How do I book a White House tour for my group?
Tours of the White House are available by advance arrangement through your member of Congress or Senator. Tours are arranged for groups of ten or more, but smaller groups should not be discouraged from requesting to join a tour. You should submit a request through your Congressperson's office at least one month and up to six months in advance. The tours are self-guided and will run from 7:30 am until 12:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call the White House Visitors Center at (202) 456-7041 or visit whitehouse.gov. You can locate your Congressperson's office by visiting house.gov. For your Senator's office, visit senate.gov.

How can I tour the Capitol or see Congress in session?
The US Capitol is open to the public for tours Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 4:30 pm except for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The tours are given free of charge, although tickets are required and can be obtained the same day of the tour on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket distribution begins at 9 am at First Street and Independence Avenue. Guided tours last approximately thirty minutes and are organized in groups of 40 people.

If you're visiting with a larger group, we recommend that you contact your Congressional representative or Senator to make advance arrangements. Visit house.gov or senate.gov to find your representative's contact information. You can also inquire about passes to view the House and Senate in session.

Also, please note that the new Capitol Visitor Center is slated for completion in late 2008. With the new center, tours will be expanded to accommodate larger groups with more interpretative displays and additional amenities. Visit aoc.gov/cvc/index.cfm for more information on the project.

International visitors are always welcome to view a session of the Senate or House, and should enter through the House of Representatives Gallery line on the South side of the Capitol complex. Capitol Guide Service personnel issue international gallery passes inside the South Screening Facility.

Information about tours for visitors with special needs is available from the Congressional Special Services Office at (202) 224-4048 or (202) 224-4049 (TDD).

Which attractions require group reservations?
Many of Washington, DC's major attractions are open for the public and do not require tickets or advance reservations, including the museums of the Smithsonian system and the National Zoo, the National Gallery of Art and the national monuments and memorials. However, you may be able to take advantage of free tours and programs and discounts on ticketed attractions and other programs by contacting the museums prior to your visit. Here are some general guidelines for groups:

