The White House Tours
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Every year, people from all over the world flock to Washington DC just to get a peek at the 132-room United States White House, which has been the official residence of each US president since 1800.
The Basics
The White House is most often admired from afar, as wandering tourists are unable to step inside and the grounds are only open for special events, such as the White House Easter Egg Roll. In lieu of touring the interior (which can be arranged by making a request through Congress), travelers can catch sight of the structure from behind the front gates or head to the National Park Service’s White House Visitors Center to browse exhibits, watch historic reenactments, or stop by the gift shop.
How to Prepare for the White House Tour
Requests for free, self-guided tours of the East Wing must be submitted through your member of Congress. Tour requests can be made up to three months in advance; this is advised given that they are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited. The names, birthdates, and social security numbers of everyone in your party must be submitted. Once approved, you’ll be assigned a tour time (they are available Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30am to 11:30am and Friday and Saturday until 1:30pm). Call the White House Visitors Office information line at (202) 456-7041 for additional tour information.
If you do secure one of these public tours, highlights include the Red Room, used primarily for afternoon tea; the Green Room; and the Blue Room, the setting of the White House Christmas tree. West Wing tours (including the Oval Office) are by invitation only.
What to Know Before Visiting the White House
Here are a few tips to help you plan your visit.
- Be sure to have your government-issued photo ID with you at all times during your visit.
- There are no general public storage facilities on site; most visitors bring only their wallet, keys, and cell phone. Compact cameras are also allowed.
- Prohibited items include no-brainers such as electric stun guns and martial arts weapons/devices. You’ll also want to leave purses, backpacks, video cameras, and book bags at home. The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items.
- The nearest restrooms are in the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion.
- Note that visitor access records to the White House complex are made publicly available 90 to 120 days after each visit.
How to Get There
Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, the White House can be reached by taking the Washington Metro—disembark at Metro Center, McPherson Square, or Federal Triangle, the closest metrorail station to the visitors entrance. Street parking can be difficult to find.
Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington D.C., USA
Hours: White House Visitor Center: 7:30am-4pm every day
Admission: Varies
156 Tours and Activities to Experience The White House
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Full-day ToursBest of DC Tour -With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings
Beat the long entrance lines and experience some of the most popular attractions in Washington, DC like an insider on this full-day sightseeing tour. Enjoy priority entry into the United States Capitol, the home of Congress. Then visit the National Archives Building, where the original Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution are on display. In between, see the city’s most famous landmarks and monuments, like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and more.
... More
- 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$125.00
Half-day ToursDC At Dusk Night Tour
Ride a luxury coach past major landmarks on this night bus tour of Washington DC. Gaze at floodlit memorials and monuments, such as the magnificent Lincoln Memorial and the glow of the Jefferson Memorial reflected in the Tidal Basin. After this sightseeing tour, you’ll understand why the nation’s capital is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities at night.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$58.00
Half-day ToursWashington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour
Experience the sights and sounds of Washington, DC in one day on this guided walking and riding sightseeing tour around the nation’s capital. Visit the city’s historic, iconic landmarks and monuments, like the White House, the United States Capitol, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. See and learn about the memorials of famous American leaders who helped shape the United States, like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Martin Luther King, Jr., to name a few. Includes a seasonal Potomac River cruise.
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- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$74.00
Bus ToursBig Bus Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Discover the most popular sights in Washington, DC on this relaxing hop-on hop-off bus tour. Drive past many of the top attractions in the nation’s capital — including the White House, the Washington Monument, the National Mall, historic Georgetown, and Arlington National Cemetery, and choose where you want to get off and explore in more detail. Select a 1- or 2-day pass, then hop on at any of the stops on two different routes and get to know the city with a combination of both live and audio commentary. The 2-day option includes admission to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.
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- 1 hour
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$49.00
City PackagesWashington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley + Arlington Nat'l Cemetery, Water Taxi Upgrade
Take a hop-on hop-off Washington DC trolley tour to explore the nation’s capital at your own pace. The route encompasses the city’s top attractions, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery (if option is selected). This is the only tour to take you into the Arlington National Cemetery (if option is selected). Just hop off at any stop when you want to explore, and then hop back on the trolley to continue around the city. When booking, select a silver, gold, or platinum pass, depending upon your interests.
