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Washington, D.C. Tourist Attractions

Whether it’s walking the National Mall, visiting a Smithsonian museum, or enjoying a meal with new friends, we hope you’ll make memories with your family and church community while you’re here. While there will not be organized large group excursions throughout the conference, we encourage you to take advantage of your free time to explore the incredible history and culture of Washington, D.C.

Smithsonian Museums on the National Mall

Museum of the Bible
Photo by Ajay Suresh
Museum of the Bible

A modern museum exploring the history, narrative, and impact of the Bible through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and immersive experiences.

Address: 400 4th St. SW, Washington, DC 20024

Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Members/groups early entry 9–10 a.m.)

Admission: Adults $24.99; Children 5–17 $14.99; under 4 free

Closest Metro: Federal Center SW (Blue/Orange/Silver), ~0.2 mi

The exterior of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., on February 27, 2020, as seen from 15th Street NW
Photo By Frank Schulenburg
National Museum of African American History and Culture

Highlights African American life, history, and culture, featuring artifacts from slavery, civil rights, arts, and innovation.

Address: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560

Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Mon 12–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free (timed-entry passes required)

Aerial view of the Museum of Natural History and the Federal Triangle. The museum's collections total over 126 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, and human cultural artifacts. It is the second most popular of all of the Smithsonian museums and is also home to about 185 professional natural history scientists Ñ the largest group of scientists dedicated to the study of natural and cultural history in the world.
Photo by Carol M. Highsmith
National Museum of American History

Showcases the nation’s history with collections on American culture, innovation, politics, and everyday life, including the original Star-Spangled Banner.

Address: 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: Smithsonian / Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange/Silver), ~0.2–0.3 mi

Photo by Melizabethi123
National Museum of Natural History

Offers exhibits on the natural world, including dinosaur fossils, gemstones, ocean life, and human origins.

Address: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: Smithsonian / Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange/Silver), ~0.3 mi

Photo by Difference Engine
National Museum of African Art

Features traditional and contemporary African art, highlighting cultural and historical perspectives from across the continent.

Address: 950 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20560

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: Smithsonian (Blue/Orange/Silver), ~0.3 mi

Freer Gallery of Art
Photo by Lev Yakupov.
Freer Gallery of Art

Houses Asian and American artworks, emphasizing painting, sculpture, and decorative arts with serene gallery spaces.

Address: 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20560

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: Smithsonian (Blue/Orange/Silver), ~0.3 mi

Photo by Richard Strauss
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Complements the Freer Gallery with additional Asian art collections, including ceramics, calligraphy, and ancient artifacts.

Address: 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20560

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: Smithsonian (Blue/Orange/Silver), ~0.3 mi

Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)

Iconic red sandstone building that serves as the Smithsonian’s visitor center and historical symbol of the museum complex.

Address: 1000 Jefferson Dr. SW, Washington, DC 20560

Hours: Temporarily closed for renovation

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: Smithsonian (Blue/Orange/Silver), ~0.2 mi

Hirshhorn Museum
Photo by Gryffindor
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Focuses on modern and contemporary art with indoor and outdoor sculpture exhibits.

Address: Independence Ave. SW & 7th St. SW, Washington, DC 20560

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: L’Enfant Plaza (Blue/Orange/Silver/Yellow/Green), ~0.4 mi

National Air and Space Museum

Features historic aircraft, spacecraft, and aviation technology exhibits, inspiring innovation in flight and space exploration.

Address: 6th St. & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20560

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: L’Enfant Plaza (Blue/Orange/Silver/Yellow/Green), ~0.4 mi

National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C.
Photo by Carol M. Highsmith
National Museum of the American Indian

Celebrates the culture, history, and resilience of Native peoples of the Americas with art, artifacts, and storytelling.

Address: 4th St. & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20560

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: L’Enfant Plaza (Blue/Orange/Silver/Yellow/Green), ~0.5 mi

View of the Lincoln Gallery (Modern and Contemporary Art) on the third floor of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Reynolds Center Lincoln Gallery, Contemporary Art
Smithsonian American Art Museum

Houses a wide range of American art, including paintings, sculptures, and contemporary pieces from the colonial era to modern day.

