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For Civil War aficionados, an easy, albeit hilly, hour and a half drive out of Washington, D.C. will take you to Antietam Battlefield, one of the many Civil War battlefields near DC.

Use this guide for more information on playing your day trip from DC to Antietam and Harper's Ferry. Antietam is where the bloodiest one-day Civil War battle was fought in September of 1862.

An industrial town from the beginning, Harper’s Ferry was spotlighted multiple times throughout the nineteenth century, from Meriweather Lewis to John Brown.

Getting to Antietam

The Visitor Center address is 5831 Dunker Church Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782

From Washington, D.C. take I-70 W towards Hagerstown. Take exit 49 for US-40 ALT W for 11 miles and continue onto MD-34 W. Follow signs to Antietam National Battlefield, visitors center will be on the right.

Driving from DC will take you through a town called Boonsboro where it may be a good idea to stop and have lunch, as there is no food available for purchase at the battlefield.

For a slew of American craft beer and fare like crab dip, burgers, and fish & chips, check out Dan’s Restaurant and Taphouse, located right on Main Street.


Antietam Hours and Rates

Daily, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day

Entrance Fee:*

$10.00 Per Person (age 16 or older; 15 and under FREE)
$20.00 Per Vehicle

Entrance is free for those in the Military and also for 4th grade students & their families as part of the Every Kid Outdoors program.

*This is a Three Day Pass so you can come back to Antietam over three consecutive days if you need more time or decide to stay.


What to see at Antietam Battlefield

Once at the battlefield, your first stop will be at the visitor’s center, where you’ll pay the park fee and have the opportunity to see a 26 minute film, narrated by James Earl Jones, that typically shows on the hour and the half hour.

Also located within the visitor’s center are a small museum that displays numerous artifacts that have been found on the battlefield among other memorabilia and a gift shop.

Antietam is the only battle where six Brigadier or Major Generals (three from the Confederates and three from the Union) were mortally wounded or killed. Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, visited Antietam to help wounded soldiers at the many locations they cared for after the battle.

Don’t forget to pick up a map at the Visitor Center, as it contains an 8.5-mile self-guided driving tour to eleven stops throughout the battlefield. Highlights include Dunker’s Church, the National Cemetery, and the Sunken Road as well as a multitude of state monuments.

For those who are more ambitious, Antietam offers miles of self-guided hiking trails. Trails can often be uneven and rolling so good hiking shoes are recommended.


Getting to Harper's Ferry

After leaving Antietam, head 17 miles south on Highway 67 to Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia. It is about a 20 minute drive between Antietam and Harper's Ferry.

The physical address of the Park Visitor Center is 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

There is a parking lot at the Park Visitor Center but from here you can either walk or take a free shuttle to get to the Lower Historic District.

The hike is scenic but steep so we recommend taking the hike down and the shuttle back to the top. There is limited parking in the historic district.


Harper's Ferry Hours and Rates

Daily, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day

Entrance Fee:

  • $10.00 Per Person
  • $20.00 Per Vehicle

Entrance is free for those in the Military and also for 4th grade students & their families as part of the Every Kid Outdoors program.

Credit cards are accepted only at Cavalier Heights.


What to see at Harper's Ferry

Most notoriously, in 1859, abolitionist John Brown led a raid through Harper’s Ferry with 21 others. Between 1861-1865, during the Civil War, the town changed hands eight different times.

Today, visitor’s can spend hours wandering through the winding streets. At the lower part of the town sits the Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park where you’ll find building after building housing exhibits and artifacts that highlight the town’s history and the events that have taken place there.

Don’t miss the three part John Brown film showcasing his invasion of the arsenal. Throughout the year the National Park Service also offers living history weekends that are great for families.

After you’ve had your fill of history, check out the many shops the town has to offer including boutiques, gift shops, jewelry and antique stores. If you’re hungry while visiting, there are a handful of restaurants (we enjoy the balcony patio seating at Potomac Grille) and a couple ice cream shops for those warm weather days.

For the avid hiker, there are over 20 miles of hiking trails in Harper’s Ferry including an eight-mile trek to the top of a mountain. A quaint community, visiting Harper’s Ferry is truly like taking a step back in time.

This guest post was written by Kris & Lauren at Scuttabout - Tour guides talking about tours, travel and our experiences living on the road.

Related Posts:

Washington DC is a great place to travel for those on a budget thanks to the number of free or cheap things to do, from the Smithsonian Museums to touring the government buildings.

You can really plan an entire week in the nation's capital and only pay for accommodation and food.

We list over 100 free things to do in DC below, but we divided them into sections:


Keep reading for more information about each option, but at a glance here are a few ideas...

FREE THINGS TO DO A NIGHT

  • Explore the Memorials
  • Millennium Stage Concert at Kennedy Center
  • Late at the Library of Congress
  • Window Shop and Stroll a DC Neighborhood
  • Military Parades & Concerts (Summer)
  • Jazz in Sculpture Gardens (Summer)
  • Movies in the Parks (Summer)

FREE THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

  • Smithsonian Museums & National Zoo
  • Explore one of the many green spaces
  • National Mall Scavenger Hunt
  • Watching Changing of the Guards at Arlington National Cemetery
  • Daniel's Story at Holocaust Museum
  • Watch planes take off and land at Gravelley Point
  • Junior Ranger Badge Activities

How do we know about Free Things to Do in DC? It's what we do! We are Free Tours by Foot after all.

Lonely Planet lists us as one of the best free things to do in DC.

Our guides have been leading tours through the city for more than a decade. We've lived in the city as broke college students and frugal families with young kids.

Some of the 50K+ members in our Washington DC Travel Tips Facebook Group are looking for budget options and trust us to help!


PUBLIC AND GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS

One of the unique reasons to visit Washington, DC is to tour the government buildings - all of which are free to visit.


United States Capitol

  • Timed Tickets Required
  • Open Monday-Saturday 830am-330pm
  • 1st & East Capitol St
  • Closest Metro: Capitol South

You can tour the historic Capitol Building and watch the Senate and/or the House of Representatives in session.

While all three of these require tickets, there is no charge for them. You can find out how to obtain these tickets here.


White House

  • Timed Tickets Required to enter
  • Open 24/7 for Exterior Views
  • 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  • Closest Metro: McPhearson Square

It is free for US citizens to tour the White House, though appointments are required in advance and require a lot of planning.

You can read more about how to get tickets to a public tour of the White House here.

Another option is to tour the White House gardens and lawns during one of the spring or fall garden tours, which are also free and available to anyone who has a first-come first-served ticket.

The White House Visitor Center is about a block away from the President's House and is open to all.


Supreme Court

  • No Required
  • Monday-Friday 9am-3pm
  • 1st & East Capitol St
  • Closest Metro: Capitol South

The actual courtroom is open to the public, both when the court is in session or for docent-led lectures when the court is out of session.

You can also explore the historic building and the small museum on the ground floor. The museum is only open on days that cases are not being heard.

No tickets are required to visit the Supreme Court but it is only open on weekdays. You can visit the museum above or you can attend an oral argument!

Supreme Court Tours

Library of Congress

  • Timed Tickets Required
  • Open Tues-Saturday 830am-330pm
  • 1st & East Capitol St
  • Closest Metro: Capitol South

One of the most beautiful buildings in the city, but don't expect to check out any books.

Library of Congress Tours

You can tour this historic building for its art, architecture, and history during opening hours.

Advanced reservations are required but have been very easy to get, even at the door.

The Library of Congress is open late on Thursdays until 8 pm so it is one of the free things you can do at night in DC.


Bureau of Engraving and Printing

  • Timed Tickets Required
  • Open Monday-Friday 8am-315pm
  • Entrance near 14th St and Independence Ave SW
  • Closest Metro: Smithsonian

If you want to see how money is made, the BEP is open for a quick tour to watch the process.

Tickets are required, but there is no cost.


United States Botanic Gardens

  • No Required
  • Open Daily 10am-5pm
  • 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001
  • Closest Metro: Federal Center SW

A chance to explore flora from around the different climates of the United States, the Botanical Gardens is located at the base of Capitol Hill.

Read more about the Botanical Gardens...


FBI Building

  • Timed Tickets Required
  • Open Monday-Friday 9am-2pm
  • 10th & E St NW
  • Closest Metro: Metro Center

Tours of the FBI Building are possible but take a little know-how. 

You will be guided to an exhibit room and small museum but only if you have an advance reservation.

These tours are only open to US citizens, though.


Pentagon

  • Timed Tickets Required
  • Open Monday-Friday 9am-3pm
  • Arlington, VA
  • Closest Metro: Pentagon

A guided tour of the Pentagon is a great way to learn more about the Department of Defense and is open to anyone who has an appointment.

How to get a pentagon tour

These should be made pretty far in advance, so be sure to read our post on how to do so.

For more details on the tour, click here.


National Archives Museum

  • No Tickets Required (but timed tickets for quicker access)
  • Open Daily 10am-530pm
  • Constitution Ave NW between 7th and 9th
  • Closest Metro: Archives/Penn Quarter

Here you can see the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, US Constitution, and more!

Visiting the National Archives

You can get timed tickets in advance for a small processing fee or you can walk up with no appointment, just be prepared to wait in line during busy times.

Read our post on how to plan your visit to the National Archives in DC.


FREE MUSEUMS IN DC

There are a number of free museums in DC thanks to the Smithsonian Institution.

Most Smithsonian museums do not require tickets and have no admission cost to enter. These are some of the most popular sites in Washington DC.

A great way to explore the museums without being overwhelmed is to join us on a museum tour!

(The National Zoo, NMAAHC and the National Mall location of the Air and Space Museum all require timed tickets to enter but there is no cost for these tickets.)

In Washington DC, it may be easier to ask which museums are not free.

We have a list of the best museums in DC to cover which ones are worth the admission cost.


Glenstone Art Museum

  • Timed Tickets Required
  • Open Thursday-Sunday 10am-5pm
  • 12100 Glen Rd, Potomac, MD 20854

The Glenstone Art Museum is located outside of Washington DC and has both an interior gallery and outdoor sculpture garden.

It is a small space so tickets are required but there is no admission fee.


Planet Word Museum

  • No Tickets Required
  • Open Daily except Tuesday 10am-5pm (6pm on weekends)
  • 13th and K St NW
  • Closest Metro: McPherson Square

This museum is free to enter but it is worth a suggested donation, especially for older kids.

Incredibly interactive museum, Planet Word focuses on the development of language.

There are hidden rooms, karaoke, joke rooms, and more.

Read our guide to Planet Word.


National Gallery of Art

  • No Tickets Required
  • Open Daily 10am-530pm
  • Constitution Ave NW between 4th and 7th
  • Closest Metro: Archives/Penn Quarter

The NGA has two wings - the more traditional West wing and a more modern East wing.

Here you can find the only Leonardo Da Vinci painting in the Americas, Turner landscapes, and Calder mobiles.

No tickets or admission fees are required. Read more about the NGA using our guide to this and other art museums in Washington DC.

You can also explore the Sculpture Gardens outside the National Gallery of Art and outside the Hirshhorn Gallery.


United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

  • Timed Tickets Required (but you can enter the building for smaller exhibits without tickets)
  • Open Daily 10am-530pm
  • 14th St SW & Independence Ave SW
  • Closest Metro: Smithsonian

This is an incredibly moving museum focusing on the events leading up to, during, and aftermath of the Holocaust during WWII, but also on other genocides in modern history.

How to Get Tickets to the Holocaust Museum DC

Timed tickets are required to visit the permanent exhibition. You can get these in advance or try for same-day tickets on the day.

If you aren't able to get tickets to the permanent exhibit, you can still explore other areas of the museum.


Ford's Theatre

  • No Tickets Required (but highly recommended)
  • Open Daily 830am-4pm
  • 10th and F St NW
  • Closest Metro: Metro Center

Ford's Theatre is where President Lincoln was shot that fateful night in April 1865.

While it is a working theatre again where you can attend performances in the evening, you can also tour the theatre and museum during the day for free.

Advanced tickets require a purchasing fee but it is worth it if you want to visit during peak tourist season.

Same-day tickets are available at no cost every day but go fast. Read our post on planning your visit to Ford's Theater.


African American Civil War Museum (Currently Closed for Renovations)

Located just off the U Street Corridor once known as "Black Broadway," this museum focuses on the less credited African American soldiers during the Civil War.

Explore more about U Street NW.


Cedar Hill - Frederick Douglass House

  • No Tickets Required
  • Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 9am-430pm
  • 1411 W St SE, Washington, DC 20020
  • Closest Metro: Anacostia

Cedar Hill is the historic home of Frederick Douglass located in Anacostia.

It is a National Park site today with a small museum and ranger talks.

Frederick Douglass' wife maintained the home and his belongings so it is an incredible flashback into his life.


Anderson House

  • No Tickets Required
  • Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm (12pm opening on Sunday)
  • 2118 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
  • Closest Metro: Dupont Circle

A once private home on Embassy Row, it was donated to the Society of the Cincinnati

You can explore a museum about the Revolutionary War and tour a beautiful Gilded Age home.


Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

  • No Tickets Required
  • Open Monday-Saturday 9am-3pm
  • 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017
  • Closest Metro: Brookland

Second only to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, this is the second-largest church in the world.

It has 81 chapels and sacred images that you can tour with a dedicated docent to learn about the background of this Catholic Church, as well as the architecture and mosaic artwork.

You can visit most days of the week.


National Cathedral

  • No Tickets Required to Attend Service or Walk Grounds
  • 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
  • Closest Metro: Woodley Park or Tenleytown

There is a charge to enter the National Cathedral unless you are attending a service or just touring the exterior of the building.

Find out more about visiting the Washington National Cathedra.


The Phillips Collection

  • No Tickets Required
  • Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm (but only name your own price after 4pm)
  • 21st & Q St NW
  • Closest Metro: Dupont Circle

The Phillips Collection is one of, if not, the first modern art museums.

While there is an admission cost on some days, some ticket times are name your own price.

Its most well-known piece is Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party. You can also find works by Picasso, Rothko, and Whistler.

Find out more.


MEMORIALS

It is always free to visit the memorials and most are open day and night. You do not have to pay to see the Lincoln Memorial.

The best way to explore memorials is with a tour guide - you can join us for a guided tour.

But you can also use our guide to the top 25 monuments and memorials for a self-guided tour.

Abraham Lincoln Memorial

CEMETERIES

Exploring some of the city's historic cemeteries is a great free option.

A guide is a must so you can find your way around these large sites and learn the stories about those buried here.


Arlington National Cemetery

  • No Tickets Required
  • Open Daily 8am-5pm
  • Arlington, VA
  • Closest Metro: Arlington National Cemetery

This hallowed ground is our nation's most famous military cemetery.

You will find presidents, 5-star generals, and military heroes buried here as well as a chance to pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

We have a guide to the cemetery and offer guided and self-guided tours.


Congressional Cemetery

  • No Tickets Required
  • Open Daily dawn-dusk
  • 18th and E St SE
  • Closest Metro: Stadium-Armory

What started out as a cemetery for Congress, this landscaped cemetery is now open to the local community.

It is a favorite of our guides for being a self-proclaimed "hip cemetery" that hosts 5Ks, Yoga Mortem in the Crypt, and Halloween tours.

