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.

• Tourist Attractions
• ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
• BOTANICAL GARDENS
• BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING
• CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART
• DUMBARTON OAKS
• FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
• FORD'S THEATRE AND LINCOLN MUSEUM
• FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL
• HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM
• JEFFERSON MEMORIAL
• JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
• KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL
• LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
• LINCOLN MEMORIAL
• MARINE CORPS MEMORIAL--IWO JIMA
• MOUNT VERNON
• NATIONAL AQUARIUM
• NATIONAL ARCHIVES
• NATIONAL CATHEDRAL
• NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
• NEWSEUM
• OCTAGON HOUSE
• OLD EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING
• PENTAGON
• ARTS AND INDUSTRIES BUILDING
• MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY
• MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
• SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
  • Air and Space building
  • Arts and Industries Building
  • Museum of American History
  • Museum of Natural History
  • Smithsonian Building
• STATE DEPARTMENT
• SUPREME COURT
• TREASURY DEPARTMENT
• UNION STATION
• U.S. NAVAL OBSERVATORY
• VIETNAM VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL
• WASHINGTON MONUMENT
• WOLF TRAP FARM PARK FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
• ZOOLOGICAL PARK
• Maps

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.

Tourist Attractions

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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 (1^ST 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 (14^th 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 14^th 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

CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART

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

DUMBARTON OAKS

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

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

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

JEFFERSON MEMORIAL

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

KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL

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

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

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

LINCOLN MEMORIAL

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.

MOUNT VERNON

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 (14^TH 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 (8^th 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 6^th 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 (18^th 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 (17^th 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 14^th 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 ( 9^th 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 (6^th 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 (9^th 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 (14^th 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 (10^th 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 (10^th 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 (15^th 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 (34^th 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 15^th 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 15^th 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

Maps

Capitol Hill

Washington, D.C. City Map

Washington, D.C. Metro Map