| D.C. Visitor's Guide |
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WELCOMES YOU TO OUR NATION'S CAPITAL, WASHINGTON, DC!!
Memorials, Monuments, and Points of Interest
Memorials, Monuments, and Points of Interest The Corcoran Gallery of Art Museum - 17th Street and New York Avenue, NW - one block west and south of the White House. The main entrance is on 17th Street. Special needs access is at 1701 E Street, around the corner from the 17thStreet entrance. Times: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Thursday hours are extended until 9:00 p.m. Admission: $6.75 for individuals, $4.75 for senior citizens and students, $3 for students aged 13-18, and $12 for family groups of one or two parents and children under 18. Members and children under 12 are free. Admission is free on Mondays, and on Thursdays after 5:00 p.m. Phone contact: (202) 639-1700 Metro Stop: Four blocks from the Farragut West station or Farragut North station.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial- 900 Ohio Drive, SW, near the Jefferson Memorial and the Potomac River. There are park rangers available from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day except Christmas Day. Located on the West Basin. There are no fees to visit any of the monuments or memorials in the park. Metro Stop: Smithsonian Metro stop comes out on the National Mall. Contact information: (202) 426-6841.
Located in Columbia, Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and is readily accessible from I-95. Performing arts center offers symphonic music and pop concerts. Ticket Information: (703) 218-6500 in Washington, D.C.; (410) 481-6500 in Baltimore; (800) 955-5566 elsewhere.
Plantations and Historic Mansions
The Dumbarton Oaks - 1703 32nd Street, NW (one block east of Wisconsin Avenue between R and S Streets in Georgetown). Garden hours vary. Free admission, but donations are accepted. Contact information: (202) 339-6401. Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens- Home of George Washington. Mount Vernon is open seven days a week, every day of the year, including federal holidays and Christmas. Schedule: April through August from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; March, September, October from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; November through February from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. General Admission: $11 for adults, $10.50 for senior citizens (age 62 and above), $5 for children age 6-11, and children under age 5 are free. Annual pass (unlimited admission for one year): $15. Group rates are available. For information, call (703) 780-2000. Metro Stop: Huntington. Exit to the lower level (Huntington Avenue) of the station to catch a Fairfax Connector bus to Mount Vernon.
The Octagon House - 1799 New York Avenue, NW (18thand New York). This historical site includes architectural exhibits and served as James Madison's White House following the destruction of the real White House by the British in 1814. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Monday. Admission: $3 for adults, $1.50 for students and seniors. For information, call (202) 638-3221. Metro Stop: Farragut West or Farragut North.
The Smithsonian Institution- The museums are open daily, except Christmas, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Air & Space 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Anacostia Museums close at 5:00 p.m.). Extended Summer hours are determined annually. Smithsonian Information Center: (202) 357-2700 (voice), or (202) 357-2729 (TTY). Metro Stop: Smithsonian or L'Enfant Plaza.
Arts and Industries Building-900 Jefferson Drive, SW. Freer Gallery of Art-Jefferson Drive at 12th Street. Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden-Independence Avenue at 7th Street. National Gallery of Art-750 Ninth Street, NW National Museum of American History-14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. National Museum of Natural History-10th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. National Portrait Gallery-8th and F Street, NW. Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)-1000 Jefferson Drive, SW. National Museum of African Art-950 Independence Avenue, SW. National Air and Space Museum- 7th and Independence Ave., S.W.
Baltimore Ravens - Location: M & T Stadium, 1101 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. For information, call (410) 261-RAVE.
D.C. United Major League Soccer at RFK - Location: RFK Stadium, RFK East Capitol Street, Washington, D.C. Metro Stop: Stadium-Armory Main Line: (202) 587-5000
Verizon Center - Located at 7th and F Streets NW, Verizon Center is the state-of-the-art home of the NBA's Wizards, NHL's Capitals, WNBA's Mystics, Georgetown Hoyas, as well as big-time concerts, family shows and sporting events. Metro Stop: Gallery Place-Chinatown. For information, call (202) 628-3200.
Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards - Location: Oriole Park at Camden Yards 333 West Camden Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, on the westside of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. For information, call (888) 848-2473.
Washington Capitals - MCI Center: Located at 7th and F Streets NW. Metro Stop: Gallery Place-Chinatown. For season tickets and partial plans, call (202) 266-2277. For single-game tickets, call TicketMaster: (202) 432-SEAT.
Washington Mystics - MCI Center: 601 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20004 (Between 6th and 7th, and F and G Street).
Arena Stage - 6th and Maine Avenue, SW. Call (202) 488-3300 for information.
Source Theatre - 1835 14th Street, NW (Between S and T Streets, NW, 2 blocks from the U Street Cardoza Metro Stop). For information, call (202) 462-1073.
Studio Theater - 1333 P Street, NW. For information, call (202) 332-3300.
