Florida House on Capitol Hill
About
Commanding a spectacular view of the Capitol Dome, Florida House is the only state embassy in Washington, D.C. Since 1973, the beautifully restored 1891 Victorian house has welcomed visiting Floridians, students, dignitaries, elected officials and those doing business in the nation's capital.
Georgetown District
About
Historic neighborhood district with modern shopping and restaurants. Around M and Wisconsin Streets, west of Rock Creek Park. Hours of Operation: Guided and self-guided tours of the historic district are available online. Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Foggy Bottom/GWU
Union Station
About
Noted for its grand size and magnificent hall, this is the main train and bus station for the city. There are dozens of stores and restaurants. Hours of Operation: Station open 24 hours. Metro Stop: Red Line, Union Station
The White House
About
The home and office of the President of the United States it is the center for Executive Branch operations. Hours of Operation: Tours scheduled in advance through a Congressional or Senate office. Metro Stop: Red, Orange & Blue Lines, Metro Center
National Postal Museum
About
Interactive museum detailing the history of the US Postal Service. Located just west of Union Station in the old Washington City Post Office. Hours of Operation: 10:00am - 5:30pm Metro Stop: Red Line, Union Station
Navy Memorial
About
Granite map of the world surrounded by sculptural depictions of historic events in US Naval History. The Navy Heritage Center with the names of more than 500,000 veterans is next door. Hours of Operation: Memorial open 24 hours, Center open M-Sat 9am-5pm Metro Stop: Green & Yellow, Archives & Navy Memorial
National Archives
About
Holds dozens of national treasures including the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Hours of Operation: Tours of artifacts are self-guided; guided tours by online reservation Metro Stop: Green & Yellow, Archives & Navy Memorial
Bureau of Engraving & Printing
About
The largest producer of security documents in the US, printing billions of Federal Reserve Notes for delivery to the Federal Reserve System each year. The BEP does not produce coins but does print currency, naturalization certificates and even White House invitations. Hours of Operation: General Public Tours M-F starting at 9am (arrive before 8 a.m. for tickets; during peak season arrive around 6:30-7 a.m. for free tickets); during peak months availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
Library of Congress
About
The largest library in the world, housed in three buildings on Capitol Hill. Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 (no 3:30 on Saturdays) Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Capitol South
National Gallery of Art
About
Gifted to the people of the US by Andrew Mellon, the extraordinary collection features primarily European and American paintings, sculpture and the decorative arts from the Renaissance to the present day. Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-6 Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
Lincoln Memorial
About
Opened in 1922 to honor the 16th president of the US. The memorial holds a prominent place on the National Mall at the Reflecting Pool. Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours daily except December 25 Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
Arlington National Cemetery
About
Arlington National Cemetery occupies 612 acres in Virginia on the Potomac River, directly opposite Washington, DC. This land was part of the estate of Martha Washington's on and later became the home of Robert E. Lee. In 1864 Arlington officially became a military cemetery. Today more than 240,000 service members and their dependents are buried here, including such famous figures as Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also located in the cemetery. Hours of Operation:7 days a week, 365 days a year. 8:00am-7pm (April-Sept); 8am-5pm (Oct-March) Metro Stop: Blue Line, Arlington Cemetery
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Constitution Hall
About
DAR Constitution Hall serves as a museum of American Decorative Arts, performance center and assembly hall for DAR members. Hours of Operation: Tours require reservation two weeks in advance. Open at 9:30am on weekdays; Americana open weekdays 8:30am-4pm Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Farragut West
Federal Bureau of Investigation
About
Primary investigative wing of the Department of Justice with the authority to investigate over 200 categories of federal crimes. The FBI is the largest crime-fighting agency in the US. It is no longer open for tours. Hours of Operation: N/A Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Federal Triangle
Folger Shakespeare Library
About
Museum and research center dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare. Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5, Tours Monday-Friday 11 AM & 3 PM, Saturday 11 & 3, Sunday 1. Closed federal holidays Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Capitol South
Ford's Theatre National Historic Site
About
Site of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. After being shot, he was taken across the street to the Petersen House where he died. Performances are still held at the theatre and it is open for tours along with the Petersen House. Hours of Operation: Metro Stop:
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
About
On the western edge of the Cherry Tree Walk along the Tidal Basin are a series of four outdoor rooms tracing the 12-year history of FDR's presidency. Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours. Rangers answer questions from 9:30 AM-11:30PM daily; programs every hour on the hour 10 AM-11 PM Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
About
A variety of performances held on a weekly basis, including special programs for children. Hours of Operation: Public tours M-F 10 am - 5pm. Online ticket purchases for events. Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Foggy Bottom/GWU
Korean War Veterans Memorial
About
Honoring those who served, died and were wounded during the Korean War. Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours; rangers answer questions from 9:30 AM-11:30PM daily; programs every hour on the hour 10 AM-11 PM Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
Marine Barracks
About
The oldest post in the Marine Corps is still an active base. Every summer visitors can witness the stunning Evening parade, held on Friday on the grounds. Hours of Operation: Free admission but make reservations well in advance as performances sell out Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Eastern Market
