a tour to the white house

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the White House in Washington, D.C. [Includes Virtual Tour]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

823 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

41 Published Articles 3360 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

6 Published Articles 1199 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Table of Contents

History of the white house, getting to the white house, how to schedule a tour of the white house, the white house experience mobile app (virtual tour), white house garden tour, the white house easter egg roll, white house visitor center, president ’s park, best place to take pictures of the white house, 20 facts about the white house, hotels near the white house, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

As the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, the White House is one of the most easily recognizable and iconic buildings in the world. Home to every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800, the White House is a historically and culturally important building that attracts millions of visitors all year round.

The site for the White House was selected by George Washington back in 1791, with the cornerstone laid by Irish-born architect James Hoban 1 year later. The extensive and ambitious build took 8 years to complete, and although it was Washington that commissioned it, he sadly died before it was completed.

Originally known as the President’s House, it was the second President of the United States, President John Adams, and his wife that were the first to take up residence there . However, much of the original building was destroyed by a fire set by rampaging Brits in 1814. The newly built house was completed some 4 years later, and it has been called home by a succession of presidents and their families ever since.

During the early 20th century, various additions were made to the building, including the iconic West Wing that houses the Oval Office, the Cabinet Room, the Situation Room, and the Roosevelt Room, among others. During the Great Depression, the White House suffered neglect as a result of dwindling funding, and urgent renovations were needed during the 1940s.

Now one of the most well-cared for and loved buildings in America, the White House as we know it today is home to 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in residence , as well as 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators. Anyone visiting the capital city of Washington, D.C., should definitely try to pay a visit.

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is probably one of the most famous addresses in the world. Taking a trip to visit the sprawling presidential home and offices is easy using almost any route.

There is a Metrobus stop located on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street, which is the closest stop to the White House Visitor Center. Pennsylvania Avenue Line numbers 30, 32, 34, 35, and 36 all stop there.

Union Station is around 1.5 miles away from the Visitor Center. Heading northeast along Massachusetts Avenue, you can take in the city as you walk there, or hop on the shuttle bus that leaves from outside the station every 10 minutes.

The Blue, Silver, and Orange lines stop at Farragut West, McPherson Square, or Metro Center stations, all of which are within easy walking distance of the Visitor Center.

There are several parking lots that are located close to the White House Visitor Center, but spaces can be difficult to find and expensive. Downtown D.C. is also rated as one of the worst cities for traffic in the U.S. , so it may be quicker to walk or use public transport than try to undertake the journey by car.

The White House is one of the most popular landmark attractions in the world. Every year, demand for tours outstrips the available places, so before your head off, make sure you know the best ways to maximize your chances of getting a tour inside the world-famous White House.

Planning Your Visit

In order to visit the rooms that are available for public inspection at the White House, you will need to book a tour in advance . Tours are free of charge and self-guided , but you must request permission to visit at least 3 weeks in advance of your arrival in order to receive clearance from the U.S. Secret Service.

You can request tours up to 3 months in advance via your member of Congress , but there is no guarantee that your request will be accepted.

The self-guided tours run from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, but these timings can be subject to change depending on the White House schedules and events. Tours can also be canceled without prior notice, so be prepared.

Tours run in groups of 10 , and you will be placed in a group with other visitors before arrival if there are not enough in your own party. You will need to submit information about every member of your party, including their address, phone number, date of birth, Social Security number, and country of citizenship.

You will need to show your ID upon arrival, and your ID must exactly match all of the information you submitted in your application . A valid U.S. government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or military ID, is acceptable for U.S. nationals, as are valid U.S. passports.

Overseas Nationals

If you are planning on visiting the White House from overseas, you will need to contact your home country’s embassy in Washington, D.C. to submit a tour request before your departure. Foreign nationals must present their passport — no other forms of foreign ID will be considered as acceptable.

Disabilities

If you or anyone in your group is hearing, visually, or mobility impaired, their needs can usually be catered for through your member of Congress, or via your embassy. There is also a TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf) at the Visitor Center, which can be contacted at 202-456-2121. Guide animals are permitted in the White House.

If you need the use of a wheelchair during your visit, you can request the loan of a wheelchair at the Visitor Entrance upon arrival. Unfortunately, reservations are not possible , but if you are able to secure one, there is a ramp to allow access to the entrance on the ground floor, and an elevator to take you from the ground floor to the State floor.

Hot Tip: While no tour company can get you access to the White House, you can take the popular hop-on, hop-off tour of Washington, D.C . on the red loop which takes in the White House, U.S. Capitol, and many more landmarks. 

On the Day of Your Tour

If you are successful in your application to book a tour of the White House, there are further instructions and guidelines to consider on the day.

Firstly, you should plan to get to President’s Park 15-30 minutes before your tour is due to start . This will allow plenty of time for presenting your ID to officers, taking toilet breaks, and ensuring that you don’t have prohibited items in your bag. Better still, if you arrive an hour or so before your allocated tour time, you can take in the exhibits and watch a video of the White House at the Visitor Center.

You will enter the White House by the south side of East Executive Avenue near the Southeast Gate , where National Park Service rangers will be on hand to assist you.

As you would expect, security is tight in and around the White House. Visitors must adhere to strict rules about what they can and can’t take with them during the tour.

Prohibited items include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Video cameras and cameras with detachable lenses
• Tablets and iPads
• Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, and camera sticks
• Any bags, including handbags, purses, book bags, backpacks, diaper bags, and camera bags
• Any pointed object or sharp objects
• Food and liquids
• Aerosols and personal grooming items such as makeup or lotion
• Guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, and mace
• Martial arts weapons or toy weapons

You should also note that there are no storage facilities at the White House , so if you accidentally bring prohibited items with you, there is nowhere to leave them, and you will be denied entry to the tour. Leave everything on the above list back at home or in your hotel room.

There are certain items that you can take with you on your tour, but they may be subject to usage limitations. These include:

• Compact cameras (can be used for still photography only, no video recording or streaming, and all lenses must be less than 3 inches long)
• Umbrellas without metal tips
• Cell phones (remember, though, that talking or texting is not allowed, and phones must be on silent)
• All items needed for medical purposes will be permitted, including wheelchairs, electronic scooters, glucose tablets, EpiPens, medication, etc.)

Hot Tip: Before and during the tour, you are at the mercy of government officers. In some circumstances, the U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items that you may be carrying.

In these tech-friendly times, smartphone users will be delighted to know that there is a White House Experience Mobile App that you can download to enhance your experience during your visit.

Available on both iOS and Android , this is a useful tool for visitors who have not been successful in finding a place on an official tour, as well as those who have. Users can enjoy a virtual tour of the White House and the surrounding President’s Neighborhood, as well as taking a tour through the history of the White House and how its customs have evolved.

There are also a number of fun features to raise a smile. Snap a selfie with the Presidential Lookalike feature, or take the opportunity to virtually pilot the presidential helicopter around Washington, D.C., using the Fly Like Ike feature.

The Virtual White House tour offers visitors a glimpse of the interiors of the public areas including the East Wing, Family Theater, Library, Vermeil Room, China Room, Diplomatic Reception Room, Map Room, State Floor, as well as the famous rooms of the West Wing such as the Oval Office, Cabinet Room, and Press Room.

You can also sneak a peek into some of the upper floors, including the Treaty Room, the Lincoln Bedroom, the Queen’s Bedroom, and the President’s Dining Room.

While you are out and about, why not try the White House Neighborhood Walking Tour that provides turn-by-turn navigation of the President’s Neighborhood.

This tour stops at a range of historic landmarks, including Decatur House, Lafayette Square, St. John’s Church, Treasury Building, North Lawn, Blair House, Eisenhower Executive Office Building, South Lawn and Ellipse, and the White House Visitor Center. The app also provides information on points of interest at each of these locations.

During the spring and fall, the White House opens its stunning and extensive gardens to visitors. With the sun shining on Washington, D.C., garden lovers can stroll through the White House Kitchen Garden, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, the Rose Garden, and South Lawn of the White House, while taking in the tranquil surroundings just outside the home of democracy.

The Spring Garden Tour usually takes place on a single weekend in April, while the Fall Garden Tour will is held over a weekend in September. Both White House Garden Tours are free and open to the public, but they are only open to ticket holders.

Tickets can only be obtained on the day , but there are often long queues of people waiting to get hold of them. Every member of your group must wait in-person to receive their ticket, and tours are timed throughout the day. Children are welcome to join you on your tour, but they will need their own ticket, and there are plenty of plaques and information points to take in during your self-guided tour of the gardens.

The White House Gardens are home to over 50 different kinds of vegetables, as well as berries, herbs, and even a beehive . In 2009, first lady Michelle Obama planted the Kitchen Garden in conjunction with her Let’s Move! Initiative that focused on health and well-being in America. To this day, the White House cooks still use fresh fruit, vegetable, and herbs that are grown there when cooking for the first family and their guests.

The Rose Garden is famous for the lush green lawn often seen in outdoor press conferences, and it can be found just outside the West Wing in view of the Oval Office. The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden is dedicated to the former first lady herself, and the wide-open lawns and gorgeous borders are often used for parties, teas, and awards ceremonies.

The South Lawn is where the president departs and lands on the official presidential helicopter, Marine One, and is also where the famous annual Easter Egg Roll is held. It is also home to a range of magnolia trees that were first planted by President Andrew Jackson back in the 1800s.

Hot Tip: Visitors are welcome to take photos during the tour and are encouraged to share them on Instagram using the #WHGARDEN hashtag to share the beauty of the White House Gardens with the world.

Often drawing as many as 35,000 parents and children on the South Lawn, the world-famous White House Easter Egg Roll is one of the most exciting events of the White House calendar.

This time-honored tradition was first established by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878 . What initially started as a few local families rolling eggs outside the White House on the first Monday after Easter , was extended when the growing crowds convinced President Hayes to invite young children to roll eggs inside the grounds of the White House Lawn instead.

If it hadn’t have been this kind gesture by the then president, the Egg Roll might never have happened, as members of Congress had already passed an Act banning egg rolling outside the White House as they deemed it be too disruptive.

The White House Easter Bunny holds celebrity status, and the giant 6-foot bunny suit has often worn by members of Congress, first wives, and a range of famous celebrities.

Anyone wanting to come and join in the fun must enter a lottery for a place. Children under 13 years are encouraged to attend, and the event is designed to promote healthy and active living. The lottery is usually held during February , and winners are notified via email the following month. There is no charge to enter the lottery , and attendance is literally by the luck of the draw.

Hot Tip: Commemorative White House Easter eggs can be purchased from the White House Historical Association online store and feature the president’s and the first lady’s signatures.

Located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave., the White House Visitor Center is a great place to visit to find out about the history of the building itself, as well as discovering the customs and events that the White House is so famous for.