• Smithsonian Museums: Group reservations are not required, but you can take advantage of free tours, meal vouchers and other amenties. Log onto smithsonian.org/visit/groups.htm for suggested tours and itineraries.
• National Gallery of Art: Free one-hour tours for groups of twenty or more adults may be booked three weeks to four months in advance. Call (202) 842-6247. Additional programs and educational info for school tours may be found at nga.gov/education/school.shtm.
• National Zoo:Admission to the National Zoo is free and reservations are not required for groups. However, Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) offers group packages by advance reservation. For package details, visit nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/GroupTours/ or call (202) 633-4480.
• U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum: Timed passes are needed for the permanent exhibition. Passes are free and are distributed daily beginning at 10 am on a first-come, first served basis. You can pre-reserve tickets for a small service charge through Tickets.com (for groups of 21 or smaller). Groups of 21 or more qualify to make a scheduled visit to the Museum for the Permanent Exhibition: The Holocaust or the current Special Exhibitions. Group reservations are free and must be submitted using the Museum's online reservation system. Visit ushmm.org or call (202) 488-0400 for additional information.
• Arlington National Cemetery: While the cemetery is free to visit, groups of 20 or more receive a discount for guided tours on Tourmobile with free re-boarding throughout the day. Visit tourmobile.com for more information.
• Bureau of Printing & Engraving: The Bureau of Printing and Engraving requires tickets for its tours from March through August only; these are only distributed on the day of your visit, beginning at 8 am (lines form early and, during peak season, tickets are often distributed by 9 am). Reservations are required for Group Tours (50 people max per tour). Complete a Group Reservation Request Form and fax it to (202) 874-6331.
• Corcoran Gallery of Art: The Corcoran accommodates groups of 15 or more for its permanent collections and most special exhibitions. Discounted pricing may apply; groups must purchase tickets a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks in advance to be considered for discounting. Group dining is also available in the on-site Café des Artistes. For additional information regarding group visits, call (202) 639-1730 or visit corcoran.org.
• Folger Shakespeare Library: School visits are offered on select days throughout the year from 10:30 AM-12 noon. Groups are limited to 50 participants, and a small fee is required. Group discounts are available on ticket orders for ten or more people for most Folger performances. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling (202) 675-0367 (group ticket discounts are not available online). Group Tours for older students or adults are also available Monday through Saturday. Reservations are not required for public tours, and private tours are also available at alternate times for a fee. For more information, visit folger.edu.
• Hillwood Museum: Groups of 10 or more people may book a docent led tour, please complete the Group Tour Request Form. For group inquiries please call (202) 686.5807 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• International Spy Museum: Groups of 15 or more can pre-reserve to ensure availability and to receive a discount on tickets. Visit spymuseum.org for more information.
• Kennedy Center: Groups of 20 or more benefit from special advantages like discounts and access to tickets before they go on sale to the public when they book performance tickets through the Group Sales office. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org or call 1-800- 444-1324. You can also arrange a guided tour of the facility.
• Kreeger Museum: The Kreeger Museum can accommodate school tours of up to 48 students. Tours are free; however, if the school would like to include a workshop taught by a professional teaching artist, a small cost applies. For further information, call 202-337-3050 x24 or visit kreegermuseum.org.
• Library of Congress: Groups of 10 to 60 participants may reserve private tours with advance notice by contacting the Visitor Services Office, or calling (202) 707–0919. These tours are designed for organizations and schools (fifth-grade level and above). Reserved group tour times are offered Monday through Friday and are subject to availability.Visit loc.gov for more information.
• Madame Tussauds: Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. More information is available online, or call 1-888-923-0334 for reservations.
• Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens: Groups of 12 or more students (ages pre-school through 12th grade) are eligible for the discounted student group rate at Mount Vernon. For more information, visit mountvernon.org.
• National Museum of Crime & Punishment: Reservations for groups of 20 or more at the museum can be made by phone at (202) 393-1099, by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by using the group reservation form online. Once you have completed the reservation form, you will be contacted within 24 business hours by a member of the Group Sales team. Chaperones are required and are provided complimentary admission at a 1:15 ratio. Bus drivers and tour directors also receive complimentary admission. For more information, visit crimemuseum.org.
• Newseum: Groups of 20 or more will automatically receive a discount when purchasing tickets online. To book a school field trip, call 1-888-NEWSEUM (888-639-7386). Public and private school students in grades 1–12 in The Washington Post metropolitan market receive free admission through March 31, 2009. Rates and additional information may be found online.
• Washington Monument: Visitors can pre-reserve individual tickets for the Washington Monument for a nominal fee of $1.50 per ticket by calling 1-877-444-6777 or visiting www.recreation.gov.
• Washington National Cathedral: Reservations are required for groups of 13 or more who will be arriving by motorcoach or by other larger vehicle such as a mini-bus or 15-passenger van. (Motorcoach parking is available in the garage on site.) Groups with a reservation to tour the Cathedral must be guided by a Cathedral docent or a Cathedral-certified guide. Tours are given Monday through Saturday; no tours are offered on Sunday. Click here to download a group request form. For more information about group visits, visit cathedral.org or call (202) 537-6207 x5.

Are any DC attractions currently closed or coming to the city?
Ford's Theatre is closed through February 2009 for renovations, however you can learn more about the Lincoln assassination by visiting the Petersen House across the street (open daily except December 25). Reservations are not required for group tours and admission is free.

The National Museum of American History is closed for renovation through fall 2008.

Can we tour the Pentagon?
The Pentagon tour office will accept and process group tours from educational institutions (schools/colleges/academies), churches, government agencies, or military organizations consisting of 5 or more visitors. Please review the Group Tour Guidelines before making a Group Tour request. Call (703) 697-1776 or visit pentagon.afis.osd.mil for more information.

