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 August 15, 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. 

Tour times: Sat., 9, 9:45, 10:30, 11:15 am 

Max days ahead: 180 

Min days ahead: 21 

Notes: Background check is required. Currently closed but Treasury is reviewing the reopening procedures so keep checking the website.

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 far in advance. (You can wait around 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: 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 

Closed. Where to get future 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. Tours currently suspended.

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 required. On site tickets are sometimes available. Outdoor tours only.

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

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