Do you want to know the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get there from WNY? How to tour the US Capital Building, Pentagon and/or White House for FREE? How to see the National Archives and Supreme Court? What about how to see the REAL Library of Congress, not just the touristy part? How to get around town with big kids vs. little kids? We've got you covered!
How to Get There:
For many families, it makes more sense to drive. It takes about 7 hours without stopping. The downside is parking can be a hassle and expensive.
Although Southwest flies to DC, it doesn't fly there directly and the flights can be expensive with long layovers in other airports. Instead...,
...Take a CHEAP, direct flight to Baltimore on Southwest. From the BWI airport, there is a FREE shuttle to the MARC train.
The MARC train is a commuter train which takes you from the Baltimore Airport (BWI) to Washington's Union Station (a few blocks from the Capital Building).
Click HERE for more information about the MARC train route and timetable. This would be the Camden line. The rides is approximately 30 minutes.
The MARC train is CHEAP compared to rideshare or a car rental. As of 2024, the cost is $9.00 per person from Baltimore to Washington. Click HERE for rate information.
The MARC train does not operate on Federal holidays, so plan ahead. However, Amtrak does, it's just more expensive.
To tour the White house OR US Capital Building for Free:
At LEAST 1 month in advance -- Identify your Senator or Representative HERE. If you live in the Buffalo area and North towns, you are likely represented by Tim Kennedy (as of when this was written).
Go to your representative's website (ex. https://kennedy.house.gov/ )
Select the link for "Tour Requests" and enter your information
What should you expect during your White House tour? Click HERE
For tours of the Capital Building, you can either follow the White House tour process or click HERE for tickets and more information.
TIPS:
These buildings are NOT close together. They require a 30-40 minute walk (depending on your speed). See below to learn how to travel between the attractions if you either have small kids or prefer not to walk so far.
Wear clothing with pockets for your phone, wallet, etc. NO PURSES, BACKPACKS, FANNY PACKS, LUNCH TOTES, etc. are permitted in either the Capital Building or White House. There is nowhere to store your belongings, either. So plan to leave everything at the hotel or in your car.
Wear comfortable shoes, because both tours require a significant amount of walking (including up stairs).
These tours are better suited for older children (10 and up)
The tour includes headphones so you can better hear your tour guide.
You will see the rotunda and many statues/monuments. You will not see the chambers of the Senate or House of Representatives. Tours of those require special permission from your local senator or representative well in advance, in addition to the request for a tour of the Capital Building itself.
To Tour the Pentagon:
At LEAST 2 months before your visit, click HERE to learn how to get access to the Pentagon. They offer self-guided and staff-guided tours.
Arlington National Cemetery is in the same area as the Pentagon. Click HERE for info.
National Archives Museum -- To visit, you will need a timed entry ticket, which is FREE. You can get one HERE.
TIPS:
Despite the timed entry, the museum is VERY crowded on Saturdays. It's best to pick a weekday if you can. This way, you won't feel rushed and can better enjoy what you are seeing.
The museum is better suited for older children who are already very familiar with the documents of our founding fathers. Smaller children will quickly become bored.
There is nowhere to sit, except by the restrooms. So, plan on wearing comfortable shoes.
United States Supreme Court -- This is surprisingly easy to visit and FREE!
No timed entry ticket is required.
There is a door to the left of the main stairs of the building.
You cannot bring beverages in (not even water), so leave as many belongings in your hotel as possible.
If you arrive in the morning (ex. 10:00am), you will not have to wait in any lines.
The museum includes historical documents, displays of past (and most famous) justices, and you get to see into the ACTUAL courtroom.
Library of Congress - There are 2 different experiences, so pick which works best for you!
The general "tourist" tour:
Get a timed entry ticket in advance HERE
You get to see quite a few things, including Jefferson's library and a view through a window of the actual Library.
This is better suited for older children (12+), as younger children will likely get bored.
Seeing the Library Itself: (It is BEAUTIFUL inside! A must-do for a book lover.)
You will need to get a library card - it's FREE and a great souvenir. Click HERE to pre-register. You will need photo ID and about 10-30 minutes, depending on the line.
You cannot bring ANY bags into the library
This is most appropriate for older children who can control their volume. The library is meant for researchers, and you will see many of them at work in complete silence. Visitors, therefore, must be extremely quiet.
You can explore and read, but you cannot check "out" any books.
There are so many other things to do and see for FREE. HERE is a complete guide.
Some museums require timed entry AND paid admission. One I recommend for families is the International Spy Museum. This ideal for children 10+ and has a surprising amount of hands-on and high-interest activities alongside things parents would find interesting. We planned for 2 hours, but we needed at least 3 hours. There was so much to see and do! Their James Bond exhibit was outstanding, but only if you're old enough to have seen James Bond movies. Click HERE for more info.
Getting Around:
Walk -- If the weather is nice, and you have kids who can walk long distances, the visit is very walkable. BUT... you need to go on Google Maps and plan your walking route in advance. Although the Capital Building, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court are practically across the street from one another, they are still far apart because of the size of the sidewalks and stairs at their entrances. The other museums require a lot of walking to get from one to another.
Bring your own bikes -- If you can, this is the BEST option for families with kids! Bike racks are optional, and the streets wither have very wide sidewalks or designated bike lanes. The national monuments and museums have plenty of places to lock your bikes, too.
Renting Scooters/Bikes -- If you have teenagers, you can rent electric scooters or bikes by the hour. You will find them parked wherever you go.
Rideshare - These are quick and easy. Each ride was about $20 or less.
Bus / Subway -- You can use your cell phone (Apple or Google Pay) to ride the bus or subway. To learn which to use, where to get on, etc. the easiest way is to use Google Maps. Enter your destination and click the bus or train options. It will tell you which to take and where to walk to get to the station or stop. For more information, click HERE
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