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GETTING AROUND DC The easiest and most convenient way to travel around the Nation's Capitol is through our metro system. To locate a map please visit their website:http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm Another handy resource for your trip to D.C. is an area map:http://www.nps.gov/foth/map.pdf
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY– Arlington, Virginia Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Amphitheater, the Custis-Lee Mansion and the graves of Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft. Watch the Changing of the Guard every hour on the hour during the winter months and every half hour during the summer. Hours: Open daily, October through March from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and April through September from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Phone number: (703) 607-8000 Website:www.arlingtoncemetery.org Metro Stop: Arlington Cemetery (Blue line)
BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING – 14th and C Streets, S.W. See how U.S. Currency is printed. Tours are offered daily at 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. During May through August additional tour times at 4:00 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. are offered. Please call my office at (202) 225-2176 to request a tour. Hours: Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Phone number: (202) 874-3019 Website: http://www.moneyfactory.com Metro Stop: Smithsonian (Blue or Orange line)
CAPITOL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - 800 3rd Street, N.E. At the Capital Children's Museum children are encouraged to explore by touching, climbing, tasting and using their imagination to learn about the world around them. Admission is $7/person, $5/seniors (55+) and free to children two and under. Hours: Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through Memorial Day and open 7 days a week Memorial Day through the summer. Phone number: (202) 675-4120 Website: http://www.ccm.org/ Metro Stop: Union Station (Yellow or Red line)
DC DUCKS - 50 Massachusetts Ave. N.E. Climb aboard an authentic, fully restored 1942 "Duck" and let the adventure begin! Beginning in Union Station and ending on the Potomac River, you'll tour the city for a whole different look at the Nation's capital. Tickets for this 90-minute tour cost $28 for adults and $14 for children. Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the spring and summer season Phone number: (202) 832-9800 Website: http://www.historictours.com/washington/dcducks.htm Metro Stop: Union Station (Red line)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION – Rear of FBI building on E Street between 9th and 10th Streets, N.W. FBI Tours are closed pending extensive renovations and is scheduled to reopen in 2005. Phone number: (202) 324-3447 Website: http://www.fbi.gov/aboutus/tour/tour.htm
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL - 900 Ohio Drive, S.W. This monument traces twelve years of American history through a sequence of four outdoor rooms - each one devoted to one of FDR's terms of office. Hours: Open year round from 8 a.m. to midnight Phone number: (202) 426-6841 Website: http://www.nps.gov/fdrm/ Metro Stop: Smithsonian (Blue and Orange line)
JEFFERSON MEMORIAL – East Basin Drive, S.W. Hours: Open daily 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Phone number: (202) 426-6841 Website: www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm Metro Stop: Smithsonian (Blue and Orange line)
JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS – New Hampshire Avenue and Virginia Avenue, N.W. In its 30th year, the Kennedy Center continues its efforts to fulfill his vision—presenting the greatest performers and performances from across America and around the world and serving the nation as a leader in arts education. Tours are available through the Friends of the Kennedy Center. Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Phone number: 1-800-444-1324 Website: www.kennedy-center.org Metro Stop: Foggy-Bottom - GWU (Blue or Orange line)
KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL - French Drive, S.W. The Korean War Veterans Memorial honors those Americans who joined with United Nations forces in Korea to take a stand against what was deemed a threat to democratic nations worldwide from 1950 to 1953. Hours: Open daily 8:00 a.m. to midnight Phone number: (202) 426-6841 Website: www.nps.gov/kwvm/ Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom (Blue and Orange line)
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS – Thomas Jefferson Building, First Street, S.E. The Library of Congress occupies three buildings on Capitol Hill including the Thomas Jefferson Building. The Library is the largest in the world containing books, letters, diaries, records and tapes, films, sheet music, maps, prints, photographs and digital materials. Hours: The Jefferson building is open from Monday through Saturday 1000 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Phone number: (202) 707-8000 Website: www.loc.gov Metro Stop: Capitol South (Blue or Orange line)
LINCOLN MEMORIAL – West Potomac Park at the foot of 23rd Street, N.W. The Lincoln Memorial is a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln and the nation he fought to preserve during the Civil War. Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Phone number: (202) 426-6841 Website:www.nps.gov/linc Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue or Orange line)
MULE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES - C & O Canal, Georgetown One-hour canal boat rides are offered in Georgetown. Cost $8 adults, $6 senior citizens, and $5 children Hours: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Phone number: (202) 653-5190 Website: http://www.nps.gov/choh/Calendar/Canaller.htm Metro Stop: Foggy-Bottom-GWU (Blue and Orange line)
NATIONAL ARCHIVES – 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are among the many things that reside in here. Hours: Exhibit hall open daily beginning September 18, 2004. Tours will resume after this date. Phone number: 1-866-272-6272 Website: www.archives.gov Metro Stop: Archives-Navy Memorial (Green or Yellow line)