MLK Memorial
About
Located near the FDR Memorial in the "Line of Leadership" from the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial. Visitors walk through a "Mountain of Despair" to reach the "Stone of Hope" with references to the famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours/day Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
National Air and Space Museum
National Building Museum
About
This museum tells the story of architecture, engineering and design in a beautiful building with a soaring Great Hall, 75-foot tall Corinthian columns and a wide variety of exhibitions. Hours of Operation: Admission charged for exhibitions and Building Zone entry (ages 2-6); Tours offered daily at 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30; check website for exhibition tours. Metro Stop: Red Line, Judiciary Square
National Museum of African American History and Culture
About
Devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture. Newest Smithsonian museum opening in September, 2016. Hours of Operation: 10am-5:30pm Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
National Museum of American History
About
With thousands of items and dozens of exhibits that date throughout American history, the museum displays our nation's accomplishments in science, technology, culture and society. Hours of Operation: 10am-5:30pm Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
National Museum of Natural History
About
Inspires curiosity, discovery and learning about the natural world through research, collections, exhibitions and outreach. Hours of Operation: 10am-5:30pm Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
National Museum of the American Indian
About
The history and culture of Native Americans are captured in one of the most architecturally interesting buildings in Washington. Hours of Operation: 10am-5:30pm Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
National Museum of Women in the Arts
National Portrait Gallery
About
Displays portraits of important Americans throughout history including many US presidents. Hours of Operation: 11:30am - 7:00pm Metro Stop: Red, Green & Yellow Lines, Gallery Place/Chinatown
National World War II Memorial
About
Between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, all 50 states and US territories are represented to honor the fight around the globe during World War II. Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
National Zoo
Renwick Gallery
About
Home to the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection of contemporary craft and decorative art. The building is a National Historic Landmark. Hours of Operation: TUESDAY‒SATURDAY 10 am‒5 pm, SUNDAY Noon‒7 pm, THURSDAY extended hours 5‒8:30 pm* Metro Stop: Orange, Blue, Silver, Farragut West or Red Line, Farragut North
Senate Office Buildings (Russell, Dirksen, Hart)
About
Three buildlings north of the US Capitol on Constitution Ave. that house the offices of all 100 Senators. Tours can be scheduled through your Senator. Hours of Operation: The Visitor Center is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day. Official Business: Visitors with official business appointments may enter the Visitor Center as early as 7:15 a.m. Metro Stop: Red Line, Union Station
Smithsonian American Art Museum
About
A collection of the American people through three centuries including photography, modern folk and self-taught art, Latino art, video games, New Deal art, contemporary craft, American impressionist paintings and masterpieces from the Gilded Age. Hours of Operation: 11:30am - 7:00pm Metro Stop: Red, Green & Yellow Lines, Gallery Place/Chinatown
Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building
Supreme Court of the United States
About
Directly across from the Capitol, the Judiciary branch of our government operates and holds all of its sessions in this building. Hours of Operation: M-F 9:30am-4:30pm, guided tours available Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Capitol South or Red Line, Union Station
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
About
Tribute to America's third president. The Tidal Basin in front of the Memorial is famous for its cherry trees and swan boats. Hours of Operation:Open 24 hours; interpretive tours every hour on the hour 10 am - 11pm Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
United States Botanic Gardens
About
Built in 1933 to collect, group and distribute plants that contribute to the welfare of the American people. Hours of Operation: 10am-5pm Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Capitol South or Federal Center
United States Capitol Building
About
One of the most recognizable buildings in the world is home to the US House of Representatives and the US Senate. Hours of Operation: 9am-4:15pm, guided tours every half hour Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Capitol South or Red Line, Union Station
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
About
The museum explores the persecution and experience of the Jewish people during World War II. Hours of Operation: 10am-5:20pm, Timed tickets through museum website or first-come, first-served Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
About
Next to the Lincoln Memorial, the wall is built in honor of all Americans that served in the Vietnam War including the names of the 58,000 who died in the conflict. Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours a day, interpretive tours every hour from 10 am - 11 pm Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Foggy Bottom/GWU
Washington Monument
About
Built in honor of our nation's first president, it is the tallest obelisk in the world. Hours of Operation: The Washington Monument is open daily except on July 4 (Independence Day) and December 25 (Christmas). The Washington Monument is open daily: Regular Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Last tour begins by 4:00 p.m. Summer Hours: (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Last tour begins by 9:00 p.m. Tickets are required to enter the Washington Monument. Metro Stop: Blue, Silver & Orange Lines, Smithsonian
Washington National Cathedral
About
Dedicated to serve as a house of prayer for all people and a spiritual home for the nation, the stunning stained glass, sculptures, chapels and grounds sits on the highest peak in Washington. The gothic Cathedral hosts many exhibits, concerts and worship services. Hours of Operation: M-Sat; 10am-5:30pm, tours every 30 minutes Metro Stop: Red Line, Tenlytown-AU then a 30-series bus south on Wisconsin Ave.