Fun Things to Do in Washington, DC
Washington, DC will be in full bloom for the NAHC 25th Annual Policy Conference. Attendees will enjoy the opportunity to experience the history and majesty of the nation's Capital during one of the most beautiful times of the year. Not only are Washington, DC's sightseeing options big in number-nearly all offer free admission.
For the second year in a row, the NAHC Policy Conference will take place at the same time as the National Cherry Blossom Festival - when the city seems to come to life with fragrant blossoms and activities abound. The Festival is an annual two-week, city-wide event featuring daily international cultural performances, sporting events, arts & crafts demonstrations and other special events. The 2006 festival marks the 94th celebration of the original gift of the 3,000 cherry trees from the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, DC, in 1912 and the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan.
For information on events and times, visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
Theatres and Galleries
Corcoran Gallery of Art
500 17th Street, NW, Washington DC 20006
(202) 639.1700
The Corcoran is renowned for its amazing collection of 20th-century painting, sculpture and photography. In total, the Corcoran's American holdings illuminate the nation's history and artistic development from colonial times through the 20th century. It claims a unique collection of 19th century prints and drawings as well. These collections are able to draw us into and experience the lifestyles of dramatically different times.
Open 10 am-5 pm., closed Tuesdays.
 Ford's Theatre
511 10th St. NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 347-4833 or (800) 899-2367
As a living tribute to Abraham Lincoln's love of the performing arts, Ford's Theatre presents plays and musicals underscoring multiculturalism and highlighting the eclectic character of American life. With productions from Sept. - June,
Ford's Theatre is both a working theatre and a historical monument open to the public.
Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial; Metro Center.
Open 9 am-5 pm.
Freer Gallery of Art
12th St. & Jefferson Dr. SW, Washington, DC 20013
(202) 633-1000
Outstanding collection of Asian art, plus works by 19th- and 20th-century American artists. The opulent Peacock Room is the only surviving example of American expatriate James McNeill Whistler's interior design. Open daily 10 am -5:30 pm, except Dec. 25; extended summer hours determined annually. Free admission. Group tours by appointment (minimum 10, maximum 45). Call (202) 633-0467 or (202) 786-2374 (TTY), Mon.-Fri. Tours for individuals with visual and hearing impairments by appointment.
Metro: Smithsonian.
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
7th St. & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20013
(202) 633-1000
Collection of 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculptures in a striking cylindrical museum and adjoining outdoor garden. Changing exhibitions explore the newest trends in modern art. Open daily 10 am -5:30 pm except Dec. 25; extended summer hours determined annually. Guided group tours and tours for visitors with disabilities by appointment; call (202) 633-3322 or (202) 633- 8043 (TTY), Mon.-Fri.
Metro: L'Enfant Plaza.
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20566
(202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324
The Nation's performing arts center, presenting the best music, dance, theatre, international, and children's programs in six theatres. Hours/prices vary. Free performances 6 pm daily. Group discounts, accessibility programs, free tours.
Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU, free shuttle.
National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Museum
6th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565
(202) 737-4215
Permanent collection of European and American paintings, sculpture, decorative arts and works on paper, plus changing exhibitions of art from around the world. The Garden includes 17 works from the Gallery's growing collection as well as loaned art for special exhibitions. The Pavilion CafŽ offers year-round cafŽ service, along with indoor seating. Open Mon.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm, Sun. 11 am-6 pm except New Year's Day and Christmas. Free admission. Group tours by appointment.
Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial.
National Museum of African Art
950 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20013
(202) 633-1000
Devoted to the collection and study of African art. Open daily 10 am -5:30 pm, except December 25; extended summer hours determined annually. Free admission. Tours for groups and visitors with disabilities by appointment; call (202) 633-4646 (voice) or (202) 357-4814 (TTY) Mon.-Fri.
Metro: Smithsonian.
