15 Washington D.C. Attractions that Require Advance Tickets (and how to make them)

1 National Archives
Where to get tickets: archives.gov/museum
Tour times: Guided, Every 15 minutes beginning 10:30 to 90 mins before close
Adult cost: $1.00
Notes: walk-ins allowed, but Fast Pass is recommended

2. The White House
Where to get tickets: whitehouse.gov Must go through member of Congress.
Tour times: Mon.–Thu., 7:30–11; Fri.–Sat., 7:30–1:30
Max days ahead: 180
Min days ahead: 21
Notes: Background check is required.

3. US Holocaust Museum
Where to get tickets: ushmm.org
Tour times: 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Max days ahead: Same day and advance tickets online
Notes: Passes required Mar-Aug, not required September – February
4. Treasury Building
Where to get tickets: Must go through member of Congress.
Tour times: Sat., 9, 9:45, 10:30, 11:15 am
Max days ahead: 180
Min days ahead: 21
Notes: Background check is required.

5. Washington Monument
Where to get tickets: www.recreation.gov 877-444-6777
Tour times: 9 am – 5 pm
Adult cost: $1.00 processing fee
Notes: Some same day passes on first come/first serve available
6. Pentagon
Where to get tickets: pentagontours.osd.mil
Tour times: Mon.–Fri., 9–3
Max days ahead: 90
Min days ahead: 14
Notes: submit request, must show ID (passport, driver’s license, permanent resident card)

7. U.S. Capitol
Where to get tickets: visitthecapitol.gov for tickets
Tour times: 8:50–3:20 weekdays only
Max days ahead: 90
Min days ahead: 1
Notes: Some same day passes available, Gallery Passes obtained through Congressional representative
8. Ford’s Theater National Historic Site
Where to get tickets: fords.org for Historic Site Visit
Tour times: Daily, 9–4
Adult cost: $3
Max days ahead: 90
Min days ahead: 1
Notes: Also Timed Same Day passes

9. Department of State Diplomatic Reception Rooms
Where to get tickets: diplomaticrooms.state.gov
Tour times: Mon.–Fri., 9:30, 10:30, 2:45
Max days ahead: 90
Min days ahead: 1
Notes: Fine Arts tour, not appropriate for children.
Background check may be required, tours cancelled periodically.
10. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Where to get tickets: nps.gov/frdo
Tour times: Daily, 9, 12:15, 1:15, 3, 3:30 (walk-ins only), 4 (Apr.±Oct.)
Adult cost: $1.50
Max days ahead: 90
Notes: Same day passes available

11. President Lincoln’s Cottage
Where to get tickets: lincolncottage.org
Tour times: Mon.–Sat., 10–3; Sun., 11–3
Adult cost: $15, Kids $5 (should be 6 or older)
Max days ahead: 90
Min days ahead: 0
Notes: Advanced tickets required. On site tickets are sometimes available.

12. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Where to get tickets: Tickets required on day of visit beginning at 8:30 am.
Tour times: Mon.–Fri, 8:15–8:45, 4–4:45
Max days ahead: 90
Min days ahead:
Notes: Tickets only required Mar-Aug; can be picked up at ticket window for other times.

13. Folger Shakespeare Library
Where to get tickets: folger.edu
Tour times: Saturday at noon
Max days ahead: 60
Min days ahead: 1
Notes: This is for READING ROOM TOURS; regular tours do not require tickets.
14. FBI Experience
Where to get tickets: Security approval required. Must go through member of Congress.
Tour times: Mon.–Fri. 9 am -4:30 pm
Max days ahead: 35
Min days ahead: 21
Notes: No Federal Holidays, must be 16 or older with government issued ID

15. National Museum of African American History and Culture
Where to get tickets: Timed entry passes available online, required on Saturday and Sunday
Tour times: Mon.–Fri. 10 am -5:30 pm
Adult cost: free
Max days ahead: 90 days
Notes: Walk-in entry on Monday-Friday from 1 pm until close on March-August
Uncategorized museums reservations Smithsonian Museums Washington DC Landmarks Washington Monument
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