United States Capitol
202-224-3121
http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/
Location: Located at the center of the city
Metro stops: Capitol South or Union Station
All tours of the United States Capitol now begin in the Capitol Visitor Center, which is located below the East Plaza of the Capitol between Constitution and Independence Avenues. The Visitor Center is open to the public from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Inauguration Day. Tours are free, but passes are required. Please contact our office so that we can assist you in scheduling your tour in advance. We would be happy to help plan your trip to the historic U.S. Capitol.
The following items are prohibited in the Capitol Visitors Center and Capitol: aerosol containers, any pointed object, cans and bottles, electric stun guns, martial arts weapons or devices, food or beverages of any kind, guns, replica guns, ammunition, fireworks, knives, mace and pepper spray, non-aerosol spray, razors, and box cutters.
The White House
202-456-7041
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours/
Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Metro stops: Metro Center or Federal Triangle
Tour the home of the President of the United States. Open Tuesday through Saturday, visitors are welcome between 7:30 am and 12:30 pm. You must contact your Congressional office for availability at least 6 weeks in advance of the visit; however, we strongly encourage constituents to submit their requests 5-6 months in advance. All persons on the tour are subject to background checks by the Secret Service within 10 days of notification of tour acceptance and the following information should be submitted to your Congressional office at the time of the initial request: full name, Social Security Number, date of birth, and country of origin (if not a U. S. citizen) for each person.
Due to the increased security, the White House no longer offers public tours. The White House Visitor’s Center is open to the public seven days a week from 7:30 am until 4:00 pm. It is located on the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets in the Department of Commerce building. The following items are prohibited: Backpacks, purses or handbags, duffle bags, suitcases, strollers, cameras, video recorders, any type of recording device, aerosol and non-aerosol sprays including perfumes, mace and pepper spray, cans and bottles, food and beverages of any kind, knives of any length, razors, box cutters, tobacco products, personal grooming items (makeup, hair brush or comb, lipstick, hand lotion, etc.) and any pointed items (pens, knitting needles, etc.)
It is suggested that you leave everything behind except for necessary forms of identification for all persons 15 and older. There is no place to store anything that you bring and you will be turned away from the tour. The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items. If you need to bring medication, have it properly identified and it must remain with an adult for the duration of the tour.
Library of Congress
202-707-8000
http://www.loc.gov/
Location: Jefferson Building, 1st Street and Independence Avenue, SE
Metro stops: Capitol South or Union Station
The world’s largest and most open research library, millions of scholars, readers and tourists visit the Library of Congress annually. The country’s national library contains over 75 million volumes. Tours are conducted every Monday through Friday at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. The Library asks that groups over 10 people call 202-707-0919 to make a reservation for a specific tour.
Kennedy Center
202-416-8341
http://kennedy-center.org/
Location: Virginia Avenue and F Street
Metro stops: Foggy Bottom/GWU (Free shuttle bus service available from Metro station every 15 minutes from 9:45 am to midnight, Monday through Saturday and noon to midnight on Sunday. Look for burgundy and white Kennedy Center vans.)
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts offers a fine arts tour daily at 9:30 am and Monday through Saturday at 4:30 pm. Reservations must be made through your Congressman’s office. Free public tours are also offered by the Friends of the Kennedy Center Monday through Friday between 10 am and 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 1 pm. They depart from the Friends tour desk on Level A, and feature the Hall of States and Hall of Nations, the Center's main theaters, and dozens of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks given to the Center by foreign countries.
The US Supreme Court
202-479-3030
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/visiting/visiting.html
Location: 1st and East Capitol Streets
Metro stops: Capitol South or Union Station
The Supreme Court offers a variety of educational programs. Exhibits, which are changed periodically, and a theater that shows a film on the Supreme Court are located on the ground floor. Lectures in the Courtroom are given every hour on the half-hour, on days that the Court is not sitting, beginning at 9:30 am and concluding at 3:30 pm. The building is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. It is closed Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.
Congressional tours are offered Monday through Friday at 2:00 pm on days the Court is not sitting. Congressional tours are limited to 4 people and are 30 minutes in length. Reservations must be made through your Representative’s office. No tours are given during August.
The business of the Court or unforeseen factors such as inclement weather may affect public access to the building, requiring changes in the Courtroom lecture schedule and/or the building's hours of operation. To obtain updated information on visiting the Court, including any schedule changes, please call (202) 479-3211. The following items are prohibited: Backpacks, duffle bags, suitcases, oversized purses or handbags; Aerosol and non-aerosol sprays including perfumes, mace and pepper spray; Cans and bottles; Food and beverages of any kind; Knives of any length, razors, and box cutters.
