Planning to visit Washington DC? Here is a list of some of the historic and cultural attractions you may want to check out during your trip. Some of these are tours that my office can arrange for you. The others are open for you to arrange at your own convenience.

If you would like my office to arrange tours for you, please click here to submit a request. Bear in mind that some of these tours have long waiting lists, and that spaces are filled on a first come, first served basis. Please give my office as much notice as possible so that your request can be best accommodated.

Arlington National Cemetery

The Cemetary is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm during October through March, and from 8:00am- 7:00pm during April through September. You can get in by car at the Memorial Drive entrance or take the Metro to the Arlignton Cemetery stop.

Admission is free, but there is a fee to park. Phone: (703) 607-8000, Website: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org Closest Metro: Arlington Cemetery.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is at 14th and C Streets SW. My office can help you arrange a tour, but spaces fill up fast--make sure you contact us at least three months before your visit so that we can make your reservation (reservations are available up to a year in advance). If your visit to Washington is coming up sooner than that, I recommend reserving your own tour through their website.

If you would like my office to arrange a tour, please click here to go to the tours form.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 874-2300. Website: http://www.bep.treas.gov. Closest Metro: Smithsonian.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art Museum

The Corcoran is open from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday-Sunday, and 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on Thursday. It's closed Mondays and Tuesdays. It's located one block southwest of the White House, on the corner of 17th Street and New York Avenue NW. The main entrance is on 17th Street. Those with special needs can enter arond the corner at 1701 E Street.

Admission is $6.00. Phone: (202) 639-1700 Website: http://www.corcoran.org/index.asp. Closest Metro: Farragut West or Farragut North.

Department of the Interior Museum

The Department of the Interior Museum, on the first floor of the Main Interior Building at 1849 C Street, is open Monday-Friday and the third Saturday of every month from 8:30-4:30 (except Federal Holidays). Guided tours and appointments to see the New Deal Murals are available if you make reservations two weeks in advance. Call the Museum at (202) 208-4743 for more information.

Admission is free, but adults will need to show photo ID to enter the building. Phone: (202) 208-4743 Website: http://www.doi.gov/interiormuseum/about/index.html. Closest Metro: Farragut West.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

The FBI is closed to tours for now, but there is a slide show available on their website.

Ford's Theater and Museum

The Ford's Theater, most famous for being the site of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, is currently closed for renovation. Check their website for updates.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 426-6924 Website: http://www.nps.gov/foth/. Closest Metro: Metro Center

Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial

Located on the south side of the tidal basin, the FDR Memorial is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Rangers are on hand to answer questions from 9:30am-11:30pm.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 426-6841. Website: http://www.nps.gov/frde/index.htm Closest Metro: Smithsonian.

Holocaust Museum

The Holocaust Museum, located south of Independence Ave. between 14th Street southwest and Wallenberg Place, is open daily from 10am-5:30pm. Please note that while there are child-appropriate exhibits available at the museum, including the Wexner Learning Center and Remember the Children, the permanent exhibit is not recommended for children ten and under.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 488-0400. Website: http://www.ushmm.org. Closest Metro: Smithsonian.

Jefferson Memorial

Located on the south side of the tidal basin, the Jefferson Memorial is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Rangers are on hand to answer questions from 9:30am-11:30pm.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 426-6841. Website: http://www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm Closest Metro: Smithsonian.

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The Kennedy Center, located on New Hampshire Avenue next to the famous Watergate Hotel, offers tours of their theaters and art collection at 9:30am Monday through Saturday and 4:30pm Monday through Friday. Free performances, offered daily at 6:00pm on the Millennium Stage, match up nicely with the afternoon tours.

My staff can make a reservation for you, but spaces fill up fast--make sure you contact us at least two months before your visit.

If you would like my office to arrange a tour, please click here to go to the tours form.