What to See at the Visitor Center

Offering just shy of 1,600 square feet of museum-quality exhibits and galleries , there is always something new to see at the Visitor Center. There are nearly 100 famous historical artifacts on display, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s desk and a host of other interesting pieces, many of which have never been on public display before.

The Visitor Center is also home to a large-scale model of the White House and a number of interactive exhibits , including a touch screen tour of the interior.

One of the biggest highlights is a 14-minute film, “White House: Reflections From Within,” that is shown every 20 minutes. It features Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and a few first ladies and other family members reminiscing about their time in the White House. This is a popular attraction within the Visitor Center and a must-see whether you have managed to secure a place on a White House tour or not.

The White House Visitor Center is operated by the National Park Service . It is housed in historic Baldrige Hall in the Department of Commerce building. In 2014, the center was renovated to offer extra space in which to house a permanent museum gallery, a temporary exhibit area, an improved book sales area, and further visitor information facilities.

When to Visit

The White House Visitor Center is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day . It is free to enter and can be visited in conjunction with a White House tour if you are lucky enough to get on one, or as a stand-alone attraction.

Located at the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., President’s Park offers 82 acres of stunning open space that includes the parkland and gardens surrounding the White House . The park is home to some of the most famous statues, memorials, and structures in Washington, D.C., and the park is open to visitors all year round.

Throughout the years, the President’s Park has played host to many important events in history. These include marches and rallies held by suffragettes, freedom fighters, and anti-war protestors, as well as welcoming thousands of visitors to enjoy the annual Easter Egg Roll and the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

The National Park Service promotes 2 very distinct sides of the park for visitors to explore.

The Northern Trail

Beginning at the White House Visitor Center, visitors can proceed up to 15th Street to Lafayette Park on the Northern Trail . First opened in the 1820s, and redesigned in the 1960s, the park has been used as a race track, a slave market, an encampment for soldiers, and many other things along the way.

The park is also home to St. John’s Church, often referred to as the “Church of the Presidents,” and the whole area became a designated National Historic Landmark in 1970.

Statues and Monuments

The park is home to a number of statues that commemorate the many heroes who helped America during times of war. These include:

General Sherman Statue

Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman has his very own bronze statue that features a square platform with a bronze soldier at each corner. These represent the 4 branches of the U.S. Army: infantry, artillery, cavalry, and engineers.

General Lafayette Statue

Located at the southeast corner of Lafayette Square, this bronze statue was erected in 1891 and portrayed the Marquis de Lafayette petitioning the French National Assembly for assistance to the Americans in their fight for independence. On an adjoining pedestal, there is a bronze female figure, symbolizing America, turning toward him and imploringly lifting a sword.

General Kosciuszko Statue

Commemorating Polish patriot Thaddeus Kosciuszko and his life-long dedication to fighting for freedom in America and Poland, this bronze memorial is located in the northeast corner of Lafayette Park.

General Jackson Memorial

Located in the center of Lafayette Park, this statue portrays General Andrew Jackson reviewing his troops at the Battle of New Orleans. Depicting the general and his horse, the statue was dedicated on January 8, 1853, on the 38th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans.

General von Steuben Statue

Portraying Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben (1730-1794) as he inspects American troops during the American Revolution, this statue recognizes not only his leadership but his commitment to raising the standards of sanitization for soldiers during the war.

General Rochambeau Statue

This French general commanded 5,500 Royal French Expeditionary Forces to help with the American forces during the war. The statue depicts Rochambeau directing his troops, as well as a female figure, Liberty, who raises 2 flags in her left hand, symbolizing the unity of the U.S. and France.

Other Landmarks and Buildings

Blair-lee house.

Serving as the official guesthouse for the president, Blair-Lee House was built in 1824. Various presidents and foreign dignitaries have stayed at Blair-Lee House throughout the years, and even today, many foreign heads of state are invited to stay there while visiting with the president.

Baruch Bench of Inspiration

Bernard Baruch was a wealthy financier from New York City who also served the country as an economic advisor during both World War I and World War II. Legend has it that he hated been driven to the White House and preferred instead to sit on a bench and wait for a signal that the president was ready to meet him.

In his honor, a commemorative bench with a bronze plaque set in granite block was dedicated on August 16, 1960, Baruch’s 90th birthday.

Navy Yard Urns

These huge ornamental bronze urns were cast using a melted cannon from the Civil War. They sit on giant pedestals at the center of Jackson Place and are a reminder of the hard-fought battles undertaken by Americans during the Civil War.

The Southern Trail

The Southern Trail begins at the White House Visitor Center and proceeds onto the Ellipse grounds, following a clockwise route around the parkland.

Monuments and Memorials

Butt-millet memorial fountain.

This tranquil fountain was erected to commemorate the deaths of Major Archibald Wallingham Butt and Francis Davis Millet. They both lost their lives on the RMS Titanic in April 1912. The fountain was also designed to double as a water fountain for the horses ridden by U.S. Park Police while on patrol.

Second Division Memorial

Erected to honor the 17,660 dead who served in the U.S. Army during World War I, this memorial was later extended to include a memorial to some of the most significant battles in World War II and the Korean War. It serves as a place of quiet contemplation and remembrance.

Original Patentees Memorial

This simple granite shaft was erected to remember the original 18 patentees whose land grants embraced the site of the federal city. Each side of the monument contains a relief panel carved with a symbol of the early pioneers’ agricultural pursuits, and the names of the original landowners are inscribed on the base.

Boy Scout Memorial

Dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America, this statue stood on the site of the first-ever Boy Scout Jamboree in 1937. The bronze statue consists of 3 figures that represent the aspirations of all past, present, and future Scouts throughout the world. There is also a female figure that symbolizes enlightenment with the love of God and fellow man, justice, freedom, and democracy.

The Zero Milestone

This 4-foot-high shaft of pink granite is the official starting point for the measurement of highway distances from Washington, D.C. It was built to mark the starting point of the first transcontinental military motor convoy that traveled from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco.

First Division Monument

This was built in remembrance of the heroism of the soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Forces who gave their lives during World War I. Further additions were made to also commemorate those who died in both World War II and the Vietnam War, as well as the Gulf War.

Bulfinch Gatehouses

Both of these gatehouses were build to oversee the U.S. Capitol grounds, and since 1889 they have weathered several floods, water, and the effects of acid rain.

The Ellipse

As perhaps one of the most famous areas of President’s Park, the Ellipse is a large open area surrounded by an oval drive. Over the years, the site has been used as a trash dump, horse pens, and even a slaughterhouse, but it is now often the meeting place for demonstrations and celebrations.

The National Christmas Tree

Every Christmas, local public schools erect a Christmas tree on the Ellipse. This age-old tradition is a highly anticipated event, and each succeeding president has participated in since 1923.

A visit to Washington, D.C. would not be complete without taking a series of snaps of the White House. There are various ways to capture awesome images of one of the world’s most iconic buildings, even if you can’t get right up close to it.

The North Side From Pennsylvania Avenue

This view of the White House is one of the most famous images in the world. There is a fair distance between the sidewalk and the White House (as you would expect), but it is not impossible to get great pictures.

If you want to pass off the impression that you are inside the grounds of the White House, find a gap in the fence that is big enough to slip your digital camera through. Taking a picture of the White House straight on can make it look like it leans backward slightly. This is because there are no parallel vertical lines in the historical building.

You can either go with it and enjoy its imperfections or if you want your images to look super fancy, use the lens correction tool in Photoshop to fix this.

If you don’t mind seeing the fencing in your photographs, there are also some awesome images to be captured from Lafayette Park, where you can add stunning seasonal flowers into the foreground, too.

The South Side and E Street

On the south side of the White House, there are lots of trees that line the South lawn, which can be prohibitive to your view. There are, however, 2 walkways on E Street that offer you some excellent photographic opportunities.

You can take images through the fence on the north side of the street, or cross over to include people and bustling street scenes to add a sense of perspective.

Taking a short walk further away from the building itself, the Ellipse offers the opportunity for some excellent shots, and if you are lucky, you may be able to get Marine One in there, too. The base of the Washington Monument on Constitution Avenue offers some interesting viewpoints as well, as it has a slightly elevated position.

When to Take Pictures

Different seasons and times of the day offer different opportunities to capture the perfect picture. During the holiday season, the National Christmas Tree is bright and festive, with the White House providing a beautiful backdrop to great Christmas images, while the gardens around the White House look fantastic in both spring and fall.

Summer is the busiest time of year for visitors, so capturing images without bystanders is nearly impossible, but they can add an extra layer of perspective to your finished shots. Early morning and early evening shots add atmosphere, as the building looks magical lit up at night.

Bottom Line: No matter where you find yourself in the surrounding streets and parklands, you should still be able to take photographs that will keep your memories alive.

George Washington Never Lived There

Although he was responsible for commissioning the construction of the White House, his term ended 3 years before the building work was completed, and a year after he died. He is the only U.S. president never to have lived in the White House during their term in office.

He Was Responsible for the Design of the Oval Office, Though

The Oval Office was first used in 1909, and the oval shape was inspired by Washington’s love of unusually shaped rooms. He was believed to have preferred rounded shaped rooms at his home in Philadelphia, as he felt it made them more suitable for hosting formal gatherings.

The White House Was Built by Slaves

Controversial, but true, White House records show that the house was built by African American slaves who were trained as quarrymen, bricklayers, and carpenters to help complete the building project. This fact was brought to the attention of the American public by former first lady, Michelle Obama.

The White House Had No Electricity for Almost 100 Years

The White House was lit by gaslight right up until 1891 when the electricity system was first installed. The idea of electric lighting was still pretty novel at the time, and President Benjamin Harrison was worried about the dangers of touching a light switch. To protect himself throughout his time in office, he always had someone else switch the lights on and off for him.

It Didn’t Have Indoor Bathrooms for Decades, Either

Indoor plumbing systems were not part of the original design of the White House back in 1800. In fact, it wasn’t until 1833 that any kind of indoor plumbing was installed, and even then, not all of the bathrooms had hot and cold running water until some 20 years later in 1853.

It Was, However, One of the First Accessible Government Buildings

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was responsible for ensuring that the White House was and still is, entirely wheelchair accessible. Having suffered from polio, FDR was paralyzed below the waist and spent his time in office bound to a wheelchair.

Because of this, he took it upon himself to add elevators and ramps throughout the White House, making it one of the first wheelchair-friendly buildings in Washington, D.C. and possibly the U.S.

At Least 10 People Have Died in the White House

With such a high turn over of residents, it should come as no surprise that several people have passed away within the confines of its walls, too. Famous demises include Presidents William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor, as well as first ladies Letitia Tyler, Caroline Harrison, and Ellen Wilson, too.

It Is Said to Be Haunted

Many residents, staffers, and guests have all claimed to feel the power of the paranormal during their time at the White House. To this day, rumor has it that the ghost of Abraham Lincoln still walks the hallowed halls and corridors, and there have been many reported sightings of him throughout the house.

