 Second only to New York City in number of theater seats, Washington, DC annually hosts some of the greatest stage productions. The Smithsonian Institution is actually the largest cluster of museums in the world, each worth a day's visit. Whether you're a spectator or participant, DC features tons of sports-related fun! The area known as Dupont Circle is internationally known for its ecclectic array of fine art galleries. Sure, we've got the Smithsonian and all the monuments, but DC offers hundreds of hidden treasures.
Ideally situated between Maryland and Virginia, DC offers the perfect base for excursions to these nearby attractions.
How do I get a tour of the White House?
The White House is open for self-guided tours Tuesday through Saturday, and is closed every Sunday and Monday. Visitors are strongly advised to call (202) 456-2200 [TDD: (202) 456-2121 or visit www.whitehouse.gov in advance - tours are sometimes canceled during official events.
All White House tours are free. However, free tickets are required during the peak season from the third Tuesday in March until the Saturday before Labor Day. The free tickets, are distributed by the National Park Service at the White House Visitor Center, located at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets. The closest Metrorail station is Federal Triangle (Blue and Orange lines). Tickets are issued on the morning of the tour on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7:30 a.m. Tickets are timed from 10 a.m. until noon. Advance tickets are not available. The number of tickets for each day is limited so visitors should arrive as early as possible. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict what time one should arrive to guarantee tickets. One person may obtain up to four tickets. Each person, including children, requires a ticket. A hand stamp validation is also required. The ticket counter closes at noon, or earlier if the supply for that day is distributed. Each ticket indicates when and where to join the line.
Brochures, orientation sessions, and exhibits are also available at the White House Visitor Center. All public tours are significantly enhanced by orientation sessions. The Center is open seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Allow between 20 minutes and 1 _ hours to see the video and exhibits. The Visitor Center features many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders. The White House Historical Association sponsors a sales area. Rest rooms are available, but food service is not.
Free Congressional Guided Tours are also available by contacting your Congressional Representative or Senator's local or Washington office at least 8-10 weeks in advance.
How do I get a tour of the Capitol?
The United States Capitol is among the most popular tourist attractions in Washington, D.C.; every year it is visited by 3 to 5 million people from around the world. For information on free guided tours, see http://www.aoc.gov/info/hours.htm or call (202) 225-6827.
The Capitol is open to the public every day of the year except for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Guided tours last approximately thirty minutes. The tours are given free of charge; tickets are not required. The waiting area for tours is located on the East Front Drive (facing the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court).
To obtain passes to see the House and Senate in session, call your representative or one of your senators at (202) 224-3121.
Information about tours for visitors with special needs is available from the Congressional Special Services Office at (202) 224-4048 or (202) 224-4049 (TDD).
Is camping allowed on the National Mall?
For decades, the National Mall has served as a national open space for celebrations, demonstrations, protests, festivals, and numerous recreational activities- except for camping. According to the Code of Federal Regulations, camping is not allowed on the National Mall. The regulation is enforced by the National Park Police. So if you want to spend your nights in Washington, DC, under the stars, why not stay at one of the regions designated campsites? Several of these sites provide shuttle buses to Washington, DC's Metrorail system.
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