A guided tour introduces you to historic figures who signed the Declaration of Independence, and more recent additions with artistic and unique grave markers.


Rock Creek Cemetery

  • No Tickets Required
  • Open Daily 9am-7pm
  • 201 Allison St NW, Washington, DC 20011
  • Closest Metro: Georgia Ave/Petworth

Rock Creek Cemetery is another cemetery with rolling hills that appear like a park.

You'll find a number of beautiful and haunting sculptures here.


Oak Hill Cemetery

  • No Tickets Required
  • Monday through Friday –  9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    Saturday –  11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (walk-in gate only)
    Sunday  – 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (walk-in gate only)
  • 3001 R St NW
  • Closest Metro: Foggy Bottom/GWU

We offer tours of Oak Hill Cemetery!

A bucolic setting is the resting place of famed Americans and is most recently known for being the setting of the book, Lincoln in the Bardo.

Oak Hill Cemetery has a beautiful Renwick Chapel to explore and is one of the few remaining cemeteries to still have an on-site superintendent living on the grounds.

Renwick Chapel at Oak Hill Cemetery

Gardens & Parks

Washington DC is beautiful at all times of year but when the flora is in full bloom, it is a sight to see.

Many of the city's parks and gardens are free to enter.

  • Teddy Roosevelt Island
  • Rock Creek Park
  • Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
  • Anacostia Park & River Trail
  • Bishops Garden at the Washington National Cathedral
  • Bartholdi Park & United States Botanic Gardens
  • Gardens at the Franciscan Monastery
  • United States Arboretum
  • Dumbarton Oaks (winter only, November-March)
  • Tudor Place Gardens (admission to the gardens is free, though we recommend entering the house as well!)
  • C&O Canal in Georgetown
  • Mount Vernon Trail

There are many small parks throughout the city - city parks and national park service-run parks are all free.

Many of the traffic circles in DC feature memorial statues as well.


OTHER FREE ACTIVITIES

Washington DC Tours
  • Our Self-Guided Tours!
  • Cherry Blossom Bloom Viewing on the Tidal Basin
  • Rock Creek Park Nature Center Planetarium
  • Beach Volleyball by the Lincoln Memorial
  • Walk/Bike ride along the Potomac River or take the Anacostia River Trail
  • Junior Ranger Badge Activities (TIP: On April 15, and only April 15, you can get a special Titanic Memorial stamp for your National Park Passport!)
  • Watch planes land at Gravelly Point at DCA Airport.
  • Sunday Drum Circle at Meridian Hill Malcolm X Park
  • Walk along Black Lives Matter Plaza by the White House

Explore one of the neighborhoods in DC for people watching, and window shopping:


FREE PERFORMANCES

  • Woolley Mammoth: pay-what-you-can seats, offered for the first two performances of every mainstage production (usually Monday or Tuesday). Tickets (two per person) are sold at the theater 90 minutes prior to showtime.
  • National Theatre: free performance series Saturday Morning
  • Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: free performance series at the Millennium Stage many evenings at 6 p.m.
  • American Art Museum Take Five!: performance series usually takes place on the third Thursday of each month
  • Sculpture Garden: Jazz in the Garden on Friday evenings during the summer
  • Folger Shakespeare Library: Select events are free, with many family programs that are free.
  • Screen on the Green: Free films shown on a giant outdoor screen on the National Mall each Summer.
Sunset Parade at Iwo Jima

Military Band Summer Performances:


Free Monthly Activities

Our monthly posts include a section on free things to do that month.

This includes special events, parades, and festivals, that are held during that month.


Sample Itinerary - Spend 3 days in DC for free (almost)

You can easily spend 3 days in DC while only paying for accommodation, transportation, and food!

You could get away without using much transportation but most budget hotels are going to be further out from downtown (see: Best Places to Stay in DC) which means using the Metro is a good idea.

You can save money by using the Circulator Bus system which is only $1 per person.

Make sure to read our guide on Cheap Eats to save money on the food, too.

DAY 1:

Start the morning exploring Capitol Hill - US Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court on our Capitol Hill tour.

Enjoy Eastern Market for lunch or eat in the Capitol Visitor Center if you plan on taking the US Capitol Building tour.

Spend the afternoon at one of the many free museums in DC - Air and Space if you're looking for something close by! Stop by the National Botanic Gardens on the way.

Dinner at a DC staple like Old Ebbits Grill, which is just a short walk from our evening tour. Walk by the White House at night on the way.

Take our Memorials and Moonlight walking tour to visit the National Mall

DAY 2:

Pay respects at Arlington National Cemetery on with our free self guided walking tour.

Have lunch at the food trucks on the National Mall before spending the afternoon at another museum.

Grab an early dinner in Georgetown to explore the neighborhood (we have self-guided tours!)

Depending on the time of year, spend the evening enjoying one of the military performances or a free concert at the Kennedy Center.

Famous People Buried at Arlington National Cemetery

DAY 3:

Start your day with a morning with breakfast at the Wharf (District Donuts is a favorite!) then walk to the Tidal Basin to visit FDR and Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Visit the US Holocaust Memorial Museum (don't forget to get tickets in advance!)

Have lunch at the Cafe at the NGA Sculpture Garden and then head across the street to the National Archives

Visit Ford's Theatre (don't forget to get tickets!)

If you have some time, make your way to the nearby National Portrait Gallery open until 7 pm nightly.

Late dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants in the Chinatown/Penn Quarter area of DC.

April in Istanbul features cool to comfortable afternoons with chilly nights and is somewhat drier than March.


Temperatures

Daytime high temperatures tend to be around 13-15 C (55-59 F) early in April, warming gradually to 17-19 C (63-66 F) late in the month.

A few of the warmer afternoons, especially later in the month, can reach up near 23C (73 F). The record high temperature in Istanbul during April is 29.6 °C (85.3 °F).

Late night and early morning lows will tend to be around 5-7 C (41-45 F) early in April, warming to 9-11 C (48-52 F) near the end of the month.

A few of the colder mornings, especially early in the month, can dip down around 4 C (39 F). The record low temperature in Istanbul during April is -1.4 °C (29.5 °F).


Sky and Rain

April tends to be a bit sunnier than March with about 16-17 sunny, or at least partly sunny days and about 13-14 mostly cloudy days. Some rain is likely, on average, on 6-8 days this month. 


Windspeed

Wind speeds during this month will be mostly gentle at 12-19 kph (8-12 mph) but occasionally will be moderate at 20-28 kph (13-18 mph). 


Ocean Temperatures

The beaches near Istanbul lie mostly along the shores of the Sea of Marmara and along the Bosphorus Strait.

The sea temperatures during April begin to warm slowly from about 9 C (48 F) early in April to near 13 C (55 F) by the end of the month.


What to Wear in Istanbul during April?

Spring does bring milder weather to Istanbul, so best to bring some lighter-weight tops and pants.

Also consider long-sleeve shirts, a light sweater, light or medium-weight jacket, plus for women, a head covering (for mosques). 

Don’t forget to pack some comfortable walking shoes as well.


Things to Do in Istanbul in April

Since spring is finally here, it's an excellent time to consider taking one of our free Istanbul walking tours.

Perhaps the best part of visiting this month is that the Istanbul Tulip Festival takes place throughout April. You'll find tulip displays in several parks and public squares including the following:

  • Sultanahmet Square
  • Fethi Pasa Grove
  • Gulhane Park
  • Emirgan Park
  • Camlica Hill
  • Beykoz Park
  • And more!

April is also the month of the Istanbul International Film Festival, where you can see some of the newest Turkish cinema before anyone else.

Music fans might want to consider attending the Show of Hands Festival, which celebrates improvisational musicians.

For more tips, make sure to read our post covering things to do in Istanbul.


Fred Pickhardt   
Ocean Weather Services 

If you can't manage to join us for one of our guided tours of the Golden Gate Bridge, we've created this self-guided tour to give you another option.

We also have a GPS-powered Golden Gate Bridge audio tour that you might want to consider instead.

Don't forget that we also have a full post explaining how to get here, where to park, and how to walk across the bridge.

The tour begins just outside the Golden Gate Bridge gift shop, at the large bronze statue of Joseph Strauss.


SELF-GUIDED GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE WALKING TOUR

Stop 1: Joseph Strauss Statue

Joseph Strauss Statue Golden Gate Bridge

We're going to start our tour at the statue honoring Joseph Strauss.

For every major infrastructure project in America, there is often one person who has to push the project through with sheer force of personality.

For the Golden Gate Bridge, that man was Joseph Strauss.

Joseph Strauss is credited with being the designer and chief engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge (even though Strauss himself wasn't even an engineer!)

Strauss, over everybody else, was the person responsible for the bridge being built.

When most people thought that it would be an impossible task, Strauss was able to convince the government, the public, and the banks that the bridge was possible.

Strauss had an ego as big as the bridge itself. But for a project as massive as this one, a huge ego can often be a useful trait rather than a drawback.

When everybody believed that building this bridge would be an impossible task, somebody had to have the confidence to believe that they could achieve the impossible.

And Joseph Strauss was that man.

Starting at the Strauss statue, turn to the right and walk down a small flight of stairs. Follow the walking path as it curves to the left.


Stop 2: Men of Vision Plaque

3 Men of Vision Plague Golden Gate Bridge

Although Joseph Strauss had a vision for the Golden Gate Bridge, he could not build it alone. The first thing he needed was money.

And building what many thought was an impossible bridge was going to require a lot of money!

Luckily, San Francisco was home to another visionary. His name was Amadeo "A.P." Giannini.

If you have taken our North Beach/Little Italy walking tour you would have heard about Giannini!

Giannini was willing to lend all the money that was required to build the Golden Gate Bridge.

It was a huge undertaking with a massive risk involved, but he believed it was the right decision.

The plaque that you are standing in front of commemorates the meeting of Giannini and Strauss which sealed the future for the bridge.

Continue walking down the path as it curves to the left. You will see a patch of dirt just off the paved road with a great view of the bridge.


Stop 3: A Great Photo Stop!

4-ggb-photo-stop

Since we are always on the lookout for the best photography spots, we have to mention this one.

This area is possibly the best place in all of San Francisco to take a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge.

So get out that camera and snap a memorable photo (or selfie!) to store in your photo book.

Take a few steps back to return to the paved walking path. Walk up the hill towards the bridge.

As you continue on the path, you will walk underneath the bridge (and another great stop for a photo)!

Continue to the other side of the bridge, and you will see a large steel beam that is the same color as the bridge. Stop in front of that.


Stop 4: Earthquake Testing and Retrofitting

As many people know, San Francisco has suffered through many major earthquakes in its history.

The largest of these was the 1906 earthquake, which was estimated to be a 7.8 on the Richter scale (we don't actually know precisely because the earthquake was so intense that it damaged the machine that was built to measure earthquakes!)

Since 1906, the city has experienced numerous other strong earthquakes.

Because of the danger that earthquakes pose, we have to know to a high degree of certainty that the Golden Gate Bridge will survive a strong earthquake.

As part of the design process during the creation of the bridge, scientists put models of the bridge under severe stress to figure out which parts of the bridge would cause trouble.

As you can see from this large beam that is bent in the middle, the researchers discovered one possible fault in the bridge.

They fixed it before the bridge was ever built, but they kept this bent beam for visitors to see.

Walk back under the bridge, and walk up the hill towards the right. At the top of the hill, you'll see a set of stairs with a large flagpole at the top. Walk up to the area with the flag.


Stop 5: A View of the Bridge

How Did the Golden Gate Bridge Get Its Name?

Many people think the Golden Gate Bridge was named because of the gold that was discovered in California during the famous Gold Rush. Not true!

If you go all the way back to the year 1846 and you stood in this spot, you would see a wide-open area between San Francisco and Marin County to the north.

In that year, Captain John C. Fremont sailed a ship through that area into San Francisco Bay.

As he was sailing through, he commented that it was so beautiful that he was going to name it "Chrysopylae," which, translated into English, means "Golden Gate."

This area kept that name for over 80 years, and when the bridge was built across it, they kept the Golden Gate name.


What to See from This Spot

If you're looking at the bridge, the first thing you will see behind it is a vast open expanse of land called the Marin Headlands.

This open space was one of the biggest victories that conservation groups have ever achieved in the United States.

Many developers wanted to build houses and businesses on this land, but the local citizens banded together to protect this amazing land.

5-marin-headlands

Looking out at the bay, you'll also see two important islands.

The first is Alcatraz Island, the famous prison that has turned into a tourist attraction (for information on visiting Alcatraz, check out our post on how to get to Alcatraz.  

To the left of Alcatraz, you'll also see Angel Island. This island has been called the "Ellis Island of the West."

When immigrants from Asia sailed into the United States in large numbers hoping to start a new life, their first stop was always on Angel Island. From there, they were able to begin their lives in America.

7-angel-island

While looking at the bridge, turn left. You will see a concrete wall with bushes in front of it. There is a walking path through the wall.

Walk through that path until you are right next to the road. From here, you can begin your walk over the bridge. You can walk as far as you like, but we'd recommend stopping at the second concrete pillar on the bridge.


Stop 6: The Anchorage

The Construction of the Bridge

From this point, you can look all the way up to the top of the tower, and all the way down to the water. From top to bottom, the bridge is 746 feet (227 meters) tall.

When the bridge was built, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a distance between towers of just under three-quarters of a mile (1.3 km).

And as a testament to the bridge's incredible engineering, it stayed the longest suspension bridge for nearly 30 years.

Looking up the South Tower, you can just begin to imagine what it must have been like for the workers to be over 700 feet above the water, working in some of the windiest conditions anywhere.

(The idea gives us sweaty palms just thinking about it!) But their work created the amazing bridge that we can enjoy today.


The Bridge Cables

The Golden Gate Bridge has two types of cables. The first, and most prominent, are the main cables. These cables are 36.5 inches (93 cm) in diameter and are made of over 27,000 individual steel cables.  

These cables are the structures that bear the weight of the entire bridge.

a section of the steel cable supporting the golden gate bridge

The smaller cables, hanging in sets of four every 50 feet along the roadway, are what transfers the weight of the road to the main cables.


Painting the Bridge

There is a common myth that the bridge gets painted from one end to the other, and by the time the painters finish the bridge, it's time to go back to the beginning and start painting all over again.

Although this is not exactly true, it does have some bit of truth.

The bridge does get painted constantly. There is a team of painters who is on the bridge all year long. But they do not go from one end to the other.

They go wherever they are needed to paint the spots that need the most work. This is a constant process since the bridge gets exposed to salt air that corrodes the bridge on a daily basis.

From here, you can walk as long as you want. But we recommend stopping at the first tower of the bridge. There is a small alcove as you walk around to the right of the tower, and you can pause there and look out at the scenery. It is a bit quieter here without all the automobile noise!


Stop 7: The South Tower

From here, you can see a large amount of downtown San Francisco! Here are some of our favorite sites:

10-skyline


1. Coit Tower

Coit Tower is an art deco-style tower that was created in 1933 in honor of one of our favorite San Francisco ladies: Lillie Hitchcock Coit. You can learn more about Lillie Coit on our North Beach/Little Italy walking tour.

But she was a fascinating lady who lived in San Francisco in the late 1800s. When she died, she left her large fortune to the City of San Francisco for them to create beautiful additions to the city.

