Anyone who's seen National Treasure wants to see the Declaration of Independence under glass at the National Archives. What an amazing experience! To view the world's most impactful documents and feel the history associated with them is amazing.

This was one place I really wanted to see but had a really bad experience. The guard where the main documents were was very rude and just plain mean! He acted like we should know what we were supposed to do and when someone asked him a question he acted like he didn't want to answer and was forced to.... More

Approx. 2 hrs to see entire areas open to public. We made a reservation ahead of time (we booked ours about 1 mo. ahead of our visit in May) and took a guided tour (3.00) last approx. 1 hr.which allowed us to go in 15 min. early before the opening that was very informative. Some interactive activities but not really... More

To be avoided during spring break due to long lines, if you come in the fall, lines are short. I am fascinated by the original documents at the archives and very much enjoyed it.

The skinny- When planning your trip to DC, make sure you reserve a tour online for the 1st tour available. When you arrive, you will stand in a separate line and gain entrance before the hordes of school children come in and you will be led by a docent and shown all of the wonderful historical documents that shaped our... More

Lots of history here: Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Magna Carta…. I recommend paying $1.50 to buy a reserved timed-entry ticket online for the one-hour tour, and I recommend the first tour of the day at 9:45. You skip the long lines to get in, and you hear some great information that others miss. (Entry is free if you... More

Great place to start your day. Visiting here doesn't take long (maybe 20-30 minutes). Highly suggest visiting while in DC.

We had a tour reserved for 9:45 (I believe 9:45 is the first one for the day). We didn't have to wait long once we got there and going through security didn't take long. Take note that there is a special entrance if you have a tour, be sure to read your instructions. There is a nominal fee for the... More

So humbling to see all our historical documents up close. We hear and learn so much about them that it was great for our eighth grade field trip to personally see each document. Very nice setting--the dim lights and quiet area appropriate.