Washington, D.C. Tours and Tickets
Welcome!
If you are planning a trip to Washington, D.C., my office would be happy to assist you with your visit. Please use this page as a resource to learn more about attractions and tour opportunities. And while you’re in town, feel free to stop by my office to say hello!
General Information and Requests
Tours of the many historic locations in Washington D.C. are very popular with visitors to our nation’s capital. As such, my staff and I will help as best we can to help arrange tours for constituents.
Tour Information and Requests
- The White House
- The United States Capitol
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing
- The Supreme Court
- The Library of Congress
- The State Department
- Pentagon
- Kennedy Center
- National Archives
- Washington Monument
- The Smithsonian Museums
The White House
White House Tours have been restored! After filling out the form you will then receive an email from my staff requesting security information. Requests for tours may be submitted up to six months in advance, and no later than 21 days before the requested tour date. It is recommended that you submit your tour request at least 3 months in advance for a better chance of being accepted.
Additionally, please note that the denial of a tour from the White House Visitors Office is often a result of scheduling and availability. The White House Visitors Office does not process security information until after a tour of the White House has been granted.
If you would like to learn more about the White House, you should stop by the White House Visitor Center located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20230. The visitors center is open seven days a week from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
The United States Capitol Building
The United States Capitol Building is a living monument and a symbol for representative democracy. Home to the legislative branch of government, tours of the Capitol Building can be requested online: http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/visit/book_a_tour/index.html or through our office by filling out the form below.
The Library of Congress
Located across the street from the Capitol Building, the Library of Congress is one of the most beautiful buildings in Washington. Public guided tours of the ornate Jefferson Building are available Monday-Friday at 8:45am, 9:45am, 1:45pm, and 2:45pm. For more information go to http://www.loc.gov/visit/ or fill out the form below.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the money factory, is a great place to learn about our nation’s currency. They are responsible for designing, engraving and printing all of our nation’s paper currency. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour typically lasts around 40 minutes and features an introductory film and the opportunity to see millions of dollars being printed as you walk along the production floor. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (door closes at 3:00 pm) in March, and 8:30 am to 7:30 pm (door closes at 7:00 pm), April through August. You can find out more information on tours by visiting: http://www.moneyfactory.gov/tours/washingtondctours.html or by filling out our form below.
*indicates information that you need to provide.
** To submit your tour request we will need detailed information such as: name, birth date, place of birth, and social security number. Please be prepared to provide this information for members of your tour party when we respond to your request.
The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court does not offer guided tours, however, they do offer courtroom lectures for the public. Trained Docents lead these 30-minute programs, which are designed to introduce visitors of all ages to the judicial functions of the Supreme Court, the history of the Building, and the architecture of the Courtroom. For more information go to http://www.supremecourt.gov/visiting/touringthebuilding.aspx.
The State Department
Tours of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, where Heads of Government and distinguished foreign guests are received, are available to the public. This is a fine arts tour and recommended for ages 12 and over. Tours are available Monday through Friday at 9:30am, 10:30am, and 2:45pm. Tours are 45 minutes. For more information go to https://receptiontours.state.gov/.
The Pentagon
As the largest office building in the world, the Pentagon is the headquarters for the Department of Defense. To put its size in perspective, the Pentagon is twice the size of the Merchandize Mart in Chicago. Reservations for public tours must be made 8 to 90 days in advance. For more information go to: https://pentagontours.osd.mil/tour-selection.jsp
The Kennedy Center
Located along the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center is the nation’s performing arts center. Tours of the Kennedy Center feature an interactive exhibit on the life and presidency of President John F. Kennedy and the historic events that led to the developing of the national cultural center. Tours of the Kennedy Center are available on weekdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. For more information go to http://www.kennedy-center.org/visitor/tours.html.
The National Archives is home to some of our nation's most important documents, including the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Museum Hours are from 10:00AM-5:30PM and has daily features as well as visiting displays. Guided Tours are available Monday-Friday at 9:45am and can be booked by visiting: http://www.archeves.gov/nea/visit/reserved-visits.html
The Washington Monument is open year-round 7 days per week from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Daily tickets are issued on a first-come/first-served basis every morning starting at 8:30 a.m. During spring and summer months, tickets traditionally go very quickly for the entire day, and the line can begin forming before the ticket window opens. Tickets are picked up at the ticket window of the Washington Monument Lodge on 15th Street NW between Constitution and Independence Avenues. Entry tickets are required for all visitors over the age of two. The visit takes approximately 1 hour, including wait time. For more information please visit: http://www.recreation.gov/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=77811
The Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian Institute includes 19 museum and galleries and the National Zoological Park. Free to the public, these museums hold America’s treasured history in amazing locations from the National Portrait Gallery to the Air and Space Museum. For more information go to http://www.si.edu/Museums.