San Francisco used a large portion of her fortune to build Coit Tower (with some money left over to create a statue in North Beach that honors the city's volunteer firefighters).

If you want a fantastic view of downtown SF, you can't beat Coit Tower.  Read our full post on the tower.

3. Salesforce Tower

This building, currently under construction, will soon take over the title of the tallest building in San Francisco.

In fact, it will be taller than the Transamerica building by over 200 feet (63 meters)! This will also be the second tallest building in the entire western United States.

Salesforce is one of the largest companies in San Francisco, and they are building this incredible tower to be the flagship building of the company.

This building will be connected to the San Francisco Transbay Terminal, a massive new public transportation complex that will connect the subway, buses, and new California high-speed rail.

2. Transamerica Pyramid

The 853-foot (260-meter) Transamerica building is currently the tallest building in San Francisco (though that title is about to change). It was created to be the headquarters of the Transamerica company.

When it was first designed by William Pereira, it was a very unpopular design. But over the years, it has come to be not just accepted but celebrated as the most famous building in this extremely famous skyline.

If you want to learn more about this building and its Italian heritage, you can join our North Beach/Little Italy walking tour!

4. Palace of Fine Arts

This Beaux-Arts masterpiece was created for the 1915 World's Fair, held in San Francisco.

The city hosted the World's Fair to show off how much San Francisco had advanced since the massive destruction of the 1906 earthquake and fire.

One of the largest natural disasters in history, the 1906 earthquake destroyed about 80% of the city. San Francisco wanted to show off to the entire world how much the city had rebuilt and modernized.

The Palace of Fine Arts was designed to only last a short time--for as long as the year-long fair was running.

But the people of the city loved the building so much that the city decided to rebuild it in a more permanent way.

Since it was rebuilt, it has remained standing and has become one of the most popular sights in San Francisco.


April in Madrid features cold nights and early mornings with cool to comfortable afternoons. Skies are more likely to be sunny than cloudy.


Temperatures

Daytime high temperatures tend to be around 16-17 C (61-63 F) early in the month, warming to 20-21 C (68-70 F) near the end of the month.

A few of the warmer afternoons, especially later in the month, can reach up to around 26 C (79 F). The record high temperature for Madrid during April is 30.9 C (87.6 F).

Late night and early morning lows tend to be around 5-6 C (41-43 F) early in the month, warming to 8-10 C (46-50 F) towards the end of the month.

A few of the colder mornings, especially early in the month, can dip down around 1 C (34 F). The record low temperature in Madrid during April is -3 C (26.6 F).


Sky and Rain

April in Madrid usually sees about 17-18 sunny, or at least partly sunny days while about 12-13 days will be mostly cloudy. About 6 days typically record rainfall of at least 1 mm (0.04 inches).


Daylight 

The number of daylight hours increases rapidly this month from 12.7 hours on the 1st to about 13.9 hours by the 30th. 


Windspeed

Mostly light to gentle winds prevail this month at 6-19 kph (4-12 mph) but can occasionally be moderate at 20-28 kph (13-18 mph).


What to Wear in Madrid during April?

Early Spring can still be on the cool side so best to bring a light jacket and dress in layers, particularly for the late night and early morning hours.

For the warmer afternoons you should include some lighter ware, including some light breathable tops. Don't forget some comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.


Things to Do in Madrid in April

Spring is the perfect time to take a free walking tour in Madrid, as the flowers are blooming and there are plenty of sunny days!

Considering the time of year, you may also want to think about a trip to the Royal Botanic Garden next to the Prado Museum.

This season is also a great time for visiting historic attractions and museums, because it's not usually the busiest time for tourism, so you should be able to get tickets quite easily.


Fred Pickhardt   
Ocean Weather Services 

Washington, DC has over 70 unique museums to explore. With so many options, we decided to make a post of the top museums to visit in Washington, DC 

We include Smithsonian museums, art galleries, and zoos, as well as some off the beaten path and unique museums.


What Do We Know about Museums in Washington DC?

Literally, everything. We bring groups and visitors to museums around Washington, DC on a daily basis.

We offer guided museum tours of select museums. Guides with DC by Foot know the best way to avoid the crowds, get through security, and the stories behind the exhibits.

As a homeschooling parent, I use the museums in DC to help educate my children (check out our adventures on our YouTube Channel and Instagram).

All our Best Museums in DC advice comes from decades of visiting them ourselves and from discussion in our 65K+ member strong DC Travel Tips Facebook Group.


SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS

When people think of museums in DC, they're thinking of the free Smithsonian museums.

The Smithsonian Museums are open daily in Washington DC (with the exception of a few holidays!)

Most Smithsonian Museums do NOT require tickets, and you can enter at your leisure. So which Smithsonians require tickets?

  • Only NMAAHC, Air and Space (Mall location) and National Zoo require tickets

There isn't just one Smithsonian. There are nearly 20 Smithsonian Museums, including the Smithsonian Castle, art galleries, and a zoo. The Smithsonian Institution operates the various museum and while they are all free, some required timed tickets. I'll go over that below, as well.

Below is a list of all the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC starting with the most popular ones, and a brief highlight of each.

The Smithsonian Museums are open daily from 10 am to 5:30 daily (except Dec 25) with a few exceptions which I have noted in the descriptions.

We offer guided tours of Smithsonian Museums to ensure you get the most out of your visit. 

For other free things to do in DC, check out our master post

What is the Smithsonian Institution?

The Smithsonian Institution, often simply referred to as The Smithsonian, is a group of museums, as well as education and research centers.  It is named in honor of James Smithson, a British scientist who was the founding donor and who, ironically, never visited the United States.

It is the largest such complex in the world. Formed in 1846 by the U.S. government, it is separate from the three branches of government.  A large portion of its budget comes from the federal government, allowing all of the D.C. locations to remain free to visit.  

The Smithsonian slowly expanded over the 1800s and early 1900s.  For a long time, it was considered “the nation's attic,” and was perhaps a bit stuffy.  

In the 1960s there was a move to modernize and popularize the museums, redesigning exhibits, expanding its reach, and leading the way to become must-see destinations for visitors from throughout the nation and around the world.  

There are now more than 19 museums in the Washington D.C. area, plus the National Zoo under the umbrella of the Smithsonian Institution.  

Two more museums are planned for the near future - the National Museum of the American Lation and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum (National Museum of Women's History)

There are also two Smithsonian museums located in New York City.

All of the locations in the Washington D.C. area are free to visit.  

Some, however, do require timed tickets due to high demand. At this time, The National Zoo, the Air and Space Museum’s National Mall location, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture do require free-timed tickets.

The most popular Smithsonian Museum depends on who you ask. There seems to be no definitive answer.  

We've included the six most visited Smithsonian Museums in the boxes below, but you can read about every Smithsonian as you continue down the page.

A few short answers on which is the best Smithsonian Museum for specific groups.

  • The best Smithsonian Museums for kids is any the main six. They all have kids sections, scavenger hunts and more.

OVERWHELMED? We offer private Smithsonian museum tours to groups of 5 or less of American History, National Gallery of Art, Natural History, National Archives, Air and Space and National Portrait Gallery! Find out more.


Smithsonian Castle

  • ADDRESS: Located on the National Mall (Independence Ave side) Address: 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560
  • OPEN: As of March 2024, remains closed for renovations.
  • Free and No Tickets Required

The Smithsonian Institution Building (or Castle) is the original Smithsonian Museum.

Finished in 1855, it was built from money gifted by Henry James Hungerford who inherited the fortune from his uncle, James Smithson, a British scientist.

Smithsonian Museums
Smithsonian Castle

The money was to go towards creating something "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge".

After much debate in Congress, the money was finally channeled into the creation of the Smithsonian Institution.

The building is impossible to miss on the National Mall and it is a great place to start your exploration of the Smithsonian, with collection highlights from each of the other museums. 


African American History and Culture Museum

This is the newest addition to the Smithsonian Museums and still requires a ticketed entrance.

Tickets are released at 8am each day for the next month 30 days out (so on May 26, you can book tickets for June 25.)

They book out within the first few minutes!

You can get same day tickets to the museum by checking online at 8:15am

This museum focuses on the African American experience and begins its exhibits all the way back to the slave trade era through today's experience.

African American History Museum


American History Museum

  • ADDRESS: Located on the National Mall ( Constitution Ave side) | 1300 Constitution Ave., NW
  • OPEN: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily | Closed Dec. 25
  • Free and No Tickets Required
  • Guide to the American History Museum

This museum highlights the events and cultural phenomena that have shaped American history.

You can see the original Star-Spangled Banner that inspired our national anthem, Julia Child's kitchen, the First Ladies' Inaugural gowns, and so much more. 


Natural History Museum

  • ADDRESS: Located on the National Mall ( Constitution Ave side) | 10th and Constitution Ave., NW
  • OPEN: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily | Closed Dec. 25
  • Free and No Tickets Required
  • Guide to the Natural History Museum

This Smithsonian is all about the natural sciences.

There is an oceanic exhibit, a mammals exhibit, a minerals, and gemstone exhibit that showcases the cursed Hope Diamond, and a Bone Hall with all sorts of skeletons and dinosaur fossils.


Air And Space Museum

  • ADDRESS: Located on the National Mall ( Independence Ave side) | 6th and Independence Ave SW
  • OPEN: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily | Closed Dec. 25
  • Free and Tickets Required for National Mall location
  • Guide to Visiting the Air and Space Museum

The Air and Space Museum has two locations- one on the National Mall and the other out by Dulles Airport. Our Guide to the Air and Space Museum that highlights and compares both to help you better decide. 

Both are a celebration of flying and space travel and are considered two of the most popular Smithsonian Museums.

Only the National Mall location requires tickets. Though timed tickets are required, they are free.

The Air and Space Museum releases tickets in chunks. Same-day tickets are released online at 830am and 1230pm daily.

Release DatesAvailable for Reservation
Friday, March 15, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETTuesday, April 16 - Friday, May 31, 2024
Friday, April 26, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETSaturday, June 1 - Monday, July 15, 2024
Friday, June 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETTuesday, July 16 - Saturday, August 31, 2024
Friday, July 26, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETSunday, September 1 - Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Friday, September 13, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETWednesday, October 16 - Saturday November 30, 2024
Friday, October 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETSunday, December 1 - Wednesday January 15, 2025
Friday, December 13, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETThursday, January 16 - Friday, February 28, 2025

American Indian Museum

  • ADDRESS: Located on the National Mall ( Independence Ave side) | 6th and Independence Ave SW
  • OPEN: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily | Closed Dec. 25
  • Free and No Tickets Required

Step back into America's roots with the American Indian Museum.

Often overlooked, it is home to the world’s extensive collections of Native objects, photographs, and media from the entire Western Hemisphere.

It's hard to miss this building with its unique curvilinear design evoking a wind-sculpted rock formation.

The museum is also a cultural destination, its Mitsitam cafe host to a menu of seasonal, gourmet Native American fare well worth checking out. 


Smithsonian Art Museums & Galleries

DC has a number of art museums to cover an array of tastes. The ones below are part of the Smithsonian but we have a guide to the all art museums of DC here.

National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum

  • ADDRESS: 8th St NW & G St NW (Chinatown-Gallery Place Metro)
  • OPEN: 11:30am - 7:00pm | Closed Dec. 25
  • Free and No Tickets Required

One building with two museums! This is the nation's first collection of American art and is home to one of the largest and most inclusive collections of American art in the world. The National Portrait Gallery balances both traditional and contemporary art exhibits and is best known for housing the largest collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House. 

National Museum of African Art

  • ADDRESS: on the National Mall at 9th & Independence Ave SW (Smithsonian Metro)
  • OPEN: 10:00 am - 5:30pm | Closed Dec. 25
  • Free and No Tickets Required

This is the only national museum in the United States dedicated to the collection, exhibition, conservation, and study of the arts of Africa and the exhibits expand all of Africa in its examples of traditional and contemporary art.

Freer Gallery of Art & National Museum of Asian Art

  • ADDRESS: on the National Mall at 12th & Independence Ave SW ( Smithsonian Metro)
  • OPEN: 10:00 am - 5:30pm | Closed Dec. 25
  • Free and No Tickets Required

These are the Smithsonian's two Asian art museums. 

Hirshhorn Museum

  • ADDRESS:  Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW (L'Enfant Plaza Metro)
  • OPEN: 10:00 am - 5:30pm | Closed Dec. 25
  • Free and No Tickets Required

If you love contemporary art, this one's for you. The unique cylindrical building is impossible to miss and houses unique contemporary art and includes a sunken sculpture garden. 

Renwick Gallery

  • ADDRESS: 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #1 (McPherson Square Metro)
  • OPEN: 10:00 am - 5:30pm | Closed Dec. 25
  • Free and No Tickets Required

This museum is located right across from the White House and houses contemporary art. It is also the first building in the United States built specifically to be an art museum.


National Zoo

  • ADDRESS: 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
  • OPEN: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (Mar. 15–Sept. 15) | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (Sept. 16–Mar. 14) | Closed Dec. 25
  • Free but Tickets Required
  • Guide to Visiting the National Zoo.

The National Zoo is a great way to spend a beautiful day outside. It's probably best known for its giant pandas, but have a multitude of other animals as well.

The hours for the zoo vary from the other Smithsonian museums and the zoo is open from 8 am to 5 pm and even later, until 6 pm, in the summer.

Entrance to the National Zoo requires timed tickets, and parking passes will need to be reserved in advance as well.

Passes open on a rolling basis 4 weeks in advance. Some same day passes are available at the gate.

While tickets are free, there is a fee to park at the Zoo lot. 

The zoo also hosts a number of after-hour events like Brew in the Zoo and sleepovers, which you can check out on their website.

Since the zoo is situated away from the National Mall and the other Smithsonians, here are a few other things to do in that area:


Postal Museum

  • ADDRESS: 2 Massachusetts Ave., NE (right next to Union Station)
  • OPEN: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily | Closed Dec. 25
  • Free and No Tickets Required

This museum is located right next to Union Station and is a walk through the history of the postal service.

See how mail delivery evolved through the decades and view the largest collection of stamps and philatelic material in the world.

This includes vehicles that delivered mail, mailboxes, and postal material that was used before stamps. 


Anacostia Community Museum

  • ADDRESS: 1901 Fort Place, SE in Anacostia neighborhood
  • OPEN: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily | Closed Dec. 25 (closed until March 22, 2024)
  • Free and No Tickets Required

If you find yourself across the river, there is the lesser-known Smithsonian that focuses on the impact of social issues on urban communities.

You can wander through the exhibits that explore the different aspects of urban community life, like environmental change, gentrification, and globalization.

While it may be a bit out of your way to get there, there are still options: free parking is available if you find yourself with a car, you can bus from the Anacostia metro, and you can Uber


OTHER MUSEUMS

Below is a list of other popular museums to enjoy that are not part of the Smithsonian Complex.

We will list admission prices and hours of operation so you can better plan your visit.


United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a must-see on your trip to Washington, DC.  It is the United States' official memorial to the Holocaust. 

How to Get Tickets to the Holocaust Museum DC

National Archives Museum

  • ADDRESS: Located just north of the National Mall. 701 Constitution Avenue, NW
  • HOURS: Daily except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day 10am-530pm.
  • Free & No Tickets Required but available if you want to skip the line
  • Guide to visiting the National Archives

If you've seen the popular movie National Treasure starring Nicholas Cage, you know about the National Archives, the building that stores the most important and famous documents in America, including the Declaration of Independence.