The State Department
202-647-3241
http://www.state.gov/
Location: 23rd and C Streets, NW
Metro stops: Foggy Bottom/GWU
Tour the Diplomatic Reception rooms of the Department of State, which are used for official functions and contain a premier collection of 18th Century American furniture, paintings, and decorative arts. Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 2:45 pm. Tours are 45 minutes in length. Visitors must arrive at the 23rd Street entrance 30 minutes prior to their appointed tour time; late arrivals will not be admitted.
Tours must be reserved through your Congressman’s office. You must submit the following information to your Congressional office at the time of the initial request: full name, Social Security Number, date of birth, and country of origin (if not a U. S. citizen) for each person. The following items are prohibited:• Backpacks, duffle bags, suitcases, oversized purses or handbags; Aerosol and non-aerosol sprays including perfumes, mace and pepper spray; Cans and bottles; Food and beverages of any kind; Knives of any length, razors, and box cutters.
The Bureau of Engraving & Printing
202-283-2646 or 866-874-2330
http://www.bep.treas.gov/
Location: 14th and C Streets, SW
Metro stops: Smithsonian
See how United States currency is printed. Public tours are available Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and are between 30 and 45 minutes in length. Free, same-day tickets are distributed from the ticket booth located on the 15th Street side of the building (Raoul Wallenberg Place) on a first-come, first served basis, beginning at 8:00 am weekdays. Lines form early and tickets go quickly. The ticket booth closes when all tickets (day and evening) have been distributed. To get to the ticket booth, walk through the alley on the far side of the US Holocaust Museum. Closed weekends, Federal holidays, and December 24 through January 3rd.
Congressional tours are offered Monday through Friday at either 8:15 am or 8:45 am. (Also note that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing operates a facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Tours can be scheduled there locally at 817-231-4000.) The following items are prohibited: Backpacks, duffle bags, suitcases, oversized purses or handbags; Aerosol and non-aerosol sprays including perfumes, mace and pepper spray; Cans and bottles; Food and beverages of any kind; Knives of any length, razors, and box cutters.
The Pentagon
703-697-1776
http://www.defenselink.mil/pubs/pentagon/
Location: Across the 14th Street Bridge in Virginia
Metro stops: Pentagon
Headquarters of the Department of Defense in one of the world’s largest buildings. 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. Tours are available for parties of 10 to 45 persons Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and will last about an hour.
Mount Vernon
202-426-6895
http://www.mountvernon.org/visit/
Location: Mount Vernon, Virginia Visit the estate of President George Washington.
General tours are offered 7 days a week; admission is as follows: $11 for adults; $10.50 for seniors; $5 for children age 6-11; children 5 and under are free. Congressional tours run from April through October and are offered Monday through Friday at 8:45 am only.
Congressional tours do not include a tour of the mansion and still require the purchase of admission. Reservations must be made through your Congressman's office. Hours of Operation: November through February – 9:00 am-4:00 pm March, September, October – 9:00 am-5:00 pm April through August – 8:00 am-5:00pm
Arlington National Cemetery
703-607-8052
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/
Location: Memorial Drive and Hwy 110
Metro stops: Arlington Cemetery
Open daily October through March from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and April through September from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. 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. Ample paid parking is available to visitors, accessible from Memorial Drive. The cost is $1.25/hour for the first three hours, and $2.00/hour thereafter. During all hours the cemetery is open the Arlington National Cemetery Metro stop is regularly served by the Blue Line subway. The cemetery is also serviced by Tourmobile, the popular tour buses that allow patrons unlimited reboarding for a single daily rate.
Washington National Cathedral
202-537-6200
http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/
Location: Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Metro stops: Tenleytown Station to “30” series Metro bus
The National Cathedral is the second-largest Gothic cathedral in the United States. Tours are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am and 12:45 pm to 3:15 pm and Sunday from 12:45 pm to 2:30 pm. Tours are closed during services and special events.
A donation is appreciated ($3 per adult, $2 per senior citizen, and $1 per child). For groups under 10 people, you may contact your Representative’s office for information on a Congressional tour.
The Old Post Office – Pavilion
202-289-4224
http://oldpostofficedc.com/
Location: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Metro stops: Federal Triangle or Navy Memorial
Open daily from 9:00 am to 7:45 pm, except for Christmas Day. The National Park Service offers a tour of the bell tower with a splendid view of the city. For more information call 202-606-8691.