We've booked a White House tour. Where can we store our things?
If you're planning to tour the White House, please be sure that all members of your group are familiar with the guidelines. For security reasons, items such as cameras, cell phones and backpacks are not allowed inside the White House. We recommend that you leave personal items on the bus or in the hotel, if possible, or designate a member of your group to hold cameras, cell phones, etc. Tours are self-guided and generally last only 15 minutes; the person you designate to stay behind will likely be able to tour the building during your allotted time.

Another alternative is to store items in the lockers available at Union Station. Rates start at $2 per hour for smaller bags and $5 per hour for large bags. Drop off/pick up hours are 6 am-10 pm, however items may be stored overnight or several days if desired. Call (202) 898-1592 for more information.

Or, schedule a breakfast stop at a nearby restaurant or hotel and inquire with the wait staff about possibility of leaving your bags there.

How can we organize our itinerary to add in some of DC's new attractions?
In the past few years, DC has welcomed several major new attractions, and further development is just around the corner. If your schedule allows, you may wish to consider adding another day to take advantage of the new sites. Hotel rates are generally lower on the weekend, making it increasingly affordable to experience what's new in DC.

You can also pack more into your day by taking advantage of later hours (in season) at the International Spy Museum, Madame Tussauds, the Bureau of Printing & Engraving and Arlington National Cemetery. The National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum stay open nightly until 7pm, while the monuments and memorials are particularly stunning at night.

As you plan your visit to DC's new attractions, take note of the suggested times for touring:

• Newseum - allow at least 2 hours
• Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens: 1 hour in the mansion; 3-4 hours to tour entire estate, including the new Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center and Ford Orientation Center
• International Spy Museum – 2 hours for the permanent exhibit; 1 hour for Operation Spy
• Madame Tussauds – 1 hour
• National Portrait Gallery & Smithsonian American Art Museum (open til 7 pm year-round) – 2-3 hours
• National Museum of Crime & Punishment - 1 hour

Can you suggest a good, moderately priced hotel?
It's easy to find a hotel that suits your personality and your budget. Log on to www.washington.org to search our database by neighborhood, to fill out an online Request for Proposal, or contact a tourism sales manager for assistance in selecting a hotel.

It's important to remember that DC hotel rates are seasonal and are often higher when major events and conventions are taking place. You'll generally find the lowest hotel rates on the weekend and during late summer and winter.

When selecting a place to stay, it's helpful to remember that Washington, DC is a very compact city, with most of the hotels and attractions concentrated in the Northwest section of the city. Most all of the hotels listed in our searchable database are located within a few minutes' walk of a Metro station, and you'll discover that Metro is an easy, safe way to navigate the city.

On Washington.org, you'll find hotels searchable by neighborhood. If you want to stay near the National Mall, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center or the Verizon Center, look for a hotel in the downtown neighborhood, where you'll also find many of the city's trendy restaurants. Dupont Circle is known for its galleries, cafes and concentration of embassies, while just a cab ride away is Adams Morgan, which is synonymous with ethnic restaurants and nightlife. Historic Georgetown is the city's most recognizable shopping district and another great dining destination, while Capitol Hill gives easy access to Union Station, the Library of Congress, the National Mall and of course, the Capitol. Hotels located in Southwest are also quite near the National Mall and the waterfront.

Visitors may find lower hotel rates in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. We would encourage you to select a hotel that is located near a Metro station or to select a hotel that offers shuttle service to the Metro station. If you do elect to stay in the suburbs, please remember that you'll be sharing the roads and the Metro with commuters.

My band/ musical group wants to perform on the National Mall. How can we do that?
Groups of 25 or more who wish to perform at one of DC's memorials or in public spaces such as Freedom Plaza, Franklin Square, McPherson Square, Farragut Square, Washington Circle, Dupont Circle and Logan Circle are required to obtain a permit from the National Park Service's Office of Park Programs/Permits Office. To obtain a Public Gathering Permit application, call (202) 619-7225.We recommend that you plan early and be as flexible as possible, as permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

When do the Cherry Blossoms bloom?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is planned to coincide with the blooming of the trees. Peak bloom dates usually occur in early April, though weather conditions can accelerate or delay the bloom dates. For information about the festival, visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or call (202) 547-1500.

What are the future dates of the National Cherry Blossom Festival®?
The 2009 Festival will be March 28 - April 12, 2009. The parade will take place on Sat., April 4. The 2010 Festival will be March 27 - April 11, 2010 with the Parade on Sat., April 10. The 2011 Festival will be March 26 - April 10, 2011; with the Parade on Saturday, April 9. The 2012 Festival, which marks the 100th Anniversary of the Gift of Trees, will be March 31 - April 15; with the Parade on Saturday, April 14.

What events are planned for Memorial Day weekend?
As you might expect, Memorial Day weekend is a popular time to pay respects to veterans at the Vietnam, Korean and World War II Memorials, along with Arlington Cemetery and the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps Memorials.

On Sunday, the annual Rolling Thunder bike rally pays homage to the nation's veterans, particularly those still missing in action or prisoners of war, as more than 250,000 motorcyclists ride from the Pentagon to the Capitol. On Sunday evening, you can also catch a free concert by the National Symphony Orchestra, beginning at 8 pm on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. On Monday, visitors can catch the National Memorial Day Parade, stepping off at 2 p.m. on Constitution Ave. Special wreath-laying ceremonies take place at the memorials during the day.

What happens in DC on the Fourth of July?
The Fourth of July is a very exciting time to be in Washington. There are festivities throughout the day, leading up to a spectacular fireworks display at night.

The National Cathedral offers a free concert of patriotic music beginning at 11 am. The Fourth of July Parade travels down Constitution Avenue, beginning at noon. During the afternoon, you'll find many interesting activities taking place on and near the National Mall. The National Archives' family-friendly programming includes a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence and special appearances by costumed historical characters like Ben Franklin and Martha Washington. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival will also be in full swing, with music, performances, crafts and cuisine examining the cultures of Northern Ireland, the Mekong River and the commonwealth of Virginia. There will be concerts by military bands taking place on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

An evening concert featuring an all-star cast begins at 8 pm on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The National Symphony Orchestra also performs during the spectacular fireworks show, which begins just after 9 pm. No alcohol is permitted on the Mall, and guests should expect to pass through security check points. The celebration takes place rain or shine. We recommend that you take Metro to join in the festivities and arrive early to stake out a viewing location for your group.

What regulations are in place for motorcoaches?
In response to safety, security and preservation requirements, the Capitol Police, the Department of Motor Vehicles and District of Columbia have implemented several new regulations that impact motorcoach travel within the city. Many other popular historic tour and travel destinations; such as Savannah, Charleston, Gettysburg and New York City; already have similar arrangements in place. These new regulations cover permitting and traffic flow for motorcoaches.

Effective immediately, coaches are precluded from traveling within certain locations on and around the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and utilizing many of the residential streets in the Capitol Hill Historic District. Motorcoach operators are also required to obtain permits for operation in the District. Click here for more information and to view maps of the routes affected.

Where can I find public restrooms on the National Mall?
There are public restrooms, all with handicapped accessibility, located at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial and World War II Memorial on the National Mall. All of the museums on the National Mall also have ample public restrooms. However, there are no restrooms near the Washington Monument. Most downtown businesses restrict use of their restrooms to patrons.

How does Metro work?
Metrorail subway system and Metrobus provide the safest, cleanest and most efficient way of getting around Washington, DC and the metropolitan suburbs. Five rail lines and an extensive bus system connect the District with the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Train lines are named for colors: Red, yellow, blue, green, and orange. Station entrances are marked by brown pylons, capped with the letter “M” and colored stripes indicate which lines are available.

