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Below you will find in-depth tour information for many of the major attractions in the Washington, DC area. Tours that include “Constituent Tour Availability” information denote sites that my office can help you obtain tours to, including special staff-led tours of the U.S. Capitol. In the case of the White House, constituent tours are currently the only way for the public to visit the White House.
For more information on how my office can help make your trip to our nation’s capitol eventful, please contact Mark Kearney in my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-3765.
The White House
Tour Summary: The tour includes visits to the State Dining Room, the Red Room, the Blue Room, the Green Room, and the East Room.
Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Closest Metro Stop: McPherson Square (Blue and Orange lines)
Tour Length: 30-45 minutes, self-guided
Availability: 7:30 am to 12:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday (excluding federal holidays). The White House Visitor’s Office reserves the right to select the time.
How to Request a Tour: It is highly recommended that tours be requested at least 6 months in advance. Constituents are encouraged to submit their request as early as possible since a limited number of tours are available and tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis approximately one month in advance of the requested date. Congressional request is required to tour the White House.
Costs: Free.
Notes: You will be notified of your tour’s status approximately three weeks before the requested tour date.
Security Information: When the White House accommodates tour requests, constituents then must provide security information (including the full names, social security numbers, and dates of birth of EACH member of the group) to my office, which is in turn passed on to the White House. Non-US citizens will need to submit a passport number and country of origin.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
White House Virtual Tours and History
White House Area Map
The United States Capitol
Tour Summary: The United States Capitol in Washington, DC is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The tour includes visits to the Crypt, Rotunda, Old Supreme Court Chamber, Statuary Hall, and House Gallery.
Closest Metro Stop: Capitol South (Blue and Orange lines)
Tour Length: 1½ to 2 hours, depending on crowds
Constituent Tour Availability: Staff-led tours arranged through my office are available Monday through Friday during regular business hours, 9 am to 4 pm. Constituents seeking a tour lead by a member of my staff can contact Mark Kearney at (202) 225-3765 to arrange the tour.
Public Tour Availability: Public tours through the Capitol Visitors Service are available between 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Saturday. Visitors seeking a tour through the Capitol Visitors Service may obtain tickets at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk beginning at 9:00 am.
Costs: Free.
Notes: Constituents can also obtain passes to view House and Senate proceedings as they unfold through my Washington, D.C. office.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Map of the Capitol Grounds
List of Prohibited Items in the Capitol Building
Architectural Features and Historic Spaces of the U.S. Capitol
Works of Art in the Capitol Complex
The Supreme Court
Tour Summary: Public lectures are given in the courtroom. In addition, there are documentary films and exhibits to see.
Address: 1st St and Maryland Ave, NE
Closest Metro Stop: Capitol South (Blue and Orange Lines) or Union Station (Red Lines)
Public Tour Availability: Open Monday-Friday 9 AM-4:30 PM, except on federal holidays. Public lectures are conducted in the courtroom from 9:30 AM-3:30 PM every hour on the half-hour, except when the court is in session. No tours are given during August. Hearing impaired listening systems can be obtained by asking a police officer when being seated.
Costs: Free.
How to request a tour: Tours can be arranged by calling the Court at 202-479-3211.
Notes: Inclement weather may affect if the Court is open to the public; Street parking is extremely limited
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
About the Supreme Court [.pdf]
Visitor’s Guide to the Supreme Court [.pdf]
Visitor’s Guide to Oral Argument at the Supreme Court [.pdf]
Map of the Supreme Court Grounds [.pdf]
Library of Congress
Tour Summary: The Library’s primary function is to serve the US Congress. Every book ever published in America can be found in three buildings of the Library of Congress. Library-trained volunteers and staff show guests the Jefferson Building of the Library.
Address: 101 Independence Avenue, SE. Tour groups are asked to enter through the Jefferson Building driveway level entrance facing 1st Street, SE.
Closest Metro Stop: Capitol South (Blue and Orange lines)
Tour Length: One hour
Constituent Tour Availability: Constituent tours are offered Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. (During low season (November through February) no 8:30 a.m. tour is offered.) Please request tour at least 2 weeks before the desired tour date. (We encourage you to submit your request as early as possible since a limited number of tours are available and tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis.)
Public Tour Availability: Public tours are scheduled Monday through Saturday at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 (with no 3:30 tours on Saturdays). These tours are open to individual visitors as well as groups of fewer than 16 participants, and require no reservations or tickets. Groups of 16 to 60 participants may reserve private tours with advance notice by contacting the Visitor Services Office. These tours are available only by reservation and on a first-come first-served basis. The group tour schedule is Monday through Friday, at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., or 1:00pm.