Tours are free. Phone: (202) 416-8340 Website: http://kennedy-center.org Closest Metro: Foggy Bottom (Free shuttle available from the station)

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress, located just across the street from the US Capitol, is the largest library in the world. It's open from 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Saturday, with public walking tours scheduled throughout the day.

My staff can also arrange a congressional tour for you, which lasts about an hour and includes a brief lecture and a walking tour of the beautiful and historic Jefferson Building. These are available weekdays only.

If you would like my office to arrange a tour, please click here to go to the tours form.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 707-9779. Website: http://www.loc.gov Closest Metro: Capitol South or Union Station.

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial, in West Patomac Park at 23rd St NW, is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Rangers are on hand to answer questions from 9:30am-11:30pm.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 426-6895. http://www.nps.gov/linc/ Closest Metro: Smithsonian.

Marine Corps Evening Parade

The Marine Corps parade is a summer evening event featuring live music and precision marching. It's offered at no charge on Fridays at 8:45pm from Mid-may through August. Seating is available on a first-come, first served basis, but seats can be reserved ahead of time through my office.

If you would like my office to reserve tickets for you, please click here to go to the tours form.

Admission is free. Web Site: http://www.mbw.usmc.mil/parade_eveningdefault.asp Closest Metro: Eastern Market. Parking and Directions: http://www.mbw.usmc.mil/parade_eveningpark.asp

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens

Mount Vernon, once home to George and Martha Washington, is an exciting historic destination with exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages. Visitors can tour the house and grounds, visit Washington's tomb, and "meet" the Washingtons, among other attractions, with special activities available for children. Located sixteen miles south of Washington, DC, the estate is open every day of the year, including holidays. Their hours are 8am-5pm April through August, 9am-5pm March and Septmember through October, and 9am-4pm November through February. Dining facilities on site include a casual dining food court and the more intimate Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant--a great destination for a quiet candlelit dinner. Lunch is served at the Inn on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are recommended for dinner.

Admission is $15.00 for Adults, $14.00 for Seniors, and $7.00 for Ages 6-11. Children under 5 years are admitted free. Phone: (703) 780-2000. Website: http://www.mountvernon.org Closest Metro: Huntington. Leave the station on the lower level and grab a Fairfax Connector bus to Mount Vernon.

National Archives

The National Archives house our most important government documents, including the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. These founding documents are on display through the National Archives Experience, which is open from 10am to 7pm from March 15th through Labor Day, and 10am-5:30pm the rest of the year. The Experience also includes other original documents in the permanent exhibition space and special exhibits in the O'brien Gallery.

Admission is free. Phone: (866) 272-6272. Web site: http://www.archives.gov Closest Metro: National Archives-Navy Memorial.

National Building Museum

The National Building Museum, at 401 F Street, offers insight into the history and future of the world we create for ourselves. Exhibition subjects range from the art of drawing architecture and visions for affordable housing to contemporary ideas for building sustainable residences. It's open 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday 11am-5pm on Sunday. It's closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, and on rare occasions, it closes for special events. Wheelchair access at 4th and G streets.

Admission is free, but there is a $5 suggested donation per guest. Phone: (202) 272-2448. Website: http://www.nbm.org/index.html Closest Metro: Judiciary Square (r).

National Cathedral

The National Cathedral is located at Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues NW. They offer public tours Monday through Saturday, 10am-3:15pm, and Sundays from 12:45-2:30 (except during services).

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 537-5700. Website: http://www.nationalcathedral.org/ Closest Metro: Tenleytown

National Gallery of Art

US America's "Louvre on the Lawn" is open daily from 10am to 5pm (11am to 6pm Sundays). You'll find it on the north side of the National Mall, three blocks west of the Capitol.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 737-4215. Website: http://www.nga.gov/home.htm Closest Metro: National Archives.