Address: 8th & F Streets NW, Washington, DC 20560

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: Gallery Place–Chinatown (Red/Green/Yellow), ~0.2 mi

The Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery
Photo by Acroterion
National Portrait Gallery

Features historic aircraft, spacecraft, and aviation technology exhibits, inspiring innovation in flight and space exploration.

Address: 6th St. & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20560

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: L’Enfant Plaza (Blue/Orange/Silver/Yellow/Green), ~0.4 mi

Mail-carrying stagecoach at National Postal Museum
Photo by Billy Hathorn
National Postal Museum

Explores the history of mail, postage stamps, and communication technologies in the United States.

Address: 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: Union Station (Red), ~0.2 mi

A soft sculpture by Janet Echelman, viewed in 2015
Photo by Sarasays
Renwick Gallery

Specializes in American craft and decorative arts, housed in a historic building near the White House.

Address: 1661 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Closed Dec 25

Admission: Free

Closest Metro: Farragut West (Blue/Orange/Silver), ~0.3 mi

Non-Smithsonian Museums

Photo by Lasthib
National Building Museum

Dedicated to architecture, design, and urban planning with interactive exhibits and large-scale architectural models.

Address: 401 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20001

Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sun 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Admission: Adults $10; Seniors $8; Students $8; Children 3–17 $5; under 3 free

Closest Metro: Judiciary Square (Red), ~0.2 mi

Photo By Pjt56
National Gallery of Art

Dedicated to architecture, design, and urban planning with interactive exhibits and large-scale architectural models.

Address: 401 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20001

Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sun 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Admission: Adults $10; Seniors $8; Students $8; Children 3–17 $5; under 3 free

Closest Metro: Judiciary Square (Red), ~0.2 mi

White House

The official residence and workplace of the U.S. President, the White House offers tours highlighting its history, architecture, and role in American government.

Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500

Hours: Tue–Thu 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.; Fri–Sat 7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (except federal holidays)

Admission: Free; advance reservation required through a Member of Congress

Closest Metro: McPherson Square (Blue/Orange/Silver), ~0.2 mi; Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange/Silver), ~0.3 mi; Metro Center (Red/Blue/Orange/Silver), ~0.5 mi

Metrorail (Subway System)

Available Opportunities

Available at many stations; fees vary: Rider parking: $3.00 to $5.20 on weekdays Non-rider parking: $3.00 to $10.00 Free parking on weekends and federal holidays Payment via SmarTrip card or credit card only—cash not accepted

Payment

SmarTrip Cards
  • Each rider age 5 and up needs their own SmarTrip card.
  • SmarTrip works on Metrorail, Metrobus, parking, discounted fares, and unlimited ride passes.
Tap-to-Ride on Metrorail
  • You can use a contactless credit or debit card, or Apple Pay / Google Pay, to tap into Metrorail only.
  • This is convenient for quick rail trips but does not work on buses, parking, or discounts.
Unlimited passes
  • 1-Day Unlimited Pass (Metrobus + Metrorail): $13.50
  • 3-Day Unlimited Pass: $33.75
    (With a SmarTrip card included, this typically totals $35.75)
  • 7-Day Unlimited Pass: $60.75
Where to get a SmarTrip card

Unlimited Ride Passes:

  • 1-Day Unlimited Pass (Metrobus + Metrorail): $13.50 (excludes the card cost) WMATAsmartrip.wmata.com.
  • 3-Day Unlimited Pass: $33.75 (excluding card cost); with a SmarTrip card included, typically totals $35.75 WMATAsmartrip.wmata.com.
  • Also available: 7-Day Unlimited Pass for $60.75 

Parking at Metrorail Stations

  • 1-Day Unlimited Pass (Metrobus + Metrorail): $13.50 (excludes the card cost) WMATAsmartrip.wmata.com.
  • 3-Day Unlimited Pass: $33.75 (excluding card cost); with a SmarTrip card included, typically totals $35.75 WMATAsmartrip.wmata.com.
  • Also available: 7-Day Unlimited Pass for $60.75