Washington Attractions

• Museums
• Memorials and Monuments
• Government Buildings
• Theaters
• Other Attractions

Washington Logistics

• Transportation
• Accomodations
• Dining in DC

View Senator Durbin's "Around Washington" segment on:

• The Capitol Dome
• The Library of Congress
• The National Cathedral
• The Washinton Monument
• The Vietnam Memorial
• The National Zoo
• The United States Holocaust
  Memorial Museum

MUSEUMS

National Air and Space Museum

The National Air and Space Museum (NASM) maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. It is also a vital center for research into the history, science, and technology of aviation and space flight. The Museum has hundreds of artifacts on display including the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," Apollo 11 command module, and a Lunar rock sample that visitors can touch. The museum is open daily, admission free, from 10 am to 5:30 pm. For more information call the Tours and Reservations Office at 202-633-2565

National Museum of African Art

The National Museum of African Art is dedicated to expanding the visitor's knowledge and appreciation of African art and culture. The collection is composed of a wide range of objects ranging from ceramics to textiles from both ancient and modern times. The museum is located on the National Mall and is open everyday except Christmas from 10am to 5:30pm.

National Museum of American History

14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW

The National Museum of American History collects and preserves over 17 million artifacts, including priceless stamps housed in the National Postal Museum. The museum displays everything from George Washington's field tent and the original Star Spangled Banner to Henry Ford's 1913 Model-T and Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz . Ancient coins, racing cars, inaugural gowns of America's first ladies, musical instruments, weaponry, farm machinery, and the lap desk Thomas Jefferson used to draft the Declaration of Independence form a vast and fascinating mosaic of American life. The museum offers three floors of exhibitions and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 202-633-6719.

Anacostia Museum and Center for African American History and Culture

1901 Fort Place, SE

The Anacostia Museum explores American history, society, and creative expression from an African American perspective. The museum encourages the collection, protection, and preservation of materials that reflect the traditions of families, organizations, individuals, and communities. The museum is open every day except Christmas from 10am-5pm. For a guided exhibition tour call 202-287-3369. For more information call 202-287-3306.

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery & Freer Gallery of Art

National Mall

The Freer and Sackler Galleries together form the national museum of Asian art for the US. They house a world-renowned collection from China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and the Near East. Charles Lang Freer, a Detroit railroad car manufacturer who donated both his private art collection and funds with which to build a gallery, founded the Freer Gallery. The gallery opened in 1923. Dr. Arthur M. Sackler donated about 1,000 pieces of Asian art and artifacts to the Smithsonian Institute, and in 1987, the museum that houses his collection opened. Both galleries are located on the National Mall near the Smithsonian Metro stop. They are both open 10am to 5:30pm everyday except Christmas. For more information call 202-633-4880.

Arts and Industries Building

900 Jefferson Drive, SW

The Arts and Industries Building is next to the Smithsonian Institute Castle located on the National Mall. The building serves as a repository for special exhibitions, which have included first ladies' gowns and the Spirit of St Louis. The building is also home to the Discovery Theater, which showcases programs for young children most of the year. The building is open everyday except Christmas from 10am to 5:30pm. Walk-in tours are conducted during business hours and depart from the exhibition entrance. Please consult the Smithsonian Institute web site www.smithsonian.org for more information.

The National Gallery of Art

Between 3rd and 9th Streets and Constitution Avenue, NW (Map)

The National Gallery of Art was created in 1937 by a joint resolution of Congress to serve the United States by preserving, collecting, exhibiting, and fostering the understanding of works of art that meet the highest possible standards. The Gallery's principal duty is to keep its collections intact for future generations. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 202-737-4215

Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

The National Mall

The Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden houses the Smithsonian's collection of international modern and contemporary art. The collection represents early twentieth-century, foreign artists such as Picasso and Giacometti to de Kooning, but the museum's focus is on art created during the past 25 years by emerging artists such as Gerhard Richter, Juan Muñoz, and Rachel Whiteread. The museum building is open every day except Christmas from 10am to 5:30pm; the sculpture garden is open from 7am to dusk. Admission is free. Please call 202-357-2700 for more information.

