Search by Bill Number:

Search by Word/Phrase:

Stay informed with E-News:





Visiting Washington, DC

I am excited that you are planning a trip to Washington D.C. This historical city has much to offer and the list below includes many of the popular and important sights to see during your visit. Please take advantage of the many free attractions, monuments, museums and other historical places of interest. I urge you to see below for a list of the tourist attractions available throughout the Washington D.C. area.

Congressional tours, including the Capitol and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, can be arranged through my Washington office. To tour the White House, constituents must place requests through a congressional office. The tours of the White House are self-guided. If a White House tour request is granted, you will need to provide the Social Security numbers, dates of birth and the country of origin of everyone in the party.

Reservations are made for 2nd District constituents on a first come, first served basis. Unfortunately, due to the high demand for congressional tours, agencies will not be able to fill all requests.

Our office is notified by the appropriate entities no sooner than four (4) weeks out if the request has been granted. Our office will contact you as soon as notification is received.

To place a request through my office, please submit an on-line tour request form. You can also contact the Washington D.C. or Knoxville office by fax or by phone. You will need to supply the dates that you will be available for tours (not including your arrival and departure dates), the number of people in your party, and the specific tours of interest.

DC Visitor Information Center

DC Chamber of Commerce
(http://www.dcchamber.org)
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue , NW. Hours: Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ; Sunday from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Telephone: (202) 328-4748.

United States House of Representatives
(http://www.house.gov/house/Visitor.shtml)
The House website for information about the Capitol and Washington D.C.

Sightseeing Tour Services

Gray Line
(http://www.graylinedc.com)
Sightseeing tours for families and groups. Prices range from $30-$50 per person. Union Station Bus Level, 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE , Washington , DC 20002 . (202) 289-1995

Old Town Trolley
(http://www.trolleytours.com/Washington.htm)
Privately owned trolleys that travel around Washington allowing you to board and re-board as you please at several points of interest. Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for children between the ages of 4 and 12. (202) 832-9800

Tourmobile Service
(http://www.tourmobile.com)
The National Park Service operates guided tour mobiles that travel from Capitol Hill to Arlington Cemetery , with other points of interest in between. There are also Twilight tours and a Mount Vernon tour through Tourmobile. There are unlimited re-boarding privileges on the day your ticket is purchased. Depending on the tour, prices of tickets for adults range from $16 to $22 and children (ages 3-11) range from $7-$11. Telephone: (202) 554-5100 or toll free at (888) 868-7707.

Tours

Arlington National Cemetery
(http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org)
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. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Amphitheater, the Custis-Lee Mansion and the graves of Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft. The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier happens every hour on the hour and every half hour in the summer months. Narrated bus tour: Adults $4.75; Children $2.25 (the buses run one half hour after opening to one half hour before closing). (703) 607-8052. Metro: Arlington Cemetery .

The Botanic Gardens
(http://www.aoc.gov/pages/usbgpage.htm)
First and Maryland Avenue, SW. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the summer months, hours are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Group tours are available by request except Saturdays, Sundays, or during any shows. (202) 225-8333. Metro: Federal Center Southwest.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
(http://www.bep.treas.gov/index.htm)
Fourteenth and C Street, SW. See how U.S. Currency is printed. The General Public tour, a thirty-five minute tour designed to accommodate individuals, families, and groups, is offered between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. , Tuesday through Friday. During the peak season of May through August public tours are available 9:00-10:45am , 12:30-2pm , and 5:00-7:00pm every 15 minutes. The ticket booth opens at 8:00 a.m. and during the peak season tickets are usually gone by 9:00 a.m. Individuals can pick up a maximum of eight tickets each. This tour is closed on weekends and Federal holidays. Congressional Tours for groups of 10 or less are available. Congressional Tours are Monday through Friday at 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. during the entire year. During the summer months an additional Congressional tours is offered 4:00 p.m. Group Tours : (202) 874-2155. Tour Information: (202) 874-3019. Metro: Smithsonian.

The Folger Shakespeare Library
(http://www.folger.edu/welcome.htm)
201 East Capitol Street , SE. Open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. , Monday through Saturday and closed for all federal holidays. Tours of the library are free and do not need advance reservation. Tours of the Folger Rooms and Architecture are offered Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. ; Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Tours of the Garden are offered every third Saturday from April through October, at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (202) 544-4600. Metro: Capitol South or Union Station.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
(http://kennedy-center.org)
This tour is conducted by "Friends of the Kennedy Center " volunteers. The Center is open 10:00 a.m. to midnight , daily. Visitors should go to the Tour Desk on Parking Level A. Tours leave approximately every 15 minutes and last about an hour. Congressional Tours for groups of 10 or less are available for this tour. Congressional tour times are 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (202) 416-8341. Metro: Foggy Bottom/GWU (There is a shuttle from the Metro stop to the Kennedy Center ).