Amongst other things, it is home to what we call the Charters of Freedom: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

You can't miss these bedrocks of our liberties on your visit to Washington, DC.

The National Archives is free to visit but there is the option to pay a small fee to reserve timed entry which we recommend during peak season and holiday weekends.


National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art Contemporary East Wing

The National Gallery of Art is perhaps the most popular art gallery in Washington, DC. While technically not a Smithsonian, it is still located on the National Mall with the others for easy access.

It is also free to the public and no ticket is required for entry.

The NGA is separated into two buildings, the East Building, which is contemporary and modern art, and the West Building, where you’ll find more traditional artwork, including the only Leonardo da Vinci painting found in the Americas.

There is also the Sculpture Garden that hosts cool events, like Jazz in the Gardens every summer. 

For other art museums, check out the ones in the Smithsonian section


National Building Museum

Across the street from the Law Enforcement Memorial is the National Building Museum, dedicated to the history and impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design.

It's best known for its Great Hall, which hosts a rotation of really cool exhibitions.

It is free to the publicto visit the Great Hall, but most exhibitions require a paid ticket. To learn more about those, click here.


International Spy Museum

For everyone enthralled in espionage, this is your place to be! The Spy Museum has relocated to L'Enfant Plaza.

It is now bigger and more accessible by Metro, and a very short walk if you're visiting the Air & Space Museum.

Since this museum is open longer than the Smithsonian museums, this is a great option to go to later in the afternoon. 


Planet Word

  • ADDRESS: 25 13th St NW (McPherson Square Metro)
  • HOURS: Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Guide to Visiting the Planet Word
  • Free but Reservations & Donations Recommended

A great new interactive museum about the power of words and language.

Not far from the White House, this museum is located downtown at Franklin Square. Visit it Wednesday - Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.


Museum of the Bible

  • ADDRESS: 400 4th St SW (Federal Center SW Metro)
  • HOURS: Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
  • Tickets Required

Want to know how the Bible has impacted human history? You can find out at the Museum of the Bible.

With rare and interesting artifacts spanning 3,500 years of history, the museum was designed for guests to have an immersive and personalized experience with the Bible. 


United States Botanical Garden

If you love plants, this is the place for you! The U.S. Botanical Garden is an incredible place to browse and learn about all sorts of plants and flowers.

There are themed rooms, like desert plants and medicinal plants.

It's even home to three corpse flower plants, the largest flower on the planet, which is known for its awful smell when it blooms. 


National Law Enforcement Officer's Museum

  • ADDRESS: 444 E Street NW(Judiciary Square Metro)
  • HOURS: Thur. – Sat., 10AM – 5PM Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
  • Tickets Required
  • Visiting Information

The National Law Enforcement Museum houses 300 years of American law enforcement history, including several immersive and interactive experiences.

The latest temporary exhibit, Post-9/11: The Evolution of American Law Enforcement, allows visitors to learn more about the significant changes to U.S. law enforcement in the aftermath of 9/11, including coming together with other agencies, the private sector, and the general public to help make us all safer.


List of Museums in DC

If you're just looking for free museums or museums for kids, this list is for you!

Free Museums in DC

Are you planning a trip to Washington DC and worried about the cost of activities? Fear not!

You don't have to break the bank or blow your budget to enjoy everything this historic city has to offer. In fact, we have a whole post on FREE THINGS TO DO IN DC.

There are plenty of interesting things you can do for free - such as visiting one of the many amazing museums in DC.

Whether you're interested in art, history, science, or culture - we've got something for everyone!

Keep reading to find out our top picks for awesome museums that won't put a dent in your wallet.

Some of these museums do require free timed-entry passes, however.

Some of the Memorials on the National Mall and Tidal Basin have museums as well.

  • Lincoln Memorial: located in the basement next to the bathrooms
  • Jefferson Memorial: located in the basement next to the bookstore and bathrooms
  • FDR Memorial: located in the same building as the bookstore at the entrance
  • The Vietnam Veterans Memorial does not have a museum but the Memorial Fund is raising money to build an education center in the future
  • Washington Monument Museum is at the top of the monument! Timed tickets are required and there is a small fee to reserve those in advance.

Museums Open Late

For more things to do at night in Washington DC explore our master post.

Late Night at the Library of Congress

Unique Museums in DC

There are many larger museums in DC that you'll also find in places like London and NYC (think Natural History Museum or National Gallery of Art) but we love a small museum that you can only find here in Washington, DC.

Mansion on O Museum
  • Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum
  • President Lincoln’s Cottage
  • Woodrow Wilson House
  • The Kreeger Museum
  • The Mansion on O
  • Planet Word
  • National Bonsai & Penjing Museum (at the National Arboretum)
  • Old Korean Legation Museum
  • Dumbarton Oaks Museum
  • Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens

Kid Friendly Museums

For more family-friendly things to do, visit our Things To Do in DC with Kids.

Lego Table at the National Building Museum

These Smithsonian Museums have special sections just for younger visitors. We go into more detail on each museum's kid's options here.

Other great museums in DC to visit with kids are:

Kids also love these museums and you can get in for free with a tourist pass.


Advice from Locals and Visitors

One way we are able to share our insight into Washington, DC is our Washington DC Travel Tips Facebook Group. With over 65K members comprised of locals and visitors, our members share advice and up to the minute information!

This is a popular question and hopefully if you've read this far in the post you kno which museums need tickets.

Many guests answer that the Natural History, Air and Space, and US Holocaust Museum were their favorite.

Groups members report back some of their favorite museums, especially smaller ones that don't get as much recognition!

Renwick Gallery is a Smithsonian museum that doesn't require tickets! It's right next to the White House.

How long to spend at a museum can be very subjective. It depends on how much you are interested in the subject. But it can nice to know what other people are doing at each museum.

With a little bit of planning, you can take advantage of first-class attractions that offer free days or name your own price admission on certain days of the month.

As local DC tour guides, we spend a lot of time in the city's many free museums! If we aren't taking tour guests through the museums, we visit on our own or with our family and friends.

There is a lot of confusion about which museums are free, and frankly, many people mix up museums.

So, I was inspired to create this post to help you navigate the numerous options of free museums in DC.

You may also be interested in a list of all the free museums organized by type (art, cultural, government)

The Smithsonian Museums are the most famous free museums in DC, but if you're wondering about the non-Smithsonian museums, we also include those.

There are many museums in DC that have a ticketed cost that we think is worth it, so be sure to read more about all the museums in DC.

As a homeschooling mom and tour guide, I take advantage of the free museums in DC on a weekly basis (I post about them on Instagram @topthingstododc). Our current favorite is the National Postal Museum. The museum I enjoy taking student groups to the most is the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Canden
DC by Foot Tour Guide & Homeschool Educator

And in this video below let me show you what else there is to do for free in this great city.

Top Free Museums in DC


Smithsonian Museums

Open Daily except Christmas Day | 10 am-5 pm (except Portrait Gallery 1130am - 7 pm)

The Smithsonian Institute consists of almost 20 museums and the National Zoo... and all Smithsonian museums are free to visit.

The museums are mostly federally funded, which allows them to operate without an admission cost. This allows everyone to visit regardless of budget.

And in the video below, I show you the highlights of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, one of the city's most popular.

The most popular museums are on the National Mall:

Many people wonder if the Smithsonian Museums are free to enter, and for the most part, they are and no tickets are required (however, Air and Space, NMAAHC, and the National Zoo do require free tickets)

If you have time and means to get out of the city, the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Annex is a highlight for aviation lovers. (It's about a 35-minute drive from downtown DC)

The National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum are the only Smithsonian museums open late year-round (both close at 7 p.m.) and are located in Chinatown.

There are a number of other museums that are part of the Smithsonian, read more in our Guide to the Smithsonian where you can also find a list of all the Smithsonians.

The Wright Flyer at the Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. This is a Free Smithsonian Museum, but timed tickets are required.

National Gallery of Art

Open Daily except Christmas Day and New Year's Day | 10 am-5 pm

This incredible art museum isn't actually part of the Smithsonian Institution, but it is often grouped in because it is free and located on the National Mall.

There are two wings - one for more traditional art and a modern art wing.

Connected with an illuminated tunnel and indoor waterfall, you can avoid going outside to get between the two buildings.

An Instagram favorite is to get onto the roof of the East Wing (contemporary art) for a great view of the Capitol and a photo with the giant blue rooster.

National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art features the only Leonardo da Vinci painting on permanent display in the Americas!

Find out more about the museum in our National Gallery of Art guide.


United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Open Daily except Christmas Day and Yom Kippur | 10 am-530pm

This museum is technically free, but advanced reservations if you want to visit the permanent exhibit.

There are still a number of smaller exhibits and events you can explore if you do not get tickets.
 

How to Get Tickets to the Holocaust Museum DC

The USHMM explores in chronological order the events leading up to, during, and the aftermath of the Holocaust.

It is an intensely moving experience and if you have younger kids, you may want to skip the permanent exhibit and explore the children geared Daniel's Story exhibit instead (no tickets required)

We explain how to get tickets and what exhibits you can visit in our Guide to the USHMM.


Planet Word Museum

Open Daily except Tuesday| 10 am-5 pm (6 pm on Sundays)

A museum full of interactive exhibits about words and language.

This is a suggested donation museum and it's well worth whatever you can spare for admission.

Planet Word is not just for lovers of language. This museum is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves immersive experiences, history, and dazzling creativity

Find out more about this museum.


African American Civil War Museum

Currently Closed

Located just off the historic U Street Corridor, once known as Black Broadway, the African American Civil War Museum honors the 209, 125 members of the United States Colored Troops who fought during the American Civil War.

The museum is always free for individuals and groups and we recommend spending at least an hour.

Be sure to go across the street to visit the African American Civil War Memorial.

Find out more about this museum on their website.


National Archives Museum

Daily Except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day | 10 am - 530pm

The Charters of Freedom - the US Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights are on display at the National Archives.

You can enter without advanced tickets, but there may be a line.

It often moves quickly but if you're in a time crunch - the small fee for the timed tickets is worth it.

You can learn more at our post on the National Archives, or watch Tour Guide Canden's short video above on how to plan you visit.


Memorial Museums

Daily (the museums generally close around 10 p.m.)

Many of the memorials on the National Mall and Tidal Basin have small museums.

washington monument
The small museum at the top of the Washington Monument

Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre is an active theatre - opening hours for the museum vary based on the show schedule.

Ford's Theatre Museum and Education Center do require tickets.

While they are free on a same-day basis, they are limited and go quickly each day starting at 8:30 a.m. An advanced reservation is only $3 per person and is well worth supporting the museum.

It's not free, but if you attend a show at Ford's Theatre, you will be able to enter the museum but Peterson's Boarding House and the Aftermath Exhibits will be closed.

A visit to Ford's Theatre is enhanced by attending our popular Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour.

The museum houses the gun used by John Wilkes Booth, the coat and top hat President Lincoln was wearing, and more. You may also have the chance to walk through or attend a Ranger Talk in the actual theatre.

Across the street is the House Where Lincoln Died and a multi-story exhibit about the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination.

Read more about getting tickets and visiting Ford's Theatre.


White House Visitor Center

Daily except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day | 7:30 am - 4 pm

While you can tour the White House on a Public Tour, it requires a lot of prep work and luck to get in.

If you weren't able to do so or you just don't have the time, you can explore the White House Visitor Center which is always open to the public for free without tickets.

White House Visitor Center

The White House Visitor Center has recently been updated so you'll find hands-on exhibits, an orientation film, and artifacts from the White House.

Visit our post on the White House Visitor Center to see what else they have on display.


US Capitol Visitor Center

Daily except Sundays | 8 am - 430pm

Similar to the White House, you need tickets to enter the actual Capitol Building - but these are relatively easy to come by and are included on our Capitol Hill Walking Tour.

US Capitol

But you do not need tickets to enter the free Visitor Center which houses an interactive and video-filled education center.

If you want to view the House or Senate Gallery, passes are required.

These are still free but require contacting your congressperson or the International Visitors Desk to get them.

Find out more about how to get tickets to the US Capitol, and/or watch Tour Guide Canden's video above. 


Washington DC has enough always-free museums to keep you occupied for weeks.

But, but if you're interested in some of the small specialty museums, you may want to find out how to save on admission costs to these.

Phillips Collection Art DC

Each summer you can visit 5 of the smaller private museums in the Dupont Circle neighborhood during the Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk.

Anderson House, Dumbarton House, National Museum of American Jewish Military History, The Phillips Collection, and the President Woodrow Wilson House are all free of charge during this two-day event.


Bank of America Free Museums on Us

Cardholders can access museums during the first full weekend of every month for free - no tickets are required, just present your card.

Participating Museums in DC:

  • Phillips Collection
  • Rubell Art Museum

Museums for All

Visitors who receive SNAP benefits can receive free or reduced admission to select museums by showing their card and ID:

  • National Building Museum
  • National Children's Museum
  • International Spy Museum
  • Museum of the Bible

Blue Star Museums

Military families can access museums for free between Memorial Day and Labor Day:

  • Hillwood
  • Kreeger Art Museum
  • National Building Museum
  • Woodrow Wilson House
  • Washington National Cathedral

Free with a Tourist Pass

Some of our favorite museums have an admission fee.

If you end up finding that many of the things you want to explore have tickets, you may want to look into a tourist discount pass.

There are a few different options on the type of pass you can get and how you can bundle attractions to save, we go over all of them here.

Museums included on a Tourist Discount Pass


Library of Congress Tours

OTHER FREE ATTRACTIONS

This list could continue depending on what you consider a museum.

As the Nation's capital, Washington DC has numerous free options to tour government buildings, like the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and the National Archives.

There are also historic homes that are now National Parks and National Historic Sites, like Frederick Douglass, Mary McLeod Bethune, and the Sewall-Belmont House.

Our guided walking tours take advantage of the number of free sites in DC - the memorials on the National Mall and Tidal Basin, Arlington National Cemetery, Embassy Row, and other historic neighborhoods, like Georgetown.


MUSEUMS BY TYPE


ART MUSEUMS

ALWAYS FREE:

SOMETIMES FREE:

  • National Museum of Women in the Arts: Admission is free on Community Day, the first Sunday of every month
  • Phillips Collection: Tuesday–Friday the Museum Collection is by donation. Tickets are pay what you wish for the first entry time of each hour, based on a first come, first serve basis
  • Rubell Museum: Free for DC residents

BOTANICAL GARDENS AND ZOOS

ALWAYS FREE:

 SOMETIMES FREE:


CULTURAL AND HISTORY MUSEUMS

ALWAYS FREE


HISTORIC HOUSE MUSEUMS

SOMETIMES FREE:

  • You can visit the Heurich House (Brewmasters Castle) to attend one of the many events for free. You won't get a full tour of the house but you can get a sneak peek. (Though the public tours only have a suggested donation of $5, they are worth it!)

PUBLIC BUILDINGS

The government and public buildings below are open to the public, though some require advance reservations or tickets at certain times of the year.

Click on the link for a comprehensive guide on how to visit each site. And remember, many of our walking tours include these buildings!

