Visiting Washington D.C.
Planning a Visit to D.C.?
Are you planning a visit to Washington, DC? While you are in Washington, DC, I highly encourage you and your family to stop by my office. Whether you are coming on a short business trip, or an extended family vacation, my office can help you make plans to visit some of the more popular federal attractions in our nation’s capital.
White House and U.S. Capitol Tours
United States Capitol Tours
Tours of the U.S. Capitol are free and open to the general public. Tours are conducted Monday through Saturday between 8:50 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day.
Visitors are encouraged to reserve a guide-led tour for their group here. This process allows individuals to check available dates and times as well as track the status of their scheduled tour. Simply click the link and take a few minutes to create a login account with the Capitol Visitors Center. Guide-led tours may have a maximum of 50 guests.
Staff-led tours are available from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM ET, Monday through Friday. Please note that reservations can be made up to three months in advance. Our office staff can lead tours of the Capitol for small groups, no larger than 15 guests. If interested, please fill out this form indicating your available dates, the number of people in your group, and any accommodations you require. This tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and includes a tour of Congresswoman Sewell’s office, the Capitol Visitors Center, the Capitol Building, and the House Gallery or House Floor (subject to availability and applicable House Rules).
Constituents of Alabama’s 7th district can pick up House Gallery passes from Congresswoman Sewell’s office at 1035 Longworth House Office Building. A House Gallery pass is needed if you would like to see the House in session.
Capitol Visitors Center
The CVC gift shops, and the CVC Capitol Cafeteria are open to tour guests. Please visit the CVC website for more information.
The White House
The Trump Administration has announced that as of September 1, 2025, the White House will be unavailable for tours due to construction of the White House Ballroom near the tour route in the East Wing of the White House. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please visit the White House website for more information about the ballroom and related tour disruptions.
Already in Washington or coming soon?
Please reach out to my office at 202-225-2665 for immediate assistance as we work to accommodate your request.
Other Memorials, Monuments, Museums, and Points of Interest
Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian Institute is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. Many of the Smithsonian museums are located on the National Mall. Admission is free and tickets are not required for most Washington, D.C. museums. However, free time entry passes are required to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The museum is open 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday-Friday. On Mondays, the museum opens at 12:00 PM and closes at 5:30pm. Free timed-entry passes are required for visitors of all ages. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance and are released daily beginning at 8:00 AM EST. Passes can be reserved here.
For groups of 10 or more, group passes can be reserved here.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is now open to visitors. Visitors will need to request free time entry passes for every member of the group, regardless of age. Passes may be reserved up to 30 days in advance. Masks are optional but recommended for visitors.
- For groups of 19 or less, reserve free timed entry passes here: https://loc.usedirect.com/LOC/
- For groups of 20 or more, reserve free timed entry passes here: https://www.loc.gov/visit/large-group-reservations/
More information about the Library of Congress can be found at: https://www.loc.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/
Metro Stop: Two blocks from the Capitol South Station.
National Mall and Memorial Parks
The sprawling lands of the National Mall & Memorial Parks make “America’s Front Yard” a must-see on any visit to Washington, D.C. Home to some of the nation’s most iconic memorials and museums, they help tell the story of the people and events that shaped America.
As part of the National Parks System, Park Rangers are available from 8:00 AM to midnight every day except Christmas day. Rangers are available to help answer questions and present interpretive themes.
There is no fee to visit any of the monuments or memorials in the park. Some of the most popular memorials include:
Supreme Court
Although the Supreme Court is closed to the public for tours, oral arguments are open to the public. The Court will hear all scheduled oral arguments for the current term in the Courtroom. Seating will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Masking in the courtroom is optional for visitors. For more information, visit https://www.supremecourt.gov/
Other Points of Interest: