Visit Washington DC





Please let me know when you will be in Washington. I would love to help you out in any way that I can with your planning! You can call Michael Horder in my office at 202-225-3605 and he can help set  you up with some tours in the area. Please have only one contact per group contact my office for your trip.

Monuments
Museums
Tours
Events
Washington Post Dining Guide

Request a Tour

Monuments

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Open daily. October - March: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. March - September: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Amphitheater, the Curtis-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 is every hour on the hour during the winter months and every half hour during the summer months. The Lee Mansion opens at 9:30 and Closes at 4:30 during the summer hours. Narrated bus tour: Adults-$4 and Children-$2 (under 12) Phone: 703.607.8052. Parking-$1.25/hour, after 3rd hour $2/hour. Arlington Cemetery Metro Station.

JEFFERSON MEMORIAL
South bank of the Tidal Basin. Open 24 hours a day. You can rent a pedal boat at the Swan Boat House to cruise the Basin. Smithsonian Metro Station. Rangers are on duty to ask questions from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL
Located at West Potomac Park on the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial. Open daily, every day of the year, except Christmas, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:15 p.m. Parking is on Ohio Drive and parking lots are near the Inlet Bridge. Memorial entrance is at the intersection of West Basin Drive and Ohio Drive. For more information call the National Park Service at 202.488.6841. Foggy Bottom or Smithsonian Metro Stations (both are about 10 blocks away).

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
First and Independence Avenue. Tours of the Thomas Jefferson Building are conducted at 10:30 a.m., 11:30, 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Enter and meet inside the West Front Entrance to the Thomas Jefferson Building on First Street S.E. facing the Capitol. Same day tickets are required and may be obtained at the Jefferson information desk beginning at 10:00 a.m. Phone: 202.707.5458. Capitol South Metro Station.

LINCOLN MEMORIAL
West Potomac Park at the foot of 23rd Street, N.W. Open 24 hours a day. Phone: 202. 426.6841. Foggy Bottom Metro Station (a little over a mile walk down 23rd Street to Mall).

MOUNT VERNON (HOME OF GEORGE WASHINGTON)
Alexandria, Virginia. Open to the public every day of the year at 9:00 a.m. from September through March and at 8:00 a.m. April through August. Gate closes at 4:00 p.m. November through February and 5:00 p.m. the rest of the year. ADMISSION: Adults, $13; Seniors 62 and over, $12: Children, ages 6-11, $6; Children, ages 5 and under, free. Special prices available for certain school, youth , and senior citizens groups. Phone: 703. 780.2000. Transportation suggestions: car, bus, or boat. Metro Bus and Rail 202.637.7000, Fairfax Connector 703.339.7200, Tourmobile Sightseeing Tours 202.554.7950, Gold Line 202.289.1995, or All About Town 202.393.3606. Boat cruises are available on the Potomac Spirit from mid-March to October 202.554.8000.

NATIONAL CATHEDRAL
Wisconsin and Massachusetts Avenues, N.W. This "great church for national purposes” is open to visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended summer hours are weekdays from May through Labor Day. Guided tours are available Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and again at 12:45 with the last tour beginning at 3:15. However, on Wednesday, the afternoon tours begin again at 1:15p.m. Sunday tours are from 12:45 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. A donation of $2 is requested. The Cathedral is closed Christmas, Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, and Thanksgiving. For more information and group tour reservations, call 202.537.6207. Tenleytown/American University Metro Station (approximately 1 ½ mile walk south on Wisconsin).

NATIONAL SHRINE
The National Catholic Basilica is located on Michigan and 4th Streets. Open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from April 1 through October 31, and from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the Winter months. 202.526.8300. Brookland/CUA Metro Station.

UNION STATION
Capitol Hill near the Senate Office Buildings. Recently restored to its original splendor, this historic train station , house shops, movie theaters, and restaurants. The main hall is magnificent and is 22, 000 square feet larger than its nearest rival, New York City's Grand Central Station. Union Station is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Union Station Metro.