Learn more about the history of Ford's Theatre on our Lincoln Assassination tour. Our Capitol Hill & Library of Congress tour visits inside the Library and includes tickets for touring the Capitol Building.

ALWAYS FREE:


RELIGIOUS CENTERS

SOMETIMES FREE:


Tips From Locals and Travelers

For anyone wondering about which Washington DC museums require tickets, this is a popular topic on our Facebook Group, Washington DC Travel Tips.

Most Smithsonian museums do not need tickets and they are free to enter. But some do require timed tickets.

Another Smithsonian Museum that requires tickets is the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The National Zoo also requires tickets for the day you are visiting but they are not timed and are valid for the entire day.

Another free museum that can get confusing regarding tickets is the National Archives. They do have the option to pay a small reservation fee for timed entry, but you can enter without tickets.

Visiting DC for Memorial Day? This post is about things that are happening for Memorial Day in 2024.

Several different events and ceremonies usually commemorate this particular weekend, including a national concert, parade, and motorcycle rally.

Memorial Day 2024 is Monday, May 27, 2024.

Read our master post on things to do in DC any time of year - we talk about what museums are open right now!

Memorial Day is an important national holiday that honors the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military.

Washington D.C. is a special place to mark this day with various events and activities that pay tribute to the country’s military history.

If you're planning to visit the capital city this May, then you're in luck as there are a lot of things to do in DC for Memorial Day Weekend.

To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top activities and events that you can attend.


TOP 10 THINGS TO DO ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

DC is the perfect place to spend Memorial Day. There are plenty of places to see and things to do to honor our fallen service members.

This section covers our top five list for Memorial Day.

For more ideas on popular things to do in DC, check out our posts on bus tours and walking tours of the city.

Some of the items listed in this post are included for free with the purchase of a tourist discount pass


1. Memorial Day Parade

May 27, 2024 - 2 pm - 5 pm along Constitution Ave NW

Come see the nation's largest Memorial Day parade right here in the nation's capital.

Marching bands, floats, performers, and veterans will promenade down Constitution for this exciting event.

The National Memorial Day Parade is a long-standing tradition in Washington D.C. that takes place annually along the National Mall.

This year, the parade will feature military bands, marching units, and veterans who will march from the National Archives to the Lincoln Memorial.

The opening ceremonies will include musical performances by Colbie Caillat, Andy Grammer, Craig Morgan. Actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinese as well as astronauts from the Apollo Missions over 50 years ago will be marshalling.

It's a sight to behold, so make sure you head down early to get a good view.

The parade livestream may be viewed on YouTube here.

Where is the best place to watch the Memorial Day Parade?

The Memorial Day Parade starts at Constitution Ave NW at 7th Street and continues along until 17th Street. You can find a spot anywhere along Constitution Ave NW but here are a few places you may want to arrive early because they offer the best view:

  • Steps of the National Archives
  • Constitution Ave Side of American History Museum or Natural History Museum - there is more shade in this area and low laying walls that you can sit on!

How to get to the Memorial Day Parade?

The closest Metro stations to the Parade Route are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian but those are likely to be very crowded! As as well as the Archives station!

If you're planning on being near the end of the route (15th or 17th and Constitution Ave NW), then we suggest going via the McPherson Metro Station.

If you're going to the start of the parade route, Chinatown stop on the Red Line is a straight walk down 7th Street!


How Long is the Memorial Day Parade

The parade is usually about 3 hours.

Opening ceremonies start at 1pm and the parade itself begins at 2pm.

The parade begins at 2 pm, but come early to catch a good spot! The steps of the National Archives are usually the most popular place! 

You can easily get to the parade by Metro so you don't have to worry about parking in the area. 


2. Memorial Day Tours

What better way to honor veterans than visiting their memorials?

Our National Mall walking tour is the perfect way to experience the WW2 Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean Memorial, and others. 

We also offer tours of Arlington National Cemetery.  See when they are offered on our schedule of tours.


3. Visit Arlington National Cemetery

Honor our fallen heroes by visiting Arlington National Cemetery.

Take a free tour with us to learn their stories, or take a self-guided tour if you'd like to explore at your own pace.

You can also take an audio tour of the cemetery. Be sure to catch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony on the hour. 

You will see flags decorating each of the over 250,000 tombs and free roses will be provided for visitors to pay tribute thanks to the Memorial Day Roses Foundation

Be sure to read our post on Arlington National Cemetery to better plan your trip!


4. National Memorial Day Concert

May 26, 2024

One of the best Memorial Day traditions is PBS's annual National Memorial Day Concert.

The concert is open to the public and no tickets are required.

The concert begins at 8pm and ends around 930pm. Gates open at 5pm.

The National Memorial Day Concert is a broadcast event that airs live on PBS on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

The concert is held on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol and features live musical performances, the National Symphony Orchestra, and dramatic readings.

The best way to reach the Memorial Day Concert is via Metro - Union Station and Federal Center SW are the closest stations to the Capitol's West Lawn.

It's a wonderful tribute to our fallen heroes and a great opportunity for tourists to experience something truly special.

Last Year, Joe Mantegna, Gary Sinise, Mary McCormack, Jack Everly, The National Symphony Orchestra, The Military District of Washington, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Chorus, The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, and the Soldier’s Chorus of the United States Army Field Band.

For more information, click here

For more nighttime activities, visit our Things to do at Night in DC post.


5. Visit the American History Museum

The Smithsonian Museum of American History is a popular destination on Memorial Day Weekend as it features a number of exhibitions that pay tribute to America's military history.

Some of the highlights include the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem, and and the Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibit.

The museum is free to visit and it's located on the National Mall.


6. Visit the Air Force Memorial

The Air Force Memorial is just outside of Arlington National Cemetery, or about a 25-minute walk from the Pentagon Metro Station.

It honors Air Force men and women who have served since its beginning in 1992.

If you're surprised we have an Air Force Memorial, it's probably because it wasn't until 2006 that it was completed and dedicated, so you might have visited before it was around.

Come out and visit it on Memorial Day to honor our Air Force and to catch a breathtaking view of Arlington Cemetery and the city.



7. Navy Memorial

Honor our Navy veterans past and present by visiting their memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue.

On May 27, 2024 at 1pm there is a wreath laying ceremony that features the Navy Band & Ceremonial Guard and is completely free to the public.

Afterward, you can go across the street and visit the National Archives to see our Charters of Freedom: the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence, the documents of our freedom that our veterans have fought for.

Other memorials in DC that you can visit over Memorial Day weekend. There are usually various wreath laying events at this memorials on Memorial Day.


8. Visit Iwo Jima at Night

The Marine Corps Memorial, (or the Iwo Jima Memorial, as it’s often unofficially referred to) is an impressive sight during the day but especially lit up at night.

It features six 32-foot figures raising a 20-foot bronze flagpole in honor of every Marine who has served since the founding of the Marines in 1775.

We recommend coming back after dark because lit up the memorial is extra imposing. Feel free to stop by anytime between 6 am and midnight to pay tribute to our Marines.

Read more about the Iwo Jima Memorial here. This memorial can be harder to get to but it's included in many of the nighttime bus tour options!


9. Go to a Game

May 24-26, 2024

The Washington Nationals will be resting on Memorial Day but will play the Mariners at home over the weekend.

The stadium is limiting how many people can attend a game and preference goes to season ticket holders, but you can buy tickets from resell websites, like StubHub.

  • May 24, 2024, @ 6:45 PM
  • May 25, 2024, @ 4:05 PM
  • May 26, 2024, @ 1:35 PM
Washington Nationals Baseball Game

Nat's Park is located in a lively part of Washington DC called Navy Yard and not too far from our newest waterfront development, the Wharf.

You'll find a number of great restaurants and bars before or after the game, but Nat's Park is an experience in itself.

May is also the postseason for NBA (basketball) and NHL (hockey) so keep an eye on the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals!


10. See Rolling to Remember (the new name of Rolling Thunder)

May 26, 2024

Rolling to Remember (Rolling Thunder) the nation's most iconic display of support for veterans, has a new name but the same mission.

Rolling To Remember raises awareness for those still missing and calls for action to find real solutions to the over 22 veterans who die from suicide each day.

Events:

Friday, May 24, 2024 - Blessings of the Bikes from 5 pm and Candlelight vigil from 9 pm at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Sunday, May 26, 2024 afternoon - Rolling to Remember Demonstration ride from the Pentagon around the National Mall.


Related Posts

Budapest in April tends to have cold nights with cool to comfortable afternoons.


Temperatures

Daytime high temperatures will tend to be around 13-15 C (55-59 F) early in April, warming to 17-20 C (63-68 F) near the end of the month.

A few of the warmer afternoons, especially later in the month, can reach up to around 25 C (77 F). The record high temperature in Budapest during April is 31.3 C (88.3 F).

Late night and early morning lows will tend to be around 5-7 C (41-45 F) early in the month, warming to 9-10 C (48-50 F) near the end of the month.

A few of the colder mornings, especially early in the month, can dip down around 0 C (32 F). The record low temperature in Budapest during April is -4.6 C (23.7 F).


Sky and Precipitation 

You can expect about 14-15 sunny, or at least partly sunny days with 15-16 mostly cloudy days.

On average, some rain is likely to fall on 6-7 days this month. Snow is rare; however, some years can record trace amounts.


Daylight

The number of daylight hours increases rapidly this month from about 12.9 hours on the 1st to just over 14.4 hours by the 30th.


Windspeed

Mostly light to gentle winds prevail this month at 6-19 kph (4-12 mph) but can occasionally be moderate at 20-28 kph (13-18 mph).


What to Wear in Budapest during April?

April brings Spring weather buTapet can still occasionally be unsettled and even cold at times.

Best to pack a sweater or sweatshirt, light or medium-weight jacket, long-sleeved tops.

A rain poncho or umbrella for rainy days and don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes.


Things to Do in Budapest in April

With the weather getting a lot nicer in the spring, this should be an excellent time to consider taking a free Budapest walking tour.

April is also the month of the Budapest Spring Festival. This event takes place on Vorosmarty Square, and it includes both live theatrical and musical performances.

If it's a particularly nice day, you might also want to consider a cruise on the Danube. There are both sightseeing cruises and dinner cruises which include a meal.

With flowers blossoming everywhere, this would also be a great time to visit the Füvészkert Botanical Garden.

For more ideas, check our post covering things to do in Budapest in April.


Fred Pickhardt   
Ocean Weather Services 

This post covers how to attend a U.S. Supreme Court tour as well as courtroom lectures and oral arguments with tips on how to plan your visit and what you might see.  


HOW TO GET TO THE SUPREME COURT

The Supreme Court Building is located at 1 First Street St NE across the street from the US Capitol Building and the Library of Congress.

Use this link for directions to the Supreme Court

Or let us take you here on one of our pay-what-you-like Capitol Hill Tours.

It is a 7 min walk from the Capitol South Station Metro (Blue, Orange, Silver). Exit the station and continue north on First Street for two blocks.

It is also about a 15-minute walk from Union Station (Red), which has a paid parking garage. 

If you are new to DC's subway system, then read our guide on how to use the DC Metro system.

There are no parking facilities at the building. Street parking is very limited. You can reserve a space at nearby commercial garages through a service called SpotHero.


Supreme Court Hours:

The Supreme Court is open on weekdays 9 am - 3 pm, excluding Federal Holidays. The building is not open on the weekend.

Security:

Like most federal buildings, you will be required to enter through security. There are two doors on either side of the main steps on the plaza level to enter the building.  

Prohibited items include weapons and other dangerous items.


SUPREME COURT TOURS + CURRENT EXHIBITS

The Supreme Court currently does not offer guided tours; visitors are encouraged to tour the building independently (or on a tour with us!).  

In reality, visitors are limited to only the public portions of the building, which are mostly the exhibits on the ground floor as well as the Main Hall on the 2nd floor.  

There are several opportunities to visit the main courtroom (see below sections on attending a court lecture or to hear a case).

Once through security, you will be on the ground floor.

Here you will find a 24-minute film that covers the history of the building, with interviews with the Chief Justice as well as Associate and former Justices.

It's on this floor where you will also find the current exhibitions.

  • The Supreme Court Building: America's Temple of Justice
  • Reading the Law: Legal Education in America
  • Sandra Day O'Connor, First Woman on the Supreme Court
  • The Power of Image: Charles Evans Hughes in Prints, Photographs, and Drawings
  • Capturing Justice: Judicial Portraits by Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Supreme Court Building Tours

We are able to offer small group private tours that visit inside the Supreme Court on private versions of our Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Tour!

This 2 hour tour would tour inside the Supreme Court Building, inside the Library of Congress & end with tickets to tour inside the Capitol Building with their professional docents (this tour would be an additional 50 minutes to our 2 hour tour)

Our almost twice-a-day public version of this tour does not guarantee entrance into the Supreme Court (though sometimes we can visit inside based on security and opening). On private tours, we can schedule it to ensure we can go inside the Supreme Court.

Contact us to book a private Capitol Hill tour that enters the Supreme Court!


HOW TO ATTEND A SUPREME COURT LECTURE

Since this is a working federal building, you are limited as to where you can go on your self-guided tour.

The only way to visit the courtroom is by attending a docent lecture or attending a case.

Supreme Court Lectures

You can read about attending a case below but if you are visiting on a day that the court is not hearing a case, you can still have a seat in the courtroom and listen to the history of the court and the building.

30-minute courtroom lectures are held every half-hour from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.  

Seating is first-come, first-served, so during the busy spring and summer months, expect to get there early to wait in line.

For the most up-to-date information on when lectures are scheduled, visit the lecture calendar.


 HOW TO ATTEND A SUPREME COURT ORAL ARGUMENT

While you can visit the Supreme Court courtroom as a visitor for lectures, cases are also open to the public.

Called Oral Arguments, these are the 1-hour long sessions where each side is allowed 30 minutes to argue before the court.

supreme court tours

From the first Monday to October to Mid-April, cases are generally heard on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10 am and at 11 am, with additional afternoon sessions as needed.

There are two ways to attend a Supreme Court case.

You could either secure a seat and witness the entire Oral Arguments, or you can catch a quick 3-minute glimpse of the proceedings. (the 3-minute line is suspended still as of Feb 2024)

These two lines form on the plaza before each case.

For a landmark Supreme Court case, some people will line up days in advance to guarantee a spot. On a non-high-profile day, people arrive around 6 am-7 am.

Normally, only the first 50 are able to get in for the entire session.

Numbered tickets are given out prior to seating to allow you time to go to the restroom, cafeteria, and cloakroom.

If you don't get a seat, you can also do a walk-through where you stay for a few minutes and then move on. You can rotate through as many times as you'd like by getting back in line. (This is not an option as of Feb 2024. We hope it returns soon!)

You can also attend Bench Mondays (Mondays, 10 am, mid-May through June) to hear the court opinions and decisions.

These are about 15 - 30 minutes long, but can also form long lines for high-profile cases.

To see what cases are being argued, visit the Argument Calendar.


SUPREME COURT JUSTICES

How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

There are 9 Supreme Court Justices in total: 8 associate justices and one Chief Justice.

How do you become a Supreme Court Justice?

There are only two requirements to be a Supreme Court justice. It is not based on age, citizenship, or experience.

You must be nominated by the President and approved by Senate. It is a lifetime appointment that one holds until they retire.

