United States Capitol (Staff-led Tours)

The Capitol is the most recognized symbol of democratic government in the world. Located in the center of the city, it houses the legislative branch of our government. Tours led by my staff are given Monday through Friday, except for federal holidays. These tours last approximately 120 minutes. Visitors will also receive a Gallery pass to view the proceedings on the House floor when the House of Representatives is in session.

Metro Stop: Capitol South
Map of the U.S. Capitol Building

The White House

These self-guided tours of the East Wing are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and, regrettably, are not guaranteed. Tours are available Tuesday through Saturday, and visitors are assigned an entrance time. Tours start as early as 7:30 a.m. and they end at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 12:00 p.m. on Friday, and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.  I submit the tour requests I receive to the White House, and they, in turn, approve and schedule the tours.  Unfortunately, the White House has been accepting only a very limited number of congressional tour requests.  You will have a better chance of securing a spot if you make your request early. Typically, we have found that only tour requests that are submitted six months in advance will be scheduled by the White House, although they do allow requests to be made as late as one month in advance, and they have been making efforts since May 2009 to increase the availability of tours. The White House will notify my office if the tour is scheduled or denied about 10 days before the requested tour date.  I will, in turn, notify you as soon as I have heard from them.
If a group tour has been scheduled, all attendees aged 14 and above are required to submit their name, date of birth, Social Security number, and country of citizenship to their congressional office. Attendees under the age of 14 only need to submit their name and date of birth. Approved tours are also subject to last minute cancellations due to special events, emergencies, etc.

Metro Stop: Federal Triangle 
Map of the White House

The Bureau of Engraving & Printing

This is the place to see how United States paper currency is printed. School groups or small groups of 10 or less can have Members of Congress request a Congressional tour. Tours are offered Monday through Friday, and must be requested at least six weeks prior to your tour date, as space is limited. Tours last approximately 45 minutes.

Location: 14th & C Streets, SW

Metro Stop: Smithsonian

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The Kennedy Center, located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River, is America's living memorial to President Kennedy as well as the nation's busiest arts facility, presenting more than 3,000 performances each year. Congressional Tours for groups of 10 or less are available Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. This tour is conducted by "Friends of the Kennedy Center " volunteers and lasts approximately one hour. Visitors should go to the Tour Desk on Parking Level A.

Location: New Hampshire Avenue at Rock Creek Parkway, NW

Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom/GWU
(There is a free shuttle from the Metro stop to the Kennedy Center).

Library of Congress

Our country's national library contains over 75 million volumes. The Library of Congress offers special Congressional tours at 8:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., Monday through Friday when scheduled through Congressman Herger's office. Tours last approximately one hour.

Location: Jefferson Building; 1st Street & Independence, SE

Metro stop: Capitol South

National Cathedral

The National Cathedral is the second-largest Gothic cathedral in the United States. From the cathedral, you may view the nation's capitol or simply enjoy the peaceful gardens and the beauty of the cathedral. Congressional tours can be scheduled on Monday and Wednesday; beginning promptly at 9 a.m. and lasting approximately 45 minutes. Regular fees apply ($5 per adult; $3 per senior citizen, student, or military; $15 per family).

Location: Massachusetts & Wisconsin Avenues, NW

Metro stop: Tenleytown Station to "30" series Metro bus

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is the historic home of George Washington and his family, with 500 acres of the original estate preserved. The estate allows visitors to see 20 structures and 50 acres of gardens as they existed in 1799, including Washington's mansion and the tombs of George and Martha Washington. Walking tours of the estate and gardens are offered every day April 1 - August 31 at 8:45am. Regular fees apply ($15 per adult, $14 per senior citizen, $7 for youth ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and under).

Location: George Washington Memorial Parkway

Metro Stop: Huntington Ave to Fairfax Connector Bus #101