Washington DC Visitors Guide

Planning a visit to Washington, D.C., as a constituent of California's 16th District? Congressman Sam Liccardo’s office is committed to ensuring your trip is informative, meaningful, and efficient. Drawing from the dynamic spirit of our district—Silicon Valley’s innovation and the scenic beauty of the Coastside— we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your time in the nation’s capital.

This guide includes information on congressional tours, must-see attractions, seasonally relevant activities, dining recommendations, and transportation options. Our office is available to assist with booking exclusive tours and meetings, and we encourage you to reach out in advance.

Congressional Tours & Visits Arranged by Our Office

Our office can schedule private tours of several key government buildings, including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court. Many of these require advance registration due to high demand and security protocols, so please submit requests as early as possible through our Tours and Tickets page.

U.S. Capitol Tour

Location: First St SE & Independence Ave SE
Availability: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Visitors will explore the heart of American democracy, including the Rotunda, the Crypt, and National Statuary Hall, where statues of historic figures from each state are displayed. Tours highlight the history of the Capitol grounds and how legislation is developed and passed.

➡️ Request a tour through our office: Capitol Visitor Center

White House Tour

Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Availability: Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM

The White House tour provides an inside look at the Executive Mansion, where visitors can walk through the East Room, Blue Room, Green Room, and State Dining Room. The White House tour showcases presidential and diplomatic history.

➡️ White House tours require advance requests at least one month in advance: Request through our office

Supreme Court Tour

Location: 1 First St NE
Availability: Monday-Friday, courtroom lectures available

The Supreme Court tour includes exhibits on landmark legal decisions, an optional lecture inside the courtroom, and the opportunity to witness oral arguments if the Court is in session.

➡️ More information: Supreme Court website

Library of Congress Tour

Location: 101 Independence Ave SE
Availability: Monday-Saturday

As the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress holds over 170 million items, including rare books, manuscripts, and historical maps. Visitors can explore the Thomas Jefferson Building, and view original drafts of the Declaration of Independence.

➡️ Plan your visit: Library of Congress website

Pentagon Tour

Location: The Pentagon, Arlington, VA
Availability: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

As the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, the Pentagon is one of the most iconic and secure buildings in the world. Tours cover the history of the U.S. military, the mission of the Department of Defense, and symbolic elements of the building’s unique five-sided design. Visitors may see the Hall of Heroes, the September 11th Memorial, and exhibits honoring service members across all branches. Tours are led by trained military personnel and last approximately 60 minutes.

➡️ Pentagon tours must be requested at least 2–3 weeks in advance, and all guests must undergo a background check. We strongly recommend submitting requests as early as possible.
➡️ Request a tour by visiting: Pentagon Tours Website

United States Treasury Tour

Location: 1500 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC
Availability: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM on the first and third Saturdays of each month, except during certain holiday weekends and official Treasury events.

The Treasury Tour offers a rare glimpse inside one of the oldest and most architecturally significant buildings in Washington, D.C., located right next to the White House. Visitors will explore three fully restored office spaces preserved in their Civil War–era condition, the historic Cash Room—once used for presidential receptions—and an impressive collection of art and artifacts that reflect the Department’s central role in U.S. financial history.

Please note: This is not a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing or the U.S. Mint, but of the Main Treasury Building itself.

➡️ Due to high demand and security requirements, Treasury tours must be requested at least a month in advance.
➡️ Please reach out to our office to schedule a Treasury Tour.

Other Notable Attractions

In addition to the government buildings, Washington, D.C., is home to historical landmarks, free museums, and outdoor memorials that provide deeper insight into our country’s history and policies.

Smithsonian Museums (All Free Admission)

National Air and Space Museum: Exhibits on aviation history, including the Wright brothers’ plane and Apollo 11 command module.
National Museum of American History: Displays on American innovation, industry, and civil rights movements.
National Museum of African American History and Culture: Artifacts and stories detailing the history of African American contributions to U.S. society.
National Archives Museum: Home to the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

Monuments and Memorials

Lincoln Memorial: A site dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, where visitors can reflect on his leadership during the Civil War.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: Features inscribed speeches and quotes on civil rights and justice.
World War II Memorial: Honors the 16 million Americans who served during World War II.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Commemorates those who served in one of the most defining conflicts in U.S. history.

Seasonal Events & Activities

Depending on the time of year during your visit, different attractions and activities will be available.

Spring (March-May): Cherry Blossom Season

Tidal Basin Walk: Best time to view thousands of cherry blossom trees in bloom.
U.S. Botanic Garden: Features native California plants and innovative urban sustainability displays.

Summer (June-August): Outdoor Exploration

Fourth of July Fireworks: Best viewing spots include the National Mall and rooftop restaurants near the Capitol.
Potomac River Kayaking: Explore the historic waterways that border Georgetown.

Fall (September-November): Cultural Events and Scenic Walks

Rock Creek Park Hiking: A 2,100-acre national park with vibrant fall foliage.
Oktoberfest at The Wharf: A popular festival with German food and cultural performances.

Winter (December-February): Holiday Festivities

National Christmas Tree Lighting: A tradition dating back to 1923 outside the White House.
Ice Skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: Seasonal rink surrounded by classic sculptures and art.

Dining & Coffee Near Capitol Hill

Dining Options

Capitol Hill and the surrounding areas offer a variety of dining experiences, from casual eateries to fine dining. Visitors may want to explore Union Market, a modern food hall featuring diverse international and artisanal vendors, or the many restaurants located along Pennsylvania Avenue, Barracks Row, and The Wharf.

Coffee Shops for Work & Meetings

For those looking for a place to grab coffee or work, there are numerous locally owned and national coffee shops throughout Capitol Hill and downtown D.C. Popular areas with coffee spots include Eastern Market, Union Station, and Navy Yard.

For a full list of dining and coffee options, visitors can check out resources such as Destination DC, Eater DC, or local review sites like Yelp and OpenTable.

Transportation & Getting Around

Metro: The most efficient way to get around the city. Purchase a SmarTrip card for fare payments. Use Google Maps for up-to-date directions and estimated wait times.
Capital Bikeshare: Bike rental stations throughout the city for short-distance trips.
Walking: Many attractions are within a mile of each other, making D.C. highly walkable.

Contact Our Office for Assistance

For tour reservations, policy meetings, or any other inquiries, please reach out to our office.

Washington, D.C. Office
1117 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-8104

Contact Us Online

We look forward to welcoming you to Washington, D.C. and ensuring your experience is both educational and impactful!