The Phillips Collection
1600 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 387-2151
America's first museum of modern art, The Phillips Gallery opened in 1921 in the home of Duncan Phillips (1886-1966). The collection includes Renoir's great masterpiece Luncheon of the Boating Party, along with other outstanding Impressionist paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, Degas and CŽzanne. It also takes claim to works by Braque, Picasso, Matisse, and Klee. American works are equally represented, with pieces by Homer, Eakins, O'Keefe, and Marin. It even has a collection of mid-century masters such as Mark Rothko, Jacob Lawrence and Richard Diebenkorn. Now, The Phillips Collection is a publicly-supported, non-government museum. Admission $9. Open 10:00am -5:00 pm, closed Mondays.
Memorials and Monuments
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, VA 22211
(703) 607-8000
Arlington National Cemetery, our nation's most treasured burial ground, is home to more than 85,000 honored dead. Among the thousands of white headstones are the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the Tomb of the Unknowns. Open daily 8 am - 5 pm (to 7 pm Apr-Sept.). Free Admission.
Metro: Arlington Cemetery.
FDR Memorial
1850 West Basin Dr. SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 376-6704
A 7.5-acre site near the Jefferson Memorial, this memorial depicts the 12 pivotal years of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidency through a series of four outdoor gallery rooms. The rooms feature 10 bronze sculptures depicting President Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt and events from the Great Depression and World War II. The park-like setting includes waterfalls and quiet pools amidst a meandering wall of reddish Dakota granite, where Roosevelt's inspiring words are carved. It is the first memorial in Washington, DC, purposely designed to be totally wheelchair accessible. Open daily except Christmas. Free. Park ranger in attendance 8 am-midnight.
Metro: Smithsonian.
Jefferson Memorial
15th St. SW,
Tidal Basin South End Washington, DC
(202) 426-6841
Beneath the marble rotunda, the 19-foot statue of the third US president is surrounded by passages from the Declaration of Independence and other famous Jefferson writings. Open daily except Christmas. Free. Park ranger in attendance 8 am-midnight.
Metro: Smithsonian.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Independence Ave. at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC
(202) 426-6841
Built by the Korean War Veterans Memorial Advisory at a cost of $18 million in donated funds, this memorial, located on a 2.2-acre site adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, features a sculptured column of 19 foot soldiers arrayed for combat with the American flag as their symbolic objective. A 164-foot mural wall is inscribed with the words, "Freedom Is Not Free" and is etched with 2,500 photographic images of nurses, chaplains, crew chiefs, mechanics and other support personnel to symbolize the vast effort that sustained the military operation. Open daily 8 am-midnight. Free. For details, call the National Park Service at (202) 619-7222.
Metro: Foggy Bottom/GWU.
 Lincoln Memorial
West Potomac Park at 23rd St. NW, Washington, DC
(202) 426-6841
nps.gov/linc
This grand monument overlooks the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument and the US Capitol. Inside, the 19-foot marble statue of the 16th president is flanked by inscriptions of his Second Inaugural Address and the famous Gettysburg Address. Open daily except Christmas. Free. Park Ranger in attendance 8 am-midnight.
Metro: Foggy Bottom/GWU.
National World War II Memorial
17th St. & Independence Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001
Located between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, this memorial honors the 16 million who served during WWII and those who supported the war effort from home. The memorial features two 43-foot arches, a 17-foot pillar for each state and territory from that period and a field of 4,000 gold stars honoring the more than 400,000 who died. A series of bronze sculpture panels depict Americans at war, at home and overseas. Open daily except Christmas. Free. Metro: Smithsonian.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 488-0400
Located between 14th St. and Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW (formerly 15th St.), this internationally acclaimed museum tells the story of the Holocaust through artifacts, films, photos, and oral histories. Open daily 10 am-5:30 pm. Timed passes required to view the permanent exhibition. Passes are not required for 'Remember the Children: Daniel's Story' or temporary exhibitions. Free passes are given out daily on a first-come, first-serve basis. Advance passes may be purchased through tickets.com at (800) 400-9373. A service fee applies.
