Are you planning a visit to Washington, D.C.? While you are in the nation’s capital, I encourage you and your family to stop by my office, located in the Rayburn House Office Building, room 2464. Whether you're coming on a short business trip or an extended family vacation, my office can help make arrangements to visit some of the more popular attractions in the area. For example, we can help you reserve tours of the U.S. Capitol and the White House. These tours are an excellent way to see all that the nation's capital has to offer are of no charge to you. All constituent tour requests are considered on a first come, first-serve basis. Due to the large number of visitors, please request tours as early as possible in order to maximize your chances. You may place an online tour request below.
Requesting Tours and Tickets
My staff is happy to assist constituents with obtaining tickets for tours of the U.S. Capitol and other Washington, D.C. attractions. Tours of the Capitol are free and last between 45 minutes and 1 hour. The tour takes visitors into the old chambers of the Supreme Court, Senate, and House, as well as past countless works of art and statues from every state in the country.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress offers self-service, timed-entry passes for the Thomas Jefferson Building. Passes are available in 15-minute increments during operating hours. The Thomas Jefferson Building is open to visitors Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm and until 8:30pm on Thursdays. Please note: the Library is closed for public visits on Sundays and Mondays. Passes are released 30 days in advance.
The Pentagon
At present, the Pentagon is not offering public tours due to system-wide upgrades. Please check back shortly for updates.
The Smithsonian
The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum complex. Admissions to each of the museums is free to all, however, some require timed-entry tickets due to high demand.
National Archives
At the U.S. Archives, visitors can view formative documents such as the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Although reservations are not required, we strongly recommend making one, especially if you are visiting between peak touring times (between April and August). The Archives are open each day from 10 am until 5:30 pm.
United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden is a living plant museum. The building is divided into separate rooms, each one simulating a different habitat.
The United States Holocaust Memorial
The United States Holocaust Museum is a museum dedicated to the documentation, study, interpretation, and display of Holocaust history. The museum is free for entry, although timed-entry tickets are required. Due to the sensitive nature of the information within the museum, the permanent exhibition is most appropriate for students in sixth grade and up. For younger grades, the Daniel’s Story exhibit is more age appropriate.
The Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center is one of the nation’s premier performance centers. The staff of The Kennedy Center offers a free tour of the building and grounds weekdays from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm and weekends from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm.
Arlington National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery is open to the public between 8am and 5pm. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier occurs every hour on the hour in the fall, winter, and spring, and every half hour in the summer.
The International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is the only public museum in the United States dedicated solely to espionage and with interactive displays and exhibits, it is a great place to take younger tourists and families.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home, is located just across the Potomac River from D.C. The mansion, grounds, slave quarters, and other outbuildings are open for tours.