VIETNAM VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL
Henry Bacon Drive and Constitution Avenue, N.W. Constructed of black granite to honor and recognize all Americans who served in the Vietnam War. As a special tribute to those who did not return, the names of more than 58, 000 individuals who gave their lives or who remain missing are inscribed in the Memorials walls. The names are listed in chronological order. Open all day, year round. Smithsonian Metro Station.

THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT
On the mall at 15th Street, N.W. Open daily April from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Phone: 202.426.6841. Smithsonian Metro Station.

THE WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
The National World War II Memorial, located on the National Mall in Washington, DC commemorates the sacrifice and celebrates the victory of the WWII generation. The World War II Memorial creates a distinct, evocative and serene tribute yet remains respectful and sensitive to its historic surroundings. The memorial is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2004. The memorials dedication was on May 29th, 2004.

Museums

AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM'S STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER
14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, Virginia 20151.
Hours: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm Open every day except December 25.
The Air and Space Museum's spectacular companion facility opened in 2003 with more than 80 aircraft and 60 space artifacts on display. The Udvar-Hazy Center is south of the main terminal at Dulles Airport in northern Virginia. Parking is available for $12 per day. Round trip shuttle bus service is available to and from the National Mall for $7 per person.

U.S. BOTANIC GARDENS
Maryland Avenue and 1st Street S.W. Open daily. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Group tours are available with reservations made three weeks in advance. The tours are at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Phone: 202.225.8333. The Federal Center S.W. Metro Station stops 3 blocks from the Gardens.

BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING
14th and C Streets, S.W. See how U.S. currency is printed. Tours Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Closed weekends, federal holidays, and December 24-January 4. Tickets may be picked up for that day or later that week from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Evening tours available June 2- August 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The ticket booth reopens from 3:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Phone: 202.874.3019. Smithsonian Metro Station. Closed when in Orange Threat Level.

FORD'S THEATER AND LINCOLN MUSEUM
10th Street between E and F Streets, N.W. Open daily (except Christmas) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 15 minute stories twice an hour from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Phone: 202.426.6924. Metro Center Metro Station.

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Open daily except Christmas and Yom Kippur from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The museum is located at 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW (near 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW). Tickets are available in limited quantity on a first come, first serve basis. Allow at least two hours to visit the museum. Phone: 202.488.0400. Smithsonian Metro Stop.

INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM
Located at 800 F Street NW. It's located near the 7th & F Street exit of the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stop. The hours vary, so check the website for more details or call the 24-Hour Hotline at 866-SPY MUSEUM.

NATIONAL AQUARIUM
In the U.S. Commerce Building on 14th Street between Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania, N.W. House tanks of fish, alligators, eels, and a touch tank for children. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Christmas. ADMISSION: Adults, $5; children under 10, $2.00 ; children under 2, free. 202.482.2825. Federal Triangle Metro Station.

NATIONAL ARCHIVES
7th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. Displays include the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and the Constitution. Open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m except on Labor Day. Call 202.501.5400 for general information and 202.501.5205 for tour information. Archives - Navy Memorial Metro Station.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
6th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Sunday concerts are held at 7:00 p.m. in the East Garden Court from October through June. Phone: 202.737.4215. Archives - Navy Metro Station.

EASTERN MARKET
This favorite destination for Washingtonians, Members of Congress, and tourists alike, remains as one of the last vestiges of the 19th century in Washington, DC. Built in 1873, this Capitol Hill neighborhood market is perfect for weekend outings as it features a Farmers Market, an Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturdays, and a Flea Market on Sundays. Throughout the week, Eastern Market’s public food market serves fresh seafood, select meats, world produce, and other specialty foods. Eastern Market is open every day of the week except for Mondays.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
The Smithsonian museums are open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free Admission. Phone: 202.357.2700. Smithsonian Metro Station (unless specified otherwise).
Arts and Industries
9th Street and Jefferson Drive, S.W.
Freer Gallery of Art
12th Street and Jefferson Drive, S.W.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Independence Avenue and 7th Street, S.W.
National Museum of American Art
8th and G Streets, N.W. Gallery Place Metro Station.
National Portrait Gallery
8th and F Streets, N.W. Gallery Place Metro Station.
Renwick Gallery
17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Farragut West Metro Station.
Smithsonian Building Offices (The Castle)
10th Street and Jefferson Drive, S.W. Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
National Air and Space Museum
7th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W.
National Museum of American History
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.
National Museum of Natural History
10th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.