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- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$49.00
City PackagesWashington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
Explore the famous monuments and memorials of Washington DC by moonlight on this narrated sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and enjoy an educational and entertaining history of the nation’s capital while traveling past each point of interest. Take in the stunning views of an illuminated Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and many other landmarks. This is a truly unique look at the iconic monuments of Washington DC by night.
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- 2 hours to 2 days
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$45.00
City PackagesCapitol Hill and DC Monuments Tour by Electric Cart
Explore the famous monuments and war memorials of Washington, DC on this small-group sightseeing tour. Hop aboard a special eCruiser vehicle and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of our nation’s capital. Get a glimpse of the White House and travel around and through Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian museum complex, plus a plethora of famous memorials and monuments — like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument — and many other hotspots. This is a great way to see many of DC’s most famous landmarks.
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- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$62.00
Half-day ToursGuided Tour of Washington DC with Washington Monument and Seasonal Boat Cruise
Explore the famous landmarks and monuments of Washington DC on this guided, half- or full-day, walking and riding sightseeing tour. Hop aboard a deluxe motor coach and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of the nation’s capital. Stop at the White House and the United States Capitol, plus the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and much more. The full-day tour features more than 30 sites with visits to at least 12. It’s a great way to see many of DC’s popular attractions.
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- 6 hours
From
$94.00
City PackagesWashington DC Monuments by Moonlight Electric Cart Tour
Explore the famous monuments and war memorials of Washington, DC by the light of night on this small-group sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air, electric vehicle and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of our nation’s capital. Travel around and through the plethora of famous memorials and monuments, with stunning views of an illuminated Washington Monument, the White House and many other landmark locations. This is a truly unique look at the iconic monuments of Washington, DC by night.
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- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$73.25
Night ToursEpic Washington DC Evening Tour: Small-Group Van Tour
Explore the famous monuments and war memorials of Washington, DC by the light of night on this guided, 4-hour, small-group sightseeing tour. Hop aboard a Dodge Sprinter van and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of the nation’s capital. Travel around and through the plethora of famous memorials and monuments, with stunning views of an illuminated Washington Monument, the White House, and many other landmark locations. This is a truly unique look at the iconic monuments of Washington DC by night.
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$60.62
Half-day ToursWashington DC Night Tour with Hotel Pickup
Explore the monuments, war memorials, and famous sites of Washington DC by the light of night on this guided small-group sightseeing tour. Enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of the US capital. Travel around and through the plethora of famous memorials and monuments, with stunning views of an illuminated Washington Monument, the White House and many other landmark locations.
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$54.80
Half-day ToursAfrican-American History Tour with Reserved Museum Entry
Immerse yourself in the history of African-American culture in the United States during this half-day history excursion in the Nation’s Capital. Follow the path of the first African-Americans at Jamestown through the Civil Rights movement, checking out key sites like the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, the vibrant U Street corridor, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the MLK Memorial, plus much more.
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$91.44
Half-day ToursSmall Group Washington DC Day Tour with 8 Guided Stops
Experience the history and culture of the nation’s capital on this comprehensive, half-day, small-group tour. Travel in a comfortable vehicle complete with phone chargers, umbrellas, and a flat-screen TV, and see Washington DC’s monuments, museums, and memorials with a guide. See the US Capitol building, the White House, the Mall and more. Avoid the hassles of driving, or navigating public transportation and leave the logistics to your guide.
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$61.65
Half-day ToursHalf-Day Grand Tour of Washington DC
Get a panoramic look at Washington DC on this sightseeing tour that provides a comprehensive introduction to the United States capital and its historical and cultural landmarks. Listen to live narration as you see dozens of attractions, such as Lincoln Memorial, the exterior of the White House, Washington Monument and the National Mall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Smithsonian buildings.