Costs: Free.
How to request a tour: Tours can be arranged by calling my office at 202-225-3765 or the Library at (202) 707-5000.
Notes: Because the group tour is a lecture tour, it is not recommended for school groups younger than 5th grade.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Building Maps and Floor Plans
Directions to the Library
Library’s Hours
Bureau of Engraving and Printing (aka The Mint)
Tour Summary: The tour allows the public to view and learn about the various steps of currency production.
Address: 14th and C Streets, SW Washington, DC 20228
Closest Metro Stop: Smithsonian (Blue and Orange lines)
Tour Length: One hour
Constituent Tour Availability: 8:15 am and 8:45 am. In the months of May through August, tours are also available at 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, and 4:45 pm. Please request tour at least 2 weeks before the desired tour date. (We encourage you to submit your request as early as possible since a limited number of tours are available and tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis.) Constituent tours can be arranged by calling my office at 202-225-3765
Public Tour Availability: During non-peak season—September through February—no tickets are required. Free timed tickets are required for entry during peak season, March through August. Visitors may obtain tickets at the onsite ticket booth located on Raoul Wallenberg Place (formerly 15th Street) beginning at 8:00 am and closes when all tickets have been distributed. Ticket times include 9:00 am to 10:45 am and 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm Monday through Friday. In the months of May through August, additional tours are available 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Public Group Tours: If you show up with a group of over 25 people, your group will not be accommodated unless you have a reservation. Tours with over 25 visitors must schedule tours in advance with the tour office. No tickets will be given out at the ticket booth for large groups.
Costs: Free.
Notes: Lines form early and tickets go quickly. On most days, all tickets have been distributed before 7 am. During this time of heightened security, be advised that all tour policies are subject to change without public notification. If the Department of Homeland Security level is elevated to CODE ORANGE, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is CLOSED to the public unless otherwise noted.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Group Reservation Request Forms
Sign-up for Washington, D.C. Public Tour E-Mail Updates
The Washington Monument
Tour Summary: Tour the most prominent, as well as one of the older most recognizable attractions in Washington, D.C. It was built in honor of George Washington, who led the country to independence, and then became its first President. The Monument is shaped like an Egyptian obelisk, 555’ 5/8” high, and averages 30 to 40 miles visibility in clear weather. It was finished on December 6, 1884.
Address: Located on the National Mall at 15th and Constitution Ave, NW
Closest Metro Stop: Smithsonian (Blue and Orange lines)
Tour Length: Varies
Public Tour Availability: The Washington Monument is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last tour beginning at 4:45 pm. The only days for scheduled closure are July 4th and December 25th. Tours require a ticket which can be obtained at a kiosk for the monument, located at the base of the monument on 15th street. The kiosk opens at 8:30 am to distribute free tickets on a first come first serve basis.
Costs: Free on day of visit or $1.50 fee per order to reserve tickets ahead of time. If you care to reserve a ticket(s) in advance you may do so by going to either visiting the National Park Service ticketing website or by calling 1.877.444.6777. For group reservations only call 1.877.559.6777.
Notes: During the spring and summer, tickets traditionally go very quickly for the entire day. The line for tickets forms as early as 7:30 am, so you are advised to plan accordingly.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Reserve Tickets in Advance
Map of the Washington Monument and National Mall Grounds
Directions to the Washington Monument
Operating Hours and Prohibited Items
Things to Know Before Your Visit
The Washington Monument In Depth
The Lincoln Memorial
Tour Summary: Features a 19-foot marble statue of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. The memorial also exhibits inscriptions of Lincoln’s second Inaugural Address and the Gettysburg Address.
Address: Located on the National Mall at West Potomac Park and 23rd St., NW
Closest Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom/GWU (Blue and Orange Lines)
Tour Length: Varies
Public Tour Availability: Open 8 AM- 12 midnight. Closed on Christmas.
Costs: Free
Notes: The Lincoln Memorial chamber is wheelchair accessible via an elevator in the lower lobby. Wheelchairs are available for loan on a first come first serve basis at the Korean War Veterans memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Kiosks.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Brochure Describing the Murals at the Lincoln Memorial [.pdf]
Map of the National Mall and Lincoln Memorial
Directions to the Lincoln Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial
Tour Summary: Honors America’s third president. It features a 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson and inscriptions of passage of the Declaration of Independence and other famous Jefferson writings.