Who is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court Chief Justice is a position appointed by the President, so it is not relevant to the length of time they serve on the court.

The current Supreme Court Justice is John Roberts.

Who are the current Supreme Court Justices?

  • Clarence Thomas (1991)
  • John Roberts (2005
  • Samuel Alito (2006)
  • Sonia Sotomeyer (2009)
  • Elena Kagen (2010)
  • Neil Gorsuch (2017)
  • Brett Cavanaugh (2018)
  • Amy Coney Barrett (2020)
  • Ketanji Brown Jackson (2022)

VISIT THE U.S. CAPITOL BUILDING AND THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Why not make a half-day of it and visit both the U.S. Capitol Building as well as the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress?

Both are adjacent to the Supreme Court Building. 

You could also have lunch at the Capitol Visitor Center.  

For more information on visiting and touring both buildings, click on the links below.

There are a lot of prints of this historical document out there, but there is only one original copy. Where is the Declaration of Independence?

We’ll answer that question and many more about viewing it in this post. As a tour guide in Washington, DC for over a decade, I've taken countless guests to the National Archives. The museum holds many important documents but the Declaration of Independence is one of the main items guests want to see and understand.

My focus as a historian is to bring historical documents into a modern context. This is an essential item to start an introduction to American History.


Where is the Original Declaration of Independence?

Fear not, Nicolas Cage did not actually steal the Declaration of Independence as depicted in the film National Treasure and it is not located in Philadelphia.

The actual original document still resides at the National Archives in Washington DC.

The entrance can be found on Constitution Avenue between 7th Street NW and 9th Street NW.

This building is surrounded by the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and the US Navy Memorial Plaza.

Where is the National Archives Building

The Declaration of Independence is on the upper floor of the National Archives in the Rotunda. The Rotunda houses the Charters of Freedom.

The Charters of Freedom include the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, which would come later to elaborate on the powers of the new government, and the Bill of Rights, a legislative act to enshrine the rights of the people in such a government.

It is entirely free to visit the National Archives, but there are a few things you may want to keep in mind before you make the trip.

Is the real Declaration of Indepence in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of America and it’s where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

There are debates and rumors that the real Declaration of Independence might be somewhere in Philadelphia.

But, is it true?

There were many copies of the document in the late 1700s and today there are only 26 remaining copies from the original printing worldwide today.

The original printing only contained the names of John Hancock and Secretary Charles Thomson.

There is only one copy of the engrossed and signed document.

The official copy of the Declaration of Independence signed by the delegates to the Continental Congress on August 2, 1776 is on display at the National Archives.


Visit the Declaration of Independence

Although there is no admission price for the National Archives, it can get pretty busy between March and August or on holiday weekends.

On busy days, it can take up to an hour just to get into the building!

If you want to avoid the wait, you can get timed tickets which will allow you to skip most of the line.

These tickets come with a $1.50 processing fee, but that’s not much to ask to avoid a long wait.

We cover the ticketing process in our Guide to the National Archives.

The Declaration of Independence in the National Archives. Source: Library of Congress (loc.gov).

You can reserve tickets for up to 15 people. Admission is available from 10:30 am - 3:30 pm with a timed ticket.

Alternatively, you can also take a guided tour at 9:45 am from Monday - Friday. These tours are offered for free, but you must make a reservation in advance.

Reserve your tickets.


What is the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. 

It is one of the most visited documents in the world. 

Even with its name recognition, it can be hard to understand what exactly we are declaring and why the document has such significance today. 

While we often joke that it is the world’s most famous break-up letter, the document served an important role in the fight for Independence and continues to inspire us today.

It’s important to remember that before the Declaration of Independence was written, American colonists were already engaged in war with British troops. 

Though some colonial leaders hoped for reconciliation with Great Britain, public support for a formal separation continued to grow into 1776. 

Even with troops fighting in the field and the public calling for separation, Congress did not have clear authority to declare independence. 

In June 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a three part resolution to Congress on behalf of the Virginia Convention. 

With vigorous debate following, it was determined that there was a necessity for a document that explained the case for independence.

A Committee of Five was formed to create this document, made up of Thomas Jefferson (Virginia), Benjamin Franklin (Pennsylvania), John Adams (Massachusetts), Robert Livingston (New York), and Roger Sherman (Connecticut.) 

John Trumbull's 1818 painting of the Committee of Five presenting their draft of the Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia

Thomas Jefferson was tasked with writing the proposed declaration and did so in just over two weeks. 

The document would be debated and edited by the Continental Congress and once the resolution on independence was adopted on July 2nd, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

What the document does is lay out in terms so clear that they could be understood by those within the country and around the world why the colonists were seeking independence and their vision for this new nation. 

It serves as an indictment of the actions of King George III and enumerates the grievances of the colonists. 

Not only did the document bolster the efforts of those already fighting in the war, it would help in recruitment efforts and give the Continental Army a unifying cause to rally behind. 

Additionally, it made it easier to seek foreign aid and assistance in the war as other nations could clearly understand the reasons for this separation and what to expect from this new country.

For Americans today, the Declaration of Independence holds significance because it encapsulated the political philosophy of those seeking to separate from the State of Great Britain and clearly illustrated the beliefs held by the Founders as related to natural law, inalienable rights and personal liberty. 

Internationally, the document has served as a template for new nations as they have crafted their own declarations of independence. 

While the Declaration of Independence is not legally binding in any sense, it is still exceptionally powerful in its ability to inspire future generations, illuminate our founding principles in the right of the people, and serve as a template for human rights. 

Abraham Lincoln once called it “a rebuke and a stumbling-block to tyranny and oppression” - we see that truth in the way the document inspires people around the world to fight for freedom and equality. 


How long is the Declaration of Independence?

The full text of the Declaration is short, and if you visit the National Archives to see it, you'll notice it is on one broadsheet page.

The most famous are the first two paragraphs.

"When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."


Who Signed the Declaration of Independence?

While many think of George Washington when discussing the Revolutionary War, he had no political connection to the Declaration of Independence.

The first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired more than a year before the document that severed allegiance.

General George Washington gathered the Continental Army in New York City to read the petition to them, stating that Congress had "dissolved the connection" between "this country" and Great Britain and declared the "United Colonies of North America" to be "free and independent states" of the British Crown.

The most famous signature is John Hancock. Hancock was President of the Constitutional Congress that drafted the document and thus has both the first and largest signature.

Below Hancock, the remaining signatures are arranged by States.

In all, there are 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.

While the final draft was approved on July 4, most historians believe it was not signed on that date and in fact took nearly a month to gather all the signatures.


Historical Preservation and Protection

When it comes to security, it is important to keep in mind that photography is prohibited inside the National Archives.

If you want to avoid any trouble getting inside, come with as few items as possible.

As for how they maintain the integrity of these historical documents, their location within a rotunda is actually more than just ornamental.

The Rotunda in the National Archives is kept cold and dark, the reason being that light can cause the ink to fade and it can destroy parchment/paper, especially from a fragile document that is hundreds of years old.

Likewise, one of the reasons photography is not allowed is because the light from camera flashes could damage these documents. 

We didn’t always understand this, and for a long time, the Declaration of Independence was kept near a window in the Patent Office Building. 

Sunlight from the window would creep in each day, and over many years this caused the ink on this document to fade, which is why it’s much more difficult to read today than it was in the past.

Today, the Declaration of Independence, as with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, is kept in housing designed to prevent any future degradation.


Tips From Locals and Travelers

Our nearly 60K member strong Facebook Group, Washington DC Travel Tips, has discussed viewing Declaration of Independence as an important moment on their visit to DC.

It can be a moving moment to stand in front of the original documents that shaped the United States and the National Archives in Washington DC is the only place you can do it.

And since its the only place you can do that, it can get crowded. Especially with school tours!

If you want to avoid school groups, travel outside of March-early April (Spring Break season) and end of the school year time frame in June.

You'll also see the school groups are here briefly. You can enjoy one of the other exhibits while you wait for any large groups you see to move on. When I bring large school groups to the Archives, we're usually only in the Rotunda for 10-15 minutes!

March in Istanbul tends to be somewhat cloudy and cold with rainy periods.


Temperatures

Daytime high temperatures tend to be around 8-10 C (46-50 F) early in the month, warming to 12-14 C (54-57 F) near the end of the month.

A few of the warmer afternoons, especially near the end of the month, can reach up to near 20 C (68 F). The record high temperature for March in Istanbul during recent decades is 25 C (77 F). 

Late night and early morning lows will tend to be around 3 C (37 F) early in the month, gradually warming to 6-7 C (43-45 F) near the end of the month.

A few of the colder mornings, especially early in the month, can dip down near 0 C (32 F). The record low temperature in Istanbul during March in recent decades is -6 C (21 F).


Sky and Rain

During March you can expect about 15 days with sunny, or at least, partly sunny skies with 16 mostly cloudy days.

Some rainfall falls on about 8-12 days this month, but snowfall is rare, occurring only about once every 5 years.


Wind speed

Wind speeds during this month will be mostly gentle to moderate at 12-28 kph (8-18 mph) but can briefly be fresh at 29-38 kph (19-24 mph). 


Ocean Temperatures

The beaches near Istanbul lie mostly along the shores of the Sea of Marmara and along the Bosphorus Strait. The sea temperatures during March remain cold, averaging around 8-9 C (46-48 F).


What to Wear in Istanbul during March? 

March is still cold, so it is best to bring along a coat, jacket, a few sweaters, jeans and leggings and some warm socks.

For the warmer afternoons, later in the month, also consider some lighter spring attire with a windbreaker. Don’t forget to pack some comfortable walking shoes as well.


Things to Do in Istanbul in March

As spring approaches, you have a much better chance of experiencing some nice, sunny days during the month of March in Istanbul.

While most free walking tours run rain or shine, it's certainly going to be a better experience on a warm spring day!

This is technically a shoulder season, so it should be easier to get tickets for most attractions and activities.

Although it should be warmer, it probably still won't be quite hot enough to warrant spending any time at the beaches, but there are plenty of great parks and architectural sites to visit suich as Ephesus.

March is usually the month of the Istanbul Dance Festival, and the 21st marks the date of Nevruz, a festival welcoming the arrival of spring.


Fred Pickhardt   
Ocean Weather Services 

This post is about how to get tickets to tour the United States Capitol Building.

We also include tips on how to get gallery passes to watch the Senate and the House of Representatives in action as well as tour highlights.


Our sister company, VISITDCTours offers a tour that has reserved tickets to tour the Library of Congress and the US Capitol for you.

This semi-private small group tour is limited to ~12 people and does have a ticketed cost.

You will see the Supreme Court and enter the Library of Congress and the US Capitol. Your guide will tour the Library of Congress with you and give you tickets to the US Capitol tour after our tour.

Allow an additional 50 minutes after the tour for the Capitol tour.

You can book this tour with our sister company, VisitDC Tours!


Is the US Capitol Building Open to the Public?

Yes and no.

While you can schedule a free tour of the United States Capitol, it is not accessible to the public for any other purpose.

You must pass through security to enter the building; unless you have a tour scheduled, they won't let you through.

You do not need a reservation to enter the Capitol Visitor Center - where you can find the cafeteria, gift shops, museums, and part of the National Statuary Collection.


UNITED STATES CAPITOL TOUR TICKETS 

Taking a tour of the Capitol Building requires a ticket, which is free, but reservations are the only way to guarantee a spot (well, there's our tour as well).  

We recommend booking up to 3 months in advance if you plan to visit during the peak Spring/Summer touring months.  

Tours run Monday-Saturday every 10 minutes from 8:30 am - 3:20 pm, but this schedule can be changed for any of a number of reasons.

The Capitol (as well as the Library of Congress and Supreme Court) is closed on Sundays.

Tours can last between 50-80 minutes and the tour route can be changed without notice due to activities inside the Capitol.

There are no self-guided tours of the US Capitol Building.

There are 4 options to get tickets:


(Option 1) - Take a tour with a Capitol Visitor Center docent.  

These tours are staffed by professional docents, who have extensive knowledge of the building. 

Guests are organized into groups of 20 and listen to their guide through headsets. 

The docents are very knowledgeable, and the tour includes a short video of the building's significance and history before heading into the publicly accessible areas.


(Our favorite option) - Join us on our Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Tour.

This is our walking tour of the Capitol Building campus with a photo stop at the Supreme Court, visits to the interior Library of Congress, and ends with timed tickets for a tour with a docent of the Capitol Visitor Center we discussed above.


(Option 2) - Book your US Capitol experience through the offices of your representative or senators.  

This option offers tours that are staffed by office personnel, usually interns.

The advantage here is that the groups are usually smaller, sometimes just your family.

Also, your guide is likely to be from your area or state, and it's always interesting to hear about their life on "the Hill".  

This option may give you the chance to meet your representative or senator.  

One potential drawback is that your guide may be pretty fresh and not as knowledgeable as the docents. We think this option is worth a try. Book here.



(Option 3) - Walk up.

If you want to try to get onto a tour without advanced reservations, there are walk-up options.

We do not recommend doing this during March and April, as well as the peak summer months. All other times are likely to be OK.  

The advantage here is that you have more flexibility when you decide to take the tour.  

Walk-up tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are given out only for the next tour time slot, so you won't be able to grab tickets for later in the day.


Capitol Visitor Center Hours:

One way to visit the U.S. Capitol Building without a tour is to stop in at The Capitol Visitor Center.

This center is open Monday – Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

There are occasions when the building is closed for special events or security reasons! These sometimes happen on short notice.


PLAN YOUR VISIT

In this section, we cover what to expect during your visit with tips on how much time you will need (below), how to get to the visitor center, parking, security, and dining options.

Depending on what you want to see, expect to spend at least 90 minutes to get through security and complete the tour and an additional 30 - 60 minutes to visit one of the voting chambers. 

Add an additional 30 - 60 minutes if you want to spend some time in Emancipation Hall (see highlights).

The Capitol Building is adjacent to both the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress, and many visitors choose to visit all three at the same time. We recommend this as well.

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But plan 3 - 5 hours in total to do so. You can easily spend 60 - 90 minutes at the Library and another 60 minutes at the Supreme Court.  


How to Get to the Capitol Visitor Center

The Capitol Visitor Center entrance is on the east side of the Capitol, which is the side opposite the National Mall. Click here for directions to the visitor center.

Capitol Building Metro Stations

There are two Metro stations that are close to the Capitol, Union Station Metro, which is serviced by the red line as well as the Capitol South Metro, which services the orange, blue and silver lines.

If you are new to the DC Metro, then read our how-to guide to DC's subway.


Tour Bus

All the major hop-on, hop-off, and shuttle tour bus companies make stops at the U.S. Capitol Building.  

Due to security restrictions, all tour buses must drop passengers off on the West Front (National Mall side) of the building.

Visitors then must walk up Capitol Hill for 8-10 minutes to reach the visitor center.  

There are motorized golf carts to take those who need assistance to get up the hill. Use this map for directions from the West Front drop-off.  

Be sure to read our post on choosing the best bus tour in DC.


Parking

There is no parking around the Capitol Building. In fact, unless you're in a taxi or your personal car - you won't be able to drive up there at all.

Coaches and large vans are not allowed near the entrance and must drop off and pick up guests on the west (National Mall) side of the building.  

