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.

Plan a trip to see White House

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Best Lodging Options Near White House

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State Plaza Hotel

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The Henley Park Hotel

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Hotel Washington

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Hotel Lombardy

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Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown

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3 out of 5
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Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC

Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC

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Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

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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

While visiting the White House, tourists can explore nearby shopping areas, enjoy live theatre performances, and immerse themselves in various entertainment options. Engaging in Washington, D.C. private tours, photo tours, and cultural institutions will enrich your experience, while a U.S. history tour offers valuable insights into the nation's past. Make the most of your visit by discovering the vibrant activities surrounding this iconic landmark.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the White House, visit CityCenterDC, just 966m away, offering a vibrant city atmosphere. Union Station Shopping Center and Union Market, both 3.2km away, provide a mix of family-friendly vibes and unique finds. If you're up for a drive, explore other nearby malls.

Recreation

Experience the electric atmosphere at Capital One Arena, just 1.3km from the White House, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a touch of luxury, unwind at the Cosmos Club, located 1.6km away. Enjoy the outdoors and play a round of golf at East Potomac Golf Course, 3.2km away.

Adventure

Explore the Allegheny Passage, a scenic hiking trail located 966m from the White House, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The Pinery Trail offers a lovely outdoor experience nearby, while the Greenstone Ridge Trail provides adventure vibes with stunning scenery, all within a short distance.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife around the White House with a visit to the Kennedy Center, just 1.6km away, for exquisite performances. Alternatively, enjoy a show at Ford's Theatre, located 966m away, or catch a live act at Warner Theatre, only 644m from your stay.

Find the best attractions near White House

When visiting the White House in Washington, D.C., be sure to explore nearby attractions like the Washington Monument and various memorials and museums. These points of interest offer a blend of culture and outdoor experiences, perfect for tourists seeking a vibrant city atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local art scene and history while enjoying the iconic sights surrounding the White House.

  • National Mall: A stunning expanse of greenery, the National Mall offers a perfect blend of adventure and scenery. Stroll along its paths surrounded by iconic monuments and memorials, immersing yourself in the outdoor vibes and rich history that defines the heart of the nation.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Known for its modern architecture, this event venue is a hub of business activity. With spacious meeting rooms and state-of-the-art facilities, it hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions, reflecting the dynamic energy of Washington, D.C.
  • George Washington University: This vibrant university campus embodies city vibes, featuring modern facilities and a diverse student body. Explore its beautiful grounds and enjoy the cultural events that enrich the academic atmosphere, making it a lively part of the D.C. landscape.

Best time to go to White House

Visitor numbers around White House is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 LowSlightly High
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

Visiting the White House can be budget-friendly with several money-saving strategies. Take advantage of nearby free attractions like the National Mall and Smithsonian Institution. Travel during the off-peak months from December to February for lower accommodation prices, especially on Saturdays, while avoiding pricier Tuesdays. Use Expedia to find the best hotel deals, compare rates, and explore eco-certified options. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Remember to look for special offers like free nights and discounts to maximize your budget while enjoying your trip.

  • 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 May and October, 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 Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around White House is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, for instance, will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the White House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.