Address: Located on the National Mall at 14th St., SW on the tidal basin
Closest Metro Stop: Smithsonian (Blue and Orange Lines)
Tour Length: Varies, however park rangers give 15-minute talks several times on the hour
Public Tour Availability: Open daily from 8 AM- 11:45 PM. The lower lobby is open daily from 8 AM – 11:30 PM. Closed on Christmas.
Costs: Free
Notes: The lower lobby holds an elevator to provide access to the Memorial Chamber, Restrooms, Museum and Bookstore/Gift shop.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
The Jefferson Memorial In Depth
Directions to the Jefferson Memorial
Map of the Jefferson Memorial and Surrounding Area
FDR Memorial
Tour Summary: The memorial traces twelve years of American history through a series of four outdoor areas, with each focusing on one of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s terms in office.
Address: Located on the National Mall near the tidal basin
Closest Metro Stop: Smithsonian (Blue and Orange Lines)
Tour Length: Varies
Public Tour Availability: The public may visit the FDR Memorial 24 hours a day. However Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm daily.
Costs: Free
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Directions to the FDR Memorial
Map of the FDR Memorial and Surrounding Area
Frequently Asked Questions About the FDR Memorial
FDR Memorial In Depth
Arlington National Cemetery
Tour Summary: Highlights include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Amphitheater, the Curtis-Lee Mansion, and the graves of Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft.
Address: Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA
Closest Metro Stop: Arlington Cemetery (Blue Line)
Tour Length: Varies
Public Tour Availability: Arlington National Cemetery is open to the public at 8 a.m. 365 days a year. From April 1 to Sept. 30 the cemetery closes at 7 p.m.; the other six months it closes at 5 p.m.
Costs: Free, but narrated bus tours start from the visitors’ center for a cost: Adults $6.00, Children $3.00, Seniors $5.00. The cost of parking is $1.25/hour for the first three hours, and $2.00/hour thereafter.
Notes: The cemetery does not provide wheelchairs or strollers.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Arlington National Cemetery Facts
Map of Arlington National Cemetery
The World War II Memorial
Tour Summary: The National Mall’s newest memorial was dedicated to the men and women of World War II – America’s Greatest Generation – on May 29, 2004. The memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S. during World War II and the more than 400,000 who died.
Address: Located on the National Mall at 17th St., between Constitution and Independence Avenues, NW
Closest Metro Stop: Smithsonian (Blue and Orange Lines).
Tour Length: Varies
Public Tour Availability: Open 24 hours daily.
Costs: Free.
Notes: Includes a searchable, interactive registry of the men and women who bravely served our nation during WWII. Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm daily.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Map of the National Mall and the WWII Memorial
Directions to the WWII Memorial
WWII Memorial Photo Gallery
Korean War Memorial
Tour Summary: Features 19 soldiers arrayed for combat, with the American flag as their symbolic objective. A 164-foot wall is etched with 2,500 photographic images of the support personnel whose efforts sustained the military operation
Address: On the National Mall, adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.
Closest Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom/GWU (Blue and Orange Lines)
Tour Length: Varies
Public Tour Availability: Open 8 AM - Midnight. Closed on Christmas.
Costs: Free.
Notes: Facilities include a bookstore, touch screen registry, restrooms and concessions.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Korean War Memorial In Depth
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Tour Summary: Honors the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam War. The V-shaped memorial is made of black granite and is inscribed with the names of the 58,209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam War.
Address: Located on the National Mall just north of the Lincoln Memorial.
Closest Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom/GWU (Blue and Orange Lines)
Tour Length: Varies
Public Tour Availability: Open 8 AM - Midnight. Closed on Christmas.
Costs: Free.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Map of the National Mall and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Directions to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial In Depth
The National Archives
Tour Summary: Stop in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery for the latest changing exhibits, tour the Public Vaults – the newest interactive permanent exhibit, see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights up close and discover why records matter. Find out for yourself the important role that documents play in the history of our country and the lives of Americans.
Address: 700 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Closest Metro Stop: Archives-Navy Memorial (Green and Yellow Lines)
Tour Length: Plan on spending at least 90 mins
Public Tour Availability: Self-guided tours are available from March 15 - Labor Day from 10 A.M. - 7 P.M. Post-Labor Day - March 14 tours are available between 10 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. Reservations are recommended for self-guided tours. Without reservations, please note that it can take up to 1 hour or more to enter the building through the general public entry especially during the months of March, April and May, Thanksgiving weekend, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. You can reserve a tour spot by calling (202) 357-5000 or volunteer@nara.gov.
