Almost every itinerary in D.C. needs to include the National Archives. It’s the place where our founding documents are kept and preserved, plus, it’s in a beautiful building. But there is so much more here than just the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. There are quite literally billions (yes, with a B) of documents here, many of which are on display in both permanent and changing exhibits! Whether you’re coming with a group or on your own, here is everything you need to know to visit the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Know Before You Go

Here are some quick facts so that you are prepared when you arrive!

• You may take only one bag or backpack per person, and it must be 17 × 26 inches or less.
• No flash photography. Non-flash photography is encouraged, except of the founding documents (Declaration, Constitution, Bill of Rights)
• Plan to spend about one hour here.
• The entrance you’ll use is located at 701 Constitution Ave, NW. As you’re looking at the building with the National Mall to you back, it is the left entrance at ground level.
• It is always FREE to visit, but advance tickets are recommended via recreation.gov from March through October.
• There is no parking at the museum. You may be able to find metered street parking, or you can park in one of the public parking garages (prices vary by garage) within a few blocks of the museum, but your best option is to take the Metro to either Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro (Yellow and Green lines) or the Smithsonian Metro (Blue, Silver or Orange lines) and walk from there. Even better if you are staying at a hotel in downtown D.C. and can walk from there!
• There is a small cafeteria called the Charters Cafe open Monday-Friday from 10:00am-2:30pm.

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Hours and Admission

The National Archives is open from 10:00am until 5:30pm daily, with the last entry at 5:00pm. The museum is open every day of the year, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission is FREE, but if you want to reserve tickets in advance, that will be $1 each (more below under “Getting Tickets”). Tours are self-guided, so you can go at your own pace.

More here: What’s Actually Worth the Money in D.C.?

Getting There

The general admission entrance to the National Archives building is at 701 Constitution Ave, NW, directly behind the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Its proximity adjacent to the National Mall makes it easy to work into your itinerary. You can easily walk there from downtown or the National Mall, or you can Metro to either the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro (Yellow and Green lines) or the Smithsonian Metro (Blue, Silver or Orange lines) and walk from there.

Even more helpful: D.C. Tours to Request in Advance

Reserving Tickets

Reservations or advance tickets are not required, but if you’re visiting in spring or summer, they are highly encouraged. If you do choose to reserve your tickets, that can be done 90 days in advance. You will go to the Recreation.gov website for the National Archives, and select your date and time there. Reservations are $1 per ticket (not per transaction), which is very worthwhile if you want to make sure you can visit at your preferred date and time. Keep in mind that you may only reserve six tickets per transaction.

There are two lines at the entrance (to the left at ground level as you look at the front of the building), one for reservations and one for walk-ups. We were able to skip the incredibly long walk-up line when we arrived a few minutes before our reserved time! This was well worth the $1 per ticket reservation fee.

Keep reading: The Ultimate Guide to D.C. for History Lovers

Highlights of a Visit

• Founding Documents: The primary highlights are, of course, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. You will see all three on display here, inside the Rotunda. Just follow the signs and the crowds!
• Artwork: Don’t miss the artwork while you’re in the Rotunda as well. The massive paintings depict scenes from early United States history.
• Architecture: They don’t build them like they used to, right? I love the historic federal buildings in D.C. because there was so much thought put into them, and they were truly made to be showpieces. The National Archives is no different. Notice the architectural features, both inside and outside the building.
• Changing Exhibits: There are other exhibits in the National Archives besides the founding documents, and they change periodically. Check the website to see what will be on display for your visit.
• The Gift Shop: I know, I know. Every museum has a gift shop! But this one is massive, and it’s honestly one of the best in D.C. You can find just about anything you want here that is D.C. or early America-related. You can even go all Nicholas Cage and buy your own copy of the Declaration of Independence here!

Read next: Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel in D.C.

Want more? Get everything you need to plan your D.C. trip on my dedicated Washington, D.C., Page!

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