Do you ever wonder what’s hiding behind the gates of the White House? Are you curious about what type of plants and trees the President enjoys strolling past on his morning walk? The White House Garden Tour offers you a unique opportunity to explore the gardens and grounds surrounding.
Not only will you get to take in the breathtaking beauty of the carefully manicured gardens, but you’ll also learn about the history of the site and get a sneak peek at some of the behind-the-scenes operations of the White House. Who knows, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of the First Lady harvesting some fresh produce from the White House Kitchen Garden.
When Does The White House Garden Tour Take Place?
The tour is offer twice a year, typically on weekends in the spring and fall seasons. The spring tour takes place in April, while the fall tour is held in October. During the tour, you can stroll through the gardens and admire the vibrant flowers, shrubs, and trees that are carefully maintained by the White House staff.
The White House 2024 Spring Garden Tours dates have not yet been announced. These event dates are typically released by mid-March by the National Park Service.
How To Get Tickets To The White House Garden Tour?
But let’s not forget the real challenge of the White House Garden Tour: obtaining tickets.
It’s like trying to snag a front-row seat at a Beyoncé concert because tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the good news is that tickets to the White House Garden Tour are free.
Moreover, all attendees must be present in line to receive a ticket, and each person can only receive one ticket regardless of their age. This means that if you’re attending with a group, each person in your group will need to be present in line to receive their ticket.
Tickets are released as early as 8:30 am but believe me that you want to get there two hours before 8:30 am to get those tickets. So, if you don’t live in Washington DC, it is recommended that you book a hotel stay in the city for the day.
Related Post: Hotel Washington is located within a 4-minute walk to the White House Visitor Center
Where Can You Get Your Tickets For The White House Garden Tour?
To obtain a ticket, you’ll need to visit The White House Visitor Center tent located near the Ellipse Visitors Pavilion on the morning of the tour day. The tents open at 8:30 am, so get there before they open.
Insider tip: It’s important to note that the White House Garden Tour is a highly popular event, so tickets can go quickly. Aim to get there as early as 6:00 am and be prepared to wait in line.
Parking and Closest Metro:
The White House Garden is near three Metro stations in Washington DC. The Federal Triangle, Metro Center, and McPherson Square.
Federal Triangle station is the nearest metro station and it’s only a 6-minute walk to the garden. It runs on the blue and orange lines.
The Metro Center station serves multiple lines, including blue, orange, silver, and red, and is within an 8-minute walk from the garden. The third one is McPherson Square Station, which operates on the blue, orange, and silver lines, and it’s only a 9-minute walk to the White House Visitor Center.
Moreover, one of the closest parking available is the JW Marriott Washington, DC parking Garage, situated only a 4-minute walk from the White House Garden. It is located at 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. It provides easy and convenient access for visitors.
There are also other parking garages available nearby, such as the PMI Parking Garage at 1401 H Street NW.
About The White House Garden Tour:
During The White House Garden Tour, you can see several beautiful gardens, each with its unique features and history. Here’s a brief overview of three of the most well-known White House gardens:
- The White House Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is perhaps the most famous of all the White House gardens. It was established in 1913 during President Woodrow Wilson’s administration and has since been used for a variety of events, including press conferences, ceremonies, and outdoor meetings.
The garden is located outside the Oval Office and is surrounded by roses, hedges, and seasonal flowers.
- The White House Jacqueline Kennedy Garden
In 1965, First Lady Bird Johnson named the East Garden in honor of Jacqueline Kennedy during a dedication ceremony. The garden features a large lawn, colorful flowers, and several ornamental trees. It’s situated on the east side of the White House and is often used for outdoor receptions and events.
- The White House Kitchen Garden
The Kitchen Garden is located on the south grounds of the White House and was first established by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2009. The garden serves as a source of fresh produce for the White House kitchen and features a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The garden is tended to by White House staff and volunteers and is open for tours during the annual White House Garden Tour.
Related Post: How To Submit A Request to Tour The White House East Wing DC?
What To Expect of The White House Garden Tour?
During the tour, visitors can expect to see a variety of plants, flowers, and trees, including some that have historical significance. The tour also offers a rare glimpse into the daily operations of the White House, including behind-the-scenes areas that are not typically open to the public.
While touring the gardens, you are encouraged to take photos and ask questions of the National Park Service staff and volunteers. It’s important to note that security measures are in place, and visitors are subject to screening, so be sure to check the tour guidelines and restrictions before arriving.
Insider tip: Backpacks and bags exceeding (18”x13”x7”), selfie sticks, glass, balloons, coolers, bicycles, and many other things. The best thing that you can do is bring yourself and keep everything else in your car. Oh, service dogs are allowed.
Worth it or Not? 
The White House Garden Tour can be a great experience for those interested in gardening, history, and architecture. The gardens and grounds surrounding the White House are beautifully landscaped and provide a unique opportunity to explore a significant part of American history.
So it’s worth it if you think is it and this is something you’ve always wanted to check out!
The White House gardens are part of this iconic American landmark, and they offer visitors a chance to explore the beauty and history of this famous residence. Despite the challenges involved in obtaining tickets and going through security screenings, the tour is free of charge and offers a family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
So, if visiting this year is part of your plan. Grab your sunscreen, put on your walking shoes, and get ready for a tour that’s sure to be blooming with excitement!
