The Three Major Houses of Government

The buildings housing the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the U.S. government remain among the most visited sites in Washington. All three -- the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court -- are stunning to behold and experience, and offer fascinating lessons in American history and government. Although these landmarks are not as freely open to the public as they were before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, all three do allow tours.

The Capitol Visitor Center

Until the Capitol Visitor Center opened in November 2008 (after 7 years of construction), visitors to the Capitol had to wait outside in long lines in all kinds of weather, first to obtain tour passes and then to actually enter the Capitol. It was miserable. The simultaneous opening of the center and inauguration of an online tour reservation system makes a visit to the Capitol a joy, by comparison.

The enormous, 4,000-person-capacity Capitol Visitor Center is underground, which means that as you approach the East Front of the Capitol, you won't actually see it. But look for signs and the sloping sets of steps on either side of the Capitol's central section, leading down to the center's entrances. Once inside, you'll pass through security screening and then enter the two-level chamber. If you have time before or after your tour, you'll find plenty to do here. (Most visitors find it works better to explore the Center after touring the Capitol.) You can admire the 24 Statuary Hall statues scattered throughout and tour Exhibition Hall, which is a minimuseum of historic document displays; check out interactive kiosks that take you on virtual tours of the Capitol, filling you in on history, art, and architecture; and marvel at exhibits that explain the legislative process. Emancipation Hall is the large central chamber where you line up for tours; this is also where the 26 restrooms and 530-seat restaurant are. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday, year-round, from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

How to Arrange a White House Tour

White House tours are available to the general public year-round, from 7:30 to 11am Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30am to noon Friday, and 7:30am to 1pm Saturday, and at other times, as well, depending on the President's schedule. If the President is out of town, it's possible that more tours will be allowed past the usual cutoff time. Tours are self-guided and most people take no more than an hour to go through. You must have a reservation to tour the White House. At least 30 days and as far as 6 months in advance of your trip, call your senator's or representative's office with the names of the people in your group and ask for a specific tour date. The tour coordinator consults with the White House on availability and, if your date is available, contacts you to obtain the names, birth dates, Social Security numbers (for those 14 and older), and other information for each of the people in your party. The Secret Service reviews the information and clears you for the tour, putting the names of the people in your group on a confirmed reservation list; you'll receive a confirmation number and the date and time of your tour well in advance of your trip.

On the day of your tour, call tel. 202/456-7041 to make sure that the White House is still open that day to the public. Then off you go, to the south side of East Executive Avenue, near the Southeast Gate of the White House, with photo IDs for everyone in your party who is 15 or older. Be sure to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.

Do not bring the following prohibited items: backpacks, book bags, handbags, or purses; food and beverages; strollers; cameras; videorecorders or any type of recording device; tobacco products; personal grooming items, from cosmetics to hairbrushes; any pointed objects, whether a pen or a knitting needle; aerosol containers; guns; ammunition; fireworks; electric stun guns; maces; martial arts weapons/devices; or knives of any description. Cellphones are okay, but not the kind that are also cameras. The White House does not have a coat-check facility, so there is no place for you to leave your belongings while you go on the tour. There are no public restrooms or telephones in the White House, and picture taking and videotaping are prohibited. Best advice: Leave everything but your wallet back at the hotel.