Renwick Gallery

17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

The Renwick Gallery is a Smithsonian museum that emphasizes American crafts and decorative art. Make sure to see the opulent upstairs rooms that were modeled after the Louvre. The museum is open from 10am to 5:30pm daily. For more information call, 202-633-2850.
   -Metro Stop: Farragut West or Farragut North.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

14th and Independence Avenue, SW

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America's national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history and serves as this country's memorial to the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust. The museum's primary mission is to advance and disseminate knowledge about this unprecedented tragedy, to preserve the memory of those who suffered, and to encourage visitors to reflect upon the moral and spiritual questions raised by the events of the Holocaust as well as their own responsibilities as citizens of a democracy. No passes are necessary for entering the Museum, special exhibitions, or the interactive computer-learning center. Timed passes are needed to visit the Permanent Exhibition and can be obtained at the Museum each day or in advance by calling 1-800-400-9373. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, closed on Yom Kippur and Christmas. Extended hours (10 a.m. to 7:50 p.m.) are offered on Tuesdays from March 14 to June 29. For more information, call 202-488-0400.

The National Archives

700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

The National Archives and Records Administration, established in 1934, serves as the official repository for all federal records judged to be of enduring value. Its holdings date from the 18th century to the present and include the famous Charters of Freedom: the original Declaration of Independence, the Magna Carta, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Click here for map and hours . For more information please call, 202-501-5000.

The National Museum of Natural History

10th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW

The National Museum of Natural History is dedicated to understanding the natural world and our place in it. The many changing exhibits span the history of the planet and diagram many of the natural processes that have made our world what it is today. Regular museum hours are 10 am to 5:30 p.m. daily. Admission to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is free and no tickets are required for entrance to the museum. For more information, call 202-357-2700.

National Zoological Park

Rock Creek Park

In addition to the famed Giant Pandas, the Zoo is home to more than 2,700 animals of more than 435 species from lions to squirrels to flamingos and elephants. The Zoo also plays an integral part in national and international collaborative conservation and research efforts. Their 163-acre complex is a vast array of trails, exhibits, and shops designed to provide the visitor with a comprehensive visit to Washington's most popular tourist destination. The National Zoo is open everyday except Christmas. October 26 to April 5 the buildings are open from 10am to 4:30pm, and the grounds from 6am to 6pm. April 6 to October 25 the buildings are open 10am to 6pm, and the grounds from 6am to 8pm.
   -Metro Stop: Woodley Park

US Botanic Gardens

100 Maryland Avenue, SW

202-225-8333.
   -Metro Stop: Federal Center or Capitol South

United States National Arboretum

3501 New York Avenue, NE

The Arboretum's beautiful 446-acre campus contains an array of display gardens, collections, and historical monuments set among native stands of eastern deciduous trees. Arboretum grounds are open every day of the year except December 25th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Arboretum is located 2.2 miles from the Capitol. It is bordered on the west by Bladensburg Road, on the north by New York Avenue, and on the south by M Street. Visitor entrances are located on New York Avenue and on R Street. For information call, 202-245-2726
   -Not Accessible by Metro

The National Aquarium

14th Street between Constitution and D Streets, NW

Situated in the basement of the U.S. Department of Commerce Building, it is the nation's oldest aquarium, established in 1873 and at its present location since 1932. There are 50 tanks containing over 200 species of salt and fresh water fish, including piranha, shark, eel, and Japanese carp; also some endangered species. Open every day of the year except December 25, 9 am to 5 pm. for information call, 202-377-2825.
   -Metro Stop: Federal Triangle.

National Postal Museum

2 Massachusettes Avenue, NE

The Postal Museum is divided into 5 galleries that display and explore America's Postal History from colonial times to the present. Those displays include information on how mail is transported, emphasis on letters, and the creation and diversity of stamps. The museum is located in the old Post Office building next to Union Station and is open everyday except Christmas from 10am to 5:30pm.

