White House Tours and Activities

White House
White House
White House
White House
White House


Explore the home and workplace of the president of the United States. See entertainment areas and state rooms and learn about the history of this famous building.

Walk the corridors of power and see where presidents entertain heads of state at one of the most famous residences in the world, the White House. The neoclassical-style mansion has been the home and office of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800.

Start your tour in the Visitor Centre. View exhibits and films covering the history of the White House and its famous occupants. Make your way to the mansion’s magnificent Entrance Hall and the Grand Staircase where presidents and their guests descend prior to state dinners. They pause for press photos at the foot of the stairs while the United States Marine Band plays Hail to the Chief. See busts of presidents and portraits of first ladies lining the Ground Floor Corridor.

Step into the East Room, the largest room in the mansion, used for state dinners, press conferences and concerts. Observe the famous full-length portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart. Look over the Steinway grand piano with gilt American eagle supports it was given to the White House by the manufacturer in 1938. Just off the East Room is the Green Room where Thomas Jefferson hosted dinners and James Monroe used to play cards. Among the other rooms included in the tour are the State Dining Room, the Library and the Blue Room.

The White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in Washington D.C. There is no on-street car parking near the mansion. The White House advises visitors to come by public transportation. The nearest metro stations are Federal Triangle, Metro Centre and McPherson Square.

Free self-guided public tours of the White House are available from Tuesday through Saturday, except federal holidays. Tour requests must be made through a U.S. resident’s member of Congress, three weeks to six months in advance of an intended visit. Non-U.S. residents will need to contact their embassy in Washington D.C. for help in submitting a tour request. All visitors aged 18 and over must bring valid proof of identification. A passport is the only acceptable form of ID for foreign nationals.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Reviews of White House

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
28
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
34
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
15
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 6%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go early and do tour, well worth it, its free.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Look of work going on with building of new fence so difficult to get pictures

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

The White House is undergoing some works which limits access to the North Side of the grounds and there is not access to the South side of the grounds now.

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Top White House Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

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Hotel Washington

Hotel Washington

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State Plaza Hotel

State Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
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The Architect

The Architect

2.5 out of 5
1025 15th Street NW, Washington, DC
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Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC

Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC

3 out of 5
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Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC
Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

5 out of 5
806 15th Street NW, Washington, DC
Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

3.5 out of 5
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Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown

3 out of 5
815 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near White House

The White House area is vibrant with activities including art galleries, shopping hotspots, and theatres. Visitors can explore local attractions like the convention centre, various museums, and must-see sites throughout Washington, D.C. For a well-rounded experience, consider useful travel tips to navigate the city's rich history and cultural offerings, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Shopping

For a fantastic shopping experience near the White House, visit CityCenterDC, located 966m away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Union Station Shopping Center and Union Market, both 3.2km away, provide unique gifts and local flavours. If you're up for a drive, check out other nearby shopping spots.

Recreation

At Capital One Arena, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events. Enjoy the vibrant entertainment at Howard Theatre, where music fills the air. For a touch of luxury, visit Cosmos Club, a private venue offering an exclusive and refined experience just 1.6km from the White House.

Adventure

At Rock Creek Tennis Center, located 6.4km from the White House, you can enjoy thrilling tennis matches amidst a vibrant atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Battery Kemble Trailhead, also 6.4km away, offers scenic hiking trails perfect for outdoor adventurers. For a closer experience, East Potomac Tennis Center is only 1.6km away, providing energetic tennis activities.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the White House. Catch a show at the Kennedy Center or The Anthem, both offering a mix of culture and romance. For a cinematic escape, Regal Gallery Place is your spot for the latest films, ensuring an entertaining evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near White House

When visiting the White House in Washington, D.C., you'll find an array of attractions including memorials, museums, and art galleries that offer a rich cultural experience for families and travellers alike. Explore the iconic White House itself, the nearby Washington Monument, and various hotels and attractions dedicated to the capital's history. These points of interest ensure a memorable visit filled with both education and enjoyment.

  • National Mall: This iconic national park, located 1.3km from the White House, offers stunning scenery and a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. Stroll through the expansive lawns, visit historical monuments, and enjoy the unique blend of adventure and tranquillity.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Situated 1.4km away, this bustling venue is the hub for business events and conferences. Experience the energy of professional gatherings while admiring the modern architecture and facilities that cater to a variety of events.
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture: Located just 805m from the White House, this museum immerses you in rich cultural narratives and historical experiences, showcasing the African American journey through art, culture, and history.

Best time to go to White House

The best time to visit White House can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around White House falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around White House falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for White House

To save money on your visit to the White House, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation prices. Fridays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Tuesdays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare hotel prices and look for package deals that combine flights and activities. Don't forget to sort by price to find the best offers and discounts. Exploring the area on foot is a great way to enjoy free activities without spending on transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around White House are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around White House is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around White House is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To uncover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your White House hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia