DC Field Trip FAQs | Planning Resources
Which sites are open or closed for tours?
You will find most major attractions opened for public tours, such as the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the recently renovated Botanical Gardens. Presently, the White House, and the Pentagon are open only for pre-arranged student groups. Please note: At any given time there will always be a few attractions closed for renovations and repairs.
How do I get a tour of the White House?
Tours of the White House have been expanded from school, youth, military and veterans’ groups to include any groups of ten. Groups of ten should submit a request through their member of Congress at least one month and up to six months in advance. The tours are self-guided and will run from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit www.whitehouse.gov or call us at 1-800-808-1799 for information
How do I get a tour of the Capitol?
The U.S Capitol is open to the public for tours Monday – Saturday from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The tours are given free of charge, although tickets are required and can be obtained the same day of the tour on a first come first served basis. Ticket distribution begins at 8:15 AM on the East Front Drive of the Capitol (facing the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court). Guided tours last approximately thirty minutes and are organized in groups of 40 people.
Can I get a tour of the FBI?
YES! At this time the FBI Tours at the J. E. Hoover Building are open for pre-arranged public tours. Visit their web site at www.fbi.gov, or call us at 1-800-808-1799 for information.
How do I get a tour of the Bureau of Engraving & Printing?
Bureau of Engraving & Printing public tours must be reserved in advance. Public tour reservations may only be made up to one week in advance of the desired tour date.Call us at 1-800-808-1799 for information and details on making a reservation.
What is the address of the FDR Memorial?
The FDR Memorial, a 7.5-acre site near the Jefferson Memorial, is located at 1850 West Basin Drive, SW, near the Jefferson Memorial. For more information, call 1-800-808-1799.
How much does it cost to visit the museums?
Most museums in Washington, DC, including all Smithsonian Institution museums, are free! With some minor exceptions and specific exhibits, there is generally no charge for entry into the Smithsonian Museums and Art Galleries, and most other museums in Washington, Dc. Some private museums charge admission or encourage donations.
What is the name of a good restaurant?
Washington, DC offers a diverse array of restaurants serving everything from burgers and pizza to fine international cuisine. Because of Washington’s global tourists and commerce, restaurants specializing in every type or category of food can be found here. You may search for restaurants by location, price, or type of cuisine by visiting our friends at Washinton.org and their Foodie Page at http://washington.org/visiting/experience-dc/foodie-experience/foodie-experience
Do they make the money at the Federal Reserve?
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), located in Washington, DC, is responsible for designing and printing paper currency for the United States. There is also a satellite production facility located in Fort Worth, Texas, which began operations in January 1991.
When are the Cherry Blossoms?
Tell me more about the Cherry Blossom Parade!The National Cherry Blossom Festival is planned to coincide as close as possible with the blooming of the trees. This generally happens toward the end of March and the beginning of April. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event that people come from all over the world to witness. For updated and current information on the National Cherry Blossom Festival, see www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or call us at 1-800-808-1799 for more details.
Is camping allowed on the National Mall?
NO, Camping is NOT allowed here. For decades, the National Mall has served as a national open space for celebrations, demonstrations, protests, festivals, and numerous recreational activities- except for camping. According to the Code of Federal Regulations, camping is not allowed on the National Mall. The regulation is enforced by the National Park Police. Want to spend your nights in Washington, DC, under the stars? Stay at one of the region’s designated campsites?
Several of these sites provide shuttle buses to Washington, DC’s Metrorail system. Learn More at http://dc.about.com/od/daytripsgetaways/a/CampingMDVA.htm
Can you give me driving directions to Washington, DC?
From New York and Philadelphia, take I-95 South through Baltimore past the tunnels. After the Baltimore Harbor tunnel, take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Exit at New York Avenue (Route 50 West). New York Avenue leads to the White House and downtown Washington, D.C.
From the West, take Route 66 East. Cross the Potomac River using the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge. Stay to the right and exit at Constitution Avenue, which passes along the National Mall.
From the South, take I-95 North to I-395 North. Take the 14th Street Bridge into Washington, D.C. Follow 14th Street to the National Mall and to downtown.
The aforementioned are “general directions” to downtown Washington, DC. For more extensive directions, you can also visit one of the on-line map sites such as Google Maps
What is the name of a good, moderately priced hotel?
You can find and even book a hotel room that fits your budget, call us at 1-800-808-1799 for more information. We have strong relationships with many of the city’s hotel groups, and we will work with you to book something within your budget range.