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART – 3rd and 7th Streets at Constitution Avenue, N.W. The National Gallery of Art contains painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and works on paper from the Middle Ages to the present. Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Phone number: (202) 842-6691 Website: www.nga.gov Metro Stop: Archives-Navy Memorial (Green and Yellow line)
NATIONAL AQUARIUM – 14th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W. - Department of Commerce Building Over 1,000 species of aquatic life reside here including tanks of fish, frogs, alligators and sharks. Tickets cost $3.50 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 2-10. Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone number: (202) 482-2825 Website: www.nationalaquarium.com Metro Stop: Federal Triangle (Blue or Orange line)
NATIONAL CATHEDRAL - Massachusetts and Wisconsin Ave, N.W. Please contact the National Cathedral to learn more about the tours they offer Monday through Saturday. Hours: Open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Phone number: (202) 537-5596 Website: http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/index.shtml Metro Stop: Tenleytown-AU (Red line)
NATIONAL ZOO – 3001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. The Zoo is home to more than 5,800 animals—mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. It was the first zoo established with the purpose of saving animals on the brink of extinction. Today, nearly 130 of the Zoo’s species of animals are endangered or threatened. Hours: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Phone number: (202) 633-1000 Website: http://nationalzoo.si.edu Metro Stop: Woodley Park-Zoo (Red line)
PADDLE BASIN - 1501 Maine Ave S.W. Paddle Basin is located at the edge of the Tidal Basin that rents paddle boats. Standing at the head of the Tidal Basin is the Jefferson Memorial, making for a somewhat inspiring paddle journey. Hours: Open during summer months only Phone number: none listed Website: http://washingtondc.travelape.com/recreation/paddle-basin/ Metro Stop: Smithsonian (Blue and Orange line)
PENTAGON - Located across the 14th Street Bridge in Virginia. The Pentagon, headquarters of the Department of Defense, is one of the world's largest office buildings. Tours are currently closed to the public. Tours of the Pentagon are available to schools, educational organizations and other select groups by reservation only. Groups interested in touring the Pentagon should contact the Pentagon Tour Office at 703-697-1776. Website: http://www.defenselink.mil/pubs/pentagon/
ROCK CREEK PARK HORSE CENTER - 5100 Glover Road, N.W. No experience is necessary to take their guided walking trail rides. However, each rider must be at least 12 years of age and must wear a provided helmet. Hours: Open to the public six days a week; trail rides available five days a week. Check website for specific hours. Phone number: (202) 362-0117 Website: www.rockcreekhorsecenter.com
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION – On the National Mall between the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. The Smithsonian Institution visitors center can be reached at (202) 633-1000 for any additional questions. § Anacostia Museum – 1901 Fort Place, S.E. § Arts and Industries Building – 900 Jefferson Drive, S.W. § Freer Gallery of Art – Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, S.W. § Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden – Independence Avenue and 7th Street, N.W. § National Air and Space Building – Independence Avenue at 7th Street, S.W. § National Gallery of Art – 4th Street between the Mall and Constitution Avenue, N.W. § National Museum of American Art – 8th and G Streets, N.W. § National Museum of American History – 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. § National Museum of Natural History – 10th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. § National Museum of African Art – 950 Independence Avenue, S.W. § National Postal Museum – Post Office Building, Massachusetts Avenue and North § Capitol Street, N.W. § National Portrait Gallery – 8th and F Streets, N.W. § Renwich Gallery – Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street, N.W. § Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) – 1000 Jefferson Drive, S.W. § Sackler Gallery – 1050 Independence Avenue, S.W. Hours: The Washington Museums are open daily, except Christmas, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Summer hours may vary, see website for further details. Website: www.spymuseum.org Metro Stop: Gallery PI-Chinatown (Green, Yellow, Red line)
STATE DEPARTMENT – 2201 C Street, N.W. The State Department is the principal federal agency responsible for U.S. foreign affairs. Tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 2:45 p.m. Tours are 45 minutes in duration. Reservations are required and should be made approximately four weeks in advance, due to the large volume of requests. To schedule a tour contact 202-647-3241. Website: www.state.gov Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue and Orange line)
SUPREME COURT – 1st Street and Maryland Avenue, N.E. You may tour the building (not the courtroom) on your own. Sessions are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis (limited seating). When court is not in session there are free lectures every hour an the half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No reservations are necessary. Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Website: www.supremecourtus.gov Metro Stop: Capitol South (Blue and Orange line)
TOURMOBILE SERVICE – 1000 Ohio Drive, S.W. The National Park Service has concessioner-operated guided tourmobiles that travel from Capitol Hill to Arlington Cemetery with stops at 18 popular sites along the way. Tickets are available at the Arlington National Cemetery, Washington Monument Kiosk and Union Station. The tourmobile fees allow unlimited boarding and reboarding. For further information, call: (202) 554-7950 or (888) 868-7707. Prices vary depending on tour. Hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Website: www.tourmobile.com
TREASURY DEPARTMENT – 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Tours are suspended until further notice.