Ford's Theater and Lincoln Museum

10th and E Streets, NW

The theater where President Lincoln was assassinated while watching a performance of "Our American Cousin," has been restored as a center for the performing arts. The President's Box remains as it was on the night of April 14, 1865. The basement of the theater houses a Lincoln museum which displays such historical items as the President's stovepipe hat, cape and the suit he wore on the night of his assassination, as well as relics from Lincoln's youth and his Presidency. Just across 10th Street is the Petersen House, where the wounded President was taken following the shooting and where he died in a second-story bedroom. The theater is open daily from 9am to 5pm except Christmas. For more information call, 202-426-6924.

US Marine Corps Museum and Historical Center

Washington Navy Yard - 9th and M Streets, SE

From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, the Marines in action since 1775.

(202) 426-6924
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Closed Thursday and Sunday afternoon for theater performances.

US Navy Memorial Museum

9th and M Streets, SE- Building #76)

From John Paul Jones to "Bull" Halsey to the modern fleet, the Navy's contribution to America's national defense is chronicled here. Visitors can explore old submarines, a ship's bridge and a variety of sea-going weapons. Guided tours available.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
For more information call, 202-433-4882

The Folger Shakespeare Library

201 East Capitol Street, SE

The library houses the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, as well as an authentic Elizabethan Theatre.

202-544-4600
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Saturday

Capitol Children's Museum National Learning Center

800 3rd Street, NE

Three main exhibits - International Hall,Changing Environments and Communication - combine arts, sciences, humanities and new technologies. "Please Touch" signs are everywhere, increasing a child's enjoyment and understanding of a rich mixture of exhibits. Admission is charged.

202-675-4120
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day

B'nai B'rith Museum

1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW

A variey of Jewish ceremonial objects from antiquity to modern day are featured.

(202) 857-6600
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday

The Spy Museum

800 F Street, NW

Gain access to the world's largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. Over 600 pieces are on exhibit, including a collection of G-Man toys from the 1930s and 1940s when interest in G-Men ("G" stands for "Government," in this case FBI agents) was at a high and children searched for worthy role models. Open everyday of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day: 10 AM to 8 PM (April through October) and 10 AM to 6 PM ( November through March). Tickets: $11--Adults, $9--Seniors (age 60+) / Military & Intelligence, $8--Children (grades K-12 or ages 5-18), Free--Children under 5. For more information call, 202-654-0960.
   -Metro Stop: Gallery Place-Chinatown

MEMORIALS & MONUMENTS

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, VA

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of many of this country's most honored leaders and servicemen. Being laid to rest in this hallowed ground is considered among the greatest honors for an American. The cemetery is located on the Virginia side of the Potomac, just across the Memorial Bridge from the District. The cemetery is open to visitors from 8 am to 7 pm from April through September and from 8 am to 5 pm from October to March. For more information, call 703-607-8000.
(Arlington Cemetery Metro stop)

FDR Memorial

The National Mall

Erected in honor of the man who led America through the Great Depression, the FDR Memorial is among Washington's newest additions. The FDR Memorial is unlike any other monument in Washington. Visitors to the monument walk through the stone structure and contemplate an artistic narrative of U.S. history from 1933 to 1945 while reading the most inspired words uttered by one of America's greatest leaders. There are park rangers available from 8 a.m. to midnight. For more information, call 202-426-6841.

Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima)

George Washington Memorial Parkway, Rosalyn, VA

The Marine Corps War Memorial stands as a symbol of this grateful Nation's esteem for the honored dead of the U.S. Marine Corps. While the statue depicts one of the most famous incidents of World War II, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in the defense of the United States since 1775. For more information, call 703-614-1625.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The National Mall Across From the Tidal Basin

Congress authorized the creation of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in 1934 to honor one of America's most revered founding fathers. The Jefferson Memorial is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to midnight. The lower lobby has a bookshop and displays about Thomas Jefferson. For more information, call 202-426-6841.

