18 Washington D.C. Attractions that Require or Recommend Advance Tickets (and how to make them)
Before you travel to Washington DC, it’s important to plan your visit by making advance reservations at many popular attractions. It’s important to check out each website for the latest on the hours of operation. Some attractions remain closed.(updated November 29, 2022)
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
Closed. Where to get future 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. Tours have resumed.
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
Closed. Where to get tickets: Must go through member of Congress. Limited to legal American citizens at this time.
Tour times: Every other Saturday morning, 9 am and 10:30 am
Max days ahead: 180
Min days ahead: 21
Notes: Background check is required. Visitors must enter through the West building entrance (Bell entrance). This entrance is located in between the Treasury Building and the White House. A docent will meet you to escort the group into the building.
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, but best to reserve a ticket in advance. (You can wait around the Monument grounds and often people will have extra tickets and give them out)
6. The Pentagon
Closed. 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) Public tours have resumed. You will not be allowed to bring any electronics on your tour.
7. U.S. Capitol
Where to get tickets: visitthecapitol.gov for tickets
Tour times: 9 am –3 pm weekdays only
Max days ahead: 90
Min days ahead: 1
Notes: Some same day passes available, Gallery Passes obtained through Congressional representative. But all tours, programs and activities in the visitor-approved areas like the Rotunda, Statuary and the Crypt are free of charge. Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol.
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: Advance reservations strongly encouraged. Limited number of Same Day passes are available for timed-entry every half hour from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday – Sunday. The Theatre is not included in every ticket.
9. Department of State Diplomatic Reception Rooms
Where to get tickets: diplomaticrooms.state.gov For information call 202-647-3241
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 The State Department building is a secure facility, and visitors will need to check in at the information desk inside the C Street entrance. Be sure to bring photo identification. You must be pre-cleared or cleared in by an employee for a tour.
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, currently closed for renovation until 2023.
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 suggested. 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. Currently closed.
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. Currently closed for renovations.
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. Currently closed.
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
16. International Spy Museum
Where to get tickets: tickets.spymuseum.org
Cost:
Adult (13-64) – $26.95
Youth (7-12) – $16.95
Child (6 and under) – FREE (ticket required)
Hours: Thursday through Wednesday 9 am – 7 pm
Location: L’Enfant Plaza Station. Rooftop viewing. Spies under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
17. Planet Word
Where to get tickets: https://planetwordmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/
HOURS
Wednesday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Last entrance time is 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION
925 13th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
Entrance on K Street
Cost: General admission is free, with a suggested $15 donation to support the museum’s mission-driven programs, exhibits, and educational outreach.
18. Museum of the Bible
Reserve Online for discount tickets: https://www.museumofthebible.org/plan-your-visit
Hours: Open 7 days a week from 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: Adult Advance tickets $19.99 Walk Up: $24.99
Seniors, Military, First Responders, and Students $19.99
Youth (Ages 5–17) $13.99, Walk up $14.99
Children (Ages 4 and under) Free
Old Post Office Tower
Where: Located at the intersection of 12th Street and Pennsylvania Ave N.W. (part of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel) Information
Cost: Tickets are Free, No reservations needed
Hours: 9 am – 4 pm, tours commence every five minutes
Self-Guided Tours begin from the elevator lobby on the stage level of the Old Post Office Pavilion. Visitors board the glass elevator to the exhibit area, then the elevator rises 270 feet viewing area.
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Travel and Dish
Travel and Dish 