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Visit Washington, DC

Thank you for your interest in visiting Washington D.C. Representative Schiff is currently in the processing of moving to the Senate and is unable to process tour requests. For help booking tours, please visit here: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/visit/book-a-tour

 

Washington is an exciting and beautiful city with museums, monuments, buildings, and culture that capture the history and spirit of the American experience. With so many attractions, planning a visit can be confusing, so Congressman Schiff’s office is glad to help visitors from the 30th District organize tours.

 

Planning a trip in advance

With early notice – at least 90 days if possible and no less than 21 – visitors can request White House and Capitol tours. While White House tours must be requested through our office, we recommend booking U.S. Capitol tours through the Capitol Visitors Center, as our office cannot accommodate all requests.

Please submit the tour request form as soon as you know your travel plans, since many tours fill up as early as three months in advance.

 

In addition, many attractions allow visitors to make their own reservations directly, including the State Department, Pentagon, and National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Planning a trip at the last minute

Most attractions in DC are free and do not require reservations. Additionally, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and other Smithsonian museums all offer same-day or standby tickets. Unfortunately, visits to the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, State Department, and FBI are not possible without reservations due to security measures.

Request Tours

Available Tours

PLEASE NOTE: ALL WHITE HOUSE TOURS ARE CURRENTLY BOOKED THROUGH AUGUST.

  • The White House

    15th Street NW and Alexander Hamilton Place NW

    Self-guided tours of the White House can only be arranged through a Congressional office and must be requested at least 21 days in advance. Tour availability depends on the President’s schedule, and tours are occasionally cancelled at the last minute due to official business.

    The White House Visitors Office will send an email requesting personal information from each member of the group for security screening once your request has been received. Be sure to submit this information by the deadline listed in the email or your request will be automatically removed.

    Tour logistics:

    The White House Visitors Office confirms tours approximately 14 days before the requested date. If your tour is confirmed, you will receive an email from the White House with your tour pass and entry instructions. The White House suggests arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

    Related attractions that do not require reservations:

      • White House Visitor Center
        Located across the street from the White House, this free visitor center offers virtual tours of the White House as well as exhibits, a film, and a gift shop.
    More Information

  • U.S. Capitol

    First Street NE and East Capitol Street NE

    Congressman Schiff’s office strongly encourages you to visit the public Capitol Visitor’s Center website to reserve your tour up to three months in advance. While our office is able to arrange staff-led tours of the Capitol, constituents have the best chance of receiving a Capitol tour by booking directly through the Capitol Visitor’s Center.

    Tour logistics:

    If your tour is confirmed, our office will reach out with more information related to your tour reservation. Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes early to allow for airport-like security. A full list of prohibited items—including food, beverages, and large bags—is available on the Visitor Center’s website.

    More Information

  • Bureau of Engraving and Printing

    Raoul Wallenberg Place SW and D Street SW

    All Congressional tours of the Bureau of Printing and Engraving are currently suspended. At this time, there is no timeline for their resumption. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing will have future updates posted on their website here.

    More Information

  • Additional attractions that require tickets

    • National Museum of African American History and Culture
      Timed entry passes are available up to 30 days in advance on a rolling basis. Advanced timed-entry passes are released daily beginning at 8:00 a.m. EST. Same-day timed-entry passes are released online only at 8:15 a.m. EST daily. The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with entry permitted until 4:00 PM.
    • State Department
      At this time, virtual walkthroughs are available online.
    • Pentagon
      Tickets are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and must be booked at least 14 days in advance.
    • U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
      The Museum and its exhibitions are open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with timed entry passes available up to 4 months in advance. A limited number of same-day tickets will be available online each day at 7:00 AM EST.
    • Kennedy Center
      Interior and exterior outdoor ground of the Kennedy Center and REACH are publicly accessible Monday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to midnight.
    • Library of Congress
      Timed Entry passes of the Thomas Jefferson building are offered every hour from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday.
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  • Additional attractions that do not require tickets

    • Supreme Court
      At this time, the Supreme Court building is closed to the public until further notice.
    • National Archives
      The National Archives Museum is home to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. These founding documents, along with the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery, the Public Vaults, and the David M. Rubenstein Gallery, featuring Records of Rights, are open for visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. Self-guided, timed-entry reservations are offered every 15 minutes beginning at 10:30 AM and continue until 90 minutes before closing daily. Reservations are recommended, especially from March to August, but not required.
    • National Mall and Memorial Parks
      DC’s premier civic space includes the Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr., World War II, Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials, as well as many Smithsonian museums and galleries. The National Park Service operates these sites, as well as more than 150 statues, circles, fountains, and parks located throughout the Capital.
    • Smithsonian Museums, Galleries, and Zoo
      The Smithsonian operates 11 museums and galleries on the National Mall, as well as six other museums and the National Zoo in the DC area.
    • National Gallery of Art
      Located on the Mall, the National Gallery of Art and adjacent Sculpture Garden are open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and offer free guided or self-guided tours.