ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY:
Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; the amphitheater; the Custis/Lee Mansion; and the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and William Howard Taft. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier occurs every hour on the hour and every half hour during the summer months. Located across the Memorial Bridge in Virginia. Open daily 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (April 1 through September 30) and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (October 1 through March 31). Phone: (703) 979-0690. Metro Stop: Arlington Cemetery.
ARLINGTON HOUSE-CUSTIS-LEE MANSION:
Open daily. Admission fee charged. Phone: (703) 557-0613. Metro Stop: Arlington Cemetery
***BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING:
See how U.S. currency is printed. Located 14th and C Streets, S.W. Tours available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed weekends and federal holidays. Phone: (202) 874-3019. Metro Stop: Smithsonian
DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY, A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK:
This is one of Washington's best kept secrets. Visitors will experience a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the Treasury Department and the role this building has played in the history of our country. See the Salmon Chase Suite, which was occupied by Abraham Lincoln's Treasury Secretary and features elaborate decorative paintings; the Andrew Johnson Suite, which served as a temporary office for President Johnson following Lincoln's assassination; the 1864 Burglar Proof Vault, which used innovative technology to keep safe the currency, gold, and silver once stored there. Advance registration is required. Signed tours are available for the hearing impaired by calling (202) 622-0692 TDD. For security reasons, the name and date of birth for each visitor must be provided when making a reservation. In addition, a photo I.D. is necessary in order to gain admittance into the building on the day of the scheduled tour. Enter through the Appointment center doors located on 15th Street between F and G Streets, N.W. Phone: (202) 622-0896. Metro stop: Metro Center
DUMBARTON OAKS:
The beautiful gardens are open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Both are closed on federal holidays. Admission fee. Senior Citizens are free on Wednesdays and children under 12 are free. Located at 1703 32nd Street, N.W. Phone: (202) 339-6400
EMBASSY ROW:
Impressive residential architecture is found along this avenue. The official residence of the Vice President of the United States can be found along this avenue as well. Located at Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., from Sheridan Circle north to Wisconsin Avenue. Not accessible by Metro
FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY:
Shakespeare exhibits and performances. Located at 201 East Capitol Street.
Open Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed holidays. Phone: (202) 544-4600. Metro Stop: Capital South
FORD THEATER AND LINCOLN MUSEUM:
Located on 10th Street between E and F Streets, N.W. The building is open every day except Christmas from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. When a matinee is scheduled or rehearsal is in progress, the theater is closed to tours. Phone (202) 426-6924. Metro Stop: Metro Center
FREDERICK DOUGLASS MEMORIAL HOME:
Visit the home of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave who became one of the most eloquent spokesmen for the abolition of slavery. Located at 1411 W Street, S.E. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (spring and summer months) and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (fall and winter months). Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Free admission. Phone: (202) 426-5961
GEORGETOWN:
Visit the Old Stone House, which is the oldest standing pre-Revolutionary War house in Washington and visit the many boutiques, restaurants, and nightclubs in old colonial Georgetown. Located west of Rock Creek Park. Open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Phone: (202) 426-6851. Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom
IWO JIMA MEMORIAL:
See the famous statue erected in memory of Marines who lost their lives in WWII. Located across the Potomac River in Northern Virginia. Open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. Metro Stop: Arlington Cemetery
JEFFERSON MEMORIAL:
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial honors America's third president. Open all year 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Closed on December 25. Museum and Bookstore are located in the basement of the memorial. Phone: (202) 426-6841. Metro Stop: Smithsonian
***JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS:
Regular tours are conducted by friends of the Kennedy Center volunteers. Open daily. Visitors should go to the tour lounge, Parking Level A. Phone: (202) 416-8340. Metro Stop: Metro Station (There is a free shuttle bus which takes visitors from the station to the center.)
KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL:
Located at Independence Avenue and Daniel French Drive, S.W. Open 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. daily (closed Christmas). Phone: 202-426-6841. Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom
***LIBRARY OF CONGRESS:
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and serves as the research arm of Congress and the American people. The library asks that groups of 10 or more people make a reservation for a special tour. Located in the Jefferson Building, First Street and Independence Avenue, S.E. Tours are conducted every hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.Phone: (202) 707-8000. Metro Stop: Capital South
LINCOLN MEMORIAL:
Visit the memorial and see Lincoln artifacts and support structure underneath the monument. Located on the west end of the Mall. Open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. Phone: (202) 426-6841. Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom
MONTICELLO:
Visit the home of Thomas Jefferson. Monticello is located on Route 53, approximately two miles southeast of Charlottesville near the intersection of Route 20 South and I-64. Open daily. Closed Christmas Day. Phone: (434) 984-9822
MOUNT VERNON:
Visit the home of George Washington. Mount Vernon is eight miles south of Alexandria, at the large traffic circle at the end of Parkway. Open to the public daily. Admission fee charged. Children 6 and under free. Phone: (703) 780-2000
NATIONAL AQUARIUM:
Located in the U.S. Department of Commerce Building on 14th Street between Constitution Avenue and D Street, N.W. The nation's oldest aquarium houses 50 tanks of fish, frogs, alligators, sharks, etc. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Christmas). Admission fee. Phone: (202) 377-2825. Metro Stop: Federal Triangle
NATIONAL ARCHIVES:
Located on Eighth and Constitution Avenues, N.W. See original documents of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Tours and exhibits showcase our nation's history. Open Monday and Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Closed on Sundays and federal holidays. Phone: (202) 501-5000. Metro Stop: Archives
NATIONAL CATHEDRAL:
Located on Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, N.W. Guided tours are available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6: 30 p.m. The gardens are open until dusk. Phone: (202) 537-6200
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART:
Located at the Mall between Third and Fourth Streets at Constitution Avenue, N.W. Affiliated with the Smithsonian. Highlights: Renaissance paintings, Dutch masterworks, French Impressionists, 20th-Century paintings, and sculptures. Open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: (202) 737-4215. Metro Stop: Archives and Judiciary Square.
NATIONAL HOLOCAUST MUSEUM:
Located at100 Raoul Wallenburg Place, S.W. (South of the Mall by the Washington Monument). Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Timed Passes are necessary for visiting the Permanent Exhibition, The Holocaust, and can be obtained at the Museum on the day of your visit or in advance by calling tickets.com at (800) 400-9373. Each day, the Museum distributes on a first-come, first-served basis a large but limited number of timed entry passes for use that same day. No passes are necessary for entering the Museum building, special exhibitions, the interactive Wexner Learning Center, or other Museum resources. Phone: (202) 488-0400. Metro Stop: Smithsonian
OCTAGON HOUSE:
Located at 18th and New York Avenues, N.W. The house served as President James Madison's White House following destruction of the real White House by the British in 1814. The Treaty of Ghent ending the War of 1812 was signed here. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Mondays and certain holidays. Phone: (202) 638-3221. Metro Stop: Farragut West
OLD POST OFFICE PAVILION:
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th Street, N.W. Tour the exhibition rooms depicting the struggles of the Old Post Office and how it recovered. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Federal offices, shops, restaurants, boutiques, and an open courtyard. Phone: (202) 289-4224
OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA:
Located near downtown Washington. The city of George Washington has changed little since the 18th century. Visit George Washington's townhouse and other historical attractions. Metro Stop: King Street
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION:
The museums listed are open daily, except Christmas, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free admission. Phone: (202) 357-2700
Smithsonian Institution Building (the Castle): 1000 Jefferson Drive, S.W.