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$53.42
Half-day ToursSmall Group Twilight Tour of Washington DC with 8 Guided Stops
Washington DC’s monuments and landmarks light up after dark, perfect for dramatic views and memorable photos of the capital city. Explore the sights from the National Mall to the White House and key memorials as your guide provides informative narration about each site. Hop off at select sights to get an up-close look with your small-group and guide. This tour includes transport between locations.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$61.65
Mountain Bike ToursWashington DC Monuments Bike Tour
See the historical sights of Washington DC with an up-close view of significant monuments on a bike tour by comfortable cruiser. Ride an easy route over flat terrain from the National Mall to the Potomac Tidal Basin and view DC landmarks including the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial as you explore the attractions with a knowledgeable guide.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$46.00
Bus ToursFour-Hour Private DC Highlight Tour by Van
Make the most of your time in Washington, D.C., on a private tour of the city’s highlights with a professional guide. Kick off the day at the White House, then visit the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Jefferson Memorial, and more of D.C.’s most iconic monuments and museums. Finish the day with a stop at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
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- 3 to 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$369.87
per group
City PackagesWashington DC Super Saver: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley + Monuments by Moonlight Tour
Explore the best of Washington, DC on this narrated, hop-on hop-off trolley tour. Visit more than 100 points of interest among DC’s top attractions—like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, to name just a few. Depending upon your interest, select a silver, gold, or platinum pass, then board at any of the stops and get to know the nation’s capital in customized fashion, with live onboard commentary from a professional tour conductor. A guided moonlight trolley tour to the same landmark locations, illuminated for the evening, is also included.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$85.00
Half-day ToursDC After Dark Tour with Stops at Top Attractions
Check out Washington DC’s memorials and other landmarks illuminated after dark on this evening sightseeing tour. Travel through the city by coach or open-top bus to admire the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, the US Capitol and more. Stop for photo ops, and soak up the twinkling atmosphere of the American capital at night.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$35.00
Day TripsCustomized, Private Guided Tour of Washington, DC
THIS COST OF THIS TOUR IS BY GROUP. Concierge Tours ensures that all our guests, no matter the size of the group, see exactly what they want in the time they are in the Washington, DC area. A customized itinerary will be created and reviewed so that our guests know exactly what sights they will visit on the day(s) they spend on tour.
Concierge Tours also caters to children! We keep them entertained and engaged during the tour.
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- 4 to 8 hours
From
$438.36
per group
Half-day ToursWashington DC After Dark Wonder Tour
Explore the famous monuments and war memorials of Washington, DC by the light of night on this guided sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an air-conditioned minivan and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of our nation’s capital. Travel around and through the plethora of famous memorials and monuments, with stunning views of an illuminated Washington Monument, the White House, and many other landmark locations. This is a truly unique look at the iconic monuments of Washington DC by night.
... More
- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$53.43
Day TripsPrivate Washington DC Day Trip from New York
Visit Washington, D.C., on a private, full-day trip from New York City with a chauffeured minivan that accommodates up to six passengers. Enjoy the ride in comfort and style, then spend a day exploring the capital’s most important sites. See the United States Capitol and the moving tombs of the Arlington National Cemetery, then continue to the White House and Presidential memorials. Visit the museums and monuments that line the National Mall before returning to New York.
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- 15 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$1,127.40
per group
Half-day ToursMoonlit Tour of the National Mall with Pick-Up
See Washington, DC’s best sites light up after dark on a 3-hour, nighttime tour of the National Mall and monuments. Listen to an entertaining narrated history of the capital city, then stop to explore the most important destinations, from moving tributes to America's 20th-century wars to inspiring presidential landmarks. Take in the White House and the U.S. Capitol building at their most picturesque and get the perfect orientation and overview of Washington, DC.
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- 3 hours
From
$56.00
Mountain Bike ToursWashington DC Sites at Night Bike Tour
Experience the beauty of Washington, D.C. at night on this monuments at night bike tour of the city. Check out the Jefferson, Lincoln and WWII memorials once the sun goes down and explore the Vietnam War Memorial and the National Mall at night. This popular tour offers travelers the chance to explore on two wheels after dark when monuments are less crowded.
... More
- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$51.00
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