What the Pentagon Actually Is

The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington, Virginia — just across the Potomac from DC, about 10 minutes from the National Mall by Metro. It’s the largest office building in the world by floor space, housing roughly 26,000 military and civilian employees across 6.5 million square feet.

Five concentric pentagons connected by ten corridors — designed so no two points in the building are more than a seven-minute walk apart. Built in 16 months during World War II, completed in January 1943.

On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 77 struck the western side of the building, killing 184 people. The Pentagon was repaired and fully operational within a year — a deliberate act of resilience — and the memorial to those lost is part of what you’ll see on the tour.

What You’ll See on the Tour

Tours are guided by active-duty U.S. service members — that’s the real differentiator from every other DC attraction. They bring a depth of context no exhibit label can replicate.

• The Hall of Heroes — every recipient of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration
• The September 11 Memorial Corridor — the indoor memorial near the site of the attack, including the September 11 Memorial Chapel
• Military history displays — artifacts and exhibits across all branches of the U.S. military
• Native American military history — a display honoring Native Americans’ role in U.S. military service
• Three sections of the Berlin Wall — inside the Pentagon
• 9/11 gallery — includes a piece of limestone from the Pentagon’s exterior damaged in the attack

The tour covers about 1.5 miles at a brisk pace. Wear comfortable shoes.

How to Book

Unlike the Capitol or White House, the Pentagon has its own online reservation portal — you don’t necessarily need to go through your congressional office, though that’s also an option.

1. Book online directly at war.gov/Pentagon-Tours. You’ll need full names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for every adult in your group — used by the Pentagon Force Protection Agency for pre-visit security review.
2. Or go through your congressional office. Your senator or representative can submit a request on your behalf. Some offices have dedicated tour coordinators.
3. Wait for security clearance. Every adult visitor must be cleared before entry is approved.
4. Book early. Tuesdays and Thursdays only, 20 people per session. The 90-day window fills fast in spring and summer.

Security: Read This Before You Arrive

The Pentagon takes security seriously in a way that’s different from any other DC attraction.

• No electronics inside. No cell phones, cameras, headphones, or any other electronic devices. There is no secure storage — leave them at your hotel or in your car.
• No photography inside the building. Strictly enforced. You can photograph the exterior freely.
• No large bags or backpacks. All purses are subject to search. Travel as light as possible.
• Check in at the Pentagon Tours window near the Metro entrance — bring your confirmation email and photo ID.

Getting There by Metro

Parking

No public parking at the Pentagon. If you’re driving, park at Pentagon City Mall and walk through the pedestrian tunnel — about a 5-minute walk to the entrance.

The Pentagon Memorial — No Reservation Needed

Pair It With Arlington National Cemetery

The Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery are less than a mile apart. Spending a morning at the Pentagon and an afternoon at Arlington is one of the most powerful military history experiences you can have in the DC area — the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Kennedy gravesites, and the Memorial Amphitheater are all within walking distance of the cemetery entrance.

For families with older kids especially, this full-day combination leaves a lasting impression. See our Arlington National Cemetery guide for the best way to navigate the grounds.

For Families

The Pentagon tour is genuinely underused by DC-area families. What makes it different is the guides — sitting in a briefing room or walking a corridor while an active-duty Army colonel or Marine Corps sergeant explains what happened in that space on September 11 is not something you can replicate in a museum. For middle school-age kids and up, this is one of the most memorable experiences the DC area offers.

Quick Reference

What	Details
Tour days	Tuesdays and Thursdays only
Tour times	10:00 am and 1:00 pm
Admission	Free
Capacity	20 people per session
Booking	war.gov/Pentagon-Tours or congressional office
Advance notice	14 days min / 90 days max
Who can visit	U.S. citizens and green card holders only
Duration	~60 minutes / 1.5 miles on foot
Electronics	Not permitted — leave at hotel or car
Photography	Exterior only
Arrive	60 minutes before your tour time
Metro	Pentagon Station (Blue/Yellow Line)
Memorial	Open 24/7, no reservation needed

You can also arrange your Pentagon tour through your senator or representative’s office — the same connection that covers White House tours, Capitol tours, and the FBI Experience. Before you drive in, see our guide to parking near the Pentagon.