Tips for Touring D.C.
1. Plan well in advance-- 3-6 months!
Tickets are on a first come, first serves basis to the White House, Capitol, Bureau of Printing and Engraving and the Department of the Treasury. Contact us ASAP to ensure we’re able to assist you!
2. Carry only the essentials--wallet, phone, and camera.
Many Federal buildings (including Smithsonian’s) have metal detectors when you enter. The less you have, the easier it will be!
3. Don’t overdo it!
It is important to know that the National Mall is almost 3 miles long from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. Sometimes the best trips are when you go for quality over quantity! If you’re visiting during the summer months, keep in mind that Washington is known for being hot and humid. Be prepared with water bottles, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
4. Take advantage of public transportation.
Washington, DC has one of the cleanest and most efficient subway systems in the world! It’s relatively cheap to use, and makes seeing the city much more accessible, especially if you’re staying at a hotel outside of the city. Whether you want to avoid the long walk or stay out of the rain, either the Metro or public bus system is a great option.
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Staff Favorites
U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory:
Maryland Avenue, SW. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Group tours are available by request except Saturday and Sunday or during any shows. For information, call (202) 225-8333. Tour Reservation line: (202) 225-1116. Metro Stop: Federal Center South West.
World War II Memorial
The site lies along the central vista of the National Mall, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The memorial rests at the eastern end of the Reflecting Pool along 17th Street, NW/SW. The public may visit the World War II Memorial 24 hours a day. Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily.
National Arboretum:
The National Arboretum constitutes 444 acres of trees, shrubs and assorted plants in the northeast section of the District of Columbia. The National Arboretum is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For information, call (202) 245-4575.
Maine Lobsterman Statue:
Southwest Waterfront Park (6th & Water Sts SW), Waterfront-SEU Metro (Green)
Roosevelt Island and Memorial:
Mt. Vernon Trail, Arlington, VA. There are park rangers available from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day except Christmas Day. There are no fees to visit any of the monuments or memorials in the park. Metro Stop: Rosslyn. Contact information: (202) 426-6841.
Lincoln Memorial:
The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most beautiful areas of the city to visit at night, and is truly awe-inspiring to see. It is located at West Potomac Park at the foot of 23rd Street, NW. The memorials and monuments on the National Mall are opened daily from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., every day except Christmas Day. Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom or the Smithsonian Metro stop which comes out on the National Mall. Contact information: (202) 426-6841.
Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress:
Located on First Street, SE between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street, the Library of Congress houses more than 119 million items, including the papers of 23 presidents of the United States, Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and the earliest motion picture print. The Thomas Jefferson Building was completed in 1897 and restored to its ori
Union Station:
50 Massachusetts Ave., NE Washington, DC 20002. Metro Stop: Union Station- Red Line. Union Station is not only a historical building, but it contains dozens of shops and restaurants.
National Zoo:
3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW. May 1st through September 15th hours: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., animal rooms open 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. September 16th to April 30th: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., animal rooms open 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Phone (202) 673-4800 or (202) 673-4717. Metro Stop: Woodley Park-Adams Morgan. Admission is free, but parking rates are as follows: $5 for three hours, $7 for up to four hours, $9 for up to five hours, $11 for over five hours.
International Spy Museum:
The International Spy Museum is pleased to offer a variety of espionage excursions that can be customized into a unique spy adventure for any size group. From secret missions and deceptive maneuvers to dining with former spies, we can develop an all-exclusive day of living dangerously that will truly be an event to remember. Options include: Scavenger Hunts, Operation Spy, Spy in the City, Onsite Programs, and Speakers Series. Group visits to the International Spy Museum are one of the most dynamic, educational and enjoyable experiences in the Washington DC area! The International Spy Museum welcomes all forms of Groups. The Group Sales team looks forward to booking your groups of 10 or more to ensure a seamless, no-wait experience that will guarantee access to the museums exhibits. The Spy City Cafe is proud to offer a variety of food and beverage options for groups. Please visit us online for more information or contact us at 202-654-0943 to book your trip. Located at 800 F St. NW
Washington,DC 20004 Phone:202-393-7798
Smithsonians:
The museums are open daily, except Christmas, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Air & Space 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Anacostia Museums close at 5:00 p.m.). Extended Summer hours are determined annually. Smithsonian Information Center: (202) 357-2700 (voice), or (202) 357-2729 (TTY). Metro Stop: Smithsonian or L’Enfant Plaza.
Arts and Industries Building-900 Jefferson Drive, SW
Freer Gallery of Art-1050 Independence Ave SW
Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden-Independence Avenue at 7th Street
National Gallery of Art-750 Ninth Street, NW
National Museum of American History-14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
National Museum of Natural History-10th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
National Portrait Gallery-8th and F Street, NW
Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)-1000 Jefferson Drive, SW
National Museum of African Art-950 Independence Avenue, SW
National Air and Space Museum- 7th and Independence Ave., SW
Paddle Boats in the Tidal Basin:
March 15 through Labor Day - open 7 days a week (weather permitting) After Labor Day until Columbus Day Weekend - open Wed thru Sun (weather permitting) 10am-6pm (last boat out at 5pm). Take Metro to the Smithsonian Station (Blue/Orange lines) and use the 12th Street & Independence Ave.exit. Walk west on Independence toward 15th Street. Turn left on Raoul Wallenberg Pl./15th Street and continue toward the Jefferson Memorial and look for the Tidal Basin Paddle Boat dock.
Jefferson Memorial:
South bank of the Tidal Basin. The memorials and monuments on the National Mall are opened daily from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., every day except Christmas Day. There are no fees to visit any of the monuments or memorials on the National Mall. At the Swan Boathouse, you can rent a paddleboat and cruise the Tidal Basin. Metro Stop: Smithsonian Metro stop comes out on the National Mall. Contact information: (202) 426-6841.
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. Sites include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Amphitheater, the Custis-Lee Mansion and the graves of Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft. Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier take place every hour on the hour and every half hour from 8:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. Metro Stop: Arlington Cemetery. Parking is $1.25 per hour for first three hours and $2.00 for every following hour. Website: www.arlingtoncemetery.org. For information, call (703) 607-8000.
Old Post Office:
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. National Parks Service offers a tour of the bell tower with a splendid view of the city. The lines for this tour are normally much shorter than for the Washington Memorial. For information, call (202) 289-4224. Metro Stop: Federal Triangle or Navy Memorial.
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Transportation to and around D.C.
- Washington Dulles International Airport
- BWI Airport
- Reagan National Airport
- Amtrak
- MARC Train
- D.C. Metro