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Washington, D.C. Hotel Guide

Washington D.C. Tours

All of the Federal building tours are free.

Known as the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. is enriched with history and diverse cultures. People travel from all over the country as well as the world to visit Washington. As you walk in the same footsteps as our forefathers, history is brought to life throughout the Washington area. From the political arena to historical memorials and monuments, Washington has something for everyone to enjoy. I encourage you to take a big helping of all that Washington has to offer. Please contact my Washington, DC office for reservations or congressional passes to these tours.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Located on 14th and C Streets, SW, the U.S. Treasury Department is an eventful experience that the entire family can enjoy. Imagine seeing a million dollars printed before the end of your 40 minute tour! Tickets are required for this free tour. The ticket booth located on Raoul Wallenberg Place (formerly 15th Street), opens at 8:00 a.m. You may acquire up to 5 tickets, but arrive early because the tickets go fast. The hours from September-April are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. May-August hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. If you prefer, we can gladly arrange a tour with a two-three week advanced notice. There are no tours on weekends or federal holidays. Don't forget your valid photo ID!

U.S. Botanic Garden (www.usbg.gov)

The grounds of the U.S. Botanic Garden offer a living plant museum for all visitors to enjoy. The newly renovated Conservatory features a wide variety of living exhibits. Bartholdi Park, adjacent to the Conservatory, is an outdoor garden that includes the historic Bartholdi Fountain. Hours: Conservatory, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Bartholdi Park, open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission: free. Botanic Garden Conservatory is located on the Capitol Grounds at the intersection of Maryland Ave. and First Street, SW. Take the Metro to the Capitol South station on the blue/orange lines.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Unfortunately, tours are canceled indefinitely.

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress includes over 28 million cataloged books and the largest rare book collection in North America. It is one of the most beautiful federal buildings. The Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress has been renovated by over fifty painters and sculptors. After the reconstruction, the books have been arranged in the same fashion that Jefferson originally organized them. You can visit the Library of Congress on 1st Street, SE from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday -Saturday. The Library of Congress is closed on Sundays and holidays.

National Archives and Records Administration www.archives.gov

The beautiful National Archives building houses some of our nation's most precious historical documents. Along with 3 billion records, renowned genealogical research and outstanding research facilities, the Archives also allows visitors to view the authentic United States Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights. The Rotunda, where these historic documents are on display, is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through March 31; 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. April 1 through the Friday before Memorial day; and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. The Rotunda is open seven days a week. The research facilities are open to the public. Research Hours: Monday & Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; closed Sundays and Federal holidays. The Archives are located at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, and are adjacent to the Archives/Navy Memorial Metro station on the green/yellow lines.

National Archives Marks the 50th Anniversary of the Integration of Little Rock Central High School with Special Exhibit

Pentagon

Unfortunately, tours are canceled indefinitely.

The State Department

The State Department is the oldest executive department of the U.S. federal government. Established in 1781, it is located on 2201 C Street, NW. The Secretary of State and other high level government officials use the Diplomatic Reception Rooms for official functions, including the arrivals of Heads of States and foreign dignitaries. Tours of the State Department are 45 minutes in duration and occur at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 2:45 p.m., Monday-Friday by reservation only. Reservations are encouraged four weeks in advance by contacting the tour office at (202) 647-3241. Tours are not available on weekends or holidays.

Supreme Court

As one of the most popular attractions to the D.C. area, the Supreme Court is the highest Court in our land. Get there early and visitors can listen to live arguments on the floor in October through April. Located on 1st Street and Maryland Avenue, NE, the Supreme Court is open to visitors Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Take advantage of the public walk-in tour or allow my staff to reserve a tour for you with two weeks advance notice. Tours usually last about 40 minutes and are not available on weekends or holidays.

U.S. Capitol

The U.S. Capitol originally built in 1800, stands as a symbol of democracy. The Capitol is the geographic center of Washington D.C. It is the legislative core of our government housing the nations' senators, congressmen, and staff. Tours are given Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Capitol tours are conducted by the Capitol Tour Guide Service or my staff can give you a personal tour highlighting points in the Capitol that are particularly interesting to Arkansans. For small groups, contact me at least two weeks in advance. For groups larger than 15, my staff will need at least one month advance notice.

The White House

Perhaps the most well-known address in the United States, if not the world, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has housed every U.S. President except George Washington. The tours are self-guided and can be scheduled on Tuesday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For the most recently updated information on White House tours, please call the 24-hour Visitors' Office Information Line at 202-456-7041. My staff will be happy to assist you with arrangements. Please allow my staff 4-6 weeks notice to arrange a White House tour.