Tours and Other Places of Interest Arlington House Custis-Lee Mansion - Hours of operation vary on the season. For information, call (703) 235-1530. Metro Stop: Arlington Cemetery (Tourmobile Sightseeing Transportation is available.) Arlington National Cemetery - Open daily October through March from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and April through September from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sites include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Amphitheater, the Custis-Lee Mansion and the graves of Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft. Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier take place every hour on the hour and every half hour from 8:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. Metro Stop: Arlington Cemetery. Parking is $1.25 per hour for first three hours and $2.00 for every following hour. Website: www.arlingtoncemetery.org. For information, call (703) 607-8000.
The Botanic Gardens - Maryland Avenue, SW. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Group tours are available by request except Saturday and Sunday or during any shows. For information, call (202) 225-8333. Tour Reservation line: (202) 226-4082. Metro Stop: Federal Center South West.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing - 14th and C Streets, SW. See how US currency is printed. Provides public tours Monday through Friday continually from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., leaving every 15 minutes. You should enter at the Visitor Entrance on 14th Street. Tours last 40 minutes. Closed weekends, federal holidays, and December 24th through January 3rd. Reopens January 4thwith regular hours. Group tours not available. Telephone: (202) 874-2330.
Metro Stop: Smithsonian. The United States Capitol Building - The Capitol Guide Service conducts free guided tours of the Capitol Monday through Saturday throughout the year. Tours are offered every half hour, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Groups are limited to 40 people per time slot. Early arrival is recommended, as space is limited. For information, call (202) 225-6827. Metro Stop: Capitol South or Union Station.
The Capital Children's Museum - The Children's Museum is currently closed until June 2008 for renovations. Metro Stop: Union Station.
Federal Bureau of Investigation - The FBI Building is currently closed to the public until further notice. Metro Stop: Gallery Place-Chinatown.
Folger Shakespeare Library - The Folger is located at 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, D.C. 20003-1094. Telephone: (202) 544-4600. Directions: The Folger is one block from the U.S. Capitol and is accessible by Metrobus. Limited street parking is available. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Closed all federal holidays. Admission: free tours are regularly scheduled, no prior arrangement necessary. Metro Stop: Capitol South or Union Station.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - New Hampshire Avenue at Rock Creek Parkway, NW. Free tours of the Kennedy Center are given by the Friends of the Kennedy Center from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday - Sunday, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Tours leave every 15 minutes. Tours depart from the parking plaza on Level A, and feature the Hall of States and Hall of Nations, the Center's main theaters, and numerous paintings, sculptures, and other artworks given to the Center by foreign countries. No tickets or reservations for tours are needed. For performance information, call (800) 444-1324 or (202) 467-4600. Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom. (There is a free shuttle bus which takes visitors from the station to the center.)
The Library of Congress - Located on First Street, SE between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street, the Library of Congress houses more than 119 million items, including the papers of 23 presidents of the United States, Thomas Jefferson's rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and the earliest motion picture print. The Thomas Jefferson Building was completed in 1897 and restored to its original splendor in 1997. Visitors can view the Main Reading Room with its magnificent domed ceiling from the Visitors' Gallery. Adults over the age of 18 can utilize the Library's collections once they register as readers in room LM 140 of the Madison Building. Please note that the stacks are closed and that books are requested for use in the appropriate reading rooms. There are guided tours daily, Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., and Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays and all federal holidays. Please arrive at the Jefferson Building's Horse Shoe, entrance located at First Street opposite the Capitol. Spanish language tours are offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. All tours start in the Visitors' Center in the Jefferson Building. Researcher hours are not the same for all reading rooms. Admission is free. For information, call (202) 707-6400 or visit the website at www.loc.gov for complete information. For all other visitors, the hours of the Jefferson Building are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The National Aquarium - 14th Street between Constitution Avenue and D Street, NW. Tanks filled with marine life, such as fish, sharks, and alligators. The aquarium is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.), with the exception of Christmas Day. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children under age 10. For information, call (202) 482-2825.
The United States National Arboretum - 444 acres of trees, shrubs and assorted plants in the northeast section of the District of Columbia. The National Arboretum is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The administration building is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Guide services for organized groups are available. Please make reservations for groups. Metro Stop: Stadium-Armory. From there take Bus number B-2, B-4, or B-5 to the intersection of Bladensburg Road and R Street, Walk east of R Street 300 yards to the R Street gate. Bordered on the west by Bladensburg Road, on the north by New York Avenue, and on the south by M Street. Entrances are located on New York Avenue and R Street. Tours and times are subject to change. For information, call (202) 245-4575.
The National Cathedral - Located at Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, Northwest in Washington, D.C., one of the highest points in the city. Guided tours are given Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. except during special events and services. Admission is free, but a donation of $3 per adult and $1 per child is suggested for tours. The grounds tour takes you through the Bishop's Lawn and Gardens. On these tours you get many details on the plants and trees in the garden. These tours are given on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., April through October. For information, call (202) 244-0568. For tour and tea reservations, call (202) 537-8993. For Woods and Bird Walk information, call (202) 537-2319.
