Public Tour Information

In addition to tours availible through my congressional office below is information on public tours that are availible to you during your trip to Washington.  

United States Capitol
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.  Visitors must obtain free tickets for tours on a first-come, first-served basis, at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk located along the curving sidewalk southwest of the Capitol (near the intersection of First Street, S.W., and Independence Avenue). Ticket distribution begins at 9:00 a.m. daily.  Maximum tour size is 40 people.  Visitors are welcome to view the floor debates from the galleries by obtaining passes from your Congressman or Senator.

The White House
Due to the heightened security in Washington, D.C., public tours of the White House have been suspended until further notice. East Wing tour request may be made through Congressional offices, though 6 months advance notice is preferable. The White House also offers a visitors center for those who cannot go on East Wing tours.  It is located at 15th and E Streets, NW and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. seven days a week, for more information visitors may call (202) 208-1631.

Library of Congress
The world's largest and most open research library, millions of scholars, readers and tourists visit the Library of Congress annually.  Our country's national library contains over 75 million volumes.  Open Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Tours run at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.  They begin at the ground floor of the Jefferson Building, 1st Street and Independence Avenue, S.E.  The Library asks that groups over 10 make a reservation.

The Bureau of Engraving & Printing
See how United States currency is printed.  Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Washington National Cathedral
The National Cathedral is the second-largest Gothic cathedral in the United States.  From the cathedral, you may view the nation's capitol or simply enjoy the peaceful gardens and the beauty of the cathedral. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., except during services and special events.  Tours are from 12:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is the city's tallest structure, standing at 555? 5?, a tribute to our nation's first president. There are 897 steps the public may walk down, however, to reach the top, elevators must be used.  The lines tend to be long, but they generally move quickly.  Your wait will be rewarded by a panoramic view of the nation's capitol from the top of the Monument.  Open daily the day after Easter to Labor Day from 8:00 a.m. to midnight and from Labor Day through March from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

The U.S. Supreme Court
This impressive building of white marble houses the highest court in the land.  Guided tours are available, when the Court is not convening, Mondays through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Federal holidays.  No tours are given during August.

Botanic Gardens
At the foot of the Capitol, under 29,000 square feet of glass, surrounded by ornamental pools this conservatory has more than 8,000 different types of exotic fruits, flowers and plants. Admission to all public areas of the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) is free. The Conservatory is open 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. The Conservatory main entrance is on Maryland Avenue; SW. Visitors are welcome in Bartholdi Park from dawn until dusk and can access it from any of the three bordering streets - Independence Avenue, Washington Avenue or First Street.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The Holocaust Museum serves as a national repository for Holocaust related artifacts and materials.  Permanent exhibition is recommended for those over the age of 11.

Smithsonian Museums
As the world's largest museum complex, it holds over 139 million artifacts of American history; including the Air and Space Museum, Arts and Industries, Museum of Natural History, and Museum of American History.  Open year round from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is one of the world's largest marble structures, measuring 780 feet in length and containing more than 500,000 square feet.  Open year round Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day except Christmas and New Year's Day.

Ford's Theater and Lincoln Museum
The Peterson House, where President Lincoln died, is across the street and free tours are available.  The building is open every day between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 

Arlington National Cemetery
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.  View the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every hour on the hour and every half hour during the summer months.  See the amphitheater, the Custis-Lee Mansion, and the graves of Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft.

Smithsonian National Zoo
Visit the panda exhibit, see the orangutans swing or tour the heritage gardens and wetlands. This visit takes a minimum of three hours; parking charges are per hour.  The grounds are open daily from May 1 to September 15 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Buildings are open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and September 16 to April 30 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Buildings are open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). 

Other Sites of Interest:
National Archives: http://www.archives.gov/
Mount Vernon: http://www.mountvernon.org/
National Geographic DC Museum: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/museum/
International Spy Museum: http://www.spymuseum.org/
National Aquarium: http://www.nationalaquarium.com/
National Building Museum: http://www.nbm.org/
Union Station: http://www.unionstationdc.com/
Pentagon: http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/
The Kennedy Center: http://www.kennedy-center.org/
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): no public tours available
State Department: http://receptiontours.state.gov/
World War II Memorial: http://www.wwiimemorial.com/
Air Force Memorial: http://www.airforcememorial.org/
Old Post Office: http://www.oldpostofficedc.com/
National Park Service (monuments in DC): http://www.nps.gov/state/dc/