Route maps are posted at each station and inside each subway car. Metrorail opens 5 a.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends. It closes at midnight Sunday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday nights, it stays open until 3 a.m. Each train displays the name of its farthest destination. Base subway fare is $1.65 and increases during rush hour and for longer trips. Daily passes with unlimited riding privileges are available after 9:30 a.m. during the week and all day on weekends for $7.80. Rail farecards can be purchased at vending machines located inside the stations. Farecards are inserted into the turnstile gates to enter and exit subway platforms. The fare is automatically deducted each time you exit a station. To continue your trip by Metrobus, obtain a transfer at your originating station before boarding the train. Buses travel to Georgetown and other areas not serviced by the subway.

Tickets can be purchased by cash or credit cards from vending machines located at the stations. Station managers are on hand to assist you in purchasing your tickets. You may also purchase bulk tickets in advance online at metroopensdoors.com.

To obtain schedules for connecting Metrobus service, locations of Metro sales offices, and other public transportation information, call Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority at (202) 637-7000 or visit wmata.com where you can even download a map right into your iPod or plot your course on with an interactive trip planner.

DC Circulator: The city's newest transportation service, the DC Circulator connects Union Station with Georgetown on an east-to-west route and the Shaw neighborhood and Washington, DC Convention Center with the National Mall and the Southwest Waterfront on a north-to-south route. Rides are $1. The Circulator operates daily from 7 am to 9 pm. Visit dccirculator.com to view a map of the system.

Hotel, restaurant and attractions listings on dccirculator.com and in the official visitors guide to Washington, DC indicate the nearest Metro stop. The interactive map on Washington.org can also help you identify the closest station.

Can you recommend some group-friendly restaurants?
While DC's restaurants are home to cuisine from all around the world, designed to suit anyone's taste and budget, you'll want to make note of the restaurants that are especially eager to welcome tour groups. Click here for a list of suggestions.

What evening activities do you suggest for student groups?
If you're looking for something different to do with your group after dark, here are a few suggestions.

• DC's monuments and memorials are even more impressive by moonlight. Talk to your tour guide about adding on a "monuments by moonlight" tour. Or, link up with Bike and Roll or City Segway Tours to see the city from a different angle.
• Washington Walks hosts a variety of fun and educational walking tours around the capital for students of all ages, including several evening tours. Call (202) 484-1565 for details on group tours.
• Washington, DC's Verizon Center plays host to pro basketball players in the NBA and WNBA. Special rates and perks are offered to groups; call the Washington Mystics group sales office at (202) 266-2277 or Washington Wizards at (202) 661-5050.
• Hockey fans can catch DC's professional hockey team, the Washington Capitals, in an evening face-off for as little as $16 a seat. To learn about special pricing advantages for groups, call (202) 266-2277 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Lucky Strike Lanes, a trendy bowling alley-meets-restaurant, combines retro accents and modern technology in an upscale environment. Located in downtown's Gallery Place retail development. School groups are welcome; to make reservations, call (202) 347-1021.
• Winter visitors can enjoy nighttime ice skating at two rinks in Washington, DC and one in nearby Arlington: Pershing Park, located downtown; the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden and Ice Rink, located on the National Mall; and Pentagon Row Ice Rink, located in Pentagon Row Shopping Center in Arlington, VA.
• The Capitol Steps - a musical political satire troupe of former Congressional Staffers-turned comedians - offers public shows Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm in the Ronald Reagan Building Amphitheater. Special ticket prices are offered to groups of 20 or more; call (202) 312-1427 for more information.
• Catch a free performance any day of the week at Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center. Shows are presented at 6 pm year round, with no tickets required.
• The record-breaking comedy, "Shear Madness," invites audiences to the Kennedy Center to play detective and solve the murder of a famed concert pianist who lived above a Georgetown salon. Shows run almost nightly and groups of 15 or more are eligible to receive discounted tickets. Call the Kennedy Center's group sales office at (202) 416-8400 or click here for more information.
• The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, located in the vibrant Penn Quarter neighborhood, remain open until 7 pm daily - plus admission is free. Check for seasonal hours at other museums and attractions.