visit national capitol

Hours & Info

Tours of the capitol.

A reservation is recommended for a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Visit the Book a Tour page for information on how to obtain a reservation.

The following information may be helpful to visitors planning a future visit.

The Capitol Visitor Center is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First Street and East Capitol Street.   Getting to the Capitol »

Admission and Passes -  Admission is free. All visitors to the Capitol are required to go through  security screening .

Tours -  Tour reservations can be scheduled through the Capitol Visitor Center website or through the office of one of your senators or your representative. The last tour of the day is at 3:20 p.m. Please leave time to go through security.  Book a Tour »

Visitors with Disabilities -  The Capitol Visitor Center is fully accessible to people with disabilities. All films have open captioning. In addition, there are a variety of other services for visitors with disabilities, including adaptive tours of the Capitol, wheelchairs, and sign-language interpreting services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.   More Information on Accessibility »

Information on Security Screening For Visitors With Disabilities , Medical Conditions, Medical Devices, Or Medications.

  ATM machines  - ATM's are located outside each Gift Shop.

Service Animals -  Service animals are allowed in the Capitol Visitor Center and the Capitol.

Capitol Etiquette Information -  To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable visit to the Capitol, we ask that all visitors adhere to the visitor guidelines.

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U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

Take a tour of the historic Capitol, where you can see the Crypt of the Capitol, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall.

Phone number

1-202-226-8000

Main address

Have a question.

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

How Do I Tour the U.S. Capitol and See Congress in Session?

Learn all you need to know about visiting and touring america’s center of democracy..

UPDATE: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All tours are free and are led by professional tour guides and do not include the Senate and House Galleries. The tour route is subject to change. Note that advance reservations are required for a tour. Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol’s prohibited items list before your visit.

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and the center of American democracy. The world-famous domed building is home to the United States House of Representatives and Senate; where America’s congressmen and congresswomen conduct business, debate laws and pass bills on behalf of the American people. The U.S. Capitol and U.S. Capitol Visitor Center  is also one of DC’s most popular monuments and museums and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Tour groups in United States Capitol Building Rotunda - Attractions and landmarks in Washington, DC

How do I arrange a tour of the United States Capitol Building?

Plan your visit in advance! A public tour of the U.S. Capitol is free and open to anyone who makes an advanced reservation, although there are some same-day tickets available by standing in line at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center (note that lines will be long during spring and summer).  We recommend reserving a  reserving a tour date and time .

All tours begin and end at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Inauguration Day).  Tours typically take about 90 minutes and are  fully accessible for people with disabilities.

What will I see on a Capitol tour?

Guided tours begin with a 13-minute intro film, followed stops in the Capitol Rotunda, where guides point out the center point of the District of Columbia, as well as demonstrate the unique acoustical effect where a speaker several yards away can be heard more clearly than a speaker close to the listener. The Capitol Dome is encircled by murals, and the fresco on the eye of the ceiling is called The Apotheosis of Washington showing President Washington rising to the heavens in glory with Liberty and Victory/Fame beside him. Below, on the walls of the Rotunda, are large paintings depicting significant events in American history: The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Baptism of Pocohontas, The Embarkation of the Pilgrims, The Landing of Columbus and General George Washington Resigning His Commission. Other stops on the 45-minute walking tour include the Crypt, National Statuary Hall and connecting corridors of the U.S. Capitol, where you’ll see statues representing every state.

Can I see Congress in session?

The guided tour doesn't include the Senate and House galleries. However, visitors can obtain free passes through their congressmen to view both chambers when Congress is in session. International visitors can ask about gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. When Congress is not in session, the galleries are open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. However, viewing hours are subject to change and are not always the same for the House and Senate galleries. You can check the schedules with your Congressional office when requesting gallery passes. Read more information about  watching Congress in session  and viewing the House and Senate galleries.

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What’s in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

You’ll find a cafeteria and gift shop in the Capitol Visitor Center. The gift shop carries merchandise inspired by the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for continental breakfast and lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you haven’t printed your tour reservation, bring along the number you were assigned. There are free listening devices in multiple languages for international visitors.

How do I get to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

Because there is very little parking, it is best to travel via the  Metro or the DC Circulator. There are three Metro stops within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol: Union Station (Red Line), Capitol South and Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver and Blue lines). The Capitol Visitor Center, which serves as the main public entrance, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First and East Capitol streets.

Looking for more in the neighborhood? Take advantage of  our guide to Capitol Hill .

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Kern Veterans visit the National Archives in Washington D.C.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Kern County Honor Flight 49 took off Monday morning to the Nation’s capitol with 100 local veterans making the trip.

Kevin Charette is chronicling their tour and spoke with Vietnam War Air Force Veteran, Marsha Furman, who shared what the trip means to her. Furman said she learned about Honor Flight about a month ago.

She is one of two women on Honor Flight 49. Both women joined the services in 1967.

