White House by the British in 1814. The Treaty of Ghent was signed here, ending the War of 1812. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun. from noon to 4 p.m.) 202/638-3105 Farragut West OLD EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING (17th and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.) Tours of the restored Old Executive Office Building are available by advance reservation on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. with tours departing every 20 minutes. Security approval required.CURRENTLY CLOSED TO PUBLIC TOURS 202/395-5895 PENTAGON (Across the 14th Street Bridge in Virginia, off I-395) Public tours: Tours of the Pentagon are available to schools, educational organizations and other select groups by reservation only. 703/695-1776 Pentagon ARTS AND INDUSTRIES BUILDING ( 9th Street and Jefferson Dr. SW) The dynamic spirit of 100 years ago is recaptured in this, the second oldest Smithsonian building on the Mall. It was used for President James Garfield's inaugural ball in 1881and today houses. "1876: A Centennial Exhibition." MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY (14th and Constitution Ave,NW) Highlights include the First Ladies' gowns, George Washington's uniform and tent, and milestones of American inventions: Bell's telephone, Ford's Model T, and Whitney's model of the original cotton gin. MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (10th and Constitution Ave, NW Visitors can learn about glaciers and Ice Age mammals. Exhibits range in size from the mounted African Bush Elephant, dinosaur skeletons, and the 92 foot model of a blue whale to the Hope Diamond and the bones of a tiny pocket mouse. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION (National Mall) Free admission. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information call 202/357-2700. Air and Space building (6th and Independence Avenue, S.W.): The world's most popular museum, displaying the Wright brothers' plane, The Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo II command module and several other interesting exhibits. Arts and Industries Building (9th and Jefferson Drive, S.W.): The dynamic spirit of America 100 years ago is recaptured in this, the second oldest Smithsonian building on the Mall. It was used for President James Garfield's inaugural ball in 1881 and today houses "1876: A Centennial Exhibition." Museum of American History (14th and Constitution Avenue, N.W.): Highlights include the First Ladies' gowns, George Washington's uniform and tent and milestones of American invention: Bell's telephone, Ford's Model T and Whitney's model of the original cotton gin. Museum of Natural History (10th and Constitution Avenue, N.W.): Visitors can learn about glaciers and Ice Age mammals. Exhibits range in size from the mounted African bush elephant, dinosaur skeletons and the 92-foot model of a blue whale to the Hope Diamond and the bones of a tiny pocket mouse. Smithsonian Building (10th and Jefferson Drive, S.W.): Popularly known as the Castle. It was the institution's first building. Today it houses the Visitor Information Center. STATE DEPARTMENT (2201 C Street, N.W.) Tours of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms are by reservation only, and are conducted Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 2:45 p.m. 202/647-3241 SUPREME COURT (First Street and Maryland Avenue, N.E.) Arranged through congressional offices Public Tours: Available Monday through Friday every thirty minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 202/479-3000 Capitol South TREASURY DEPARTMENT (15th and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.) Tours conducted Saturday mornings. Advance reservations are required and can be arranged by calling 202/622-0896. Visitors are required to provide their name, date of birth, and social security number when making reservations, and a photo ID is necessary to gain admittance to the building on the day of the schedule tour. Metro Center UNION STATION (First Street and Massachusetts Avenue, N.E.) The beautifully renovated historic station which contains gift shops, clothing boutiques and a food court. 202/622-0896 Union Station U.S. NAVAL OBSERVATORY (34th and Massachussetts Avenue, N.W.) Gates open at 8 p.m. and remain open until 8:20 p.m. or until 90 passes have even distributed Tours depart at 8:30 p.m. from the lobby of Building 1 All visitors must remain for the entire tour, which ends around 10 p.m. Tour involves walking on hilly ground in the dark and during the winter months. It can be quite cold in the telescope domes. Wheelchair access is limited For group tour information call 202/762-1438 202/653-1507 Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan VIETNAM VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL (Henry Bacon Drive and Constitution Ave, NW) Constructed of Black Granite to honor and recognize all Americans who served in the Vietnam War. As a special tribute to those who did not return, the names of over 58,000 men and women who gave their lives or who remain missing are inscribed in the memorial's walls. The names are in chronological order. Help is available in finding names. 8 a.m. to 12 midnight 202/426-6841 Foggy Bottom/GWU WASHINGTON MONUMENT (National Mall at 15th Street, N.W.) The clean lines of the tallest masonry structure in the world (555 feet or 897 steps) won out as memorial to the first U.S. President. 8 a.m. to midnight (April through Labor Day) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (September through March) On the day of your visit, go to the ticket kiosk (opens at 8:30 a.m.) located on 15th Street. There, you can obtain up to six timed tickets. Ticket times run on the hour and half hour. 202/208-5656 Smithsonian WOLF TRAP FARM PARK FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (Vienna, Virginia) The nation's first National Park for the performing arts offers opera, symphonic music, pop music, pop concerts, jazz and ballet. Concerts are given during winter months in The Barn, which has 350 indoor seats. The Filene Center has approximately 7,000 indoor/outdoor seats. 703/255-1916 ZOOLOGICAL PARK (3001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (April 15 through October 15) 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (October 16 through April 14) 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (May 1 through September 15) 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (September 16 through April 30) (limited parking at an hourly rate) 202/673-4800 Woodley Park or Cleveland Park
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