Metro: Smithsonian.
Washington Monument
15th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 426-6841 or (800) 967-2283
One of the tallest masonry structures in the world, this majestic obelisk was dedicated in 1885 to the memory of the first U.S. president. Free elevator ride takes you to the top for a spectacular view. Open 9 am-5 pm everyday except Christmas and the 4th of July. For advance tickets call (800) 967-2283.
Metro: Smithsonian.
Historic Museums
Smithsonian Institution
SI Bldg. 153 NW,
Washington, DC 20013
(202) 633-1000
Known as the Castle, the oldest of the 14 Smithsonian museums in Washington houses the crypt of founder James Smithson, two orientation theaters, scale models of Washington's monumental core, interactive touch-screen program in six languages, two electronic wall maps, plus multilingual information and assistance. Open daily 8:30 am -5:30 pm except Dec. 25. Free admission. Walk-in tours Monday. Fri. - Sun. call for times. Group tours also available by appointment; call (202) 357-2987.
Metro: Smithsonian.
National Museum of African Art
950 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20013
(202) 633-1000
Devoted to the collection and study of African art. Open daily 10 am -5:30 pm, except December 25; extended summer hours determined annually. Free admission. Tours for groups and visitors with disabilities by appointment; call (202) 633-4646 (voice) or (202) 357-4814 (TTY) Mon.-Fri.
Metro: Smithsonian.
National Air and Space Museum
6th St. & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20013
(202) 633-1000
The world's most visited museum houses the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 lunar command module, and an incredible collection of aviation and space technology treasures. Lockheed Martin IMAX theater shows spectacular films daily (admission). Albert Einstein Planetarium presents several programs daily (admission). Open daily 10 am -5:30 pm, except Dec. 25, extended summer hours determined annually. Free admission. Group tours, tours for visitors with disabilities and theater/planetarium booked by appointment; call (202) 275-2110 or toll-free (866) 868-7774 (groups in theater or planetarium) or (202) 633-2563 (group tours), (202) 357-1505 (TTY).
Metro: L'Enfant Plaza.
National Museum of American History
14th St. at Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20013
(202) 633-1000
Among the wealth of Americana: the flag that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner," now being restored, selected First Ladies' Inaugural gowns and quilts. Popular exhibitions include Information Age, Field to Factory, American Presidency: A Glorious Burden, and American Encounters. Tours for groups and for individuals with visual and hearing impairments by appointment: call (202) 633-3717 or (202) 357-1563 (TTY) Mon.-Fri.
Metro: Smithsonian.
 National Museum of the American Indian
4th St. & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1000
The Smithsonian's newest museum, it is the centerpiece for preservation, study and exhibition of the life, arts, culture and history of the native peoples of the Western Hemisphere. Also features educational and public programs, including ceremonies and performances. Free, but passes may be required; call to confirm. Open daily 10 am-5:30 pm, except Dec. 25.
Metro: Federal Center, SW.
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
7th St. & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20013
(202) 633-1000
Collection of 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculptures in a striking cylindrical museum and adjoining outdoor garden. Changing exhibitions explore the newest trends in modern art. Open daily 10 am -5:30 pm except Dec. 25; extended summer hours determined annually. Guided group tours and tours for visitors with disabilities by appointment; call (202) 633-3322 or (202) 633- 8043 (TTY), Mon.-Fri.
Metro: L'Enfant Plaza.
National Museum of Health & Medicine-Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
6825 16th St. NW,
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 782-2200
The museum where the subject is you! Features exhibits on human biology, Civil War medicine, contemporary health issues, and the world's most comprehensive microscope collection. Learn the secret behind our 7 1/2-foot-tall skeleton, see some amazing antique medical instruments, and view the bullet that took Lincoln's life. Open daily 10 am-5:30 pm except Christmas. Free admission. Metro: Takoma.