Tours

THE WHITE HOUSE
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. If you are planning on visiting the White House during your stay in Washington, D.C., please contact our office as far in advance as possible. Spots on White House tours are not guaranteed, especially during peak travels seasons. While you may not be able to tour the White House, the White House Visitor's Center, located on E and 15th Streets, opens at 7:30 a.m. Visitors may call in advance for the most up-to-date information. 202.456.2200. McPherson Square or Metro Center Metro Station.

PENTAGON
Across from the 14th Street Bridge in Virginia. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tours start every half hour. Valid picture I.D. is required for all persons over the age of 16. Phone: 703.695.1776. Pentagon Metro Station.

STATE DEPARTMENT
2201 C Street, N.W. Tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 2:45 p.m. Tours require reservations and are not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Strollers are not permitted. Phone: 202.647.3241. Foggy Bottom Metro Station.

SUPREME COURT
First Street and Maryland Avenue, N.E. Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except federal holidays. When the court is not in session, public lectures are conducted in the Courtroom every hour on the half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 202.479.3211 for a schedule of cases being heard. For general information, call 202.479.3395. Capitol South Metro Station.

TOURMOBILE SERVICE
The National Park Service operates concession-operated tourmobiles that travel from Capitol Hill to Arlington National Cemetery with stops at eighteen historical points in between. Unlimited reboarding privileges for the day of the ticket purchase. Tourmobiles operate from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You must purchase tickets at Arlington Cemetery, or from any driver. Admission: Adults, $12; children ages 3-11, $6 Phone: 202.554.5100. For your groups of 20 or more, please call 202.488.5218.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Located at 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, the historical Treasury Buliding has Texas ties. One-hour guided tours are available on Saturday mornings, excluding holidays, at 10:00 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 10:40 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Ask about former Texas Congressman John Wilcox's widow and her connection to the department. One week advance registration is required and each visitor is required to provide a photo ID, name, date of birth, and social security number. Confirmed reservations are required. Admission is free. Phone: 202.622.0896. Use the Metro Center Metro Station ( use the F and 13th Streets Exit).

UNITED STATES CAPITOL
Capitol Hill. The Capitol is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 7 days a week from March through August. Guided tours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 on Saturday. No tours are offered on Sunday, but guides will be stationed to answer any questions that you may have. Tours begin at the Rotunda in the center of the building. Enter from the East front, facing the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Capitol Historical Society Gift Shop is located in the middle of the First Floor of the East Front of the Capitol. Phone: 202.225.6827. Capitol South Metro Station. Please contact our office to schedule a staff guided Capitol Tour. We schedule tours at 10AM or 2PM Monday through Friday.

UNITED STATES NAVAL OBSERVATORY
34th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. The Vice President's home is located here, but is NOT open to the public. The observatory is open to the public on Monday nights from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The sessions are limited to the first 90 visitors so plan to arrive at 7:00 p.m. to assure entry. Gates open at 8:00 p.m. Phone: 202.762.1467. No Metro Station available.

U.S. NAVAL MEMORIAL AND VISITOR'S CENTER
701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 123. Designed as an educational and heritage awareness facility for the U.S. Navy. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. The center closes at 5:00 p.m. from November 1st through March 31. McPherson Square or Farragut West Metro Station.

Events

NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
From March 26 - April 10, enjoy the 93rd annual Cherry Blossom festival. In 1912, the city of Tokyo gave the people of Washington, D.C. 3,000 cherry trees. Come and enjoy the spirit and the season of the Cherry Blossoms!

JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Regular tours are conducted daily by Friends of the Kennedy Center volunteers from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Visitors should go to tour lounge, parking level A. Phone: 202.416.8340. Foggy Bottom Metro Station.