There Is a Secret Entrance

The White House has a secret entrance that is only used by the president and secret visitors. This is not unusual in high-profile buildings, but to enter via the secret entrance at the White House, visitors must go through 2 tunnels and an alleyway before reaching the basement.

This intricate entrance system was originally designed during World War II when there was an underground bomb shelter that sat beneath the White House.

There Is Also an Underground Swimming Pool

The White House has an outdoor pool that is enjoyed during warmer months, but it also has an interior pool hidden beneath its floors. First opened in 1933 for use by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the pool still exists today and can be found directly under the Press Briefing Room.

And a Dentist’s Office

If the president suffers from a sudden toothache, a lost crown, or a broken filling, there is a dentist on-site to deal with that. The basement of the White House is home to a dedicated dentist’s office, as well as plenty of other useful services, including a chocolate shop and a florist.

Tom Hanks Gifted Coffee Machines for the Press Briefings at the White House

During a tour of the White House back in 2004, the actor was surprised to see that there were no refreshment services for reporters who attended press briefings at the White House. Hanks immediately sent a coffee machine to be used in the Press Briefing Room and has upgraded the original machine twice since then.

In 2017 he sent a $1,700 espresso machine along with a note that read, “Keep up the good fight for truth, justice, and the American way. Especially for the truth part.”

The White House Nearly Fell Apart

During the Great Depression, there was very little money in the kitty for much-needed maintenance and repairs. Creaking floorboards, a leaking roof, weakened wooden beams, and swaying balconies all put the White House at risk of collapse, but the ongoing damage to the structure was not fully discovered until much later in 1948 when it was fully renovated.

The Current White House Is Not the Original One

During the invasion in 1814, the British burned the White House down, just 14 years after it had been completed. While the modern-day building has stood for hundreds of years, much of the original building was lost to the fire, and the rebuild was not completed until 4 years later.

The West Wing Wasn’t Always There

Home to some of the most famous rooms within the White House, the West Wing wasn’t actually even built until the early 20th century.

In 1902, Teddy Roosevelt called to have an executive office building built alongside the residence. President Taft doubled the wing’s size in 1909, which included the Oval Office, making President Taft was the first-ever president to use it.

It Has Been Home to a Wide Variety of Animals

Each new presidential resident and their families are welcome to bring their pets with them when they move into the White House.

This means that over the years, it has been home to lots of cats and dogs, as well as a variety of more unusual animals. These include a raccoon, opossums, and even a pair of tiger cubs that were gifted to President Van Buren.

It Is Also Home to a 7-Seat Hot Tub

Former President Bill Clinton was gifted a 7-seat hot tub that is installed near the South Lawn next to the swimming pool.

Due to rules and regulations on “gifting” items to members of Congress, the hot tub had to be donated as a legitimate therapy appliance. A spokesperson for President Clinton said at the time that the hot tub did indeed help with his injured knee.

It Wasn’t Always Called the White House

Over the years, the building we know as the White House has had a number of different names. Originally known as the President’s Palace, its name was later changed to Executive Mansion sometime around 1810.

It wasn’t actually until 1901 that President Theodore Roosevelt officially adopted the name White House and it has been known by that name ever since.

Nothing Comes for Free

It may surprise you to know that even the presidential family doesn’t get fed for free in the White House. While they don’t have to pay rent or bills while they live there, they are responsible for the costs of their personal food, dry cleaning, toiletries, and even the wages for waiters and other members of staff they employ for private events.

These costs are usually just deducted from their salary.

The Famous Resolute Desk Was Found on an Abandoned Ship

The Resolute Desk in the Oval Office was originally part of an abandoned British Navy vessel found off Baffin Island in the Arctic.

When the ship was decommissioned by the U.K., its oak timbers were used to create a desk weighing more than 1,000 pounds that Queen Victoria later gifted to President Rutherford Hayes.

To this day, we still see the presidents sign orders from behind this fabulous piece of furniture.

Many visitors choose to stay close to the White House during their visit. Here are some of the best to choose from.

Willard InterContinental Washington

This historic hotel is located on the world-famous Pennsylvania Avenue and has been a D.C. landmark for over 200 years. Offering executive suites and luxurious guest rooms, this 5-star hotel has stately interiors and is just a short walk the White House itself.

Stay in style surrounded by city or courtyard views, Keurig coffeemakers, and suites with separate living areas, whirlpool tubs, and even their own foyers. All guests are invited to enjoy the use of the beauty and wellness treatments available at the Mynd Spa and Salon.

You can dine at the authentic French brasserie, Cafe Du Parc, or take advantage of the full concierge service who can help you to make the most of your trip to one of America’s oldest cities.

The Hay – Adams

This luxury hotel offers unparalleled White House views from its position on the National Mall, and it is as popular with visitors as it is with Washington, D.C. insiders. Elegant interiors paired with first-class service and facilities make this 5-star hotel one of the most sought after in the city.

Bedrooms are upscale and very well appointed, with many offering fabulous views out across the National Mall. The wood-paneled walls, ornate fireplaces, and chandeliers found in the communal areas give the hotel an incredibly grand feel, and visitors may even recognize The Hay-Adams from television shows, including House of Cards and Homeland.

With a busy bar, a fitness center, and one of the city’s best restaurants all on-site, this hotel offers an authentic taste of upscale D.C.

JW Marriott Washington

Brilliantly located for visiting the White House and numerous other political and cultural landmarks in D.C., this renovated hotel offers luxurious lodgings on Pennsylvania Avenue. This is a modern hotel that has a bright and airy feel, with contemporary bedrooms and plenty of minimalist touches.

Guests love the large windows with fabulous views out across the city, as well as spacious bedrooms and bright and practical communal spaces. The hotel is also home to The Avenue Grill that serves up casual American fare, as well as a lively bar with a daily happy hour and a Starbucks coffee shop. This hotel offers affordable 4-star accommodation in the heart of D.C.

Sofitel Lafayette Square

This glamorous Art Deco style hotel sits just 1 block away from the White House and adds a touch of European flair to this most American of cities. With opulent interiors and seductive French flair, this 5-star hotel is located at the heart of the finest shops, restaurants, and landmarks the city has to offer.

Bedrooms are plush and well-appointed with tall windows and luxury linens, while the communal areas feel decadent. Guests are welcome to enjoy the great-tasting fare at the ICI Urban Bistro or join fellow guests for a cocktail or 2 at the bar. There is also a large basement fitness center, and spa treatments can be ordered to your room.

Club Quarters Hotel

This mid-range hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation just 2 blocks from the White House and right next to Farragut West Metro station, therefore affording easy access to the entire city. Designed very much with business travelers in mind, this hotel offers collaborative workspaces with super-fast Wi-Fi, wireless printing, and Mac and PC workstations.

Bedrooms are bright and airy and offer sleek interiors complete with yoga mats and resistance bands, while suites add kitchenettes and separate living areas. The hotel is also home to the Cafe Soleil that serves up fun, French-inspired food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Hot Tip:  Looking for even more hotels? Explore our best hotels in Washington, D.C. to book with points. 

No visit to Washington, D.C. would be complete without a trip to see one of the most famous buildings in the world. Home to presidents for hundreds of years, the city is steeped in history.

If you are lucky enough to secure a place on an official White House tour, you will not be disappointed. But even if you are unable to get inside the building itself, there is still a wealth of attractions, landmarks, exhibitions, and open spaces for you to enjoy in the world-class parks and open spaces around the White House.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

White House tours are back: Here's what you need to know

I remember visiting the White House for the first time during former President George H.W. Bush's time in office.

A friend with a friend who worked in the Washington, D.C., landmark at the time — if that isn't a quintessential D.C. thing to say, I don't know what is — was couch surfing at my place and wanted to "pay" me with a tour of the presidential mansion.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

I happily accepted the offer and, not long after, found myself exploring the iconic building. In addition to checking out the usual rooms included in the tour, my friend scored us a peek inside the Oval Office, an experience I'll never forget.

Like many sites in D.C., the White House paused tours of its interior due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But after 14 months, the Biden Administration announced that tours will resume on Friday and Saturday mornings starting April 15.

As was the case before the pandemic, you can't just show up and ask for tickets. Instead, you'll need to plan your visit weeks in advance.

Before you finalize your itinerary, here's everything you need to know about White House tours, plus suggestions for where to stay nearby.

Although the White House is managed by the National Park Service, you can't reach out to the agency to get tickets. Instead, you'll need to request them from your member of Congress (or your embassy, if you're not a U.S. resident). You can do this between three months and 21 days in advance.

Tours are limited to Friday and Saturday mornings (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted) from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so you'll want to request your tickets as early as possible.

When you submit your request, be sure to include three potential dates for your tour, as well as the number of individuals in your party. Try to avoid the Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day and Christmas holidays, as tickets are a lot harder to come by during these busy times.

While you'll have a set tour time when you receive your tickets, know that unexpected events may occasionally cause your tour to be canceled at the last minute. If this happens, you'll need to submit a new request for a tour.

On the day of your tour, all members of your group who are 18 and older will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or military ID (or a passport, if they're from another country). Each person's name, date of birth, city and state given for the reserved tickets must exactly match the government-issued photo ID presented.

While face masks are not required during the tour, they will be available on site should you want to wear one. Items you're welcome to bring on the tour include:

• Compact cameras with lenses shorter than 3 inches long.
• Umbrellas without metal tips.
• Small personal items like wallets and cellphones.
• Items needed for medical purposes, such as wheelchairs (which you also can request at the Visitors Entrance), medications and mobility aids.

Keep in mind, though, that the White House's strict security protocols mean certain items are not permitted inside. These include:

• Video cameras, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets, iPads, tripods, monopods and cameras sticks.
• Bags of any kind (handbags, purses, book bags, backpacks, diaper bags and camera bags).
• Any pointed object, including pocket knives.
• Food, liquids, aerosols, tobacco products and personal grooming items (makeup, lotion, etc.).
• Guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons and devices, toy weapons and knives of any kind.

There is no storage available at the White House or the White House Visitor Center, so plan on keeping any prohibited items in your hotel safe or leaving them with a companion who isn't taking the tour.

What you'll see

After you've made your way through security, you'll embark on an hourlong tour that includes stops at several well-known spots in the building, including the family theater, the East Room (which you may recognize from press conferences and special events), the State Dining Room (a banquet hall and ceremonial chamber for official events) and the Blue Room (a reception room famous for its decorations during the holiday season).

Depending on what's going on during your visit (or who you know), you may also have the chance to see other spaces like the Oval Office and the South Lawn, where Marine One (the presidential helicopter) lands and departs.

To supplement your White House tour, check out the adjacent White House Visitor Center . Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the center is home to roughly 100 historical artifacts and offers an interactive touchscreen tour of the White House.

There's also the nearby White House Historical Association retail store , which sells a great selection of souvenirs, including history books, jewelry, cherry blossom items and the official White House Christmas ornament.