Frederick Douglass Museum/Hall of Fame for Caring Americans
320 A Street, NE,
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 547-4273
This museum is the first Washington home of Frederick Douglass. It includes Frederick Douglass memorabilia from the National Park Service along with the portraits of those selected by the Caring Institute as the most caring men and women in America. Disability accessible. Metro: Union Station. Hours by appointment.
International Spy Museum
800 F St. NW,
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 393-7798
Featuring the largest collection of international espionage-related artifacts open to the public, the museum chronicles the history of spying throughout the ages, across the globe, and today. Open 10 am-6 pm.
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown.
Washington Landmarks
J Edgar Hoover FBI Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington DC 20004
(202) 324 3447
The tour of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Building is one of the most enthralling tourist attractions in Washington, DC. Along the tour, visitors may learn about the FBI's history and work against organized crime and terrorism, see FBI scientists at work in the forensic labs and watch a firearms demonstration given by a special agent. Tours depart every fifteen minutes and admission is free. Open Monday-Friday 8:45am-4:15pm.
Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial
National Archives
7th St. & Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408
(202) 501-5000
The National Archives houses the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and more than 3 billion records. Open daily 10 am-5:30 pm except Christmas; extended summer hours. Group tours by appointment, call (202) 501-5205. Free admission.
Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial.
National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 673-4717
The National Zoo, located within walking distance of the Omni Shoreham Hotel, is home to thousands of exotic animals, including two giant pandas and their cub, born in July 2004. Tian Tian, the cub's father, and Mei Xiang, the cub's mother are two of the most distinguished visitors to the area. On loan from China, they are one of only a handful of giant pandas throughout the world to give birth in captivity. In addition, be sure to visit Amazonia, a re-created microcosm of the world's largest rain forest. Open daily. Free admission.
Supreme Court of the United States
First St. & Maryland Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20543
(202) 479-3211
Open Mon.-Fri. 9 am-4:30 pm. Lecture in court C every hour on the half hour 9:30 am-3:30 pm when court is not in session. Admission: Free.
Metro: Capitol South, Union Station.
The Pentagon
I-395 south to Boundary Channel Dr.
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 695-1776
Tours of the Pentagon are available to schools, educational organizations, and other select groups by reservation only. Groups interested in touring the Pentagon should contact the Pentagon Tour Office at (703) 697-1776. Metro: Pentagon.
US Capitol, Capitol Hill
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-6827 or (202) 224-3121
Under the magnificent white dome, senators and representatives meet to shape US legislative policy. Free guided tours leave every 15 minutes in the Rotunda daily 9 am-3:45 pm and include the Statuary Hall, the original Supreme Court chamber and the Crypt, intended burial place of George and Martha Washington. Open 9 am-4:30 pm (to 8 pm Memorial Day-Labor Day) except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Free admission.
Metro: Capitol South; Union Station.
Union Station -Train Station, Metro Stop, Tour Bus Location, Shopping
40 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 289-1908
For more than 90 years, Union Station has been welcoming visitors arriving by train to the nation's Capital. Every year, 23.4 million visitors enjoy shopping, entertainment, and an international variety of food in this Beaux Arts transportation hub which includes a Metro and train station.
Metro: Union Station.
 Washington National Cathedral
Massachusetts & Wisconsin Aves. NW,
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 537-6200
World's sixth-largest cathedral, offering worship, tours, gardens, views of Washington, DC, magnificent stained glass, carvings, dramatic Gothic architecture and three shops. Donations requested. Group reservations required March-June. Spaces for entertaining, (202) 537-5581.
White House Visitor Center
U.S. Dept. of Commerce Bldg.
1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20230
(202) 208-1631 or (800) 717-1450
There are no public tours of the White House. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week, from 7:30 am-4 pm. Allow between 20 minutes and 1 1/2 hours to explore the video and exhibits. The Visitor Center features many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders, as well as a 30-minute video. The White House Historical Association sponsors a sale area. Stop on the Tourmobile route. Restrooms are available, but food service is not.
Metro: Federal Triangle; Metro Center.
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