Lincoln Memorial

The National Mall, 23rd Street, NW

In 1911, Congress authorized the building of the Lincoln Memorial on the previously undeveloped west end of the Mall in honor of the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln Memorial continues to stand as a symbol of the freedom and democracy that President Lincoln strived tirelessly to preserve. The Memorial is open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. Located in the lower lobby is a museum with exhibits and memorabilia. For more information, call 202-426-6841.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

605 E Street, NW

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial honors America's federal, state, and local law enforcers who risk their lives to protect our citizens. Inscribed on the Memorial's blue-gray marble walls are the names of more than 14,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty, dating back to the first known death in 1794. The Memorial sits on three acres of federal park land called Judiciary Square, and the visitor center is located two blocks away at 605 E Street NW. The Visitor Center hours are Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM, Saturday 10AM to 5PM and Sunday noon to 5PM. The Memorial is open to the public every day in the year, 24 hours a day. For more information, call 202-737-3400.

The Navy Memorial

701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (between 7th and 9th street)

Visitors to the Navy Memorial are immediately drawn to the statue of the Lone Sailor, which represents all people who have ever served in the Navy: past, present, and future. The Lone Sailor was sculpted by WWII Navy veteran Stanley Bleifeld of Connecticut. The Naval Heritage Center located adjacent to the memorial houses a theatre (admission $3.75 for film showings) and an electronic log including the names of 500,000 navy veterans and other displays. The Memorial, covering 53,879 square feet and weighing 860 tons, features an amphitheater, granite deck in the shape of a map of the world, and many fountains and pools. The memorial is open 24 hours a day. For more information, call 202-737-2300 (ext. 768).

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The National Mall

Located adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a poignant symbol of America's valor and a recognition of the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War. Inscribed on the black granite walls are the names of more than 58,000 who died or remain missing. Nearly 20 years after its dedication, the Memorial remains the most popular memorial in the nation's capital with more than 4.4 million visitors annually. The Memorial was built in honor of the veterans who served their country valiantly and is meant to be a venue for reconciliation. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. For further information, call 202-426-6841.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

The National Mall

Located directly across the mall from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial is a tribute to the brave men and women who answered the call of duty during the Korean War. Statues depicting fighting men on patrol represent all the branches of the military while a granite mural of over two thousand sandblasted photographs honors the supporting services who provided supply, medical, spiritual, and fire support to the frontline units. The United Nations Wall on the opposite side lists the countries that provided troops, medical support, or supplies to help South Korea.All these elements point toward the Pool of Remembrance where the sacrifice of 54,246 American lives can be contemplated. The memorial is open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. for further information, call 202-426-6841.

Washington Monument

The National Mall

Authorized by Congress in 1833, The Washington Monument was erected to honor President George Washington, who bravely led the country through the American Revolution. The 555 ft. monument was completed and dedicated by President Chester A. Arthur in 1885. The Washington Monument is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week. A ticket is required in order to enter the Washington Monument. The ticket system is administered through the National Park Reservation Service (NPRS). Reservations for the Washington Monument may be made between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST by calling 1-800-967-2283 or over the Internet at reservations.nps.gov . Those making advance reservations will be charged $1.50 per ticket, plus a $.50 service charge per order. Free tickets are distributed for that day's visit from the kiosk on the Washington Monument grounds at 15th Street and Jefferson Drive on a first-come first-served basis. Hours for the ticket kiosk are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are usually distributed out for the day in the morning hours, so it is important to be at the kiosk early. In addition, please note that no food, drinks, or large bags will be allowed in the monument. For further information, call 202-426-6841.

GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

14th and C Street, SW ( map )

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is open to the public for tours. Tickets are required for tours during the peak season (March – September) on a first-come, first-served basis. The ticket booth is located on Raoul Wallenberg Place (formerly 15th Street). Only same day tickets are available. The Ticket Booth opens at 8:00 a.m. but lines form early. The tours run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m Monday through Friday. The Visitor's Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For updated tour Information, please call the Tour Operations Office at 202-874-2330 or toll free at 866-874-2330.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has stated that they will remain closed for public tours until fall of 2004. For periodic updates on the status please call 202-324-3447.

Library of Congress

101 Independence Avenue, SE

The mission of the Library of Congress is to make its resources available and useful to the Congress and the American people and to sustain and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for future generations. Guided public tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10:30am, 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. Special tours including tours in other languages must be prearranged through the Visitor Services Office . For information, call the Visitor Services Office at 202-707-9779. Constituents may arrange special tours by contacting our office or your Representative's office. Please place requests at least one month in advance, especially during the summer. For general information on visiting the Library of Congress, please call 202-707-8000. The Library also offers a variety of programs, exhibits, and other events .

The Pentagon

700 Army-Navy Drive, Pentagon City, VA

The Pentagon is the national headquarters for the Department of Defense. The massive five-sided building is twice the size of the Merchandise Mart in Chicago and has three times the floor space of the Empire State Building in New York. The Capitol building could fit into any one of the five wedge-shaped sections. The Pentagon has recently begun accepting group tour requests from schools, educational organizations and other select groups by reservation only. To book a tour you may contact my office or the Pentagon Tour Office at 703-697-1776.

The Department of State

22nd and C Streets, NW

The Department of State was established in 1789 to advise the President on the formulation and execution of foreign affairs. Visitors may make advance arrangements to tour the Eighth-floor Diplomatic Reception Room – among the most beautiful rooms in the world used for official entertaining– by calling 202-647-3241. The building is a secure facility, and visitors will need to check in at the information desk inside the C Street entrance. Be sure to bring photo identification. Our office is unable to arrange tours at the Department of State. You can visit only if you are pre-cleared or cleared in by an employee, unless you are visiting the job information display located in the D Street foyer. Visitors must be escorted by a Department employee at all times.

Supreme Court of the United States

One First Street, NE

The Supreme Court is the highest tribunal in the nation for all cases and controversies arising under the constitution or the laws of the United States. The Court acts as the final arbiter of the law. The U.S. Supreme Court offers a variety of educational programs for visitors. Exhibits, which are changed periodically, and a theater, where a film on the Supreme Court is shown, are located on the ground floor. Lectures in the Courtroom are typically given every hour on the half-hour, on days that the Court is not sitting, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 3:30 p.m. The building is open to the public (groups smaller than 50) without reservations from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. All oral arguments are open to the public, but there is very limited seating, which is offered on a first-come, first served basis. Many cases draw large crowds, with lines forming well before the building opens. Seating for oral arguments typically begins at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. To obtain updated information on visiting the Court, including any schedule changes, please call 202-479-3211.

The Department of the Treasury

1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

The Department of the Treasury tours are suspended until further notice. You can obtain additional information online from the Treasury web site or visit the online “ Virtual Tour ”. For more informations please call, 202-622-6415.

United States Capitol

The United States Capitol, which houses the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, is open to the public for tours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Same day timed tickets are distributed one ticket per person from the ticket kiosk located on the South West corner of the Capitol Ground (between 1st Street and Independence Ave). You must obtain a pass from our office or your Representative to watch Congress in session from the visitors' gallery. To see the House of Represenatives in session, visit the Representative from your Congressional district to obtain a pass. Call 202-225-6827 for the latest recorded information on visiting the Capitol.

The Architect of the Capitol has a useful web site with information about tours, history, currect construction projects, and more.

White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Tours of the White House are currently being scheduled for any group of ten people. Individual tours are still suspended at this time. Tours must be requested at least one month in advance and may be requested up to six months in advance. Due to an extremely high volume of requests, tours are filling up quickly and even advanced planning may not guarantee entry into the White House. All tours must be requested through my office. These self-guided tours will be scheduled from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For the most up-to-date information, call the Visitors Office Info Line at 202-456-7041.