You can find 2-hour on-street parking in the residential area around East Capitol and 2nd St NE/SE, but you, more likely than not, will spend some time finding parking.

A more reasonable option is to park at Union Station.

However, if you plan to visit Smithsonian Museums as well, then there are some parking garages south of the Capitol, in the Federal Center SW area. 

SpotHero is a popular service in DC that makes finding parking a whole lot easier.

They allow you to view which parking garages will be accessible and book a guaranteed space near where you’re headed. Pretty simple.


Security Check

Security at the Capitol Building is pretty tight and similar to airport security (though you won't have to take off your shoes).

You will need to go through a metal detector and there are many items that are not allowed into the building:

  • Any food or beverage, including water, and anything bottled or unopened. (empty water bottled are allowed)
  • Any pointed object, including knitting needles.
  • Bag larger than 18 inches wide and 8.5 inches deep.
  • Mace or pepper spray, razors, and box cutters.
  • Any weapon of any kind, even army knives as well as replicas/toys.
  • Any liquids, gels, sprays, aerosols - like lotions, makeup, sunscreen.

You may bring in mobile phones, wallets, and cameras.

While strollers are permitted in the Capitol Visitor Center, they are not in the House or Senate galleries.

These are subject to additional screening at the entrance as well.


Food Court

While you may not run into any congresspeople in the Visitor Center Restaurant, you may overhear some lobbyists, and it is a surprisingly good place to grab a bite to eat if you arrive early for your tour (or after).

It’s located on the lower level of Emancipation Hall, just to the side of the ticket desks.

They have a broad range of meals and snacks ranging from pizza to roast turkey to sushi.

We’re particularly fans of their breakfast sandwiches if you’re visiting in the morning, and the giant cookies are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Here’s a link to the menu.  They have received 4 of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.


Tips From Locals and Travelers

While we do our best to provide all the information you'll need to visit the US Capitol, sometimes you require answers to specific questions related to your personal experience.

Thankfully, our Washington DC Travel Tips group on Facebook is the perfect place to look for any answers you may need.

Here are a few examples of interesting and helpful tips and tricks provided by members of our group:

This is probably the most common question about visiting the US Capitol Building, which is why we answer it at the top of this article.

As Jennifer notes, even if you just wanted to see the gift shop and visitor center, you'd need to pass through security (though as of 2024, you no longer require reservations just to enter the Visitor Center)

One nice thing about the US Capitol Building tour is that it's reasonably paced, so you should have enough time either before or after for other activities.

The only real place to eat lunch in the area is the Capitol Building itself, but they actually have a lot of great menu options, so it's not necessarily a bad option!

Many group members recommend getting a tour through your state representative because they will send down an intern and give you a less rushed experience. Despite some guest's experiences, you only sometimes get a private tour. In peak seasons, March-August, you'll often be with a large group.

That said, public tours are led by official docents, so you can trust that they will also provide an excellent service.

Diana notes that anyone who has booked a tour should show up at least a little bit early to ensure they can get through security without any issues and meet their docent on time.

10-15 minutes is probably sufficient for the entire process of getting from the entrance of the building to the starting point of your tour.

This is another common question we see on our group, and the unofficial answer is at least 2 weeks before the tour and up to 90 days ahead of time.

Even so, some of our members have indicated they scheduled their tour through their representative's office 6 months in advance.

For more helpful advice and suggestions, make sure to check our Washington DC Travel Tips group on Facebook, and consider asking our users any question you may have!


CAPITOL TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Exhibition Hall and Visitor Center Gallery

Once you get through security, you’ll find yourself in the beautiful Capitol Visitor Center.

This is where you’ll pick up your tickets if you’re taking a tour of the Capitol, but there are lots of things to check out before the tour even begins.

The beautiful, light-filled lower level is named Emancipation Hall, in remembrance of the slave labor that went into constructing the Capitol building and the United States as a whole.

Around Emancipation Hall you’ll see many statues ranging from a native Hawaiian king to an astronaut.

These are overflow from National Statuary Hall which you’ll generally see on the Capitol tour, and we discuss a few paragraphs down.

There are two gift shops on the upper level - North and South. There was a congressional order passed that everything sold in these gift shops must be made in America.

In the center of Emancipation Hall is a 19.5-foot (6 m) Statue of Freedom, the original plaster model of the allegorical figure that sits atop the Capitol dome.

She is perfect to scale, and this allows you to get up close and notice the incredible detail put into the work.

Our favorite detail is the eagle’s head that sits atop her helmet and is adorned with a Native American headdress.

Just behind the statue of Freedom is the Exhibition Hall.

In this small museum, called Out of Many One, you can learn both about the history of the U.S. Congress and its work and the construction of the Capitol Building.

Highlights here include an 11-foot (3.5 m) tall model of the Capitol Dome, which you are encouraged to touch, and live feeds of the House and the Senate when they are in session.


The Crypt

It may seem odd to have a crypt in the middle of what is basically a government office building, but there are no actual remains interred here.

In some of the original plans of the Capitol, it was thought that George Washington and his wife Martha might be buried here.

But the first president wished to be put to rest at his home in Virginia, Mount Vernon, where he remains to this day.

The Crypt does still carry great importance, as it marks the center of Washington, D.C. Around the room are 13 statues, of important individuals from the 13 original colonies. 


Old Supreme Court

The judicial branch of the United States government met in this room from 1810 to 1860, when it then moved to the Old Senate Chamber which is also often included on the tour.

Generally, you enter the robing room, where the Supreme Court Justices once all donned their black robes together before entering the court.

At the back of the room are Justice’s desks, some of which are original to the 19th century and were actually used by the Justices when the Supreme Court occupied this chamber.  

One of the most remarkable aspects of the room is the vaulted ceiling designed by Benjamin Latrobe which was inspired by medieval engineering techniques and resembles an umbrella.


The Rotunda

The heart of the building and undoubtedly the most iconic aspect of the Capitol Building is the Rotunda.

It is where honored citizens have laid in state, including Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Rosa Parks, and most recently, Billy Graham. 

In the original design of William Thornton, the rotunda was intended to be a simple dome modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.

However, when the building was expanded in the mid-1800s, it was clear that the dome needed to be enlarged as well, and construction of the massive wedding cake-style dome was begun.

Around the inside of the Rotunda are many pieces of art depicting important figures and events in American history.

At the center, there is the fresco the Apotheosis of Washington by Constantino Brumidi. It shows George Washington sitting in the heavens, flanked by the goddesses Liberty and Victory, and surrounded by 13 maidens representing the original 13 colonies.

Lower down the dome is a ring of friezes depicting American history from the landing of Columbus to the birth of aviation.

There are also many statues around the Rotunda, including one of Abraham Lincoln by Vinnie Ream, the first woman artist who received a commission from the American government.


National Statuary Hall

Like so many rooms in the Capitol, Statuary Hall is heavily influenced by ancient Greek architecture, drawing parallels between the origin of democracy and its rebirth in America.

Originally this room was intended to be a chamber for the House of Representatives.

However, the curved ceiling created strange acoustics, with whisper spots where someone speaking softly could be heard many yards away.

It was distracting during sessions, and many of the members didn’t like the idea of rivals hearing their secrets, so the House was relocated.

For many years, it was debated what to do with the room, until it was decided to dedicate it as space for states to honor their most eminent citizens.

Each state is invited to send two statues of their choosing in either marble or bronze, depicting people who have made a significant contribution to the history of that state.

Originally, all statues were placed in Statuary Hall, however as more and more states began sending their statues, the hall became was severely overcrowded.

Statues had to be placed behind each other, in some places 3 statues deep, and there were worries that the floor could not hold the huge weight.

Today the statues are scattered throughout the Capitol building as well as in the hall.


Old Senate Chamber

Since the country used to be much smaller, the Capitol building was as well. This is actually the third chamber that the Senate has met in.

The first had to be abandoned after just 6 years because it was crumbling and rotting, and the second was burned down by the British during the War of 1812.

Finally, the Senate convened here for 40 years.

In 1859 the Senate moved to its fourth and current chamber, and the Supreme Court moved in until it got its own building in 1935 (which you could also tour).

The Old Senate Chamber is richly decorated in crimson and gold and was inspired, like so much of Washington DC, by buildings in Paris.


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GALLERY PASSES

To visit the House of Representatives Gallery, which is where members of the House debate and take their votes, contact your representative or senator to obtain passes.

International visitors may inquire at the House of Representatives' appointment desk on the upper level of the Capitol Visitors Center.

Capitol Building Tour Tickets

These passes are not timed and can be used at any time during that year.


Hours:

The House Gallery is open to visitors whenever the House of Representatives is in session (see schedule) until adjournment for that day.  

It is also "usually" open whenever the House is in recess, from 9:00 am until 4:15 pm, Mondays through Fridays.

You will have to go through additional security and leave all belongings outside of the gallery in storage containers.

You can bring a pen and paper, but that is about it! Absolutely no photography.

PRO TIP: You will need an additional 30 - 60 minutes to visit either of the legislative galleries. If time is short, then we recommend visiting the House Gallery.  

It is here that the President of the United States delivers his annual State of the Union Address and you are more likely to see action on the floor.


SENATE GALLERY PASSES

To visit the Senate Gallery, which is where members of the U.S. Senate debate and take their votes, contact your representative or senator to obtain passes.

International visitors may inquire at the Senate appointment desk on the upper level of the Capitol Visitors Center.

These passes are not timed and can be used at any time during that year.


Hours:

Open to visitors whenever the Senate is in session, from 30 minutes before the Senate convenes (see schedule) until adjournment for that day, which is usually 4:15 pm.  

It is also regularly open whenever the Senate is in recess for 1 week or more.

When in recess, visitors are permitted to view the gallery from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays.  

There is no access on Saturdays unless the Senate is in session.  

You could also call the Senate to confirm if the gallery is open - 202.224.0057.

You will have to go through additional security for either and leave all belongings outside of the gallery in storage containers.

You can bring a pen and paper and that is about it!  Absolutely no photography.


Related Posts

Consider our guided tour of Capitol Hill, which includes tickets to tour the U.S. Capitol Building.

This post is a guide to visiting the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History & Culture (NMAAHC), including information on tickets, tours, how to get there, and what to expect updated and the new ticketing policies.


As a tour guide in Washington, DC, for over a decade, I take groups to visit museums every week. The National Museum of African-American History & Culture is one of the most moving museums, especially with school groups.

When the museum opened in 2016, the team at DC by Foot immediately started arranging group visits for the groups we work with and I have been bringing people there ever since.

I am not a member of the Black Washington community, so these are not my stories to tell. I am grateful for the incredible curation of this museum to share the history and culture in a way I cannot.

I agree with the members of our Washington DC Travel Tips Facebook Group that this is a museum worth visiting.


Free Tickets to the African American Museum

Unlike many of the Smithsonian museums, the NMAAHC DOES require timed tickets to visit.

Tickets are free, but we highly recommend you reserve them as soon as possible as tickets often become fully booked. Regardless of age, everyone requires a ticket, and you may reserve up to 9 tickets at one time.

Each day at 8:00 am EST, tickets open for 30 days out. At 8:15 am, a small number of same-day passes are released online.

You can reserve free timed tickets on their website: https://nmaahc.si.edu/passes

Tickets to the African American Museum are timed - but you can enter the museum anytime AFTER your reserved time until 4 pm. It is okay if you are late to your timed tickets to the NMAAHC.


Plan Your Visit

The information in this section will help you plan an outing the National Museum of African-American History & Culture. This is where you will find details on how to get there, the best times to visit, security information, and what to expect.

WHERE IS THE NMAAHC?

The NMAAHC is located on the National Mall at 1400 Constitution Avenue NW. It is between Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive, next to the American History Museum and the Washington Monument.

Map for NMAAHC

There are many ways to get there and it is a short walk from many other destinations on the National Mall. We recommend this link for specific directions to the museum: https://www.si.edu/museums/african-american-museum

The nearest Metro Stations are Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, and Silver line) and Smithsonian (Blue, Orange, and Silver line.)

It is also a short walk (10-15 minutes) from Metro Center (Red Line.) The Circulator Bus drops at the Washington Monument, just across the street from the museum. For more information on navigating the Metro, check out our blog post HERE

Alternatively, many of the hop on hop off buses have a stop nearby to the NMAAHC.


BEST TIME TO VISIT

The NMAAHC is a very in-demand tourist destination with limited capacity. It attracts large crowds throughout the year, especially on weekends, and is always busy. The museum opens at 10 am and by noon, it is pretty crowded.

Best time to visit NMHHAC

The best time to enter may depend on your timed entry passes but if you want to avoid crowds, we suggest planning a visit to the museum for the off-peak season (January-February and September-December.)

Typical weekdays during the off-peak months will be a little more manageable, especially if you arrive when the museum opens at 10am.

Best time to visit NMAAHC on Weekday

Many members of our 50K person Washington DC Travel Tips Facebook group want to know how long to spend at the African American Museum.

A popular suggestion is to split up a visit if you can snag tickets on two different days.


SECURITY SCREENING

Like all Smithsonian museums in D.C., you will encounter security at the NMAAHC. The following items are not permitted in the museum:

  • Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks
  • Guns
  • 3D weapons
  • Knives of any size
  • Pets
  • Food and drink (other than bottled water)
  • Scissors
  • Aerosol cans, including pepper spray and mace
  • Tools

There are lockers at the museum to store bags and coats.

You are more than welcome to bring strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs into the museum and it is completely ADA-compliant. Smartphones are also permitted and you may take non-flash, non-commercial photography in the galleries, unless otherwise posted.

You can bring food and drinks into the museum if they are sealed and not eaten inside. A great cafe is open from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm (opens at 12:00 pm on Mondays) if you're hungry!


A GUIDE TO VISITING NMAAHC

The NMAAHC is a very popular museum and you can expect lines to enter, especially right when the museum opens at 10am.

Even if you have obtained a timed entry pass, you might encounter lines at the security entrance during peak season.

Exterior NMAAHC

Once you clear security, the museum itself is self-guided. All guests enter the museum in Heritage Hall (Floor L1.) We suggest taking the escalators (or elevator) downstairs to the lower level, known as the Concourse.

This is where you can access the three floors of history galleries (Floors C1-C3) and it is the only way to enter that portion of the museum.

You can expect there might be a line at this point, especially during peak season. The history gallery experience begins in an elevator that takes you to the lowest level of the museum.

The first exhibit highlights the Atlantic Slave Trade and it works its way chronologically up to 2008 and the election of the first African-American President.

The history galleries empty you right next to the Contemplative Court, a perfect spot to reflect and relax before heading upstairs.

On the upper levels (Floors L2-L4), you will find exhibitions highlighting the cultural contributions of African-Americans, community galleries, and more. You can find a detailed breakdown of the museum here: https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/maps

This museum is HUGE! It has 85,000 square feet of exhibition space with nearly 3,000 objects and 183 videos.

The average guest visit time at most museums in D.C. is 2 hours - the average guest visit time at NMAAHC is 5 hours. Of course, much will depend on your pace, level of interest, and how crowded the museum is, but know that you won’t likely be able to see it all in one visit.

