Visiting DC
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.
Inauguration 2017
If you would like to request tickets for the 2017 Inauguration on January 20, 2017, please email cara.pavlock@mail.house.gov no later than Friday, December 9th.
Click here to submit a tour request.
Tours we can help you request:
Due to increased security procedures and high popularity, tour requests for the White House should be made at least three months in advance, and requests are considered on a first come first serve basis. 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. (Note: Tours of the West Wing are not available).
White House Easter Egg Roll tickets are free to the public and can be requested through an online lottery opening this Friday, February 9, 2018, at 12:00 PM ET, and closing on Thursday, February 15, 2018, at 12:00 PM ET. Entering the lottery is free of charge, and winners will be notified via email no later than Monday, March 5, 2018. Tickets are not for sale or resale. Those interested in attending can enter the lottery here.
Tours of the Capitol building are available Monday through Saturday. If your party is 11 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 (1227 Longworth House Office Building).
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.More information on same-day tickets can be found at www.moneyfactory.gov/washingtondctours.html
Guided tours of the Treasury Department are available only on Saturdays. Tours start at 9, 9:45, 10:30 and 11:15. Please request tours in advance, and note that security information will be required.
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.
Tours you can request on your own or which need no prior reservation:
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.
The Supreme Court offers lectures to the public, as well as a self-guided building tour and visitor film. 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/
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. You can find more information at cathedreal.org/visit-us
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.
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.
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