SPY MUSEUM:
Located at 800 F Street, N.W. between Eighth and Ninth Streets. View the world's largest collection of international espionage artifacts on display. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (April-October) and 10 a.m. to 5p.m. (November-March). Admission Fee. Children under 5 are free. Phone: (202) 654-0960. Metro Stop: Gallery Place Chinatown
STATE DEPARTMENT:
Located at 2201 C Street, N.W. Tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tours are by reservation only. Phone: (202) 647-3241. Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom
***SUPREME COURT:
Located at First Street and Maryland Avenue, N.E. The building is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Court sessions begin the first Monday in October and continue two weeks per month through April. Twenty-minute courtroom lectures are conducted in the courtroom from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every half hour on the hour, except when Court is in session. The lectures are followed by a short movie and exhibits. No tours are given during August. Visitors are allowed to listen to oral arguments. Courtroom seats are available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis when the court is in session from 10 a.m. until 12:00 noon and from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tours begin at First Street and Maryland Avenue, N.E. Phone: (202) 479-3000. Metro Stop: Capitol South and Union Station.
TOURMOBILE SERVICE:
The National Park Service has a concessionaire-operated guide that travels from Capitol Hill to Arlington Cemetery and points in between with unlimited reboarding privileges the day of ticket purchase. Call for more information and rates. Phone: (202) 554-5100
UNION STATION:
Located on the Senate Side of Capitol Hill at Massachusetts Avenue and North Capitol Street, N.E. Rail Station newly refurbished in turn-of-the century motif. Open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, noon to 6:00 p.m. Phone: (202) 371-9441. Metro Stop: Union Station
***U.S. CAPITOL:
Tours conducted daily from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. beginning at the rotunda. Closed Christmas, New Years Day, and Thanksgiving. Visit your senator or congressperson for passes to the House and Senate visitors' galleries. Phone: (202) 225-6827. Metro Stop: Capitol South
U.S. BOTANICAL GARDENS:
This is the oldest continually operating botanic garden in the United States located at 100 Maryland Avenue, down from the Capitol off of Independence Avenue, S.W. Phone: (202) 255-8333. Metro Stop: Federal Center or Capitol South
UNITED STATES NATIONAL ARBORETUM:
Located at 3501 New York Avenue, N.E. The Arboretum consists of numerous displays of gardens, historical monuments, and collections of trees. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (202) 245-2726. Not accessible by Metro
VIETNAM VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL:
Located at Henry Bacon Drive and Constitution Avenue, N.W. 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 the 58,000 plus who gave their lives or who remain missing are inscribed on the memorial's walls. Open all day, all year. Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom
WASHINGTON MONUMENT:
Located on the mall at 15th Street, N.W. Visit the monument that memorializes George Washington's accomplishments and devotion to our nation. Open daily April through Labor Day from 8 a.m. to midnight and September through March from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (202) 426-6841. Metro Stop: Smithsonian
***WHITE HOUSE:
Tours of the White House have recently been expanded to include parties of ten or more, regardless of age or type of group. Tours are scheduled from 7:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. These self-guided tours are granted by the White House on a first-come, first-served basis and can be arranged through our office no more than six months and no less than six weeks in advance. Please be aware that there is a possibility that some requests may be denied, even if submitted in a timely manner. Tours will be confirmed no earlier than three weeks prior to the tour date. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. A visitor's center is located in the Department of Commerce on
15th Street, N.W. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: 202-456-1111. Metro Stop: Farragut West or McPherson Square
WOLF TRAP FARM PARK FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS:
Located at Virginia Route 7 near Vienna, Virginia. The first national park for the performing arts offers opera, symphonic music, pop concerts, jazz, and ballet. Concerts are given all winter in the barns, which have 350 indoor seats; the Filene Center has approximately 7,000 indoor/outdoor seats. Phone: (703) 255-1860
ZOOLOGICAL PARK:
Located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free Admission. Visit the home of many animals and a re-creation of a rainforest. Phone: (202) 673-4800. Metro Stop: Woodley Park
RECORDED MESSAGES:
Dial a Park (202) 619-7275
Dial a Museum (202) 357-2020