THEATERS

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

New Hampshire Avenue and Rock Creek Parkway, NW

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., is America's living memorial to President Kennedy as well as the nation's busiest arts facility, presenting more than 3,000 performances each year for audiences approaching 2 million. More than 3 million people tour the Kennedy Center each year, and an additional 20 million each year attend Kennedy Center productions or tune in to television or radio broadcasts. For upcoming events, consult the event calendar . For further information, call 800-444-1324 or 202-467-4600 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Ford's Theatre

511 10th Street, NW

Ford's Theatre is the site of one of America's greatest tragedies. On the evening of April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln, his wife and two guests attended the show "Our American Cousin." That night, assassin John Wilkes Booth fired a shot that plunged the nation into mourning, fatally shooting President Lincoln. After the shooting, the government bought the Theatre in 1866 and over the next 90 years it was an office building, warehouse and museum. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a Congressional act to restore the Theatre. Ford's Theatre is open daily for tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Christmas Day. Ford's is an active theatre and may close temporarily with little notice, especially just before and after productions for rehearsals and set changes. For more information please call 202-426-6924.

The Washington Opera

New Hampshire Avenue and Rock Creek Parkway, NW

Approaching its 47th season, The Washington Opera is one of the nation's leading opera companies and plays to standing room only audiences in the Kennedy Center. For upcoming show information please consult the Washington Opera's season calendar . For further information, call 202-295-2479 or 800-876-7372.

National Theater

1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Among the oldest continuously operating playhouses in the country.

(202) 628-6161

Warner Theatre

13th and E Streets, NW

A variety of mostly musical attractions.

(202) 783-4000

Arena Stage, Kreeger Theatre and Old Vat Theatre

6th and M Streets, SW

One of America's best regional theatre companies.

(202) 488-3300

LANSBURGH THEATRE
(450 7th Street, NW)

Offers a variety of classic and Shakespearean plays.

(202) 393-2700

Wolf Trap Froundation for the Performing Arts

Dulles Airport Parkway, Vienna, Va

An outdoor setting for concerts, plays and other entrtainment.

(703) 255-1860 Filene Center
(703) 938-2404 The Barns

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

National Cathedral

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the nation's capital, Washington's National Cathedral can be seen from a distance in both Virginia and Maryland. That's a tribute not only to its prime location atop Mount St. Alban in Northwest Washington, but also to the cathedral's sheer size. The National Cathedral is the sixth largest cathedral in the world.

The first stone was laid in 1907 and construction continued on the National Cathedral until it was finally dedicated on September 29, 1990.

The cathedral has more than 200 beautiful stained glass windows, but perhaps the most popular is the Space Window. The window honors the three astronauts who first went to the moon in 1969. At the center of the window, you will see a small section of the moon rock brought back to Earth by the three space explorers.

Mount Vernon

George Washington Memorial Parkway South, VA

Mount Vernon, the home to America's first president, is one of the best documented historic houses in America, chronicling George Washington's days as a farmer, a war hero, and the country's first president. Washington's reference library contains biographical information about the Washington family and about 18th-century American life and culture. Collections include manuscripts, original and duplicate books, prints, historical photographs, postcards, early newspapers, microfilm of the Library of Congress, and papers of George Washington. Mount Vernon is open April through August from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In March, September, and October, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From November through February, hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 730-780-2000.

Old Stone House
3051 M Street, NW

The oldest home in Washington, this 1795 Georgetown house is furnished with pieces from the 1765-1810 period. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden.

(202) 426-6851
9 AM to 5 PM Wednesday through Sunday

Octagon House

1799 New York Avenue, NW

Eight sides make this Washington landmark an architectural and historical treasure. Built in 1800 by Dr. William Thornton, who also designed the Capitol Building, the Octagon House once served as a temporary residence for President James Madison. The White House, at the time, was being repaired following the war of 1812. A donation is suggested.

