Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington DC, Washington DC, USA, 20016
Set on 59 acres (24 hectares) of gardens and grounds, the Washington National Cathedral is more than a place of worship. It is a community meeting place, a center for advocacy and change, and the final resting place of more than 200 luminaries, including Hellen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson. An Episcopal church that’s dedicated to welcoming all visitors, regardless of faith, it has served as the venue for state funerals, including for five American presidents.
The Basics
Set on 59 acres (24 hectares) of grounds, including gardens and forests, the Washington National Cathedral is more than a place of worship. It is a community meeting place, a center for advocacy and change, and the final resting place of more than 220 significant individuals, including Hellen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson.
Join a weekly service or pick an experience from its extensive program of events. The cathedral offers a variety of concerts and specialty tours that cater to all tastes. There are art and architecture tours, a behind-the-scenes look at little-known stories and details, a formal English tea service, and a guided climb up the cathedral’s towers to inspect some of the 112 gargoyles built into its exterior.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Washington National Cathedral is ideal for the faithful, architecture fans, and all first-time visitors to Washington DC.
There is a fee to enter the cathedral; children under age 5 are free to enter. Admission is free for everyone on Sundays.
The cathedral holds an organ recital program (check the website for details), and cathedral choristers sing Evensong at 4pm Sunday.
An on-site café offers coffee and light food options.
Washington DC can have extreme weather, so check the forecast and dress accordingly.
The cathedral is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Washington National Cathedral is located in northwest Washington DC, northwest of downtown and north of Georgetown, at the corner of Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues. It is easily accessible by bus, and while there are paid underground parking garages nearby, parking is very limited.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open year-round for worship and tours. Check the website for program schedules and up-to-date weekly worship times. The sprawling grounds and manicured gardens are best enjoyed in the spring and fall.
A Children’s Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral offers a robust experience to kids. It is home to a rare children’s chapel scaled to the proportions of a 6-year-old child, with a mini pipe organ and low, fan-vaulted ceiling. The cathedral also offers special tours and programs designed for young visitors, such as a scavenger hunt that explores hidden delights built into the cathedrals stained glass windows and ornate exterior.
Ways to explore
The Washington National Cathedral is one of the most striking architectural landmarks in the city, and a highlight of guided driving tours by day or night to admire its neo-Gothic design. To go inside, join a weekly service or purchase an admission ticket, which includes a self-guided audio tour. You can also choose an experience from its extensive program of events, including concerts, themed tours that take a deeper dive into the church’s art and architecture, and guided climbs up the cathedral’s towers to see some of the 112 gargoyles built into its exterior, as well as other unique ways to explore.
Accessibility
The church is accessible, but the tower climb tours are not.
Age limits
Some tours have a minimum age limit, so confirm in advance.
What to pack
Camera, battery pack, small binoculars
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, modest clothing, layers
Not allowed
Photography is not allowed during church services.
Amenities
Restrooms, gift shop, café
Address
The Washington National Cathedral is located in northwest Washington DC at the corner of Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues. It’s easy to reach by car or public transportation.
Driving
Follow Massachusetts Avenue NW out of central Washington DC, then turn right on Wisconsin Avenue NW, where the National Cathedral Parking Garage is located. The church is a short walk away.
Public transportation
Several Metrobus routes have stops along the streets surrounding the National Cathedral, including the C85, D80, D82, and D90.
Best times to visit
Visiting hours vary daily, based on church services and events. You’ll see the most up-to-date schedule on the cathedral’s website.
Best days to visit
Sightseeing visits are not allowed on Sundays, so plan to visit from Monday to Saturday.
Best months to visit
The grounds surrounding the National Cathedral are most vibrant in the spring and fall.
Special events
The cathedral hosts concerts and recitals all year round. Check the calendar to see upcoming performances.
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