The Library of Congress
(http://www.loc.gov)
Jefferson Building, First Street and Independence Avenue, SE. Public tours are conducted Monday through Friday, at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., 1:30p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Congressional Tours for groups of 10 or less are available for this tour. Congressional tour time is 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Visitors Service Office: (202) 707-4684. Metro: Capitol South.

The National Archives
(http://www.nara.gov/)
Seventh Street and Constitution Avenue, NW . The National Archives is open every day except December 25th. During the winter months, the National Archives is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. During summer months (April 1st to Labor Day), the National Archives is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. You may walk through the building at any open time, or you may reserve a tour. Tours are given at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. , Monday through Friday. The maximum group size is 40. The tour lasts 1½ hours. Reservations are necessary for tours at the Volunteer and Tour Office: (202) 501-5205. Metro: Archives/Navy Memorial.

The Supreme Court
(http://www.supremecourtus.gov/)
First Street and Maryland Avenue, NE. Open Monday through Friday and closed on federal holidays. Tours and public lectures are conducted in the courtroom from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every hour on the half hour, except when the court is in session. Public Information: (202) 479-3395. Metro: Capitol South or Union Station.

The United States Capitol Building
(http://www.aoc.gov/)
Open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day except Sunday. The Capitol is closed on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving. The Capitol is open to the public for guided tours only. Tours will be conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Tours run every 15 minutes and last about 35 minutes. The Visitor's Entrance is on the east side of the Capitol and tickets are obtained on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk located along the curving sidewalk southwest of the Capitol. Congressional Staff-led tours for groups of 15 or less are available. Congressional Group tours of 15 or more may also be arranged, however the time of the tour depends on availability. Passes to the House of Representatives Galleries are available in our Washington , DC office. Tour Information: 202-224-4048. Metro: Capitol South or Union Station.

The White House
(http://www.whitehouse.gov/)
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW . All tours must have a reservation made through the Washington congressional office at least six weeks prior to your requested tour date. Group tours are available for the White House Tuesday through Saturday between 7:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. for parties of 10 or more people. Note:These self guided tours are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not guaranteed. The White House will notify congressional offices if the tour is confirmed or unavailable about 3 weeks before the requested tour date. If a group tour has been confirmed, all attendees aged 14 and above are required to submit their name, date of birth, Social Security number, and country of origin to their congressional office. Attendees under the age of 14 only need to submit their name and date of birth. (202) 456-7041. Metro: Federal Triangle or McPherson Square .

Memorials, Monuments and Points of Interest

The Federal Bureau of Investigation
(http://www.fbi.gov/)
All tours of the FBI Building have been closed until further notice due to extensive renovations.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
(http://www.nps.gov/fdrm/)
Located along the famous Cherry Tree Walk on the Tidal Basin near the National Mall. Information: (202) 426-6841.

The Jefferson Memorial
(http://www.nps.gov/thje/)
Located at the south bank of the Tidal Basin . Open 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. At the Swan Boat House you can rent a paddle boat to cruise on the Basin. Information: (202) 426-6841.

Korean War Veterans Memorial
(http://www.nps.gov/kwvm/)
Located on French Drive, SW , right next to the Lincoln Memorial. Open 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Information: (202) 426-6841.

The Lincoln Memorial
(http://www.nps.gov/linc/)
Located at West Potomac Park at the foot of 23rd Street, NW. Open 8:00 a.m. to midnight. Information: (202) 426-6841.

Mount Vernon
(http://www.mountvernon.org)
The home of George Washington. Martha and George Washington were also laid to rest at Mount Vernon . Open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April through August; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from September through March. Admission: $11.00 for adults; $5.00 for Children 6-11; Free for Children 5 and under. Group rates are also available (Groups of 20 or more). Tour Information: (703)780-2000.

National Zoological Park
(http://www.si.edu/activity/planvis/museums/i-nzp.htm)
3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW . From May 1st to September 15th the grounds are open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the buildings are open 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. From September 16th to April 30th the grounds are open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the buildings are open 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Open every day except for December 25th. Telephone: (202) 673-4717. Metro: Woodley Park .