(202) 638-3105
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Closed Mondays, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and New Year's Day

Gunston Hall
(Mount Vernon, VA)

The Colonial plantation home of George Mason, Father of the Bill of Rights, is famous for both architectural beauty and historical associations. At this house, Mason met with his friends Washington, Jefferson and Madison. It is located near Mount Vernon and overlooks the Potomac River. The plantation is surrounded by 550 of the original 5,000 acres and was complete with outbuildings, formal gardens and a deer park. Stroll along scenic nature trails or watch the 17-minute film at the Visitors Center. Admission is charged.

(703) 550-9220
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Years Day

Decatur House
(748 Jackson Place, NW)

The home of Commodore Stephen Decatur, a naval hero of the War of 1812, is an example of the Federalist style of architecture and furnishings. Adjacent to Decatur House is the Truxton-Decatur Museum. Admission is charged.

(202) 842-0920
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
12 noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Closed Monday and all holidays

Woodrow Wilson House
(2340 S Street, NW)

The life and times of President Woodrow Wilson are captured in this National Historic Landmark. The red brick Georgian Revival town house is rich with mementos of Wilson's historic career and is Washington's only Presidential museum. Admission.

(202) 387-4062
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Closed Monday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day

Georgetown

Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, West of Rock Creek Park

A vibrant hub of nightclubs, restaurants, specialty stores, boutiques and restored homes. Georgetown was a commercial center during the colonial period. Located here are the Old Stone House, the C&O Canal, historic St. John's Church, Georgetown University and Dumbarton Oaks. A stroll down the streets of Georgetown offers a lively mix of sightseeing, dining and shopping.

Old Town Alexandria

221 King Street - Visitor Center

Old town is known as the hometown of George Washington and Robert E. Lee Alexandria was founded as a seaport by Scottish merchants in 1749. Today, Old Town is a thriving national landmark with shops and restaurants located in restored 18th and 19th century buildings and colonial homes that line the cobblestone streets. Points of interest include the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, Christ Church, Gadsby's Tavern, the Carlyle House and the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

(703) 838-4200
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily - Visitor Center
(Many shops and restaurants are open until late evening)

TOURS

Congressional Tour reservations are only available at the following attractions:

Tours of the U.S. Capitol building can be arranged by calling my Washington office at 202-224-2152 to make a reservation.  Trained members of my staff conduct Capitol tours Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.  These tours provide an overview of important historical, artistic, and architectural features of the Capitol building.  Highlights of the tour include visits to the Old Supreme Court Chamber, the Capitol Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall.  If the Senate is in session on the day of your tour and you wish to view the Senate debates, you may request that your tour guide escort you to the Senate gallery at the conclusion of your tour.

White House tours may only be obtained by contacting a Congressional office to make a request between six weeks to six months in advance.

White House tours are among the most frequently requested tours in Washington, and they tend to fill up quickly.  I encourage you to make your request for a White House tour as far in advance of the dates of your visit as possible.

The White House only honors requests for tours from individuals in parties of 10 or more.  If there are less than 10 people in your party, my office will attempt to meet this requirement by combining your party with other individuals or groups who are seeking a tour on the dates that you request.  This sometimes means that my office must collaborate with other congressional offices in order to meet the 10 person requirement for submitting a White House tour request. 

Please be aware that if your party’s request for a White House tour is granted, each individual in your party will be required to submit security clearance information to my office, which will be forwarded to the White House for approval prior to your visit.  The White House requires all visitors to submit their full name, date of birth, U.S. citizenship status, and Social Security number or passport number.  Visitors failing to provide this information will not be permitted to enter the White House.    

If my office is unable to fulfill the 10 person requirement in order to submit your White House tour request, I would encourage you to consider visiting the White House Visitors Center, which is located at the corner of 15^th and E Streets NW.  The White House Visitors Center is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and offers guests an opportunity to view exhibits covering the art and architecture of the White House, its furnishings, first families, social events, and its role in relations with international leaders.

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