Welcome to Washington D.C.!
If you are planning a visit to our nation’s capital, Senator Padilla’s office can help you set up tours of the United States Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, and the White House. We can also provide information about many open monuments, museums, memorials and other attractions that do not require you to request tours through our office. Please fill out the tour request form or call our Washington, D.C. office at 202-224-3553. The White House will suspend all tours during December, January, and February to accommodate the transition to the incoming administration. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this time.
The Smithsonian Museums of Washington, D.C. make up the world’s largest museum complex. Some of the most popular museums include the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Museum of American History. Free, timed-entry passes are available online or via phone at 919-439-8190. Passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance for a maximum of six visitors.
The Library of Congress is open to the public and free timed passes are available on their website.
The Washington Monument offers tickets to the monument’s elevator up to the observation deck. Free, same day, timed tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and advance tickets can be reserved online up to 30 days in advance for a $1 fee per ticket.
The National Archives Museum, home to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, is open to the public for free. Advance tickets can be reserved online up to 30 days in advance for a $1 fee per ticket.
The National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Garden is open to the public. Admission is free, and additional information is available online or via phone at 202-842-6997.
The Kennedy Center, which features performing arts and exhibits, is open to the public for free tours. Tickets can be obtained on their website.
The United States Holocaust Memorial and Museum is open and free timed tickets are available on their website.
Washington, D.C. is also home to several other museums, including the National Building Museum, The Phillips Collection, and the Spy Museum. Tickets for these museums are available online for a fee.
Washington, D.C. is known for its monuments and memorials, many of which are located on the National Mall. The National Park Service has welcomed several new memorials over the past year, including the Eisenhower Memorial, the World War I Memorial, and the National Native American Veterans Memorial.
Beyond the Mall, the DMV region is also home to several other outdoor attractions worth exploring, including the U.S. National Arboretum, Theodore Roosevelt Island, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Washington D.C., also hosts a number of virtual tours and events in light of health and public safety concerns. The National Air and Space Museum, National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Kennedy Center, and many more museums and attractions offer virtual programs to augment your trip to D.C. or prepare you for your future visit!
Please reference the following links for access to the Washington, D.C., Visitor’s Resource Center and further resources that can address any travel or accessibility concerns you might have.