Tours in Washington, D.C.

Visiting our nation's capital is an exciting and educational experience. My door is always open to you, so please don't hesitate to stop by my office to visit with me and my staff. My staff can also help you book a variety of tours for your trip. Please fill out our online tour request form below, and my tour coordinator will be in touch with you.

Tour hours and ticket availabilities vary throughout the year, so please contact my office with at least 8-12 weeks advance notice if possible.  While my staff will do everything possible to coordinate your tours, submitting a request does not guarantee a reservation.

Click here to submit a tour request.

Tour Information

The White House

Due to increased security procedures and high popularity, tour requests for the White House should be made as close to six months in advance as possible, and requests are considered on a first come first serve basis.  The White House requires one month advance notice for all tour requests. The White House tour is a self-guided tour through parts of the east wing of the building. You will have the opportunity to see a mix of historic meeting rooms, dining rooms, and event hosting areas in the White House's east wing. Tours take place mornings on Tuesday through Saturday.

The United States Capitol

Tours of the Capitol building are available Monday through Saturday. If your party is 15 or fewer people, your tour will be led by a member of my staff whenever possible. Tours meet in the Capitol Visitor's Center, and include the Capitol Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, the Old Senate Chamber, the Old Supreme Court Chamber and the Crypt. Tours are approximately one hour in length. General admission tickets are free, but required, and they are available online at http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/.

Watching Congress in Session

Visiting the chambers offers the unique opportunity to see our government in action. The Senate and House Galleries are open to visitors whenever either body is in session. In addition, the House Gallery is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, when the House is not in session. Passes are required to enter either gallery at any time. Constituents may obtain gallery passes from my office in Washington (119 Cannon House Office Building).

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress offers hour-long, docent-led tours of the historic Thomas Jefferson Building. Tours are given Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Reservations are not needed.  Click here for more information on the Library of Congress's walk-up tours. 

 

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

As the U.S. Government's security printer, the BEP is responsible for the design, engraving and printing of all U.S. paper currency. The Bureau offers both same-day tickets as well as limited reserved spots through Congressional offices. Congressional tours fill up fast so please try to submit your request as early as possible.

The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court offers lectures to the public, as well as a Congressional lecture at 2 pm on days when the court is not sitting. The Congressional lecture is limited to 6 guests maximum. Public lecture tickets are offered every hour on the half hour from 9:30am to 3:30pm on Monday through Friday on days that the court is not in sitting. Courtroom seating is limited and available on a first-come first-seated basis so please arrive early.

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The Kennedy Center is a hub of cultural activity in Washington, DC that features an unparalleled variety of theatrical and musical performances each year. Walk up tours are given from 10am to 5pm Monday through Friday and 10am to 1pm on Weekends. Tours are typically 1 hour in length. Additionally, there is a free concert at 6pm every evening. For information on performances at the Kennedy Center, please visit their website at http://www.kennedy-center.org/

National Cathedral

As one of the most well known cathedrals in the United States, the beautiful architecture and exquisite grounds are well worth seeing on your trip to Washington. Tours of the Cathedral are offered at a various time Sunday through Saturday, including a special tour for constituents at 9 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Pentagon

Tours of the headquarters for the Department of Defense lasts approximately 1 hour, and are offered from 9am to 3pm excluding federal holidays. Tours can be reserved through my office or through the Pentagon's website. Tours are by reservation only and must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Earlier reservations are recommended as spots tend to fill up quickly.

National Archives

Guided tours of the National Archives are given once a day, Monday through Friday, at 9:45am. However, if you would like a self-guided tour, entrance times can be reserved at various times throughout the day. Please make reservations at least 6 weeks in advance. Reservations can be made through my office or directly with the National Archives by calling (202) 357-5450 or by clicking here.

Treasury

Guided tours of the Treasury Department are available only on Saturdays. Tours start at 9, 9:45, 10:30 and 11:15. Please schedule tours in advance, and note that security information will be required.

 

State Department

Tours of the State Department include the renowned Diplomatic Reception rooms. Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 9:30am, 10:30am, and 2:45pm and last about 45 minutes. Reservations are required and should be made at least four weeks in advance. Requests for reservations can be made through my office.  Please note that children under 12 are not allowed on this Fine Arts tour.

Other Places to Visit In and Around Washington, DC

In addition to the tours featured on our website, there are many more sites in Washington, DC that are well worth seeing.

Parks & Monuments
Arlington Cemetery
Botanic Garden
Brewmaster's Castle (Christian Heurich Mansion)
Dumbarton Oaks
Washington Monument

Museums
Holocaust Museum
International Spy Museum
Kreeger Museum (building architect Philip Johnson lived & worked in New Canaan, CT from 1949 until his death in 2005)
Merriweather-Post/Hillwood Museum
Mount Vernon
National Museum of the American Indian
National Zoo
Smithsonian

Bridgeport, CT

211 State Street, 2nd Floor
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: (866) 453-0028
Fax: (203) 333-6655
Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm