Museums
Rainy-Day PickRenwick Gallery
FreeSee American craft and decorative art in a National Historic Landmark building steps from the White House.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.
SightseeingIconicHistory BuffFree
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC
Why you should go…
The White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was designed by James Hoban and built between 1792 and 1800. Public tours must be requested through your Member of Congress, between 7 and 90 days in advance. The route covers the State Floor: the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, State Dining Room, Cross Hall and Entrance Hall, with Secret Service officers on hand to answer history questions. Tour schedules can change with little notice.
- #presidential home
- #government building
- #guided tour
- #landmark
Good to know
General sightseeing guidance
Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.
The forecast is part of the ticket
Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.
Golden hour sells out first
Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.
Dress a layer warmer
It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.
Timed entry is common
Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.
What's around here?
The closest stops to The White House, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
Steps awaySwitch it up: Museums
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National Cherry Blossom Festival
FreeAnnual spring celebration around DC's Tidal Basin with cherry blossoms, a parade and cultural events.
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National Museum of African American History and Culture
FreeA powerful journey through African American history and culture, from the slave trade galleries to Motown and beyond.
0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
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Smithsonian National Museum of American History
FreeDorothy's ruby slippers, the actual Star-Spangled Banner, and Julia Child's kitchen, America's attic, free on the National Mall.
0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
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Washington Monument
FreeRide 500 feet up the world's tallest stone obelisk for the only aerial panorama of the White House, Capitol, and Mall.
0.6 mi awayMore like this
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World War II Memorial
FreeCircle a fountain plaza ringed by 56 granite pillars and two arches honoring Americans who served in World War II.
0.6 mi awayMore like this
