Visiting Washington

CLOSURES & LIMITATIONS DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS:

United States Capitol & House and Senate Office Buildings: All buildings remain closed to non-official business and tours.

Click here for updates regarding tours of the U.S. Capitol Visitor's Center.

White House: All tours are suspended until further notice.
Click here for updated information about White House Tours or call 202-456-7041.

Arlington National Cemetery: Open Daily 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The DoD has directed that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in indoor settings at Department of Defense installations and facilities in areas of substantial or high transmission, as defined by the CDC, to protect against rising COVID-19 cases. For information about visiting Arlington National Cemetery, visit https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/visit.

Library of Congress: All visitors must reserve a timed-entry pass and wear a mask during their visit. Take a moment to review the Know Before You Go page to prepare for your visit.

Washington Monument: Tickets for the Washington Monument are currently available online from recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777) ONLY; there is no onsite distribution of tickets. Tickets become available daily at 10 a.m. for the next day’s visits (for example, if you are planning to visit on Jan. 5, you can reserve tickets at recreation.gov beginning at 10 a.m. on Jan. 4). Please note that demand for tickets is extremely high and all tickets for a day are routinely distributed in a few minutes. Click here for tickets. 

Lincoln Memorial: The Lincoln Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The early evening and morning hours are beautiful and tranquil times to visit. Guests to the park may visit the Lincoln Memorial 24 hours a day 7 days a week, including holidays. Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 am to 10 pm daily to provide interpretive programs, excluding December 25th.

Jefferson Memorial: The public may visit the Thomas Jefferson Memorial 24 hours a day. Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily and to provide interpretive programs throughout the day and upon request.

Smithsonian Museums: Click here for hours and admission information and safety protocols to plan your visit. Timed-entry passes are required at three locations.

National Zoo: The Zoo is open! Entry passes are required for all guests, including infants. All visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear a mask in all indoor spaces at the Zoo, regardless of their vaccination status. Fully vaccinated visitors do not need to wear a mask in outdoor areas. Click here to get tickets for the National Zoo.

Holocaust Museum: The Museum is open on a limited basis with new visitor requirements and safety measures in place. Free timed-entry tickets are required for entry. Click here for details.

National Archives: As local public health metrics allow, research rooms will open on a limited basis and by appointment only. You must have a virtual consultation before the on-site visit. Further information is on this Frequently Asked Questions page.

John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and a valid photo ID are required to attend all indoor performances and events at the Kennedy Center. Review the full policy details and requirements at https://Kennedy-Center.org/COVIDsafety

National Cherry Blossom Festival: March 20-April 17, 2022 - Click here for details about the festival.

Museum of the Bible: The museum is currently open Wednesday through Monday. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at (866) 430-MOTB or customerservice@mBible.org. In accordance with new mandates, masks are required for everyone 2 years and up, regardless of vaccination status.
Click here for more information about visiting the Museum of the Bible.

International Spy Museum: The International Spy Museum is open daily. Safety measures are in place including mask requirements, capacity limitations, social distancing guidelines, and enhanced cleaning protocols. Limited tickets are available and advanced purchase is recommended. Click here for more information.

National Arboretum: The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum will be closed until further notice. The grounds and the outdoor garden collections will remain open and available during normal business hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

FBI Building: Closed to the public until further notice.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing: Closed to the public until further notice.

Department of State: Closed to the public until further notice.

Pentagon: Closed to the public until further notice.

FOR FUTURE VISITS

CLICK HERE TO SELECT A TOUR

I always enjoy meeting with constituents when they come to our nation’s capital.  Washington, DC is a city full of historic treasures and I encourage you to come and visit when you have the opportunity.  From the breathtaking national monuments, to museums full of our nation’s history, there is a lifetime’s worth of things to do and see.  Whether you are a teacher scheduling a class trip, planning a family vacation, or looking to get involved and intern on Capitol Hill, I encourage you to contact our DC office and explore the visitor’s guide available on my website.  And don’t forget to stop by and say hello when you are in town.