America's national educational facility with 19 museums, 9 research centers and over 140 affiliate museums around the world. Admission is free for all Smithsonian museums and the zoo in Washington, D.C.,. Tickets are not used for general admission. Most museums are open daily, 10am-5:30pm, except December 25. Visit any of our institutions for an exciting adventure! African Art Museum Air and Space Museum and Udvar-Hazy Center American Art Museum American History Museum American Indian Museum on the Mall Anacostia Community Museum Freer and Sackler Gallerie. . .

Public tours of the White House are available. Requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fridays, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturdays (excluding federal holidays). Tour hours will be extended when possible based on the official White House schedule. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 30 days in advance. You are encouraged t. . .

The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections. The Library's mission is to make its resources available and useful to the Congress and the American people and to sustain and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for future generations. The Office of the Librarian is tasked to set policy and to direct and support programs and activities to accomplish the Library's m. . .

Rich in history and culture, this charming and vibrant neighborhood offers the discerning explorer the most exciting combination of treasures from the expected to the one-of-a-kind. Indulge in an experience as diverse as you desire, but always founded in superior customer service, attention to detail, and delightful surprises. Explore century old homes and gardens, paths and waterways used to forge our nation's history, and modern venues sure to delight the senses of visitors young and old. Georgetown offers some of the areas most beautiful spectacles available for your year round pleasure.. . .

A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, promote human dignity, and prevent genocide. A public-private partnership, federal support guarantees the Museum's permanence, and its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by donors nationwide. Located among our national monuments to freedom on the National Mall, the Museum provides a powerful lesson in the fragility of freedom, the myth of progress, the need for vigilance in preserving democratic values. With unique pow. . .

“In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.” Beneath these words, the 16th President of the United States—the Great Emancipator and preserver of the nation during the Civil War—sits immortalized in marble. As an enduring symbol of freedom, the Lincoln Memorial attracts anyone who seeks inspiration and hope. Enjoy views of the Reflection Pool, WWII Memorial, Washington Monument and the Capitol. Also, only a short walk away is the Korean War Memorial. The Memorial is visited by millions of visitors each . . .

One of the most visited sites off the mall, Ford's Theatre is the site of the April 14, 1865 assassination of President Lincoln. Reserve tickets in advance for entrance to Ford's Theatre, while there see a presentation by a National Park Service ranger and a one-act play presented by Ford's Theatre Society. Visitors also have the option to see the Ford's Theatre Museum which includes historic artifacts and interactive exhibits based on Abraham Lincoln's life and presidency. Also included in the collection is the derringer that John Wilkes Booth used, as well as a replica of the coat President . . .

A must see for CSI fans this museum is quite unique including a crime lab and over 100 interactive exhibits. Learn the real CSI procedures or experience a high speed police chase simulator. Take a peek at the filming studio for America's Most Wanted also located at the 3 floor, 25,000 square foot Crime and Punishment Museum. Take a look at the notorious history of crime. Visit the consequence of crime – punishment, in a full scale model police station with a line-up, lie detector test, and a replica jail cell. Learn more about crime fighting in law enforcement and the equipment and technology . . .

No visit to Washington D.C. would be complete without seeing the history of this nation. A quintessential piece of American history can be found at the National Archives, home to the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution. That's not all the National Archives has to offer. The William G. McGowan Theater runs a continuous film about the National Archives and a twice daily film about the Charters of Freedom. However, by night the theater becomes a landmark for documentary films and forums for exploring issues of American history and related topics. There are also s. . .

Adopt a cover, break codes, learn tradecraft secrets, experience this and more at the Spy Museum. More than just cool exhibits the museum offers all kinds of daring missions and covert ops for you or any group of agents to get a real feel for the spy life. Learn about the history of spies, spy gadgets, trickery and challenges that intelligence faces today. Purchase tickets in advance to feel the live action on a spy adventure where you're the spy! This is no exhibit… Or go on a spy city tour with a behind the scenes look at the spy life in D.C. . . .

Whether you want to just rent bikes and travel around on your own or take a guided bike tour Bike and Roll is the way to explore the Nation's Capital up close! A large majority of the city is flat terrain with miles of mile lanes and bike trails experience the DC and Northern Virginia. Guided bike tours offer fun facts and interesting history along with unique touring tips! Experience a guided tour like none other. . . .

Make the historic Cathedral a stop on your visit to the Nation's Capital. Individuals to family sized groups are welcome to make take one of the many specialty tours, audio tour, self-guided tour, visit an exhibit, or enjoy an organ demonstration. From artistic and architectural treasures to the Cathedral history, there is a tour for everyone. Or take the most popular Tour & Tea which includes an in-depth tour followed by a traditional English tea with sandwiches, scones and a scenic view of Washington. Visitors are also welcome to join worship services throughout the week.. . .

Take a walk in the past at Newseum a museum of the history of news and its coverage. News papers from both World Wars as well as a large section of the Berlin Wall are just a few of the exhibits visitors can see. Just blocks from the capital building this museum has 14 galleries and 15 theaters there is much to see. Don't miss the emotional 9/11 gallery, the Pulitzer Prize Photo Gallery with some of the most famous pictures in history and news, experience the 4-D Time Travel Adventure film, or walk inside the Unabomber Ted Kaczynski's Cabin. On a clear day make a trip to the top floor Greenspu. . .

Each tour is run personally by Tim Stewart, a retired teacher, history buff, and superb storyteller - born and raised in Washington D.C. Tim has a deeply rooted belief that everyone who visits D.C. should have meaningful and memorable trip, that's why he is so dedicated to make each tour an entertaining, informative, and interactive. And all tours are free, tips-only! Rated the number one tour on Trip Advisor, Tim is engaging, entertaining, and full of historical information. Tours last around 3 hours and run rain or shine. There are no reservations required just show up at the meeting points. . .

Tons of lily pads, frog, snapping turtles, and marshes lands make for a magnificent tucked away garden gem. The 12 acre national park is filled with some 40 species of bird making it a bird enthusiast's paradise. Self guided walking trails let visitors explore the wildlife and vegetation. Any time of the year will have views and landscape of its own, but late spring to early fall is the best time to enjoy the flowers. . . .

One of D.C.'s best kept secrets and the oldest continually operated fresh food public market, Eastern Market is the best destination for fresh foods, community events, and handmade arts and crafts. This is a great place to try new foods and find hidden, unique gems. There are many cafes and restaurants in and nearby the market so visitors can feel free come and stay for the day. Shop like the locals for the best variety of cheese, fresh meat, fruits and vegetables or to try something new. And even better is the whole market is steeped in history with a friendly and inviting atmosphere. . .