Washington, DC Tourism Information
Our nation's capital is home to a wide range of tourist attractions, from government buildings open to the public to expansive museums to historical memorial and more. Below is information on some tourist locations to help you with planning your trip to Washington, D.C. All sites listed are free; however, some do require timed entry tickets.
If you are interested in requesting tickets through my office to visit the United States Capitol, the White House, the FBI Experience, the United States Treasury, or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, please visit Tours and Tickets for additional information.
The Library of Congress is the research arm of Congress. Free-timed entry tickets are required to access the Library of Congress and can be booked here
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays*
*On Thursdays the Library of Congress is open for extended hours till 8:00 p.m. for Live! At the Library, an after-hours event that brings music, performances, art, workshops, and more to the Library of Congress
The Supreme Court of the United States in open to the public when the Court is not in session. A calendar of when the Court is in session can be viewed hereEntry to the Supreme Court is free with no timed tickets required.
Hours: Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays
The Pentagon is open to the public for tours. Reservations are required for the tours. The reservations must be submitted at least 14 days and no more than 90 days in advance. Tour requests can be submitted here.
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday*
*Specific hours vary, a list of available tour time will become available during the booking process
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum maintains the world's largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts. Free-timed entry tickets are required to access the Air & Space Museum and can be booked here.
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day except December 25
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History showcases exhibitions and collections on a range of topics offering firsthand experiences with treasures of American history. Entry to the museum is free with no timed tickets required.
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day
The Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum delves into the history of our planet, with exhibitions, activities, collection objects and research. Entry to the museum is free with no timed tickets required.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day except December 25
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. Free timed tickets are required and can be reserved here.
Hours:
Monday 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Opens at 10:00 a.m. on Mondays observed as Federal Holidays and is closed on December 25. Last entry for all visitors, including groups, is 4:00 p.m.
The National Museum of African Art showcases a wide variety of both modern and contemporary art from Africa. Entry to the museum is free with no timed tickets required.
Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The National Museum of Asian Art showcases collections speaking to the many meanings of Asia and its relationship to the rest of the world. Entry to the museum is free with no timed tickets required.
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its allies and collaborators. The US Holocaust Memorial Museum teaches millions of people each year about the dangers of unchecked hatred and the need to prevent genocide. Free timed tickets are required and can be reserved here.
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding Yom Kippur and December 25th
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. Of all documents and materials created during business conducted by the United States federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever. At the National Archives today, you can view the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. Free timed tickets are strongly encouraged and can be reserved here.
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding Thanksgiving Day and December 25th. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute leads the Smithsonian's global efforts to save species, better understand ecosystems and train future generations of conservationists. Founded in 1889, the Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. Its two campuses are home to more than 2,100 animals, including some of the planet’s most critically endangered species. Free entry tickets are required to access the Zoo and can be booked here.
Hours:
- Grounds Open: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day; last admittance is at 5 p.m.
- Exhibit Buildings Open: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day (summer)/ 4 p.m. (winter); last admittance to exhibit buildings is 30 minutes before closing
- Winter hours begin Sept. 15: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day; last admittance at 3 p.m.
- Summer hours begin March 15: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day; last admittance is at 5 p.m.
The United States Botanic Garden is a botanical garden located just blocks away from the United States Capitol. The Botanic Garden is home to roughly 44,000 plants. Entry is free and no timed tickets are required.
Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding December 25th
The Old Post Office Tower offers self-guided tours and includes a 270-foot observation deck, from which you can view the heart of Washington, DC. Entry is free and no timed tickets are required.
Hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding Thanksgiving, December 25th, and select days in the first week of each month
The United States Navy Memorial Visitor Center tells the story of the American Sailor -- past, present, and future -- and honors, recognizes, and celebrates the men and women of the Sea Services. Through engaging and interactive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and over 740,000 stories of service the Visitor Center inspires and informs thousands of visitors each year of the rich history and heritage of the United States Navy. Entry to the memorial is free with no timed tickets required.
Hours: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Washington Monument offers visitors the highest viewpoint in the District of Columbia. Free tickets are required to go to the top and can be reserved here.
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Located in downtown Washington, DC, the memorial honors Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. A prominent leader in the modern civil rights movement, Dr. King was a tireless advocate for racial equality, working class, and the oppressed around the world. Entry to the memorial is free with no timed tickets required.
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Sitting at the end of the reflecting pool on the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is a great monument to visit and walk around for views of the Potomac River and the Washington Monument. Entry to the memorial is free with no timed tickets required.
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Situated in the Tidal Basin, the Jefferson Memorial is a beautiful monument offering amazing views of the DC skyline and, when the season is right, the luscious cherry blossom trees. Entry to the memorial is free with no timed tickets required.
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week