National Postal Museum

The National Postal Museum is at 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, across the street from Union Station in the Washington City Post Office Building. It houses exhibitions on the history of the American postal system, along with a stamp store with an impressive selection. The Postal Museum's relatively small size compared to other Smithsonian museums, as well as its displays of historic mail trucks, makes this museum a good choice for families with children.

Admission is free. Website: http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/ Closest Metro: Union Station.

National Zoo

From the giant panda and the komodo dragon to the humble grey squirrel, The National Zoo's world-class collection of animals has been delighting visitors of all ages for almost a hundred and twenty years. During the winter (November through April 1st), it's open daily from 6am to 6pm. The rest of the year, it stays open until eight. Children may especially enjoy the Kid's Farm petting zoo.

Admission is free. Phone (202) 673-4800. Website: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ Closest Metro: Woodley Park

Pentagon

This Pentagon conducts tours Monday-Friday from 9am to 3pm. It's closed to tours on weekends and federal holidays. I strongly recommend comfortable shoes: you will be walking a mile and a half, there are no opportunities to sit or use the facilities, and for security reasons, you have to keeep up with your guide. For these same reasons, as well as a derth of child-friendly exhibits, I do not recommed this tour for children.

The Pentagon is now offering this tour on a self-service basis, which eliminates the need for my staff to handle your private security information. You can arrange a tour using the link below.

Admission is free. Website: http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/index.html Closest Metro: Pentagon.

The Smithsonian Institution Museums

Dubbed "America's Attic," The Smithsonian Institution is home to one of the world's most extensive museum collections. Families may especially enjoy the newly-renovated American History Museum, home to such American icons as the Star Spangled Banner and Kermit The Frog. For an interesting dining experience, stop by the National Museum of the American Indian, where American Indian chefs from around the country offer a seasonally-rotating menu of traditional dishes.

The museums are generally open daily from 10am-5:30pm, though their hours are subject to change. They're closed on Christmas Day. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information on hours and exhibits.

• American Art Museum
• Freer Gallery (Asian Art)
• National Air & Space Museum
• National Museum of African Art
• National Museum of American History
• National Museum of the American Indian
• National Museum of Natural History
• National Portrait Gallery

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 357-2700 Website: http://si.edu/ Closest Metro: Smithsonian or L'Enfant Plaza

State Department

The State Department's Diplomatic Reception Rooms are home to a premier collection of 18th century American furniture, paintings and decorative arts. Tours are available weekdays. Reservations are required, and can be made online, by phone, or by fax--see their website for more information. Please keep in mind that this is a very popular tour that requires a background check for all visitors. You should make arrangements at least two months before your visit, and you'll need to supply the names, dates of birth, driver's license numbers, and social security numbers of everyone in your party.

Also, please note that this tour takes about an hour, during which there are no opportunities to sit or use the facilities. Wheelchairs and sign language interpretation are available upon request, but the State Department does not recommend the tour for people under twelve.

Admission is free. Phone: (202)-647-3241 Website: https://receptiontours.state.gov/ Closest Metro: Foggy Bottom.

The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court Building, at First Street and Maryland Ave NE, is open daily from 9am-4:30pm. On weekdays when the court is not in session, public lectures are offered in the courtroom from 9:30am-3:30pm. When the court is in session, the public is welcome to view oral arguments. Seating begins at 9:30am and 12:30pm for those wishing to stay for an entire argument. Those wishing to stay for only a few minutes will be seated at 10am and 1pm. You'll want to arrive early--the line starts forming around 7am.

When the court is not in session, my office can also arrange a congressional tour for parties of six or fewer. These tours are available on weekdays at 1:45pm.

If you would like my office to arrange a tour, please click here to go to the tours form.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 479-3000 Website: http://www.supremecourtus.gov Closest Metro: Union Station or Capitol South.

The Treasury Department

The Treasury Department is not offering tours at this time, but there is a 'virtual tour' on their website.

