Exploring Our Nation's Capital

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Click around below for more information on visiting some of the most noteworthy places in and around Washington, D.C.

Some of my personal favorites include Ford's Theatre, President Lincoln's Cottage at the Old Soldiers' Home, George Washington's Mount Vernon and Arlington Cemetery with the Marine Corps Memorial. During summer months, I also highly recommend attending the Friday Evening Parade performance at the Marine Barracks.

Capitol Hill

Surrounded by historic row homes, must-see sites on Capitol Hill include the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress and Supreme Court.

U.S. Capitol

This grand building is where lawmakers elected to the United States Congress meet to debate, consider and vote on pieces of legislation. As the center of the legislative branch for the federal government, a bicameral system that includes the House of Representatives and Senate, the U.S. Capitol is where the lawmaking process begins.

The Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) is the main entrance to the Capitol. Located below the East Front plaza of the Capitol between Constitution and Independence Avenues, the CVC is open Monday thru Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day. While at the Capitol, visitors can explore the exhibition hall, purchase souvenirs at one of the gift shops or sit down for lunch at the on-site restaurant.

Guided tours of the Capitol are available each day the CVC is open and can be requested directly through my office by calling (202) 225-6165 or submitting the form here.

House and Senate Office Buildings

Lawmakers representing every state have public offices around the Capitol that you can visit. If you're visiting the House side, this includes the Cannon, Longworth and Rayburn buildings. I invite you to stop by my office in Room 2207 on the second floor of Rayburn.

Should you venture to the Senate side of the Capitol, lawmakers have their offices in the Russell, Dirksen and Hart buildings. To find out where one or both of your senators are located, click here.

Library of Congress

Known for its magnificent 19th century architecture and elaborately decorated interior, the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress is certainly worth a visit. When you stop by, don't miss the brilliance of the Main Reading Room and take some time to explore featured exhibits about some of our nation's treasures.

Walk-in tours are available Monday thru Saturday at the Library's reservation desk (located just inside the Jefferson Building's driveway level entrance on 1st Street SE). See daily walk-in tour schedule hereor contact my office to reserve spots before your visit.

Supreme Court

Completed in 1935, the beautiful Supreme Court building serves as the meeting place for the judicial branch of the federal government. Located on 1st Street NE in between East Capitol Street and Maryland Avenue, the building is open to visitors Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed Saturdays, Sundays and on federal holidays.

If the Court is sitting, space to sit in on case hearings is available on a first come, first served basis. On the scheduled sitting day, hearings take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. To maximize your chances of watching arguments in the Courtroom, arrive as early as possible to stand in line.

When the Court is not sitting, 30-minute lectures about the judicial role of government and the architecture of the Courtroom are offered Monday thru Friday on the half hour upon opening of the building.

The Tidal Basin

Created in the late 19th century, the Tidal Basin is a man-made inlet adjacent to the Potomac River and was originally meant to provide a recreational space and a means for draining the Washington Channel after high tide. Especially stunning during cherry blossom season in late March and early April, the Tidal Basin is home to many of our nation's monuments and memorials.

Memorials and Monuments

Around the Tidal Basin

Washington Monument
Jefferson Memorial
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Martin Luther King Memorial
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
World War II Memorial
D.C. War Memorial (WWI)

In Arlington, VA

Arlington National Cemetery – Watch the Changing of the Guard ritual*
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
U.S. Air Force Memorial
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
*The guard is changed every hour on the hour October 1 to March 31 in an elaborate ritual. From April 1 through September 30, there are more than double the opportunities to view the change because another change is added on the half hour and the cemetery closing time moves from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Near Capitol Hill

United States Navy Memorial
American Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial

The Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is an invaluable national resource for education and historic preservation. Established in 1846 "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge," the Institution is a group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government. Often called "the nation's attic" because of its millions of eclectic items, the Institution's presence includes 19 museums, nine research centers and a zoo around the world. Most of these treasure troves are located on or near the National Mall.

As an eternal student and former educator of history, I previously served for six years on the Smithsonian Board of Regents, which is vested by Congress with the responsibility for administration of the prestigious institution.

See below for a full listing of the Smithsonian museums in the D.C. Metro Area:
Smithsonian Castle (info center)
African American History and Culture Museum
African Art Museum
Air and Space Museum
Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center
American Art Museum
American History Museum
American Indian Museum
Anacostia Community Museum
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Arts and Industries Building - currently closed for renovations
Freer Gallery of Art
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Natural History Museum
National Zoo
Portrait Gallery
Postal Museum
Renwick Gallery

Other Points of Interest

There is much more to see in D.C. than time usually allows, but there is something for everyone. See below for more ideas of places to visit as you plan your trip.

White House

Representing our nation's executive branch of government, the White House serves as both an office space for the Administration and the residence for the First Family. Due to high demand, White House tours cannot be guaranteed, and it is recommended that you submit your request as soon as possible (no more than 6 months ahead of your visit) in order to increase your chances.

National Archives

Our nation's founding documents are displayed in the rotunda of the National Archives building in downtown Washington, D.C. Still as important to our country's future today, I encourage you to stop by and view the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Pentagon

As the headquarters for the United States Department of Defense, the Pentagon is the icon of all military activity. Located in Arlington County in Virginia, the Pentagon has 17.5 miles of walkways and five floors and is the largest office space in the United States.

Bureau of Engraving & Printing

As a part of the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is best known for the production of Federal Reserve Notes, or paper money for the Federal Reserve. It is located in the center of Washington, D.C. on the corner of 14th and C Streets Southwest.

Museums

Crime Museum
Daughters of the American Revolution Museum
Department of Interior Museum
Ford's Theatre & Museum
Folger Shakespeare Library
International Spy Museum
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
National Building Museum
National Gallery of Art
National Geographic Museum
National Museum of American Jewish Military History
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Newseum
Phillips Collection
Textile Museum
U.S. Navy Museum

Places

Eastern Market
George Washington's Mount Vernon
John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
National Cathedral
National Park Tours
Old Town Alexandria
President Lincoln's Cottage at the Old Soldiers' Home
United States Botanic Garden
Voice of America

Additional Resources

Click herefor further information about places to visit and how to get around during your visit.