Group Tour Availability: Reservations are required for individuals or groups up to 20 wishing to take a one-hour guided tour of the National Archives Experience. Space is limited to 20 persons. Reservations must be made at least 6 weeks prior to the date of the visit. Please contact the Volunteer and Tour Office at 202-357-5450 to schedule a date and time for your visit or visit the National Archives website. Group tours are guided and take place Mon-Fri at 9:45 A.M.
Costs: Free.
Notes: Last admission is thirty minutes before closing. The Rotunda entrance, which includes the Exhibit Hall, is on Constitution Avenue. All food and beverages are prohibited.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Learn More About What There is to See at the National Archives
Map of the National Archives [.pdf]
National Archives Upcoming Events
National Cathedral
Tour Summary: One of the most prominent and well-known buildings in Washington, DC, tours allow the public to view the dramatic art and Gothic architecture of the Cathedral.
Location: The corner of Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, NW
Closest Metro Stop: Tenleytown/AU (Red Line).
Tour Length: Varies depending tour type
Public Tour Availability: Public can visit Monday-Friday 10 AM - 5:30 PM with tours 10 AM - 11:30 AM and 12:45 AM - 3:30 PM. Saturday open 10 AM - 4:30 PM with tours 10 AM – 11:30 AM and 12:45 PM - 3:30 PM. Sunday open 8 AM - 6:30 PM with tours 12:45 AM - 2:30 PM. Different fees apply for different tour types and certain sections or the entire Cathedral may be closed on certain dates. See below for more information.
Costs: Self-guided tours are free. Guided tours are $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and $1 for children. Audio tour fees: $5 per person. Tour and Tea fees are also available for $22 per person.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
More Details on the Operating Hours of the National Cathedral
Touring Interruptions
Driving Directions
Directions from the Metro
The Kennedy Center
Tour Summary: The tour features the Hall of States and Hall of Nations, the Center's main theaters and dozens of paintings, sculptures and other artwork given to the Center by foreign countries.
Address: 2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20566 (The intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and the Rock Creek Parkway.)
Closest Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom/GWU (Blue and Orange Lines) Beginning at 10:00 AM, a free Kennedy Center Shuttle departs every 15 minutes from the metro stop.
Tour Length: Approx. one hour
Public Tour Availability: Weekdays 10 AM to 5 PM and Weekends 10 AM to 1 PM.
Costs: Free.
Notes: The morning tour departs from the Hall of States entrance. The afternoon tour leaves from the Tour Desk on Parking Level A. The Kennedy Center also offers free tours of the building given in several foreign languages upon request: English, Spanish, German, French and Japanese. Free shows take place on the Millennium Stage daily at 6pm.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Kennedy Center Virtual Tour
Directions to and Parking Information for the Kennedy Center
Map of the Kennedy Center
U.S.M.A. War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial)
Tour Summary: The 78-foot memorial commemorates all marines who have died in battle since 1775. The statue depicts one of the most famous incidents of World War II symbolizes this nation’s esteem for the honored dead of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Address: Located off Route 50 near Arlington National Cemetery. Closest Metro Stop: Arlington Cemetery (Blue Line)
Tour Length: Varies
Public Tour Availability: Open 8 AM - Midnight. Closed on Christmas.
Costs: Free.
Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center
Tour Summary: Honors the men and women of the US Navy. Features a 100 foot granite map of the world surrounded by depictions of historic Navy events.
Address: Pennsylvania Avenue, between 7th and 9th Sts.
Closest Metro Stop: Archives-Navy Memorial (Green and Yellow Lines).
Tour Length: Varies
Public Tour Availability: Memorial Open Daily. Heritage Center Open: March-October 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Costs: Free.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Upcoming Events
Directions, Map and Contact Information
History of the Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center
Federal Bureau of Investigations **Currently Closed
FBI Tours is undergoing extensive renovations and is closed until further notice. For more information visit the FBI tours web site.
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
Tour Summary: 30 exhibits with mementos left at the memorial, photos from ceremonies, and murals. Address: E Street NW, between 4th and 5th Streets. The visitor center is located 2 blocks away at 605 E St NW.
Closest Metro Stop: Judiciary Square (Red Line). Take the F Street exit.
Tour Length: Varies
Public Tour Availability: Open 24 hours a day. Visitors Center Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM, Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM, Sunday: 12 Noon – 5 PM. Tours must be scheduled at least a week in advance.
Costs: Free.
Additional Visitor’s Resources:
Request a Tour of the Memorial Online
A Walking Tour of the Memorial
Directions and Map to the Memorial
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Public laws