The United States Navy Memorial and Visitors Center 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Hours for Visitors Center are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telephone: (202) 737-2300. Metro: Navy Memorial.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
(http://www.nps.gov/vive/)
On the Mall located near Henry Bacon Drive and Constitution Avenue, NW. Open 8:00 a.m. to midnight. The memorial is constructed of black granite and honors all Americans who served in the Vietnam War. As a special tribute to those who did not return, the names of more that 58,000 who gave their lives or who remain missing are inscribed in the Memorial's walls. The names are in chronological order. Information: (202) 426-6841.

The Washington Monument
(http://www.nps.gov/wamo/)
On the Mall at Fifteenth Street, NW . The Washington Monument is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The ticket kiosk opens at 8:00 a.m. Tickets are required for all ages. Free timed tickets are available as well as purchased advance tickets. To purchase tickets in advance: 1-800-551-7328. Information: (202) 426-6841.

World War II Memorial
(http://www.wwiimemorial.com/)
On the Mall at Seventeenth Street, NW . The World War II memorial is open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This memorial honors the sixteen million United States soldiers who served during World War II, the 400,000 who died and those who supported the war from home. Information: (202) 619-7222.

Museums

The Corcoran Gallery of Art
(http://www.corcoran.edu)
Seventeenth Street and New York Avenue, NW . The Corcoran is open every day, except Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. , and until 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays. The Corcoran offers private tours led by experienced museum docents for groups of 15 or more. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Group tours may be arranged by calling the Museum Education Department at (202) 639-1730. Public walk-in tours are offered at noon every Saturday and Sunday, featuring highlights of the permanent collection. For ticket and exhibit information, call the gallery at (202) 639-1700. Metro: Farragut West.

Ford's Theatre and Lincoln Museum
(http://www.nps.gov/foth/index2.htm)
Tenth Street between E and F Streets, NW. Tours at Ford's Theatre are free and self-guided. The theatre is normally open between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. National Park Ranger talks are given in the theater at 15 minutes after the hour, every hour. The first talk is at 9:15 a.m. and the last at 4:15 a.m. As an active stage, the theatre closes at times for matinees and rehearsals. During hours of operation when the theatre is closed, the museum and House Where Lincoln Died usually remain open to visitors. Telephone: (202) 426-6924 Metro: Gallery Place / Chinatown or Metro Center .

The Hall of States Building
(http://www.sso.org/new/index.htm)
444 North Capitol Street, NW . This building houses more than 30 State offices. For information: (202) 624-8570.

The National Geographic Society
(http://www.nationalgeographic.com)
17th and M Street, NW. Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. ; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on December 25th. Exhibits focus on wildlife and famous scientific expeditions. The museum is free of charge and tours are self guided. (202) 857-7588. Metro: Farragut North.

The Phillips Collection
(http://www.phillipscollection.org)
1600 21st Street, NW . The nation's first museum of modern art. Free Sunday afternoon concerts are offered with museum admission at 5:00 p.m. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday extended hours: 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Also open Sunday 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Admission for the permanent collection: $7.50 for adults, $4.00 for seniors over 62, and full-time students. No charge for persons 18 and under, and Museum Members. Introductory, walk-in tours: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. , no charge. Gallery talks: First and third Thursdays of the month at 12:30 p.m. , no charge. Group Tours and orientations are available for a fee. Reservations should be made at least one month in advance by calling (202)387-2151, ext. 247. Telephone for Public Relations office: (202)387-2151, ext. 220 and 247. Metro: Dupont Circle .

The Smithsonian Institution
(http://www.si.edu)
For information, call (202) 357-2700. (202) 357-2729 (TTY).
For a map of the museums, visit http://www.si.edu/activity/planvis/dcmuseum.htm Hours for all Smithsonian museums: open daily, except December 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Extended Summer hours are determined annually. Metro: Smithsonian.

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
(http://www.si.edu/activity/planvis/museums/i-sga.htm)
1050 Independence Avenue, SW.

Freer Gallery of Art
(http://www.si.edu/activity/planvis/museums/i-fga.htm)
Jefferson Drive and 12th Street, SW.

National Air and Space Museum
(http://www.si.edu/activity/planvis/museums/i-nasm.htm)
Independence Avenue and Seventh Street, SW.

National Gallery of Art
(http://www.nga.gov)
Fourth Street between the Mall and Constitution Avenue , NW. Public Information: (202) 737-4215.

National Museum of African Art
(http://www.si.edu/activity/planvis/museums/i-nmafa.htm)
950 Independence Avenue, SW.

