Washington, D.C. Visitor Guide
There are many events and places to potentially visit while in the Washington D.C. area. Below are links to several local attractions, subdivided by type.
If you are planning a visit to our nation's capital, our office is happy to help you set up tours of the United States Capitol Building and White House. You can learn more about scheduling tours here.
Capitol Hill
The Capitol Complex contains the U.S. Capitol Building, four House Office Buildings (Cannon, Ford, Longworth, Rayburn), and three Senate Office Buildings (Russell, Dirksen, Hart). Across the street, you can find the U.S Supreme Court and the Library of Congress. Tours are currently available by self-booking for the Supreme Court and Library of Congress. There is limited capacity for tours of the U.S Capitol. Capitol tours must be booked through Congressman Kim’s website.
If you have the time, we'd love for you to visit our office. We're located in the Rayburn House Office Building 2444 and we are open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
United States Congress:
- U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
- Map of Capitol Grounds
- Virtual Tour of Capitol
- Library of Congress
- Supreme Court of the United States
- United States Botanic Garden
National Mall and Memorial Parks
D.C.’s National Mall is located at the heart of our nation’s capital! It is home to many iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument and is the perfect place for a nice walk to explore the city’s history. Many monuments are close to restrooms and snack stands.
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial
- Jefferson Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Washington Monument
- World War II Memorial
White House
The official residence and workspace of the President of the United States, the White house has been the home of every president since John Adams! A visit to the White House can be one of the most memorable experiences during any trip to the nation's capital. Congressman Kim’s office can arrange tours for New Jerseyans visiting Washington D.C. At the moment, tours are held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Please note that while every effort will be made to accommodate your tour request, the White House offers a limited number of tours and can fill up four to six months in advance. The White House tour schedule is subject to change based on inclement weather or official use.
The Smithsonian Institution
D.C. is home to the Smithsonian Institution, a world-renowned museum and research complex consisting of 17 museums, galleries and a zoo. A great way to view a wide collection of art and history, many Smithsonians are located right on the National Mall. Admission to any Smithsonian is free of charge!
- Smithsonian Institution Map
- African Art Museum
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Air and Space Museum
- Udvar-Hazy Center
- Located in Chantilly, VA, about a 45-minute drive outside D.C.
- American Art Museum
- American History Museum
- American Indian Museum
- Anacostia Community Museum
- Arts and Industries Building
- Freer Gallery of Art
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- National Zoo
- Natural History Museum
- Portrait Gallery
- Postal Museum
- Renwick Gallery
- Sackler Gallery
- Smithsonian Institution Building, The Castle
Additional Monuments and Museums
D.C. is also home to museums and attractions outside of the Smithsonian Institution, though these may require you to purchase a ticket or reserve a timed pass for entry. Stop by to check out D.C.’s rich variety of history!
- African American Civil War Monument
- Department of the Interior Museum
- Folger Shakespeare Library
- Ford's Theatre & Lincoln Museum
- George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum
- The National Archives Museum
- National Building Museum
- National Gallery of Art
- National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall
- National Museum of American Jewish Military History
- Phillips Collection
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Other Points of Interest
There is something for everyone in our nation’s capital! Want even more to explore? Check out these suggestions for more stops to add to your D.C. bucket list.
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing
- Hall of the States Building, State Services Organization
- National Aquarium
- National Arboretum
- Naval Observatory
- Navy Memorial and Visitors Center
- Old Post Office Tower
- Pentagon
- State Department's Diplomatic Reception Rooms
- Voice of America
Historic Homes
Washington, D.C. is home to an array of historic house museums that showcase the life and contributions of some of the nation's most iconic figures. Visitors can step inside the property that was once home to notable leaders like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglas.
- Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial Carlyle House
- Cedar Hill, Home of Frederick Douglass
- Claude Moore Colonial Farm
- Dumbarton Oaks
- Gunston Hall
- Hillwood Museum & Gardens: Marjorie Merriweather Post Mansion
- Lincoln's Cottage
- Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
- Oatlands Historic House and Gardens
Theaters
D.C. is the perfect place for any theater lover! With over a hundred theaters in the D.C. area, a range of performances and cultural experiences are offered up for every taste.
- Arena Stage
- Carter Barron Amphitheatre
- Discovery Theater
- Folger Theater
- Ford's Theatre
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Merriweather Post Pavilion
- The National Theater
- Shakespeare Theater Company
- Studio Theatre
- Warner Theater
- Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Getting Around
Washington, D.C. has an excellent public transportation network, making it easy to travel between sites. The metro runs six lines throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The bus system also has 1,500 stops and 325 routes across the DMV.
- Public Transportation
Prefer to Walk? Check out these maps as well to conveniently explore D.C. on foot!