Where to stay

Washington, D.C. is home to many chain, independent and boutique hotels, and luckily, some of the best ones happen to be within walking distance of the White House. Here are some of my personal favorites — and their current room rates for October 2022.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

The Hay-Adams

This historic hotel located between the White House and Lafayette Park regularly shows up on lists of the best hotels in D.C., and for good reason. If you play your cards right, you can snag a room with White House and Washington Monument views.

Speaking of views, the property's top-floor Top of the Hay has French doors that open onto a wraparound balcony with panoramic White House and city skyline vistas. It has a full-service rooftop kitchen, making it a terrific space for meetings and special occasions.

Since The Hay-Adams is a boutique hotel, it does not participate in any major brand's loyalty program. As a result, you'll need to pay cash for your stay. Standard superior rooms start at $439 a night.

Hotel Washington

For a while, this 105-year-old hotel was known as the W Washington DC, but it reverted back to its original name in August 2021.

The chic property is known for the Vue, an open-air space regularly touted as one of the city's best rooftop bars. You'll also find a mix of rooms and suites, including some with jaw-dropping city views.

Cash rates for a standard queen room at this independently operated hotel start at $337 per night, but if you're looking for a show-stopping view, consider upgrading to one of the Monument suites. You'll enjoy sweet views of the Washington Monument for a minimum of $580 a night.

JW Marriott Washington, DC

One of Marriott's flagship hotels just happens to sit right on Pennsylvania Avenue, less than two blocks away from the White House and next door to the National Theatre.

Like other hotels on this list, the JW Marriott Washington, DC boasts rooms with incredible views of downtown and the city's popular monuments. You'll also find a moody bar and an American-inspired restaurant on site, should you crave a cocktail or bite to eat after sightseeing.

While standard rooms do not come with a Washington Monument view, for a slight price increase, you can reserve a king bedroom that overlooks the monument starting at $359 a night. If you have a stash of Marriott Bonvoy points, you can apply 50,000 to 60,000 points per night to cover a stay here.

Willard InterContinental Washington DC

The history of this hotel, which opened in 1818, almost goes back to the start of the republic. As such, it was the place to see and be seen for centuries.

When I moved to D.C. in 1978, the iconic Willard had been closed for 10 years and was just a decaying building on Pennsylvania Avenue. That same year, a team was chosen to redevelop the hotel into the stunning property it is today.

Ever since reopening in 1986, the IHG-affiliated hotel has drawn visitors with its ornate lobby and classically-styled rooms.

To book a king room with a premium view, expect to spend at least $517 per night or apply a minimum of 53,000 to 94,000 IHG Rewards points per night.

Kimpton Banneker Hotel

Located on a tree-lined avenue with a view down 16th Street Northwest to the White House, this Kimpton outpost is slightly off the beaten path ... in a good way.

The property's Lady Bird rooftop bar features a bird's-eye view of D.C., including an unobstructed look at the White House, and a centerpiece U-shaped bar. Rooms and suites feature modern, eye-catching designs with colorful local art and bold accent walls.

Because this property participates in the IHG Rewards program, you can use either cash or points to pay for a room here. A standard room with two queen beds starts at $315 or 53,000 points per night.

How Can I Tour the White House in Washington, DC?

Everything you need to know about planning a visit to the country’s most famous house., requesting a white house tour.

Touring the White House requires some advance planning. Public tour requests must be made through your member of Congress ( find your member of Congress and contact information ) and submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days prior to your visit. If you're an international visitor and wish to schedule a tour, please contact your home country’s embassy in Washington, DC.

You are encouraged to submit your tour request as early as possible as tours fill up quickly and a limited number of spaces are available. Tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. All White House tours are free. Please note tours are subject to last-minute cancellations based on the official White House schedule.

Public, self-guided tours are 45 minutes and are run between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays unless otherwise noted. For complete details on White House tours, visit the White House tours and events page or call the White House Visitors Office 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041. The White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Touring the White House - Washington, DC

What to expect on a White House tour

If there is a tour slot available during your visit to DC, you will be given a specific date and time to arrive and be instructed on where to check in. All guests over 18 years old will be required to present a valid, government-issued photo ID upon check-in. Foreign nationals must present their passport. Please bring as little as possible (avoid backpacks, food, large handbags, bottled water, etc.). Note that smartphones and compact cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches are permitted on the public tour route, but video recording devices and flash photography are not allowed inside the White House. Visitors will go through security prior to entering the White House. There are no restrooms available at the White House. The closest restroom is located at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion nearby.

Public tours of the White House include the public rooms in the East Wing, which includes the Blue Room, Red Room and Green Room; the State Dining Room; the China Room; and a view of the White House Rose Garden. Secret Service members are stationed in each room and are available to answer questions about the history and architecture of each room.

You can also visit the White House Visitor Center   before or after your tour.

Stephen Melkisethian

How to get to the White House

The closest Metro stations to the White House are Federal Triangle (Blue and Orange lines), Metro Center (Blue, Orange and Red lines) and McPherson Square (Blue and Orange lines). Please note there is NO PARKING near the White House. Public transportation is strongly encouraged.

@abroadwife

How to tour the White House Garden

Another opportunity to visit the White House is to attend either its fall or spring garden tour. Check whitehouse.gov in early October and April. The announcement of the garden tours is usually made within a week or two of when they take place. Garden tours generally run for two consecutive days. They may be canceled due to poor weather. A ticket is required for all attendees (including small children). Usually, tickets are distributed by the National Park Service at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion on 15th and E streets NW on each tour day beginning at 9 a.m. Review the announcement for specific details.

Will I still be able to see the White House without going on a tour?

While visitors are not allowed entry to the White House without requesting a tour through your congressional representative, you will still be able to see the White House from Pennsylvania Avenue NW at Lafayette Square and view the White House and the South Lawn from the Ellipse. Please note that a new fence is currently under construction at the White House, as the current 6-foot fence is being replaced by a stronger, wider fence that will be 13 feet.

Where can I store my belongings during the tour?

It is important to note that security at the White House is extremely high. If your hotel is nearby, we suggest leaving your belongings in your room during the tour. If this is not possible, there are a few other options. You can designate one member of your tour group to hold everyone’s belongings. That person can take the self-guided tour once his or her group has finished the tour.

If you're a ticketed Amtrak customer, you may be able to check luggage in advance at  Union Station . These are located near Gate A. Lockers are available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. A photo ID is required and lockers must be paid for via cash or credit in advance. Rates are $3-$6 per hour per bag depending on the size of your bag. For questions on bag storage, please call 202-906-3000.

Catch up on White House history with the free podcas t The 1600 Sessions and enhance your trip with the  White House Experience app  from the White House Historical Association. The app offers three tour experiences, including a virtual tour of the White House (with rooms you normally don't see on the tour), a neighborhood walking tour and a room-by-room guide for visitors on an in-person tour of the White House.

Now that you have read up on the White House, explore DC’s other awesome  monuments and memorials .

More About DC

You may also like..

Explorer-In-Chief: Marvel at DC with These Presidential Experiences

Free Things to Do: History & Heritage in Washington, DC

Your Guide to Visiting Planet Word Museum

Visitor's Guide to The White House

Visitors from around the world come to Washington, DC to tour the White House, the home, and office of the U.S. President. Built between 1792 and 1800, the White House is one of the oldest public buildings in the nation's capital and serves as a museum of American history. George Washington selected the site for the White House in 1791 and chose the design submitted by Irish-born architect James Hoban. The historic structure has been expanded and renovated many times throughout history. There are 132 rooms on 6 levels. The decor includes a collection of fine and decorative arts, such as historic paintings, sculpture, furniture, and China.

Public tours of the White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, are limited to groups of 10 or more and must be requested through a member of Congress. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis, Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. To contact your Representative and Senators, call (202) 224-3121. Tickets are provided free of charge.

Visitors who are not US citizens should contact their embassy in DC about tours for international visitors, which are arranged through the Protocol Desk at the State Department. Visitors who are 18 years of age or older are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification. All foreign nationals must present their passport. Prohibited items include cameras, video recorders, backpacks or purses, strollers, weapons, and more. The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit other personal items.

Transportation and Parking

The closest Metro stations to the White House are Federal Triangle, Metro Center and McPherson Square. Parking is very limited in this area, so public transportation is recommended.

Visitor Center

The White House Visitor Center has just been renovated with brand new exhibits and is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Watch a 30-minute video and learn about many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders.

Lafayette Park

The seven-acre public park located across from the White House is a great spot to take photos and enjoy the view. It is a prominent arena often used for public protests, ranger programs, and special events.

Garden Tours

The White House Garden is open to the public a few times a year. Visitors are invited to view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children's Garden, and South Lawn. Tickets are distributed the day of the event.

White House Visitor Center

Petersen House: The Complete Guide

The Hamilton: Washington DC Restaurant and Music Venue

The Anderson House: The Complete Guide

What to See in Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C.

Junior Ranger Programs in Washington DC Activities

Washington DC Gifts and Souvenirs

Smithsonian Museums Maps and Directions

A Guide to Friendship Heights, Washington, D.C.

Cunningham Falls State Park: The Complete Guide

Outdoor Recreation in the Washington, D.C. Area

50 Best Free Things to Do in Washington, DC

National Gallery of Art (Visiting Tips, Programs & More)

Washington DC Old Town Trolley Tours: Hop on Hop off

Tips for Visiting Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC

Exploring the Bible Museum in Washington DC

• Travel Guide
• Recommended Hotels

White House Tours: What to Expect when You Visit

The most important thing to know about White House tours is that the require serious planning. Check out our post about how to request White House tickets from your Member of Congress.

The second most important thing to know is what you’re going to see and what you are not. White House tours are an unguided walk and does not include the West Wing. So, unless you are friends with someone in the current presidential administration, you will not get to see the oval office, situation room, or any of the other spaces in the West Wing.

You got White House tickets, now what?

Once you have your confirmed reservation, make sure to review your all the paperwork you get from the White House very carefully. This paperwork will tell you exactly what to bring and also exactly what is prohibited. On the day of your assigned tour, show up on 15th Street NW at least 15 minutes before your assigned time. Photos are allowed on White House tours. However, you are not allowed to take videos.

White House security – what to expect

Security at the White House is tight. There are multiple security checkpoints before you can enter the building. The first checkpoint is the name check, where you will show your photo ID and Secret Service will check your name off the reservation list. Then, you will stand in line to have your photo taken. After that, you will stand in line for the second security check where they have the airport style metal detector. You should plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour in security lines depending on how early in the day your assigned time is.

A very crucial trip hack is to use the restroom before getting in line. The White House has no public restrooms. If there is a restroom emergency, you have to leave the White House grounds and go through the whole security process all over again. The closest public restroom is in the White House Visitor Center at 15th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

What you see during White House tours

Once you clear security, you will enter the East Wing. Once you enter, you will see a corridor of pictures of past presidents. You will also see some photos of first families and first pets.

