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Visit Washington, D.C.  

Rarely can one feel so much a part of history as when visiting our nation's capital. Washington, DC has so much to offer. It truly is unlike any other city in the nation. Below is more information about tours my office can assist in scheduling, sites throughout our capital city, and maps to help you get around.

I invite you to contact my DC office at (202) 224-4224 if you have questions or would like tour information sent to you, including information about the Nebraska Breakfast. The Nebraska Breakfast is a chance for those visiting Washington, D.C. to meet informally with the entire Nebraska delegation. More information may be found here.

U.S. Capitol Tours:

The U.S. Capitol Building is open for tours Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (*Note: The last scheduled tour of the day begins at 3:30pm.) Please click here to submit a tour request of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Passes to view the Senate floor can be obtained by contacting my office. 

White House Tours:   


My office can request a White House tour for you. These self-guided tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday mornings. Due to the volume of requests, the White House is often booked several months in advance. To maximize your chances of getting a tour, please submit your request to my office at least 4 months--but no more than 6 months--in advance.

The White House is unable to accommodate all requests, even if submitted in a timely manner.  The White House will inform my office approximately one to two weeks prior to the requested date(s) if a tour has been approved or denied.  
Secret Service regulations require all security information to be submitted with a tour request. The White House now makes public the names of visitors and the dates they toured the White House 90-120 days after their visit. No other personal information is released.     

To request a White House tour, please complete our tour request form. Be sure to include the dates your group would be available for tours.

Answers to frequently asked questions about White House tours can be found here.

Your group may enjoy the view of the White House coupled with a trip to the Visitor Center.  The Visitor Center building is currently closed for rehabilitation; however, a temporary location has been established near the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion, located near the corner of 15th and E Streets, NW.  It is open to the public seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and does not require reservations.  Please visit here for more information regarding the Visitor Center:    http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events.  

Tips for Planning Your Visit:  

Maps:

Capitol Hill

National Mall

Metro System Transportation
  • Plan ahead. Some attractions are booked months in advance and require reservations. Contact my Washington, D.C. office for help in planning your trip. While planning your day, remember to allow time for security checks at building entrances. Some attractions may require photo identification or restrict certain items that can be brought in. My office can assist with questions regarding these security measures.

  • Pace yourself. Try to be realistic about what you can see and do on a short trip. Make a “must-see” list and plan your route around town. You can also discover the nation’s capital on foot by planning visits to historic areas around the city. During the summer months plan on numerous water breaks, as D.C. can be hot and humid. It is also a good idea to pack an umbrella for days you plan outside sightseeing activities.

  • Use public transportation. On-street parking is very limited in D.C. Take advantage of Metro, the city’s subway system. Refer to the station map or a city map for station locations. More information about Metro, including fare rates and a trip planner can be found at http://www.wmata.com/.

  • Enjoy the city’s free activities. Many of the city’s attractions and experiences are free, including monuments, memorials, and entrance to many museums. Museums and galleries frequently offer free tours and curators’ talks. There are also many free music and street festivals that take place throughout the year. A wonderful place for updated information is through the Washington Post’s website at www.washingtonpost.com.

Other Attractions:  

Monuments and Memorials: A guide of the monuments and memorials of Washington, D.C.

Museums and Galleries: Museums and Galleries in Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian Institution: A list of the 13 Smithsonian museums and galleries

National Archives: The National Archives is home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights

Washington DC Bus Tours: The major bus tour companies in Washington DC allow you to hop on and off at stops

Parks and Gardens: Parks and Gardens of Washington, D.C.

Government Buildings: Government buildings of interest

Historic Area Homes: Historic Area Homes in Washington, D.C.

Day trips from Washington, D.C.: Day trips from Washington, D.C.

Other Historic Sites: Other Historic sites in Washington, D.C.

Cathedrals and Churches: Cathedrals and Churches of Washington, D.C.