National Museum of American Art
(http://www.si.edu/activity/planvis/museums/i-nmaa.htm)
Eighth and G Street, NW .

National Museum of American History
( http://www.si.edu/activity/planvis/museums/i-nmah.htm )
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW .

National Museum of the American Indian
(http://www.si.edu/nmai/nav.htm)
The National Museum of the American Indian will open on the Mall in Washington , D.C. , in 2002, on a site between the National Air and Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol.

National Museum of Natural History
(http://www.si.edu/activity/planvis/museums/i-nmnh.htm)
Tenth Street and Constitution Avenue, NW .

National Portrait Gallery
(http://www.si.edu/activity/planvis/museums/i-npg.htm)
Eighth and F Street, NW

Renwick Gallery
(http://www.si.edu/activity/planvis/museums/i-renwk.htm)
Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street, NW .

Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle Building )
(http://www.si.edu/activity/planvis/museums/i-sib.htm)
1000 Jefferson Drive, SW.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
(http://www.ushmm.org)
The Museum is located near the National Mall, just south of Independence Ave. SW , between 14th Street and Raoul Wallenberg Place . Open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The museum is closed on December 25th and October 9th. "The Holocaust" (the permanent exhibition) is recommended for ages 11 and up. "Daniel's Story" and other areas of the museum are recommended for ages 8 and up. The visit will take from an hour and a half to three hours. Only "The Holocaust" exhibit requires a timed entry pass to take the self-guided tour. Passes are free and are not required for the Museum's other exhibitions, memorials, and resources. The Holocaust Memorial Museum Visitor Information (202) 488-0400. Metro: Smithsonian (exit at 12th and Independence Avenue )

Same day passes: Pass distribution begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Pass Desk ( 14th Street entrance). The Museum distributes over 1,500 passes each day (limit four per person) on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early for best selection as passes are frequently distributed by noon , particularly on weekend days. Passes are timed at 15-minute intervals from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Groups having more than 10 people can secure an advance entry time only through the Museum's Group Scheduling Office.

Advance passes: You may guarantee your entry to the permanent exhibition, The Holocaust, for a future date at www.tickets.com, or call (800) 400-9373 from10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Service fees for reservations by internet or phone are $1.75 per pass plus $1.00 handling charge per order. Limit: ten per order.

Theaters, Concerts and Sports Venues

Ford's Theatre
(http://www.fordstheatre.org/)
511 10th Street, NW
(202) 347-4833

Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
(http://www.kennedy-center.org/)
New Hampshire Avenue at Rock Creek Parkway, NW
(800) 444-1324
(202) 467-4600

Verizon Center
(http://www.verizoncenter.com)
Washington , D.C. Sports and Entertainment Center (202) 628-3200

The National Theatre
(http://www.nationaltheatre.org/)
1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
(202) 628-6161

The Shakespeare Theatre
(http://www.shakespearedc.org/index.html)
450 7th Street NW
(202) 547-1122

Washington Ballet
(http://www.washingtonballet.org/)
3515 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
(202) 362-3606

Washington Symphony Orchestra
(http://www.washingtonsymphony.org/)
2437 15th Street, NW
(202) 986-6030

 

 

Transportation

Amtrak
(http://www.amtrak.com)
Amtrak provides passenger train service arriving in the heart of Washington D.C. at the historic Union Station.  Amtrak also operates the popular Acela bullet train service from Boston through New York City and Philadelphia all they way into D.C.
General Information: 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Baltimore/Washington International Airport
(http://www.bwiairport.com)
Maryland
General Information: 1-800-I-FLY-BWI (1-800-435-9294)
Travelers Aid: 410-859-7207
BWI Rail Station: 410-672-6170.

Metro
(http://www.wmata.com)
Metrorail (subway) opens at 5:30 a.m. weekdays and at 8:00 a.m. on weekends. Metro closes at midnight from Sunday to Thursday and at 3:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Metro operates special schedules during holiday operation.
General Information: 202-962-1234
Customer Information: 202-637-7000

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
(http://www.metwashairports.com/National/index.html)
Washington , DC .
General Information: 703-417-8000
Traveler's Aid: (703) 417-3974

Washington Dulles International Airport
(http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/index.html)
Chantilly , Virginia .
General Information: 703-572-2700
Traveler's Aid: 703-572-8296

Return to the top of this page

 

Search This Site
All House Web Sites


Latest News

XML Press Releases via RSS
What is RSS?



All TV's must convert to digital format by 2009 - find out moreDid you know all TV's must convert to digital format by 2009? Click here to find out more.