After that, you will be able to peek into some of the ground floor rooms like the Library, the China Room, the Map room and Vermeil Room. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to enter any of these rooms.

After that, you will go up and you can walk through the rooms on the state floor. First, there is the East Room which is the biggest room in the White House. The East Room is used for ceremonies, receptions, and has hosted several weddings. The Green Room is next – it is a parlor often used to serve cocktails during the reception. Then, there is the Blue Room which is where the president and first lady often receives guests. The Blue Room is where the White House Christmas tree is located. The Red Room is a small parlor and a personal favorite of some former first ladies. Finally, you will then see the State Dining Room which can host up to 130 people. Then, you will exit through the north side of the building.

How long White House tours take

Since White House tours are unguided, you can take as much time as you need to see everything. However, the average person takes 30-45 minutes. There are no tour guides. But, the Secret Service are stationed in all of the rooms and people do ask them questions. They go through special training and do their best to answer everyone’s questions.

Coming to Washington, DC and want us to show you around? Trip Hacks DC was founded by Rob, a veteran tour guide in the Nation’s Capital. Trip Hacks DC provides tips, tricks and travel hacks for planning your trip; and guided tours to show you around once you get here. Our tours are family and school group friendly and our guides specialize in the major Washington, DC sites.  Click here to check out the upcoming tour options  and to book your tour here today!  Feel free to contact us if you have any tour questions.

Book a Tour!

Private Tour with Rob Monumental Trivia Tour Historic Georgetown School Group Tours

About Trip Hacks DC

Trip planning resources.

• DC Airports: a Guide to Navigating DCA, IAD and BWI
• The Ultimate Washington DC Travel Guide (2023)
• Hotels in DC: A Guide On Where to Stay
• The 5 Best Local Washington DC Tours
• Washington DC Trip Planning: Trip Hacks DC E-book
• Packing for Washington DC: What To Bring for Your Trip

Newest Podcast Episodes

• Podcast Ep.61 Washington DC Transportation Guide for Visitors and Tourists
• Podcast Ep.60 Why Take Tours When You Visit Washington DC
• Podcast Ep.58 Tips for Attending Pro Sports in Washington DC
• Podcast Ep.57 Everything Visitors Should Know About Washington DC Cherry Blossoms
• Podcast Ep.56 Managing Your Washington DC Travel Expectations
• Podcast Ep.55 What to Expect for Washington DC Tourism in 2024
• Podcast Ep.54 Every Holiday in Washington DC
• Podcast Ep.53 Why I Don’t Recommend Airbnb in Washington DC

Proceed Booking

Already a member.

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest.

What can we help you find?

While we certainly appreciate historical preservation, it looks like your browser is a bit too historic to properly view whitehousehistory.org. — a browser upgrade should do the trick.

Main Content

Tour the White House in 360 Degrees

Welcome to the White House 360 Virtual Tour! This immersive experience will bring you inside the halls of the White House and provide access to all the public rooms on the Ground and State Floors. It will also allow you to examine the rooms and objects even closer than you would in person.

For Students and Teachers

The below digital notebook was created by the White House Historical Association to assist students and teachers using “The White House 360 Virtual Tour” in their classrooms. Even if students are learning in a virtual, in-person, or hybrid format, these materials are accessible and will accompany them on their journey through these tours. The materials feature vocabulary, reflection questions, and other activities to encourage students to deepen understandings and create meaning in their exploration of the "People's House."

Related Links

• View On Google Slides This link will prompt you to make your own copy of the slide deck.
• Download the PowerPoint This link will open the file through Dropbox. You do not need a Dropbox account to access the slide deck. Select File in the top left corner > Download > Continue with Download Only to save to your device.

This feature was made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor.

A family travel blog

Visiting the White House- How to Get a White House Tour and What to Expect

Visiting the White House is the opportunity of a lifetime. The White House tour is one of my most memorable experiences from all of my trips to Washington, DC. It requires a bit of planning to schedule a tour of the White House. Trust me when I say that it is well worth the effort!

Table of Contents

How to Schedule a Tour of the White House

The National Park Service no longer schedules tours of the White House. Instead, in order to secure a public tour, you must reach out to a Member of Congress ( find your representative here ). Requests must be made at least 21 days in advance, and up to three months out. We suggest submitting your request as early as possible since a limited number of spaces are available.

Tours are typically available from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays excluding federal holidays. The tours are free of charge.

At this time, embassies are not scheduling tours for international visitors.  

After contacting your Congressperson, you’ll receive an email letting you know whether or not there are any White House tours available during your visit to Washington, DC. You will receive an email 2-3 weeks before your requested dates indicating whether or not the date is available.

If there are time slots available during your visit, you are assigned a specific day and time for your White House tour. Weirdly, when we requested our tour we received an email telling us there were no tours available. A couple of days later, I received a second email confirming our visit. At this time, I submitted our social security numbers and full names to the White House.

Once we received clearance, we received a “Boarding Pass” that we had to present to the Secret Service Agents, along with our IDs.

Required Documentation

In order to gain access to the White House, you’ll need to bring a copy of the letter of approval (a digital copy is okay) and a government-issued photo ID.  Acceptable forms of identification include driver’s license, passport, military ID.

Items Prohibited on the White House Tour

• Aerosol sprays
• Bags of any kind (including backpacks, purses, diaper bags, fanny packs, etc).
• Cameras with detachable lenses
• Weapons of any kid
• E-cigarettes, lighters, matches, tobacco products, drugs
• Foods and drinks
• Liquids of any kind
• Monopods & Tripods
• Toy weapons
• Video Cameras
• Pointed objects
• Any item determined to be a potential safety hazard

There are no storage facilities available during the White House tour.  There are also no restrooms available for public use.  We suggest using the restroom at the White House Visitor Center prior to your tour.

So... what can you bring...?

Honestly, you should plan on bringing as little as possible.  We brought our boarding pass, IDs, a credit card, a camera, a metro card, and an inhaler.  

Visitors will have to pass through strict security prior to entering the White House.  You’ll need to present your boarding pass, and ID cards (twice).

• Baby carriers worn on the body
• Breast pumps
• Cell phones
• Compact cameras with lenses less than 3 inches
• Umbrellas without metal tips
• Necessary medications

Remember, there is no storage available at the White House for guests.  If your hotel is nearby, we suggest leaving your belongings in your room.  If your hotel is far away, you can get a locker at Union Station.  The lockers are located near Gate A and are available from 6 am until 10 pm.  You’ll need a photo ID to get a locker.  The cost is $3-6 per hour depending on the size of your bag.

Arriving for the White House Tour

Parking around the White House is limited, so we strongly suggest using public transportation. The White House is easily accessible via the metro.

The closest metro stations are Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange lines), Metro Center (Blue/Orange/Silver/Red lines), and McPherson Square (Blue/Orange/Silver lines).

If arriving via rideshare , use the White House Visitor Center as the drop-off address. The White House Visitor Center is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

The White House Tour entrance is located in Sherman Park at 15th Street NW and Alexander Hamilton Place NW.  We suggest stopping by the White House Visitor Center prior to your tour to use the restroom since there are no restrooms available for public use at the White House.

Know Before You Go

• Tours are self-guided and last about 45 minutes.
• Dress for the weather – you’ll need to wait outside until your tour beings.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time . Late arrivals may be turned away.
• A National Park Ranger will help ensure you’re lined up with the proper group and will have Junior Ranger booklets available.
• All guests must be previous registered via the RSVP link provided by the White House (via email).
• No flash photography or videography is permitted (there will be Secret Service agents in every room)
• Although the tour is self-guided, the Secret Service Agents can be a wealth of knowledge about the items found in each room.

What Rooms Will I See on the White House Tour?

Prior to our trip I did a lot of research on what rooms we’d be able to see during our White House Tour.  Every website I checked listed the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, the State Dining Room and a view of the White House Rose Garden.

Much to my surprise, we actually got to see additional rooms!  One our tour, we toured both the State Floor and the Ground Floor.  We saw the movie theater, library, the East Room, Vermeil Room, China Room, State Dining Room, Green Room, Blue Room, and Red Room.

The White House tour was interesting.   Walking into the White House, I expected it to be just as opulent as  the Biltmore House and palaces such as the Tower of London and Versailles in Europe.  I was rather surprised to find that the rooms were much less stately.  The vibe felt a little more like going to visit your grandparents house, rather than the head of a country’s home.

That being said, it was really cool being able to marvel at the historical artifacts that decorate the White House.  We got to see Shikler’s portrait of JFK along with other portraits of past presidents, first ladies, and influential Americans like Benjamin Franklin.  It was very cool walking through the halls of the White House and retracing the footsteps of our nation’s leaders.

Secret Service agents are posted in each of the rooms.  Although the tour is self-guided, the Secret Service agents are a wealth of knowledge and will happily tell you about the history of the rooms and even give you the background information the art (and even artists!) and decor in each room.  Don’t be afraid to ask them questions- these ladies and gents are much more approachable than the guards at Buckingham Palace. 

Having the privilege of taking a tour of the White House is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  It is definitely something every American should do at least once in their lifetime!

What is There to do Nearby?

• The White House Visitor Center
• Ford’s Theatre
• National Children’s Museum
• National Archives Museum
• National Portrait Gallery
• National Museum of African American History
• Museum of Natural History
• National Museum of American History
• National Air and Space Museum
• National Gallery of Art
• National Museum of the American Indian
• Library of Congress
•  US Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Washington Monument
• World War II Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial

FAQ About the White House Tour

Can you visit the white house as a toursit.

Yes! You do not need an invitation for the White House tour.  You do, however, need to request a tour via a Member of Congress. 

Who is allowed to take a White House tour?

All U.S. citizens 18 years and older are able to request a tour of the White House.  Visitors 18 and older need to present a valid, government-issued ID.  At the time of publication, only American citizens are able to visit the White House.

Are kids allowed in the White House?

Yes!  This is a great place for kids to experience.  When we visited our twins were 4 and our daughter was 8.  This is a great way for kids to develop background knowledge for things they’ll learn in school!

Fun Fact:   While we were in the White House, we had to remind one of the boys not to touch anything.  In response, he made a face at Ashley behind her back. One of the Secret Service Agents laughed and said, “Man, you should have seen the face he gave you.”

Is there a dress code for the White House?

There is no set dress code for the White House.  Since we were visiting multiple places on the day of our tour of the White House, we wore jeans.

Visitors should plan on waiting in a line outside of the White House, prior to their tour, and should plan to dress for the weather outside.

How long does the White House Tour take?

Since the White House tour is unguided, you can take as much time as you need to see everything.  Most people spend about 30 – 45 minutes.

Can you take photos in the White House?

Photography is permitted so long as it does not interfere with other guests tour experience.  Phones and cameras with lenses no longer than 3 inches are allowed inside the White House.

Can I meet the President on the White House tour?

No, tours are limited to the East Wing.  The West Wing, and the Oval Office, are reserved for VIPs or guests of the President.