“It was a different time back then. Women…weren’t drafted so, you just kind of wonder why it came about I raised my hand and said, ‘I’ll go.’ But I’m still reaping the benefits of that decision so long ago,” Furman said.

Watch the full interview in the video player above to hear more about Furman’s journey.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.

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Forget Zion: Visit Utah's Most Underrated National Park

• Capitol Reef National Park receives far fewer visitors than Zion National Park.
• Capitol Reef has plenty of attractions to offer visitors, including many that rival Zion.
• Visitors can hike, dive, take road trips, and more through Capitol Reef National Park.

When it comes to national parks and outdoor recreation, Utah is a powerhouse of a state. Of the state's five national parks, there is no doubt that Zion National Park is the most famous. Welcoming over four million guests in 2023, Zion National Park was one of the most visited national parks in the US.

While there is good reason for all that buzz, some travelers may find themselves looking for a quieter place to enjoy Utah's landscape. Thankfully, Utah is full of underrated alternatives to Zion National Park . Capitol Reef National Park saw about a quarter of the visitors that Zion National Park did, welcoming 1,268,861 travelers in 2023 . Don't let the comparatively lower visitation numbers deceive you, however; there are plenty of reasons to visit Capitol Reef National Park .

With a wide variety of Utah's famous natural formations to explore and plenty of space to spread out, Capitol Reef National Park may just be Utah's most underrated national park.

This Scenic Utah Town Is Perfect For A Zion Trip

Getting to capitol reef national park, capitol reef is slightly less convenient to reach than some utah parks, but well worth the drive, from salt lake city.

Utah's only major international airport is located in Salt Lake City, so for many long-distance travelers looking to experience Utah's most underrated national park, this is the place to begin the journey.

All travelers leaving Salt Lake City Airport get on I-80, and national park travelers will head on I-80 East until they connect with I-15, the major north-south freeway in the state. Following I-15 South for 123 miles, drivers then exit at US-50, which eventually becomes UT-24. This highway takes drivers all the way to Capitol Reef itself.

Not worried about time? Drivers can exit I-15 in Spanish Fork and follow US-6 to connect with US-89, a scenic highway that runs from Canada to Mexico. Highway 89 is considered America's most scenic road trip , and is well worth the extra half an hour it takes to drive for those who are able.

From Zion National Park

Many travelers visit Capitol Reef National Park as part of a "Mighty 5" road trip, one of the best national park road trip routes in the US . In this case, many drivers may find themselves coming from Zion National Park. While the parks appear fairly close on a map, the somewhat winding drive between parks means it will still be a three-hour trip.

Hopping back on I-15, drivers go northbound to Highway 20, then Highway 89, UT-62, and finally UT-24 to Capitol Reef National Park. Luckily for road trippers, even this drive along Utah's desert highways is full of hidden gems and dramatic scenery.

7 Amazing One-Day Road Trips In Utah

Top hiking trails in capitol reef national park, capitol reef's top activity is hiking, and there are plenty of trails for all interests and ability levels.

Like all of Utah's national parks, the most popular activity in Capitol Reef National Park is hiking. From one-mile strolls to intensive multi-hour hikes, Capitol Reef has a variety of highly rated hiking trails to help guests explore the park and its features.

Hickman's Bridge Trail

While Capitol Reef is most commonly compared to Zion National Park, the natural formations in certain corners of the park are more reminiscent of another famous Utah park, Arches National Park.

Hickman's Bridge is a beautiful natural bridge, towering above the trail and the hikers along it.

The trail itself is a bit rocky, but relatively level, making it popular for hikers of all ages and ability levels. As one of the most iconic structures in Capitol Reef, Hickman's Bridge is undeniably one of the most popular hikes in the park.

Cassidy Arch

If there is one natural formation more famous than Hickman's Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park, it is Cassidy Arch. Unlike a majority of the arches and natural bridges in Utah, hikers can actually walk across the massive Cassidy Arch.

The overall hike is moderately strenuous, with the first 15 minutes of the hike often standing out as the most difficult stretch. The hike itself is particularly scenic, with water pockets in the canyon walls, leading up to the Cassidy Arch.

Grand Wash Trail to the Narrows

The Narrows in Zion National Park is one of the more famous hikes in the park and one of the most dangerous hikes in Zion National Park . For a similar experience with far fewer crowds (and no permit requirements), The Grand Wash Trail leads through its own set of Narrows.

These tight slot canyons are some of the most popular natural formations in Utah, creating dangerous mazes and flash flood risks that continue to draw in adrenaline-seekers from around the world.

Across nearly seven miles of hiking, the moderately challenging Grand Wash Trail is relatively easy to navigate, focusing on stunning views over intense physical demands.

Goosenecks Overlook

The hard, unforgiving sandstone that dominates the southern half of Utah can be hard to carve, even for a mighty river. As a result, some truly unusual patterns have been formed as the rivers see out the path of least resistance.

One such example is easy to enjoy in Capitol Reef National Park. A 2.5-mile out-and-back hike, the Goosenecks Overlook Trail, leads to a one-of-a-kind view of the canyon. With add-ons like Sunset Overlook, this trail is one of the most popular ways to enjoy elevated views in the park.

It is no exaggeration to say the endpoint of this trail is up high . Those with a bit of vertigo or fear of heights may need to hold the railing a little extra tight while they enjoy these views.

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7 top-rated easy utah hiking trails with scenic views, top things to do in capitol reef national park besides hiking, hiking isn't the only way to enjoy capitol reef, scenic drives and tasty food add to the experience.

There are a wide variety of things to do both in and near Capitol Reef National Park . In fact, Capitol Reef National Park offers many of the same attractions as its more famous cousin, including scenic drives, canyon overlooks, and even natural arches (all with their own Capitol Reef twist, of course).

Cathedral Valley

For those with high-clearance vehicles, one of the best ways to enjoy Capitol Reef National Park may be on the road. The beautiful Cathedral Valley drive is particularly awe-inspiring as dozens of sheer red cliffs jut up from the flat desert ground.

There are numerous hiking opportunities around Cathedral Valley, and the entire scenic drive and its accompanying hikes can take a full day to truly experience.

Gifford House

Just a mile from the Visitor's Center is one of the most unique (and tasty) attractions in Capitol Reef National Park. It's no secret that much of Utah was settled by pioneers, many of them belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). The Gifford family was one such group, and they set up shop in what would later become Capitol Reef, homesteading on the barren desert land.

The long-abandoned farmhouse has been meticulously restored, and between March 14 and late November, tourists can line up for some of the tastiest pies in the Utah southwest.

Capitol Reef National Park may be a bit underrated, particularly when up against a giant like Zion National Park, but that doesn't mean this hidden gem isn't worth a visit. Numerous hiking trails to unusual natural formations, scenic drives through Utah's backcountry, and even some tasty, locally-sourced pies make Capitol Reef a one-of-a-kind destination in Utah.

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President Biden to visit Tampa on Tuesday

TAMPA, Fla. — President Joe Biden will make a stop in Tampa Tuesday, the White House has announced.

The president will be in the area on Tuesday. Additional details are expected be made available late Monday. 

The Biden campaign is investing more time in Florida, though a Democrat has not won Florida since 2012.

Donald Trump won the state in 2016 and 2020.

Biden's visit will come just weeks after the state Supreme Court energized abortion rights proponents with two rulings : one that paves the way for a six-week abortion ban and another that will give voters the opportunity to repeal the ban as they also cast their vote for president.

Democrats have new hope that a ballot question seeking to preserve abortion rights will put the state back in play as the nation’s largest presidential election swing state.

Former 'Real Housewives' star Siggy Flicker's stepson arrested on Jan. 6 charges

WASHINGTON — The stepson of a former cast member of "Real Housewives of New Jersey" was arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, according to court records.

Tyler Campanella, the stepson of former "Real Housewives" cast member Sigalit "Siggy" Flicker, was arrested in New York City, according to court records. He faces five misdemeanor charges.

Flicker had posted photos from inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, along with the caption "I love patriots so much. Stay safe Tyler. We love you," the FBI said. She added some emojis and a "Stop the Steal" hashtag, according to an image of the post included in the FBI affidavit.

Phone records subpoenaed by the government indicate that Campanella's phone, which was associated with Flicker's account, was inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, according to the FBI. The account was associated with Bayside Chrysler, according to the FBI, where Campanella was listed as a sales manager.

A message left for Campanella at the Chrysler dealership was not immediately returned. Campanella made an initial appearance in federal court in New York. Marina Medvin, a conservative attorney who has represented other Jan. 6 defendants and now represents Campanella, declined to comment.

Video cited by the FBI shows Campanella inside various parts of the Capitol. But additional video reviewed by NBC News — previously released in connection with other Jan. 6 cases — appears to show the man federal authorities identified as Campanella entering then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's suite and even walking into the room where Pelosi's laptop was stolen .

Other video appears to show the man identified as Campanella wearing a flag featuring the symbol of QAnon as a cape.

Flicker is a Trump supporter who has posted images of herself with him, and she apparently encountered Trump at an event at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate, last month. Flicker did not immediately respond to a request for comment. There’s no evidence that Flicker herself was at the Capitol, and she said in a social media video after the attack that she was in Florida.

Flicker is friends with Alina Habba , a lawyer who has represented Trump and frequently appears on cable news in support of him. Habba did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

More than 1,387 people have been charged in connection with the Capitol attack, with more than 984 defendants having been convicted. Of the more than 859 defendants who have been sentenced, more than 520 have been sentenced to periods of incarceration of a few days behind bars to 22 years in federal prison .

The overwhelming majority of Jan. 6 defendants in custody either admitted to their criminal conduct or were found guilty at trial; only  15 are in pretrial custody .

Ryan J. Reilly is a justice reporter for NBC News.