The Octagon House
202-638-3221
http://www.archfoundation.org/octagon/
Location: 18th Street and New York Avenue, NW
Metro stops: Farragut West
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Octagon House served as the Executive Mansion for James Madison’s following the destruction of the White House by the British in 1814. The Treaty of Ghent was signed here, ending the War of 1812. Admittance is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors and children.
MEMORIALS AND MONUMENTS
Washington Monument
202-426-6840
http://www.nps.gov/wamo/
Location: On the Mall at 15th Street, NW
Metro stops: Smithsonian
In order to enter the Washington Monument, tickets are required. The ticket system is administered through the National Park Reservation Service (NPRS). Reservations for the Washington Monument may be made between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM by calling 1-800-967-2283 or over the internet at http://reservations.nps.gov.
Those making advance reservations will be charged $1.50 service fee per ticket, plus a $.50 handling fee 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, but tickets do run out early. Hours for the Washington Monument are from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm; closed December 25. No food, drink, or large bags are allowed in the monument.
Jefferson Memorial
202-426-6841
http://www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm
Location: South end of the Tidal Basin at 14th Street
Metro stops: Smithsonian
This monument is in honor of Thomas Jefferson, third president, author of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. Open 8:00 am to 11:45 pm every day except December 25th.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
202-426-6841
http://www.nps.gov/fdrm/home.htm
Location: West Basin Drive, between the Potomac River and the Cherry Tree Walk of the Tidal Basin
Metro stop: Smithsonian
This memorial is a tribute to both President Roosevelt and the time in which he lived. There is a sequence of four outdoor rooms, each representing one of FDR’s four terms in office. Open daily from 8:00 am to midnight.
Lincoln Memorial
202-426-6841
http://www.nps.gov/linc/home.htm
Location: West Potomac Park at the foot of 23rd Street
Metro stops: Foggy Bottom or Federal Triangle
This monument is in honor of Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth president, overlooking the Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument and the US Capitol. Open 24 hours daily.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
202-426-6841
http://www.nps.gov/vive/home.htm
Location: Bacon Drive and Constitution Avenue NW, on the Mall
Metro stops: Foggy Bottom Constructed of black granite to honor all Americans who served in the Vietnam War. In chronological order are over 58,000 names inscribed in the marble wall. Open 24 hours daily.
World War II Memorial
202-426-6841
http://www.nps.gov/nwwm/
Location: East end of the Reflecting Pool, between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument
Metro stops: Smithsonian
The World War II Memorial is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during the Second World War. The memorial honors all military veterans of the war, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's call to arms.
Korean War Memorial
202-426-6841
http://www.nps.gov/kwvm/home.htm
Location: French Drive, SW
Metro stops: Foggy Bottom This memorial commemorates the service men and women who fought in the Korean War. The memorial is open daily from 8:00 am to midnight, except on Christmas Day.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Smithsonian Museums
202-357-2700
http://www.si.edu/
Location: National Mall
Metro stops: Smithsonian
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, except on Christmas Day, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Smithsonian National Zoo
202-673-0127
http://natzoo.si.edu/
Location: 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Metro stops: Woodley Park/Zoo or Cleveland Park
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 April 3rd to October 31st from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm (buildings are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm) and November 1 to April 2 from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (buildings are open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm).
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
202-488-0400
http://www.ushmm.org/
Location: Just south of Independence Avenue, SW between 14th Street and Raoul Wallenborg Place
Metro stops: Smithsonian
The Holocaust Museum serves as a national repository for Holocaust related artifacts and materials and is recommended for those over the age of 11. Open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm except on Christmas and Yom Kippur. Admission is free, although there are a limited number of tickets given out daily. It is recommended that you plan to arrive early during peak tourist season. To reserve tickets for a specific day at the museum, tickets can be obtained from Tickets.com at 1-800-400-9373 for a fee of $2.75 per ticket.
National Gallery of Art
202-737-4215
http://www.nga.gov/resources/resource.htm
Location: National Mall between 3rd and 7th Streets at Constitution Avenue, NW
Metro stops: Smithsonian or Archives
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 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm every day except Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Ford’s Theater and Lincoln Museum
202-426-6924
http://www.nps.gov/foth/
Location: 10th Street between E and F Streets
Metro stops: Metro Center, Gallery Place, or Archives
The building is open every day between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm with the exception of Christmas. The Peterson house, where President Lincoln died, is across the street and free tours are available.
