The Smithsonian Institue Building & Botanical Gardens     

Location:                  1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington 20560

Phone:                      202/357-2700

Hours:                        Daily 9:00am- 5:30pm

Admission:                 Free

Metro:                      Smithsonian     

The Castle is the place to start your tour of the Smithsonian Museums, especially if you are unfamiliar with the layout of the exhibits. A good tip is to go to the Smithsonian Information Center (located inside the Castle) and see the free 20-minute film that gives a summary of the museums and exhibits. It will help determine which museums you'd like to see, and since it opens an hour earlier than the other Smithsonian sites, you won't waste valuable time.

The Enid A. Haupt Garden is a great place to get off your feet. The beautiful garden is meticulously tended year-round.