The United States Naval Observatory - 34th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NW. When open to the public, the Observatory conducts a free 90 minute tour of its facilities on alternating Monday nights at 8:30 p.m., except on federal holidays. Reservations are not necessary for individuals or for small groups, but groups of 15 to 30 should call to make reservations. The tour includes presentations about the Master Clock, observations through telescopes (weather permitting), a video presentation on the mission and history of the Observatory, and discussions with staff astronomers. The Observatory is not open to the public at any other time. For information, call (202) 762-1467.
The United States Navy Memorial and Visitors Center - 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. For information, call (202) 737-2300. Metro Stop: Archives-Navy Memorial.
The Eisenhower Executive Office Building - Next door to the White House, the Old Executive Office Building (OEOB) commands a unique position in both our national history and architectural heritage. Designed by Supervising Architect of the Treasury, Alfred B. Mullett, it was built from 1871 to 1888 to house the growing staffs of the State, War, and Navy Departments, and is considered one of the best examples of French Second Empire architecture in the country. Only Congressional Tours are offered. Please contact your Congressman's Washington D.C. office to possibly arrange a tour.
The Old Post Office Pavilion - 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. National Parks Service offers a tour of the bell tower with a splendid view of the city. The lines for this tour are normally much shorter than for the Washington Memorial. For information, call (202) 289-4224. Metro Stop: Federal Triangle or Navy Memorial.
The Pentagon - Across the 14th Street Bridge in Virginia (I-395). For information, call (703) 695-1776 or (703) 614-1642. Metro Stop: Pentagon.
The Department of State - 2201 C Street, NW. Currently tours are limited to the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, and are given at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Reservations are required and should be made approximately four weeks in advance. Due to the large volume of requests, reservations can be made up to three months in advance. Tours may be arranged by contacting the Department of State Tour Office on (202) 647-3241. The State Department Tour Office is closed on weekends and holidays. Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom.
The Supreme Court - First Street and Maryland Avenue, NE. Open Monday through Friday except on federal holidays. Tours are conducted in the courtroom from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. departing every half hour, except when court is in session. There is a maximum of four persons per tour. Leaders of group tours should be told to call (202) 479-3395 and select #4 for information. Group Tour information can be obtained at (202) 479-3300. When the Court is in session, tours are only given on Thursdays and Fridays. To see the Court in session, wait in two lines outside the building. The lines start forming around 8:30 a.m. so get there early! Public lectures are conducted in the courtroom from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. when the Court is not in session. For information, call (202) 479-3000. Metro Stop: Capitol South or Union Station.
The Department of the Treasury - Currently, all tours of the Treasury Department have been suspended due to security concerns. This building was built in 1836 and since then has served as the headquarters for the Treasury Department. Entrance through Appointment Center doors located next to the White House on 15th Street between F and G Streets, NW. Hours: Saturday morning, lasting 90 minutes. Admission is free. For tour information or to make an advanced reservation call (202) 622-0896. For hearing impaired tours call (202) 622-0692. Metro Stop: Metro Center.
The White House - Tours must be requested through a person's Member of Congress. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Guided tours are only offered through Congressional offices. Congressional offices are not guaranteed tickets and White House tours are based on a strict first-requested basis. In addition, the number of tours received per office will become a factor in the scheduling, decision-making process. White House tour requests must be submitted four to six months in advance. Please call your Congressman's Washington, D.C. office to request a tour, or contact information at (202) 456-7041. Metro Stop: McPherson Square.
The White House Visitor Center- Southeast Corner of 15th and E Streets in the Department of Commerce Building. National Zoo - 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW. May 1st through September 15th hours: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., animal rooms open 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. September 16th to April 30th: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., animal rooms open 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Phone (202) 673-4800 or (202) 673-4717. Metro Stop: Woodley Park-Adams Morgan. Admission is free, but parking rates are as follows: $5 for three hours, $7 for up to four hours, $9 for up to five hours, $11 for over five hours. Baltimore/Washington International Airport General Information (301) 261-1000 Ground Transportation (301) 261-1091 Amtrak BWI Station (301) 674-1167 Dulles International Airport General Information (703) 572-2700 Lost and Found (703) 572-2954 Taxi Service (703) 528-4440 Travelers Aid (703) 661-8636 Washington National Airport General Information (703) 417-8000 Lost and Found (703) 417-8560 Metro Information (703) 637-7000 Travelers Aid and Paging (703) 684-3472 Amtrak (800) USA-RAIL Metro (Public Transportation) 6 :00 a.m. to 11 :30 p.m. (days and times vary by route) General (202) 962-1234 Handicapped Assistance (202) 962-1825 Lost and Found (202) 962-1195 Tourmobile Service The National Park Service has concessionaire-operated guided tour mobiles that travel from Capitol Hill to Arlington Cemetery and points in between with unlimited reboarding privileges the day of ticket purchase; call for rates. Tourmobile operates daily 9 :30 a.m. to 4 :30 p.m. Phone: (202) 554-5100
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