Embark on a fascinating tour of the White House in Washington, DC and explore one of America’s most iconic buildings. Walk through the beautifully landscaped grounds and visit its various rooms, including the Oval Office and East Room — for an unforgettable experience.
Table of Contents
- Directions and Information for Visiting The White House
- How to Submit Your Request to a Member of Congress?
- What Happens After You Submit Your Tour Request?
- When is The Tour Scheduled?
- Where to Park During Your Tour of The White House?
- What to Expect During Your Visit to the White House?
- The White House Experience App
- Related Post: The White House Garden Tour: Guide to Easy Planning
- About the White House Tour
- The White House Visitor Center
- Final Thoughts
Directions and Information for Visiting The White House
The White House Entrance: 15th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Visiting the White House requires visitors to go through a lengthy application process that includes completing an online form for a member of Congress. Make sure to apply at least 21 days in advance and be aware of their protocol for the day of your visit, including the need for a valid form of ID.
How to Submit Your Request to a Member of Congress?
You can submit a request through your Member of Congress. First, find your Member of Congress by visiting the House of Representatives website and finding your representative’s contact information. You have to call or email your representative’s office to request a White House visit.
What Happens After You Submit Your Tour Request?
After your Tour request is submitted to your assigned member of Congress, their team reviews your request within two weeks and provides you with a secure RSVP link to complete the tour application process. Once the link is received, you have 7 days to provide your full name, date of birth, and social security number for a background check. If the White House confirms your tour, you will automatically get a boarding pass sent to your email that you must print out. The overall process can take up to 4 weeks, so be sure to plan accordingly.
When is The Tour Scheduled?
The White House tours are scheduled Tuesday to Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 pm., and Friday and Saturday excluding federal holidays and designated special events days.
Tour attendees must enter through the main South Entrance located at 15th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. So it’s important to plan your route correctly beforehand to save time when you arrive.
While tour groups are grouped according to their appointment times, it is possible to request assistance for medical reasons or disabilities if needed, but be sure to specify this ahead of time, as only a limited number of wheelchairs/scooters can go inside the building due to safety guidelines which are still followed today.
Where to Park During Your Tour of The White House?
As a visitor to the White House, it is important to plan for parking as public parking is not available at the White House, and street parking is extremely limited in the surrounding area. Fortunately, there are several commercial parking lots and garages located nearby that can accommodate you.
One of the closest options available is the JW Marriott Washington, DC parking lot, situated only a 4-minute walk away from the White House. 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 1325 G Street NW and the Central Parking Garage at 1325 E Street NW.
What to Expect During Your Visit to the White House?
A visit to the White House involves tight security with multiple checkpoints, including a name check and airport-style metal detector. Depending on your assigned time, you must spend 30 minutes to an hour in security lines. Once you clear security and enter the White House East Wing, you will see a corridor of pictures of past presidents, as well as photos of first families and pets. While you cannot enter ground-floor rooms like the Library, the China Room, the Map Room, and the Vermeil Room, you can peek inside.
Upstairs on the state floor, you can walk through several rooms, including the White House East Wing Room, used for ceremonies and receptions. The Green Room is used for serving cocktails, and the Blue Room is where the president and first lady receive guests. After your tour, you will exit through the north side of the building.
The White House Experience App
The White House Experience Mobile App is a digital app launched by the White House Historical Association in 2018. It will offer you a virtual tour of the White House and the President’s neighborhood. It also has interactive features like the White House 360 Virtual Tour and a Presidential Look-alike selfie-matching feature.
This app is a great way to explore the history and significance of the White House from the comfort of your own home. Moreover, it can be downloaded for free from both the Google Play Store and the App Store for iOS devices.
Related Post: The White House Garden Tour: Guide to Easy Planning
The White House Garden Tour by yatzuri thomasAbout the White House Tour
Are you looking to explore one of the most iconic buildings in the world? Then the White House Tour is perfect for you! It’s a great way to get up close and personal with the history and legacy of the presidency.
Once you arrive, you’ll need to go through security. Think of it like TSA at the airport but with a lot more history and a lot less stress. The Secret Service agents are there to keep everyone safe, so be sure to follow their instructions.
Insider tip: US Citizens 18 years and older will need to bring a government ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. Foreign nationals can present a passport, alien registration card, or resident card. Leave everything else in your car, you cannot bring a stroller, purse, tables, professional cameras, tripod, food, not even baby food or a diaper bag.
Now it’s time to explore! The White House Tour inside has interactive exhibits and artifacts that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. You can even take an interactive touchscreen tour of the White House and view over 90 artifacts from the White House collection.
And if you’re looking for a memento to remember your visit, be sure to check out the White House Historical Association retail store. You’ll find all sorts of cool souvenirs to take home with you.
The White House Visitor Center
The White House Visitor Center is a free attraction located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW offers visitors a chance to learn about the president’s home through exhibits and interactive elements. The center features historical artifacts, interpretive panels, looping videos, and an interactive touchscreen tour of the White House.
You can also view a 14-minute film titled “White House: Reflections from Within” and shop at the White House Historical Association retail store. Some items are not permitted inside the center, and you cannot eat or drink except during authorized special events.
Related post: Hotel Washington within a 4-minute walk to The White House
Final Thoughts
Taking a tour of the White House, including The White House Garden Tour, in Washington, DC, is a unique experience that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the United States. A visit to this iconic building and its beautiful gardens can be both educational and inspiring, giving you a sense of the gravity and importance of the decisions that have been made within its walls. Whether you are a history buff, a political junkie, or simply a curious traveler, a tour of the White House is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.
