Planning Ahead
Washington, D.C.: Insider Tips
Many of Washington's top attractions require no advance planning, but there are some activities you're better off reserving well ahead of your visit. In many cases you'll pay a service charge for advance bookings at sites that otherwise charge no admission, but by spending a few extra dollars you can avoid potentially long waits on the day of your visit.
— A good first step is to contact the office of a Senator or Representative from your home district to request gallery passes for the House and Senate chambers, or to arrange a group tour of the White House. Congressional offices also can help you arrange VIP tours of the Bureau of Printing and Engraving or the Library of Congress, and may assist you with other aspects of planning your stay as well. Go to www.house.gov and www.senate.gov to find individual websites and contact information for your local Congressional representative.
— The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum requires timed passes to visit its permanent exhibition, The Holocaust. Passes may be reserved in advance online or by phone. See www.ushmm.org for details.
— Timed-entry passes to the National Museum of the American Indian may be required when the museum is especially busy. If you don't want to risk waiting in line, passes may be ordered in advance at www.tickets.com or by calling 866-400-6624 (service charges apply).
— Advance tickets to the Washington Monument are available from the National Park Service Reservation System, with a $1.50 service charge for each ticket. See www.nps.gov or call 800-967-2283 for details.
— The Washington National Cathedral offers an ongoing series of guided tours that conclude with afternoon tea in the cathedral's Pilgrim Observation Gallery, which affords a unique view over the city. Tours are offered most Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting at 1:30 pm at a cost of $25 per person, and advance reservations are required. Visit www.cathedral.org or call 202-537-8993 for details.
— Every Friday from May through August there's a ceremonial Evening Parade at the Washington Marine Barracks, featuring precision marching and a concert by the United States Marine Band. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required and available online at www.mbw.usmc
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