Save Our Info on Scoring a White House Tour

For future reference, be sure to save our post on getting a tour of the White House!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest  while you’re at it!

If you’re planning a trip to Washington, DC, check out our 4 day itinerary and our list of 15 Must See Places in Washington, DC .  

Be sure to give us a like on  Facebook  or follow us on  Instagram   and  Twitter   for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

You May Also Like

5 Epic Things to Do at Congaree National Park

Beautiful Fort Frederica National Monument

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park- the first Lincoln Memorial

Hello, thank you for the post about how to visit the White House! I was happy to find something beyond just the official government website. When you requested a tour via email, did you have to do anything besides ask? Do they pick and chose based on why a person is visiting? Just wanting to know how much information to put into my email request! Thanks!

Elle MacRae

Hey, Casey! In my initial email, I just sent the dates that we would be in DC and listed the names of each person in my group. Most states will send out a form for you to fill out with any specific information needed.

Dear _____,

My name is _____________. My family will be visiting Washington, DC between _______ and _______. We are interested in touring the White House and hope you could help us facilitate this. The following people will be traveling with me: ________________. Please let me know what further details you need in order to set up a tour during our visit.

Respectfully,

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

White House resuming full slate of public tours after more than a year of disruptions

WASHINGTON — Public tours of the White House will return to a full operating schedule next month, after nearly a year and a half of disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Self-guided tours of the executive mansion were suspended when President Joe Biden took office, as officials tightened virus protocols in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

They resumed on a limited basis on April 15, being held only Friday and Saturday mornings, and will return to their normal schedule from Tuesday through Saturday, excluding federal holidays, beginning on July 19.

The White House said Monday it will “continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation with guidance based on recommendations from the CDC, and other public health officials and medical experts, and reserves the right to adjust availability of the public tours as necessary to adhere to the latest health guidance.”

'WHERE HISTORY HAPPENED': Inspiring destinations that touch America's past

COVID EXPOSURE ON PLANES?: I took a CO2 detector on a flight. It showed me when I was most likely exposed to COVID.

What COVID safety measures are in place for White House t?

Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has had any virus symptoms within 10 days of a scheduled tour is urged to “stay home.”

The same goes for people who've been in close contact with someone who is suspected of having the virus.

Face masks will be made available for visitors who want them, though use will be optional.

How much does it cost to tour the White House?

White House tours are free, but require reservations.

How do I get a tour of the White House?

Tour requests must be made through a member of Congress between 21 to 90 days in advance. 

International visitors may submit requests through their respective embassy in Washington, D.C.

Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY

• PARKS BY NAME
• PARKS BY STATE
• REVIEWED PARK INDEX
• PHOTO LICENSING
• ABOUT NATIONAL PARK PLANNER
• REPORT ERRORS
• PRIVACY POLICY

President’s Park (White House) | HOW TO GET WHITE HOUSE TOUR TICKETS

• PARK AT A GLANCE
• VISITOR CENTER
• GETTING TICKETS
• WHITE HOUSE TOUR
• GROUNDS TOUR
• DIRECTIONS / CONTACT

White House Visitor entrance

Tours of the White House are free, but you must get tickets through your congressman’s office. You can make a request as early as three months in advance, and no later than 21 days in advance. Furthermore, you must submit your social security number and numbers for all group members so a background check can be done. (Note: The official White House Tours and Events web page states that tickets can be requested up to three months in advance. My congressman’s website claims you can submit an application up to six months in advance. I randomly checked six other congressmen’s websites. One claimed six months, another claimed 4 to 6 months, two made no claims at all, and two gave the correct answer—three months in advance. I don’t know what my congressman does with requests submitted six months in advance, but for all I know he holds on to them and submits the request three months in advance per the White House rules.)

The current ticket distribution system came about after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Prior to that, you just got in line at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion the day of the tour and hoped you arrived early enough to get a ticket, just like you do today for the Washington Monument . In my opinion, the current process is far from optimal, but as they say, “It is what it is.” The problem is that you cannot select a day or time for your tour, and you won’t be notified until 10-14 days in advance if a spot is available for you and your group.

When applying, you must narrow your desired dates down to a specific time period. Each congressman’s application form is different, but typically they want to know when you will be in Washington and when you will be available for tours. You can’t ask for the “next available” if your requested dates are filled, and since you won’t even be notified until two weeks in advance, it’s impossible to make another request for a tour the following week because, one, those dates are most likely already filled, and two, your request must be submitted at least 21 days in advance. Thus, the system only works for those already planing to be in Washington—if you get a tour, fine, if not, you’ll do something else. It does not work if you are going to Washington only if you get a tour, unless you can travel with two weeks or less notice.

I wrote my congressman’s office asking why this system exists and why the White House doesn’t set up a central reservation system where you are presented with a list of available dates and times so you can pick one, just like when trying to get online tickets to the Washington Monument, or any other event for that matter. I never got a response. I suspect the answer would be, “Because if you fail the background check the spot will end up being wasted.” This leads to the question, “How many people are turned down because of the background check?” If you have a background so crooked that you would be refused a tour of the White House, I’m sure you are well aware of it. Therefore, why would you sign up for a tour in the first place? (I forget I used to be a member of Al-Qaeda.) But it is what it is.

Trying to get a White House Tour from Spring Break through Labor Day is just throwing in your hat and hoping for the best, no matter how far in advance you make the tour request. I attempted to get a tour on two occasions, the first during Spring Break. I applied three months in advance to the day. Two weeks before my requested date I received an email stating that all tours for my entire stay in Washington were full. Since my trip to Washington hinged on getting a tour, I had to scramble to make alternate Spring Break plans for my 4th grade daughter. My second request was for the week after Labor Day, and I did get a tour for this time. I specifically requested an off-season date to better enhance my chances.

The following is a detailed account of how U. S. citizens go about getting a ticket for a White House Tour.

• You must find out who your congressman is and contact him. (By “congressman” I do not specifically mean a “man,” and I do not mean your request is personally answered by him or her; the work is done by a staff member.) If you don’t know who this person is, go to Find Your Representative and follow the instructions. This person will have a website, and on this site will be a TOURS web page (or something to that effect). You may have to dig around for it, but the page is there. Fill out the form and submit your information. I never personally communicated with anyone, and I can’t imagine that your situation will be any different.
• Once you fill out the form you will receive an email acknowledging your request. Attached will be a security form to fill out. You must list the names, ages, dates of birth, social security numbers, genders, citizenships, and current city and state residences for everyone in your group. I was sent an Excel spreadsheet to fill out, but each congressman’s method may be different.
• Wait. Don’t bother contacting your congressman asking what’s going on because the only answer you will get is that you will be notified 7-10 days in advance of your tour.
• If you are not going to get a tour, you won’t receive any further communication except a final email stating that the tour was full, sorry.
• When I got my tour, I received an RSVP email that I had to respond to by a specified date. I did not get this for the previous tour request when I was denied, but I can’t say for sure if the RSVP email is a harbinger of good news. Unfortunately, I can’t remember what happened or what I had to do when I clicked the link. I may have had to give all the security info again, but don’t quote me on it.
• A few weeks before your requested tour dates you will receive an email stating whether or not you got on a tour. On both occasions I received the notification email 12-14 days in advance, despite the claim that it would be 7-10 days. Your results may vary.
• If you got a tour, your “ticket” will be attached. It’s not really a ticket, and you don’t need it to get in—the Secret Service has your name on a list—but it has a map of where to go, a list of items permitted and not permitted, etc. I also received a nice list of other things to do in Washington.

Foreigners can get a tour of the White House as well. I do not know the process, but I do know that foreigners must contact their embassy in Washington. I would imagine that the process is similar to how U. S. citizens get a tour.

Keep in mind that tours can be cancelled at any time due to security reasons. Before heading downtown for your tour, call (202) 456-7041 up to 24 hours in advance to make sure that tours are still being held.

To find out what to do on the day of your tour, and to get information and photos of the rooms you will see inside the White House, visit the White House Tour web page here on National Park Planner.

Back to the Top

© 2014-2024 Copyright Steven L. Markos . All Rights reserved. Designed by National Park Planner

Loading, Please Wait!

Explore the White House with Google Arts & Culture

Oct 27, 2023

[[read-time]] min read

It’s National Civics Day, and we’re taking a unique tour inside one of the most famous American structures of all: the White House.

“ Welcome to the White House ” is the first virtual guided tour of the White House’s official tour route complete with accessible audio captions and Spanish translations, so that Americans everywhere can “visit” the People’s House. The tour was captured using Street View that lives on both Google Maps and Google Arts & Culture — and the tour is now open to anyone with an internet connection, not only those who can visit in-person.

Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t always called “the White House.” Throughout the 1800s different names were tried — the "President's Palace," the "President's House" or the "Executive Mansion” — but it was Theodore Roosevelt who gave the White House its simple and direct name in 1901, and it stuck.

In this tour, you're invited to explore 11 unique rooms in the White House, from the Blue Room (where the only White House wedding in history took place), to the Library with an American landscape by Georgia O’Keeffe, to the East Room, where Abraham Lincoln first promoted Ulysses S. Grant.

So take the tour, today , and we hope this slice of living history inspires you this National Civics Day to learn more about our country’s history.

“White House Front View” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

“White House Front View'' by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

“Red Room” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

“Movie Theater” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

“The Library” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

“Green Room” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

“Blue Room” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

“The East Room” by The White House | The White House on Google Arts & Culture

Related stories

Discover the Museum of Modern Art of Bahia

4 new games and experiments from google arts & culture to inspire your summer.

Discover Mongolia’s heritage and traditions on Google Arts & Culture

UNESCO’s Treasures of the Ancient Silk Roads

The world’s oldest known evidence of storytelling through art

Celebrating 15 Years of the Acropolis Museum

Let’s stay in touch. Get the latest news from Google in your inbox.

Watch CBS News

Former aide H.R. McMaster on how Trump enjoys "pitting people against each other"

By David Martin

August 18, 2024 / 10:22 AM EDT / CBS News

Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster had been a soldier for three decades when Donald Trump named him his national security adviser just one month into his administration. "Lots of people told me not to do it," McMaster said. "People were calling me up who really detested President Trump and saying, 'You can't do it, it'll sulley your reputation.'"

Thirteen months later,  Trump fired him .

"I got used up essentially in the service of Donald Trump," McMaster said. "I was at peace with that. And I was not going to try to keep my job by telling the president what he wanted to hear."

Now, in a book titled "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House," McMaster (a CBS News contributor) describes a White House where "everything ... was much harder than it needed to be."

"None of the friction that I encountered in the White House was completely unprecedented, but it was next level," he said. "It went to 11! Everything was cranked up to a higher level."

His first real business meeting with Trump was a presidential daily brief, an intelligence briefing that all presidents get. McMaster said, "I have a distinct impression of that meeting of being really not very effective for the president. President Trump plays to an audience, and it was too big of an audience in the Oval Office."