In order to make the most of your visit, we suggest downloading the museum’s free mobile app, which will help you familiarize yourself with the layout, exhibits, and objects that you might want to see during your visit: https://nmaahc.si.edu/connect/mobile/apps. The app also has information in Spanish and French (printed brochures in those languages are available at the welcome desk as well.)


Guided Tours

There are no guided tours inside the NMAAHC at this time.

Museum volunteers and staff are at the welcome desk in Heritage Hall and at highly trafficked points in the museum to answer questions and give you guidance on your visit. You can see a list of upcoming museum events here: https://nmaahc.si.edu/calendar/upcoming

While we do not offer guided tours inside the NMAAHC, our National Mall and All-in-One tours begin not far from the museum. Our guides are happy to provide detailed guidance on getting the most out of your visit and can answer any questions you have.

Free Tours by Foot offers guided tours of many of the other Smithsonian Museums, however.

If you're interested in the Black American history of Washington DC, we have two self-guided tours that focus on this area.


Exhibit Highlights

This museum, like all the Smithsonian museums, is massive!

You could spend days here and not see every artifact on display. We highly recommend spending a few minutes at the welcome desk to get recommendations on objects and exhibits that will most fit your interests.

If possible, review the museum map before you arrive here (https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/maps) and familiarize yourself with the exhibits.

Map of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

For a first visit to the museum, these are what we consider the must-see areas:

C3: Slavery & Freedom (1400-1877)

This is where the history exhibits begins and it works its way chronologically through the Atlantic slave trade into the American Revolution, the American Civil War, and the Reconstruction era.

Be sure to see the Edisto Island slave cabin, which was brought from South Carolina to be installed whole in the gallery’s main hall as well as the lace shawl Queen Victoria gifted to Harriet Tubman.

Slave Cabin at NMAAHC

C2: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom (1876-1968)

This is a continuation of the history exhibits, focusing on the century of Jim Crow laws and racial division across the nation. A Southern Railway passenger coach with segregated compartments is a must-see. Right across from the railcar is an interactive element that put you in the position of protesting and organizing - you can sit in a modern recreation of the Woolworth’s lunch counter and explore critical actions that were taken during the Civil Rights movement.

A guard tower from Camp H at Louisiana State Penitentiary is at the end of the lunch counter - you will usually see a line wrapping around the tower. That is the Emmett Till Memorial, one of the most moving exhibits in the museum. Till’s murder at the age of 14 in 1955 was a defining moment in the Civil Rights movement, particularly after his mother insisted that her son be displayed in a glass topped casket for the world to see. The original casket is on display, as well as an exhibit about Till’s life, death, and legacy.

Note: Photography is not allowed at all in the Emmett Till Memorial exhibit.

C3: A Changing America (1968 and Beyond)

This is the final floor in the history exhibits and brings the story of the museum into the present day. The year of 1968 is highlighted, as a landmark year for Civil Rights, with exhibitions highlighting the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

The exhibit looks at both advances and setbacks in the fight for equality, including pop cultural items such as the set for the Oprah Winfrey show and the boombox carried by Radio Raheem (portrayed by Bill Nunn) in Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing.

Be sure to look for the black and red dress worn by First Lady Michelle Obama during the ceremony to mark the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, 1963.

Concourse Level 

You’ll find the Contemplative Court as you exit the history galleries - this peaceful space is meant for reflection and contemplation as you transition out of the history galleries and back into the museum. You might recognize this from the final season of the TV show Scandal - Kerry Washington actually filmed here at the museum!

Heritage Hall 

You’ll find the gift shop, restrooms, and welcome desk here. The Corona Pavilion is currently screening a film by award-winning filmmaker Ava Duvernay here. The film, titled August 28th, looks at one date through multiple years to tell the story of Emmett Till, Motown music, Martin Luther King Jr, Hurricane Katrina, and more.

L2: Explore More 

This level primarily offers resources for researchers, educators, and those wishing to learn more about their own family history. These are a series of rotating interactive activities in this space and is a good place to stop with children who want to get hands-on with the museum.

L3: Community Galleries 

The exhibits here focus on African-American contributions to the military and sports as well as the building of communities across the nation.

Highlights include information on all 89 African-Americans who have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the flight jacket of Lt. Col. Woodrow W. Crockett (one of the Tuskegee Airmen), and the efforts taken to desegregate the armed forces.

NMAAHC Tuskeegee Airplane

In the sports gallery, be sure to look for the blazer worn by Althea Gibson, one of the first African-American tennis stars, Jack Johnson’s boxing gloves, a pair of 1985 Air Jordans, and the leotard belonging to gold medal Olympian Gabrielle Douglas.

L4: Culture Galleries

This floor shifts the focus to popular culture, with music galleries, stage, screen, visual art, and cultural expressions. At the entrance to the music gallery, you’ll see the red Cadillac El Dorado belonging to Chuck Berry, one of the pioneers of rock n’roll.

You’ll also see the famed Mothership, the centerpiece prop for George Clinton and his bands. You’ll also see items belonging to movie stars, like the tap shoes of Sammy Davis Jr., and stage performers, like the original costumes from the Broadway hit The Wiz.

NMAAHC P Funk Mother Ship


Be sure to check out our comprehensive list of things to do in DC as well as these related posts:

March in Madrid features cool afternoons and cold nights with relatively dry weather.


Temperatures

Daytime highs tend to be near 14-15 C (57-59 C) early in March, warming to 17-18 C (63-64 F) near the end of the month. 

A few of the warmer afternoons can reach up near 23 C (73 F) with the record high temperature in Madrid during March 26.7 C (80.1 F).


Late night and early morning lows will tend to be around 2-3 C (36-37 F) early in March, warming gradually to 5-7 C (41-45 F) near the end of the month.

A few of the colder mornings, especially early in the month, can dip down around -2 C (28 F). The record low temperature in Madrid during March is -5.1 C (22.8 F). 


Sky and Rain

You can expect about 17-18 sunny, or at least partly sunny days with 13-14 mostly cloudy days this month.

Rain, however, occurs only for about 4-5 days this month and snow is rare in March.


Daylight

The number of daylight hours increases rapidly this month from about 11.3 hours on the 1st to 12.6 hours by the 31st.


Wind Speed

Mostly light to gentle winds prevail this month at 6-19 kph (4-12 mph) but can occasionally be moderate at 20-28 kph (13-18 mph).


What to Wear in Madrid during March?

March is a transition month between Winter and Spring. You will need to bring a medium-weight jacket or coat and a couple of sweaters for the cold nights, especially early in the Month.

Otherwise, a mix of lighter Spring with some warmer Winter items like sweaters and warm socks will work well this month.

Some lighter clothing will also come in handy for the warmer afternoons and don't forget some warm comfortable walking shoes or boots.


Things to Do in Madrid in March

The weather is going to be a lot nicer this month than it has been during the winter, so it'll probably be a pretty good time to consider taking a free Madrid walking tour.

This is also the month when amusement parks such as Parque Warner and Parque de Atracciones begin to open up.

Speaking of which, if you're visiting with kids, you might want to consider heading out to the Zoo Aquarium de Madrid.

If you're a music fan, it's worth noting that Depeche Mode will be performing at the WiZink Center on March 12th and 14th.

Even better, Lollapalooza 2024 takes place in Madrid from March 15th - 17th!


Fred Pickhardt   
Ocean Weather Services 

In the following post, we will provide information about the best bike tours in Washington DC.

We will also include details about pedicab tours and potential discounts on these services. This post was updated in February 2024.


Disclosure: We think you should consider our free tours, but we have also provided other options. While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.

DC BIKE RENTALS

This section will cover all of the best bike rental services in DC. Most of these services include the protective gear you need to safely ride a bike around the area.

Guests in our over 50K member Washington DC Travel Tips Facebook Group are always talking about bike rentals tours!

Unlimited Biking DC

Unlimited Biking DC offers six different bicycles for rent along with two different trailer options for younger riders.

All rentals include helmets, bike locks, a tire changing kit, and a map.

Each bike rental has a minimum purchase of at least 2 hours and a maximum of 4 hours. If you go over the 4-hour mark, you will need to pay for a 24-hour rental.

Purchase Unlimited Biking rental. (or get an E-Bike rental)

E-Bike Rental Prices

  • $40 for up to two hours
  • $60 for up to four hours
  • $68 for the entire day

Comfort Hybrid – A 24-speed hybrid bicycle

  • 2-hour minimum: $20
  • 4 hour: $40
  • DAYpass: $45

Tandem Bike – Ride in tandem with friends, family or significant others

  • 2-hour minimum: $40
  • 4 hour: $80
  • DAYpass: $90

Kids Bike – Bicycles intended specifically for children

  • 2-hour minimum: $15
  • 4 hour: $35
  • DAYpass: $40

Purchase Unlimited Biking rental. (or get an E-Bike rental)


Fat Tire Bike Rentals

Although they don’t offer the same kind of enthusiast options as Bike and Roll, the price for each rental remains the same across the board.

In addition to their standard bike rentals, they also offer e-bike rentals for anyone who plans to trek across DC.

Much like their competitors, Fat Tire also provides access to trailers for younger riders at an additional cost.

Helmets and bike locks are included with every bike rental.

Standard Bike Rental Prices

  • $20 for up to two hours
  • $40 for up to four hours
  • $45 for the entire day

E-Bike Rental Prices

  • $40 for up to two hours
  • $60 for up to four hours
  • $68 for the entire day

Purchase Fat Tire Bike Rentals.

Fat Tire does not currently offer bike rentals through any discount pass. Even so, don’t forget to check our discounts section for potential savings.


Capital Bikeshare

If you’re looking for the cheapest possible option, you might actually want to consider a bike-share instead. This is more of a public transportation service than it is a bike rental.

There are dozens of stations in and around Washington DC where you can pick up a basic bicycle or an e-bike for one low price and ride from one station to the next.

With several stops around the National Mall and other significant landmarks, this could be an effective option for getting around town.

You won’t have access to the types of high-quality bicycles offered by traditional bike rental services, but it will definitely be more affordable.

Bikeshare Pass Prices

Helpful Advice for 24-hour Pass

Even if you have an all-day pass, each ride is capped at 45 minutes, after this time is up there will be an additional fee of $0.05 per minute.

In order to make the most effective use of this service, ride from one destination to the next and explore the monuments in the area.

Once you’ve finished looking around and learning about the landmark, find another station and hop onto another bike. Ride to your next destination and repeat the cycle.


DAYTIME DC BIKE TOURS

The following section will cover popular bike tours you can take in Washington DC during the day.

There are currently two major companies offering DC bike tours. Each of these services includes helmets and other protective gear you need for a safe trip.

In addition to outings that cover popular landmarks and notable sites in DC, there are also trips to Mount Vernon and E-Bike tours you may want to consider.


Unlimited Biking DC

This is one of the largest bike tour companies in the country, and they offer a lot of different services in Washington DC.

In addition to tours of the monuments, they also offer trips to Mount Vernon.

Although riding a bicycle can be easier than walking, it’s important to understand that some of these options will require up to 18 miles of biking.

Unlimited Biking has three different locations in and around the DC area, so their services probably won’t be too difficult to access.

Capital Sites Bike TourVisit various popular landmarks in Washington DC.

  • Ticket Price: $55 for Adults ($75 for Ebike) | $45 for Children
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Distance: 7-8 miles
  • Availability: February - December

Monuments Bike TourDiscover all of the most significant monuments in DC.

  • Ticket Price: $65 for Adults ($95 for an Ebike) | $55 for Children
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Distance: 4 miles
  • Availability: February - December

The Monuments tour is a popular option for guests. You'll get a guide to tell you about the sites, and they can watch the bikes while you visit inside the memorials. (Some Unlimited Biking guides also offer walking tours with us, so we can vouch for Greg! He's the best bike guide!)

Check our discounts section for even more opportunities to save money.


Fat Tire Bike Tours

If you’re looking for a tour of the monuments at a lower price, this company offers one of the most affordable bike tours in Washington, DC.

In addition to this option, they also provide e-bike tours and a combo package which includes a stop at Arlington Cemetery.

Their main circuit runs year-round, giving them an advantage during the winter months, as this is one of the least popular seasons for a bike tour.

DC Day Bike Tour – Discover our nation’s most significant landmarks.

  • Ticket Price: $45 for Adults | $40 for Children
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Availability: Year-round

Monuments, Memorials & Arlington Cemetery Bike Tour – See the monuments and then head into Arlington Cemetery.

  • Ticket Price: $54 per person
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Availability: mid-March - end of October

Discover DC E-Bike Tour – Enjoy a less stressful ride around Washington DC.

  • Ticket Price: $79 per person
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Availability: April 1 – November 12

Fat Tire bike tours aren’t currently available through any discount service in Washington, DC.

Even so, you should check our discounts section for potential savings before purchasing tickets.


NIGHTTIME DC BIKE TOURS

In this section, we will cover all of the DC bike tours you can take at sunset and after the sun goes down.

In addition to helmets and safety pads, these services also include lights and reflective vests so that you can be easily seen at night.

Unlimited Biking DC

This company provides its Monuments bike tour at night. It’s essentially the same trip, but your journey begins as the sun sets.

Despite the time of day, these bike tours are particularly popular among family audiences. Both options are three hours in length and will require between 4-8 miles of cycling.

Monuments by Night

  • Price: $65 for Adults ($95 for an Ebike) | $55 for Children
  • Availability: February–November

This tour isn’t currently included on any Washington DC discount pass.

If you’re looking for a way to save on tickets, check our discounts section for more details.


Fat Tire Bike Tours

The main night tour offered by this company is very similar to an excursion that they provide during the day.

Much like their competitors, you will visit several historic sites around the National Mall after dark.

Once again, this trip is a very popular family activity, and you can expect the experience to last for at least 3 hours.

Monuments & Memorials Night Bike Tour

  • Price: $54 for Adults | $49 for Children
  • Availability: March – November

Sadly, this tour is not offered at a discount through any tourist pass. Check our discounts section just below to see if there is any other way to save money on this activity.


DEALS AND DISCOUNTS

If you’re looking to save some money on a bike tour, bike rental or similar service, consider one of the following options.


Freestyle Pass DC

This tourist pass offered by City Sights DC includes a 3-hour bike rental as one of the 5 attractions you can choose from.

Depending on how you use the pass, you could save up to 40% off regular ticket prices.

Check our Washington DC discount pass comparison post for more details about this and other services.


Other Discount Options

Most Washington DC bike tours are not included on any major tourist or discount pass.

That said, you might still be able to find a better deal on discount sites such as Groupon and Living Social.

Every now and then, some of the tours listed on this post will offer their services for a lower price through these websites.

Even if they don’t list their prices any lower than usual, it’s worth noting that both Groupon and Living Social have regular sales of between 10-30% off many of the services they provide.

Keep this option in mind if you can’t find a great deal on the bike tour of your choice. A little extra research could save you a lot of money!


PEDICAB TOURS

If you’re not in the mood to do a lot of cycling, why not let someone else do all the work?

Pedicabs can typically hold 2-4 people, which makes this a great option for small families. Pedicab tours typically allow you to have some control over the landmarks and sites visited on your trip.

They also run until 8 pm - 9 pm, giving you a great opportunity to enjoy a tour after dark.

Ticket prices range from $75 - $90 per hour, but there are some companies that charge per person instead.

Each pedicab tour company offers an average of 4-6 different tours.

Here are some of the best options in Washington DC:

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