US Botanic Gardens
202-225-8333
http://www.usbg.gov/
Location: Independence Avenue and 1st Street, SW
Metro stops: Federal Center SW
At the foot of the Capitol, under 29,000 square feet of glass and surrounded by ornamental pools, this conservatory has more than 8,000 different types of exotic fruits, flowers, and plants. Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The National Aquarium
202-482-2825
http://www.nationalaquarium.com/
Location: 14th Street between Constitution Avenue and D Street, NW
Metro stops: Federal Triangle
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. Now operated by the National Aquarium Society the admission charge goes to maintaining the aquarium. Admissions cost $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors and military personnel, and $2.00 for children ages 2-10. Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.
The Corcoran Gallery
202-639-1700
http://www.corcoran.org
Location: 500 17th Street, NW
Metro stops: Farragut West
The collection's paintings and sculpture are the legacy of William Wilson Corcoran (1798-1888), the museum's founder and a leading patron of American art. Together with its noted holdings of 19th-century American prints and drawings, the Corcoran continues to broaden its collection to include a wide selection of works by contemporary artists. Today, the Corcoran is renowned for its collection of 20th-century paintings, sculptures and photography. The gallery is open Wednesday through Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and until 9:00 pm on Thursdays. The gallery is closed on Tuesdays, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Thanksgiving.
The Corcoran also offers private tours for groups of 15 or more. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Private group tours must be arranged at least a month in advance. There are admission fees in the amount of $12.00 per family, $6.75 per individual, $4.75 for seniors, and $3.00 for students with a current ID. All day Mondays and after 5:00 pm on Thursdays, visitors are invited to pay as they wish in the form of a donation.
The Spy Museum
202-393-7798
http://www.spymuseum.org/
Location: 800 F Street NW
Metro stops: Gallery Place/Chinatown or National Archives/Navy Memorial Metro Station
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. Hours vary depending on the season.
Same-day tickets may be purchased in person at the International Spy Museum for use on the same day either for immediate access or for a time later the same day. All tickets are date and time specific and are subject to availability. Advance tickets may be purchased at the museum or through Ticketmaster at 800-551-SEAT orTicketmaster.com
The National Museum of Women in the Arts
202-783-5000
http://www.nmwa.org/
Location: 1250 New York Avenue, NW
Metro stops: Metro Center
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, and Noon to 5:00 pm on Sunday. The museum is closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day. From Renaissance artist Lavinia Fontana to Camille Claudel and Mary Cassatt, the National Museum of Women in the Arts exhibits works various female artists. There will be an admission fee for this museum.
The Textile Museum
202-667-0441
http://www.textilemuseum.org/
Location: 2320 S Street, NW
Metro stops: Dupont Circle
Over 11,000 textiles and 1,000 rugs to view. Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, except Federal holidays and December 24th. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is appreciated.
The Capital Children’s Museum
202-675-4120
http://www.ccm.org/
Location: 3rd and H Streets, NE
Metro stops: Union Station
Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm except during the school year, when it is closed on Mondays. The museum specializes in hands-on, interactive educational exhibits. The cost is $7 a person and $5 for seniors. Admissions are half-price on Sundays before noon.
HOTEL, SIGHTSEEING, AND OTHER INFORMATION SERVICES
Tourmobile Sightseeing
202-554-5100, or toll-free at 888-868-7707
http://www.tourmobile.com/
Location: Departs from several sites throughout city Tourmobile Sightseeing Trams make 25 stops featuring more than 40 major historic sites within the Washington area.
From history past to history in the making, Tourmobile narrators provide information on exhibits, architecture and the people who inspired it all.
Hotel Reservation Services Capitol Reservations - 1-800-847-4832
Hotel Reservations Network - 1-800-964-6835
USA Groups - 1-800-872-4777 I
nformation Services Washington Convention and Visitors Association - 202-789-7000
Washington Chamber of Commerce - 202-347-7201
Transportation Metrorail / Metrobus - 202-637-7000
www.wmata.com
Taxis
Diamond 202-387-2221
Yellow 202-544-1212
Taxi Transportation Service 202-398-0500
Trains
Amtrak - 800-872-7245
MARC - 800-325-7542
Sightseeing Services Gray Line Sightseeing Tours - 202-289-1995
Tourmobile - 202-544-5100
All about the Town - 301-856-5556
DC Ducks - 202-832-9800
Helpful Websites
Washington DC Chamber of Commerce - www.dcchamber.org
Discover Washington DC - www.washington.org
Washington DC Registry - www.dcregistry.com/sights/html
National Park Service -www.nps.gov
Metro Transportation - www.wmata.com
Architect of the Capitol - www.aoc.gov
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