United States Botanical Gardens

The US Botanical Gardens are a beautiful and fascinating living plant museum at 100 Maryland Ave SW, at the foot of the U.S. Capitol Building. The Conservatory is open daily from 10am-5pm--be sure to check out the catwalks in the main conservatory for a look at the upper levels of the habitat. Guided tours are offered weekdays at 10:30am and 1:30pm.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 225-8333. Website: http://www.usbg.gov/index.cfm Closest Metro: Federal Center.

United States Capitol and Visitors Center

The Capitol Visitor Center, located underneath the Capitol's east lawn, is open Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and Inauguration Day). It features an exhibition hall, a cafeteria, and gift shops. The Capitol Guide Service also offers tours of the capitol itself. These begin in the Capitol Visitor Center with a thirteen-minute film, and last about an hour. Reservations are required for the capitol tour. You can book your reservation through the Capitol Visitor Center website: http://tours.visitthecapitol.gov/, or through my Washington, DC office. My office also offers staff-led tours on a limited basis, depending on staff availability.

If you would like my office to arrange a tour, please click here to go to the tours form.

For tickets to the House gallery, stop by my Washington, DC office in the Cannon House Office Buidling, room 239. My staff has tickets available on weekdays from 9am-4pm. The office is closed on federal holidays.

Admission is free. Website: http://visitthecapitol.gov/index.html Closest Metro: Union Station or Capitol South.

United States Naval Observatory

The U.S. Naval Observatory, at 34th Street and Massachusetts Ave NW, offers tours on alternating Monday nights from 8:30pm to 10:00pm. Keep in mind that these tours can be cancelled without warning at any time. Reservations are required. You can make them by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling (202) 762-1489.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 762-1489 Website: http://www.usno.navy.mil

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Wall is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Park rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30am-11pm daily.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 426-6841 Website: http://www.nps.gov/vive/ Closest Metro: Foggy Bottom.

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument, located on the National Mall at 15th street, is open daily from 9am-4:45pm. Tickets are required, and are available for free at the ticket kiosk on the east side of the Monument grounds. The kiosk is open from 8am-4:30pm, but tickets tend to run out early. As staffing permits, the national park service sometimes offers walk-down tours, which give visitors a chance to see the many decorative stones that line the monument's original stairway. Interested visitors should ask if any walk-downs are available when they go to the kiosk to pick up their tickets.

Admission is free. Phone: 202-426-6841. Website: http://www.nps.gov/wamo Closest Metro: Smithsonian.

White House

This is a self-guided tour of historic rooms on the ground and state floors of the White House. Space is extremely limited--openings are filled through a lottery system, and they fill up fast. You should contact my office six months in advance of your visit so that my staff can submit your name to the lottery. Because the White House requires a security check on all visitors, my staff will also need the full names, birthdates, and social security numbers of everyone in your party. Foreign nationals will need to submit their passport number and country of citizenship. The tour lasts between half an hour and forty-five minutes, during which there are no opportunities to sit or use the facilities. I don't recommend this tour for young children.

Please Note: The White House conducts background checks on all visitors. To submit your request to the White House, my staff will need the first, middle, and last names, genders, birthdates, social security numbers, and city and state of residence for everyone in your party. 90-120 days after your visit, the White House will release your name and the date of your tour to the public. They will not release your date of birth, Social Security Number, or any other information you've provided.

If you would like my office to arrange a tour, please click here to go to the tours form. Due to White House requirements, you must submit your request for this tour at least 35 days before your visit. The White House does not make exceptions. My staff will do everything they can to secure you a tour of the White House, but demand is very high--even those who submit their request six months ahead of their visit may not be granted a tour.

Admission is free. Phone: 202-456-7041. Website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/whtour/ Closest Metro: Farragut West or McPherson Square (blue and orange lines).

World War II Memorial

The National World War II Memorial is located on the National Mall, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. It's open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Admission is free. Phone: (202) 619-7222. Website: http://www.wwiimemorial.com/ Closest Metro: Smithsonian