Martin asked, "And would the audience play to him?"

"The audience would play to him. I describe the environment as an environment of competitive sycophancy," McMaster replied.

"Did he want advice, or did he want flattery?"

"The president wanted advice; he also wanted flattery. He really likes the adulation. In many ways he's kind of addicted to adulation from his political base, from people around him."

McMaster was happy to serve and eager to reverse what he considered President Obama's "weak-kneed" foreign policy. He said, "I saw actually so many of our policies as in need of disruption. I was grateful for [Trump's] disruptive nature. I saw it as my job to try to help him disrupt what needed to be disrupted."

At his first NATO Summit, Trump took disruption to a whole new level. Unhappy some members were not spending enough on defense , he made some last-minute changes to his speech. According to McMaster, Trump added, "If countries don't pay their dues, then we're not going to defend that particular country."

McMaster found out just as they were departing for NATO headquarters. As Trump's limousine pulled up, there was an awkward delay while a frantic intervention took place in the back seat. "I convinced a reluctant Secretary of State Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Mattis to get in the Beast, the President's armored car, with me to talk him out of that," McMaster explained.

It was one of the few times the three of them agreed on something.

McMaster described his relations with Tillerson and Mattis as less than harmonious: "They were difficult at times. They regarded the president as a danger to U.S. interests, a danger to some of our relationships internationally."

Martin asked, "The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense viewed the President of the United States as dangerous? "

"Yes," McMaster replied. "He was dangerous in particular to what they thought an effective foreign policy should be."

McMaster never considered Trump "dangerous," but the president's affinity for autocrats made him uneasy. "President Trump sees in authoritarian leaders the qualities that he wants other people to see in him," he said.

In particular Russian President Vladamir Putin, whom McMaster said would appeal to Trump's "desire for flattery. He would appeal to the president's skepticism about long-term military commitments abroad."

"Could Putin play Trump?" Martin asked.

"He knew really what Trump's predilections were," McMaster said. "One of my roles was to alert him to that – to say, 'Mr. President, you know, this guy is the best liar in the world.'"

• Trump sides with Putin over U.S. intelligence during remarkable press conference in Helsinki ("CBS Evening News")

But when it came to listening to his own advisers, McMaster writes, Trump could be "reflexively contrarian."

"Oh my gosh, if you bring the president a course of action and say, 'Everybody agrees, whatever you do, don't do this thing,' he's going to do it just to spite everybody," he said.

With Venezuela's anti-American regime cracking down on protesters, Trump walked out to meet the press with McMaster, U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. "Rex Tillerson says to him, 'Hey, Mr. President, whatever you do, don't say that we're planning any military options for Venezuela," McMaster recalled.

Trump told the press, "We have many options for Venezuela, and, by the way, I'm not going to rule out a military option ."

Tillerson lasted just over a year before he was fired .

Martin asked, "Why do so many of the senior people who work for Donald Trump end up being either fired, or quitting ?"

"You get used up in that environment," McMaster replied. "President Trump does enjoy kind of pitting people against each other, you know? That creates a lot of angst in people."

"Was he just plain nasty?"

"At times he could be nasty," said McMaster, "especially when he's tired, especially when he's grumpy, especially when he feels beleaguered. There were a couple times where, you know, nobody wanted to be around him, you know? And I'm, like, the last guy. I mean, I have to be with him, right? I would get in the car and he would just unload on me."

The end came after a Trump phone call with Turkey's President Erdoğan, which got off to a bad start when McMaster tried to prep him.

Martin asked, "What did he have against preparation?"

"Well, he found it to be tedious," McMaster replied. "And he had great confidence in his own instincts, right? So, like, Why am I prepping for this? "

McMaster decided to quit, but Trump fired him first, and at a private farewell ceremony told his family, "Make sure he only writes nice things about me."

The Trump campaign did not respond to requests from "CBS Sunday Morning" for comment about McMaster's book.

McMaster retreated to the ivory tower of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, where he writes and teaches, and where he watched the events of January 6th . Trump, he said, "encouraged an attack, you know, on the first branch of government, and an attack on the peaceful transition of power, and I think that that was an abandonment of his responsibilities to the Constitution."

Martin asked, "Is he fit to hold office?"

"That's the judgment that the American people have to make; I don't want to tell people how to vote," McMaster replied.

"Will he be getting your vote?"

"I'm not gonna ever tell anybody my vote," he said.

But he will tell you what he experienced in the first Trump administration – and what that might mean for a second.

"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme," McMaster said. "I think it does, you know, foreshadow what we might expect in a second Trump administration as well."

        For more info:

• "At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House"  by H.R. McMaster (HarperCollins), in Hardcover, Large Print, eBook and Audio formats, available August 27 via  Amazon ,  Barnes & Noble  and  Bookshop.org
• H.R. McMaster, Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution

       Story produced by Mary Walsh. Editor: Emanuele Secci. 

• H.R. McMaster
• Donald Trump

David Martin has been CBS News' national security correspondent, covering the Pentagon and the State Department, since 1993.

More from CBS News

Trump defends personal attacks on Harris, discusses election outcome

Intelligence officials warn of Iran's attempts to interfere in election

Obama urges Americans to embrace Harris, reject "chaos" of a second Trump term

Trump shares fake "Swifties for Trump" images

H.R. McMaster: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House

In-person Tickets Online-only Tickets

If you are not a member yet, now is the time to join our community and receive the great benefits of membership. We are a group of people seeking truth, insight and wisdom about the issues we face as individuals and as a society. Please join! You can become a monthly sustaining member for just $10 a month .

For 13 turbulent and consequential months, H.R. McMaster served as President Donald Trump’s national security advisor. McMaster entered an administration beset by conflict and the hyper partisanship of American politics. Join us as McMaster shares his stories of helping an unpredictable president drive necessary shifts in U.S. foreign policy at a critical moment in history.

He says that while all administrations are subject to backstabbing and infighting, some of Trump’s more unscrupulous political advisors were determined to undermine McMaster and others to advance their narrow agendas. Hear about Cabinet officials who, deeply disturbed by Trump’s language and behavior, prioritized controlling the president over collaborating to provide the president with options. McMaster offers a frank and fresh assessment of the achievements and failures of his tenure as national security advisor and the challenging task of maintaining one’s bearings and focus on the mission in a hectic and malicious environment.

Determined to transcend the war within the administration and focus on national security priorities, McMaster forged coalitions in Washington and internationally to help Trump advance U.S. interests. Trump’s character and personality helped him make tough decisions, but sometimes prevented him from sticking to them, says McMaster. And now with the 2024 election on the horizon, hear McMaster highlight the crucial importance of competence in foreign policy, and make plain the need for leaders who possess the character and intellect to guide the United States in a tumultuous world.

No large bags or backpacks. Attendees subject to search.

This program has 2 types of tickets available: in-person and online-only. Please pre-register to receive a link to the live-stream event.

If you have symptoms of illness (coughing, fever, etc.), we ask that you either stay home or wear a mask. Our front desk has complimentary masks for members and guests who would like one.

Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is a nonprofit public forum; we welcome donations made during registration to support the production of our programming.

This program is part of The Commonwealth Club’s Series on Ethics and Accountability, generously underwritten by The Travers Family Foundation.

Photo by Ray Kachatorian.

All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable.

Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California 110 The Embarcadero Taube Family Auditorium San Francisco , CA 94105 United States

H.R. McMaster

Former National Security Advisor; Author, At War with Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House

In Conversation with Raj Mathai

Anchor, NBC Bay Area, KNTV; X @rajmathai

11:30 a.m. doors open & check-in 12–1 p.m. program 1 p.m. book signing (all times Pacific Time)

Members receive 30–50 percent discounts (not a member? Join)

In-person: $25  $58 with a book Online: $10  $43 with a book

Commonwealth Club World Affairs

The leading national forum open to all for the impartial discussion of public issues important to the membership, community and nation. The Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. Each year, we bring hundreds of events on topics ranging across politics, culture, society and the economy to our members and the public, both in-person and via extensive online and on-air listenership and viewership.

The views of Club speakers are their own and their participation does not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Commonwealth Club World Affairs.

San Francisco Headquarters

110 The Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94105 415-597-6705

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 194210 San Francisco, CA  94119–4210

Silicon Valley

408-280-5530

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to this park navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to this park information section
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, the president of the united states lives in a national park..

Every president except George Washington has called the White House home and has run the executive branch of the United States government from within its walls. Recognizable around the world, the White House stands as a symbol of democracy. The White House and its park grounds also serve as an iconic place for civil discourse.

Tours must be scheduled through your Congressperson or embassy.

Exhibits and artifacts tell the story of the White House as a symbol, stage, and home.

Last updated: October 25, 2023

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

1849 C Street NW Room 1426 Washington, DC 20240

202 208-1631

Stay Connected

Explore subjects and stories related to this park.

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Flight + Hotel
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

Drake White - Low Country High Road Tour 2024 (North Myrtle Beach) | House of Blues Myrtle Beach

Drake White is set to embark on his "Low Country High Road Tour" in North Myrtle Beach at the House of Blues Myrtle Beach on October 5, 2024. The venue is located at 4640 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC, 29582. Fans can expect an unforgettable evening filled with White's soulful country music in this beautiful coastal city. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this talented musician live in concert during his tour stop in North Myrtle Beach.

Provided by Vitina | Published Aug 21, 2024

Are you interested in Drake White - Low Country High Road Tour 2024 (North Myrtle Beach)?

Recommended products for drake white - low country high road tour 2024 (north myrtle beach) | house of blues myrtle beach, house of blues myrtle beach, north myrtle beach area historical museum, north beach resort & villas, more contents about north myrtle beach.

• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List Your Property
• Become a Supplier

Mobile Menu Overlay

The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

The White   House Opens Volunteer Applications for the 2024 Holiday   Season

The President and First Lady are excited to continue the tradition of welcoming volunteer holiday decorators and volunteer holiday performers to help celebrate the holiday season at the White House. Starting today, applications are now open for those interested in volunteering for the 2024 holiday season.

The White House welcomes volunteer applicants from all U.S. states and territories, and encourages military-connected family members, educators, and students to apply. The deadline to submit a volunteer application to be a holiday decorator or holiday performer will be on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. ET . Selected applicants will be notified on or after Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. ET.

All selected volunteers are responsible for their individual travel, accommodations, and personal expenses.

VOLUNTEER HOLIDAY DECORATOR APPLICATION

Those interested in volunteering to decorate the White House ahead of the holiday season may apply HERE . Please note each person must apply individually, and group applications will not be accepted. Holiday decorator volunteers must be over the age of 18 and must be available to be in Washington, D.C. the week of Sunday, November 24, 2024.

VOLUNTEER HOLIDAY PERFORMER APPLICATION

Performers and musical groups, including school bands, choirs, and holiday-themed entertainers, may apply HERE for the opportunity to perform during White House holiday tours. White House holiday tours range from Tuesday, December 3, 2024 to Saturday, December 21, 2024 .