UNION STATION - Union Station Now among Washington's most popular tourist sites, Union Station was, at the time of its opening in 1907, the world's largest train station. It has now been renovated into a monolithic one-stop shopping and dining mecca, with reflections of Roman architecture throughout, including numerous sculptures and statues. Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday Noon till 6:00 p.m. Website: http://www.unionstationdc.com/ Metro Stop: Union Station (Red line)
U.S. BOTANIC GARDENS – 245 First Street, S.W. The U.S. Botanic Garden currently maintains over 26,000 plants which are used for exhibition, study and exchange with other institutions Hours: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Website: www.usbg.gov Metro Stop: Federal Center SW (Blue and Orange line)
U.S. CAPITOL – Capitol Hill Tours are conducted Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guests should meet at the East Front Screening Facility, in front of the East front steps of the Capitol. Public tours are offered every 15 minutes and accommodate 40 visitors. Staff-led tours are available through our office and reservations should be made a week in advance. Staff-led tours can only accommodate 15 visitors per tour and will be accompanied by the Capitol Guide Service. To schedule a public tour, call: (202) 224-8406. To schedule a staff-led tour through our office, please call: (202) 225-2176 Metro Stop: Capitol South (Blue and Orange line)
U.S. HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM – 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, S.W. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum serves as this country's memorial to the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust. Free tickets will be needed to access the permanent exhibits. Hours: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Web site: www.ushmm.org Metro: Smithsonian (Blue or Orange line)
U.S. NAVAL OBSERVATORY – 34th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Public tours of the USNO are offered on alternating Monday evenings from 8:30 pm until 10:00 pm, except on Federal holidays. Individual tour passes must be reserved in advance for every Monday night tour. You may use the online request form link or send a fax to the public affairs office at 202-762-1489 to secure a reservation. Requests for reservations should be submitted at least 4 - 6 weeks before a scheduled tour. You must provide the names and dates-of-birth of all individuals in your party. Website: www.usno.navy.mil/
VIETNAM VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL – 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 in the Memorial’s walls. The names are in chronological order. Hours: Open all day, all year. Website: http://thewall-usa.com/ Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue or Orange line)
WASHINGTON MONUMENT – On the Mall at 15th Street, N.W. In order to enter the Washington Monument, tickets are required. The ticket system is administered through the National Park Reservation Service Reservations for the Washington Monument may be made between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM EST by calling 1-800-967-2283 or over the Internet at http://reservations.nps.gov. Tickets can be reserved from 24 hours up to 5 months in advance costing $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 Madison Drive on a first-come, first-served basis. Hours for the ticket kiosk are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Tickets are usually distributed for the day during the morning hours, so it is important to be at the kiosk early. Hours: Open daily April through Labor Day from 8:00 a.m. until midnight, September through March from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Website: www.nps.gov/wamo Metro Stop: Smithsonian (Blue and Orange line)
WASHINGTON VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICE (Tourist Center) – 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Located in the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center Building, Ground Floor. Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed Sundays. Website: www.dcvisit.com Metro: Federal Triangle (Blue and Orange line)
THE WHITE HOUSE – 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Tours of the White House have been expanded to include parties of 10 or more people, regardless of age or type of group, through one’s Member of Congress. Tour requests must be submitted through one’s Member of Congress and will be accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided group tours will be scheduled approximately one month before the requested date. The White House Visitors center is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours/ Metro Stop: Federal Triangle (Blue and Orange line)
THE WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL - 2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 501 The memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home. This monument was recently dedicated in May 2004. Website: http://www.wwiimemorial.com/ Metro Stop: Smithsonian (Blue and Orange line)
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