World War II Memorial and Washington Monument from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool - National Mall in Washington, DC
Whether you’re a first-timer or returning for your 10th annual conference, these are some tips that every traveler should know.
Touring the White House
Contact your congressional representative (house.gov) or your senator (senate.gov) at least two months prior to your arrival to arrange a free, self-guided tour.
Touring the Capitol
Advance reservations are strongly suggested for U.S. Capitol tours, which tend to fill up quickly. Go to visitthecapitol.gov to book a free guided tour. If Congress is in session during your visit, you may be able to obtain gallery passes to the House or Senate chamber. You can also contact your congressional representative or senator directly. Many offices offer staff-led tours for groups of up to 15 people.
Reserve in advance
Tickets to some of the city’s most popular ticketed attractions like the Washington Monument, International Spy Museum, the Newseum, Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum can be arranged in advance.
Log on to see what's going on
Want to know what’s going on in the city during your visit? Check out our comprehensive Calendar of Events. You can also check dcconvention.com to learn when major meetings and conventions are happening in the city.
Budget Tips
Groups generally find the best hotel rates on weekends and in late summer and winter. If your dates are flexible, let us help you find a time that works best for your budget. And remember, most of DC’s most famous attractions are free.
Tour at "off-peak" hours
Check for special early openings or extended evening hours at select museums (often seasonal). DC’s beautiful monuments and memorials are open 24 hours. Visit them at dawn or at night when they are illuminated for a truly inspiring experience.
Beautiful views
The Washington Monument isn’t the only place to take your group for a picture perfect view of the city. Cross the Potomac River to the U.S. Marines Memorial at Iwo Jima for another breathtaking cityscape. Head to the Frederick Douglass House in Anacostia to see the city from a different angle.
See the city from a new view
From segways to “DC Ducks,” DC offers numerous group tours with a special spin. For foodies, check out DC Metro Food Tours. Culture vultures may want to explore Cultural Tourism DC’s Neighborhood Heritage Trail, while fans of espionage line up for the International Spy Museum’s Spy in the City Tours.
Answers to common visitor inquiries can be found here. If you have additional questions, call 1-800-422-8644 or send an email to [email protected].
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