For any questions regarding application or process, please reach out to [email protected] .

Stay Connected

We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better.

Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden.

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, sweepstakes, and more!

Is Kyle Richards Planning to Buy a House in Europe?

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills  cast member revealed if she is buying another vacation home. 

Kyle Richards  grew up in Los Angeles and has continued to raise her family there. She also has two vacation homes,  one in La Quinta, California,  and  another in Aspen . 

How to Watch

Watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills  on  Peacock  and the Bravo App .

During a recent Amazon Live ,  The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills  cast member shared more details about her current living situation, answering a fan's question about possibly buying a "holiday home" in Europe since she and her family travel there often . 

"I don't know, just because it'd be hard to get there," Kyle shared. 

Kyle Richards' Plans to Move Out of Los Angeles

Though she may not be planning on getting an overseas home anytime soon, Kyle expressed her desire to possibly leave Los Angeles on Season 13, Episode 11 of  The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills . 

Kyle Richards Reveals Her Plans to Move Out of Los Angeles

"When I'm here, places like this, I think this is how I wanna live, just like this," Kyle told her castmates during a group trip to Ojai, California. "Quiet, away from everybody."

"I will always have a love for Los Angeles," Kyle continued in a confessional interview during the episode, which aired on January 10. "But I just don't feel as connected to it as I used to. The things that make me happy are being outside, running by the river, [and] hiking with my dogs. So one day, when Portia [Umansky]'s done with school, I'm going to choose some place to live that is more conducive to what brings me happiness."

Here’s what you may have missed on Bravo:

Why Kyle Richards is Heartbroken Over Portia Umansky's Next Chapter: "My Job Is Over"

See Some of Sutton's Most Incredible Jewelry — Including Her Massive Engagement Ring From Her Ex

Kyle Richards and Morgan Wade Just Reunited in the Most Epic Way (PHOTOS)

Details on Kyle Richards' Houses 

Of course, Kyle has plenty of properties to enjoy even if she hasn't purchased a home in Europe or Ojai. 

Everything to Know About Kyle Richards' Incredible Houses

As previously noted, Kyle currently has three houses: her family's primary home in Encino, and vacation homes in La Quinta, California, and Aspen, Colorado. 

After the mom of four and her family moved into their home in Encino in 2017, she has spent last couple of years remodeling it.

"I’m just changing everything in the house to make it exactly the way I want it, because I think it really is our forever home,”  Kyle told The Daily Dish in May 2022 . “Even if I  move one day to, like, Aspen, Colorado,  I’ll keep that home for my kids or something.”

Speaking of Aspen, Kyle and her estranged husband,  Mauricio Umansky , previously owned  a different Aspen home  before moving into their current one in 2022. 

“Our family is growing [and] we simply need more space,”  Kyle explained  in an Instagram Story at the time, adding she is “never leaving Aspen.” 

Bravo Fan Fest and WWHL in Miami Tickets Are Selling Out — Get Yours Now!

Bravoholics are invited to take a trip to Miami for a party unlike any other!  Bravo Fan Fest hits Miami  on Saturday, November 23 for a one-day event featuring panels, activations, photo opps, and over 25 Bravolebs. Tickets are now on sale at  www.BravoFanFest.com .

Plus, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen is filming five shows from Miami on Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22, so now's your chance to make your Clubhouse debut. Buy tickets for WWHL in Miami now .

• Kyle Richards

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

• Home And Design
• Real Estate

Related Stories

Flagg Is Selling the "Finest Residence" for $195M: Details

Mauricio Shouts Out The Agency's “Next Generation”

Andy Made a Change to His NYC Apartment Before Selling It

Kyle Richards Sets the Record Straight on Morgan Wade

Andy shows off his newly organized office (photo).

Josh Sets Forth to Score a Record-Breaking $25M Sale (VIDEO)

Gina Predicts Epic Real Estate Collaboration (EXCLUSIVE)

Tamra Judge Gives Big Bear House Tour: Before & After Pics

Kristen Shows Off the Gorgeous Pool at Her "New Home" (PIC)

Gina Shares Her Honest Opinion About Jennifer Moving in with Ryan

Is Kyle Richards Divorced? The Latest on Split from Mauricio

See Inside Ariana's BF's NYC Apartment & Renovations

Latest Videos

Kyle Richards on Why She Filmed That Music Video with Morgan Wade

Start Watching Part 3 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 13 Reunion

Sutton Stracke Says She "Got a Spanking" for Suggesting PK Might Have Cheated

Recommended for you, bravo fan fest is heading to miami in november.

Kristen Kish Reveals Best & Worst Dishes on Season 10

Every Top Chef Fan Needs This New Exclusive Merch

• SI SWIMSUIT
• SI SPORTSBOOK

Orchestral Creed To Presidential Cowboy Boots, A Complete Video, Image Recap Of Texas Rangers White House Visit

Stefan stevenson | aug 8, 2024.

• Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers visited the White House and President Biden on Thursday to celebrate the club's first World Series title .

Manager Bruce Bochy presented Biden with a gold-trimmed No. 46 Rangers jersey and specially-made black cowboy boots.

The Rangers stopped in Washington, D.C. , ahead of their six-game road trip, which starts at 6:05 p.m. Friday at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and concludes with a three-game series against the Red Sox in Boston.

If you missed the Thursday afternoon event, which aired live on whitehouse.gov, here's a collection of social media posts from the Rangers, players, media, and the White House.

If you missed the ceremony, here's video of the complete 26-minute event at the White House.

Happening Now: President Biden welcomes the Texas Rangers to the White House to celebrate their 2023 World Series championship season. https://t.co/Hsbvmr54dC — The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 8, 2024

Today, President Biden welcomed the Texas Rangers to the White House to celebrate their 2023 World Series championship season. Congratulations, @Rangers ! pic.twitter.com/Dr1KzxuEcN — The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 9, 2024

The Rangers  social media team posted videos and images from the team's visit, including the White House orchestra playing the team's 2023 rallying song, Creed's "Higher," as the players, coaches, and staff filed in.

Cue the classical Creed. pic.twitter.com/3CVRLm6lAd — Texas Rangers (@Rangers) August 8, 2024

pic.twitter.com/g7i4XedXM8 — Texas Rangers (@Rangers) August 9, 2024

Not his first time around here. pic.twitter.com/MKPdYVmrMq — Texas Rangers (@Rangers) August 9, 2024

Corey in the House. pic.twitter.com/TglP35wmiO — Texas Rangers (@Rangers) August 9, 2024

📍 1600 Pennsylvania Ave pic.twitter.com/zh9pEIZh33 — Texas Rangers (@Rangers) August 8, 2024

President Biden greeted the team with Rangers general manager Chris Young in the East Room of the White House. The Rangers won their first championship by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 5 of the 2023 Fall Classic on November 1.

Biden's official POTUS social media feed welcomed the club with a post.

"From fighting hard just to make the postseason to bringing home your first-ever title – The Texas @Rangers set the bar higher. Welcome to the White House," the post read.

From fighting hard just to make the postseason to bringing home your first-ever title – The Texas @Rangers set the bar higher. Welcome to the White House. pic.twitter.com/WDU9viJvLm — President Biden (@POTUS) August 9, 2024

President Biden honored the 2023 World Champion Texas Rangers at the White House today. The President gave remarks then Chris Young, Rangers' General Manager spoke. The Rangers gave Pres. Biden a jersey and boots, both with '46' on them. The Pres. paused to speak with kids, too. pic.twitter.com/qOnT7Xrf5y — U(X)=0 'A.I~R.I.S' (@UofXis0) August 9, 2024

Pres. Biden is presented with a custom "46" jersey and a pair of cowboy boots by the Texas Rangers while welcoming the team to the White House to celebrate their 2023 World Series championship season. https://t.co/oWS7tvAWJC pic.twitter.com/gDZacGJeIX — ABC News (@ABC) August 8, 2024

You can follow Stefan Stevenson on X @StefanVersusTex .

Catch up with Inside the Rangers on Facebook and X .

STEFAN STEVENSON

Stefan Stevenson worked as a journalist and editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for 25 years, covering sports, concerts, and general news. His beats have included the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, and Texas Christian University football.

Follow StefanVersusTex

‘It was deeply disturbing’: Jacob Soboroff contrasts the RNC with the DNC

'Jesus, HBCU's, and Obama': The most influential couple in politics takes centerstage at DNC 

‘Full circle moment’: Obama set to make the case for Kamala Harris for president

How Harris and Biden pulled off a miraculous hand-off: ‘This wouldn’t have worked any other way’

Nicolle Wallace and Joy Reid talk about the vibe-shift at the DNC

‘They’re still full steam ahead,’ how the DNC plans to keep attention on Project 2025

NBC’s Jacob Soboroff gives a tour from the floor of the DNC – and gets a surprise phone call

How President Biden’s decision to end campaign sucked oxygen out of Trump’s campaign

President Biden set to pass the torch to VP Kamala Harris in unprecedented convention speech

‘Disgusting and shameful’: Nicolle Wallace on Trump’s latest disrespect of medal of honor recipients

‘I don't know why he can't be normal’: Josh Hawley running from debating marine veteran opponent

‘What an embarrassment’: JD Vance describes his mother-in-law as postmenopausal caretaker

Donald Trump doesn’t know how to deal with the ‘political earthquake’ of VP Harris candidacy

‘14 people wanted to kill their Governor for wearing a mask’: Gretchen Whitmer talks kidnapping plot

President Biden and VP Kamala Harris take the stage in first joint appearance since leaving the race

Key advisers begging Trump to focus on issues, as Trump mulls changes to campaign staff

Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s rambling softball interview embody a campaign in disarray

‘They’re worried about Ohio’: Trump campaign reportedly worried about Republican safe states

‘He talks a big game, but he does not walk the walk’: VP Harris on Trump’s immigration stance

‘Never Trumpers’ line up to support Vice President Kamala Harris for president

Deadline white house.

• Share this -

Jacob Soboroff joins Nicolle Wallace and interviews Rep. Jamie Raskin from the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago – and gives viewers a tour of what it’s like on the ground before President Joe Biden makes his remarks later tonight. Aug. 19, 2024

MSNBC HIGHLIGHTS (BEST OF MSNBC)

Morning Joe

'the public is on our side': sen. schumer says 2024 is the 'most unified convention'.

My grandfather is 'really excited' to vote for VP Harris, says Jimmy Carter's grandson

'Words of a coward': Sen. Mark Kelly blasts Trump's 'Medal of Honor' remarks

Republicans slam Trump at DNC; Trump fear-mongers about migrants in speech

'Boy did Michelle bring it': Mika reacts to former first lady's fiery DNC speech

‘Heart and Wisdom’: The Obamas’ speeches transform DNC into 'America’s family reunion'