Backpacks and pretty much any bag are not allowed. Don't be surprised if the schedule changes. We were able to enter 30 minutes before our scheduled tour and I'm glad we did because we were rushed through so the White House could close to the public at 3:00. You won't see all of the White House, but you do see a significant portion. You may take as many photos as you want! - Allow 90 minutes to see everything. Don't even think about touching anything. You will be watched by numerous Secret Service officers and cameras. You will go through several layers of security. Of course, there are no walk-up admissions. Some state driver's licenses may not qualify as ID. That knowledge will help you enjoy your visit. Definitely read ahead about what happened here through the history of the United States. I don't need to tell you what the White House is or what's significant about it. It's something you can't see anywhere else it's hard to get into. Second: it's absolutely worth it! The White House tour should be the #1 thing on your agenda in DC. We felt privileged to be able to enjoy both of these tours.įirst things first: contact your Representative or Senator six months before you plan to visit the White House or you're not getting in (unless you know somebody). The Marine Band was playing music on the Portico, a Presidential limousine was on display and the exterior of the White House is an architectural delight.
There weren't a lot of blooming flowers, but the grounds were beautifully tended. That event requires a timed entry ticket, distributed beginning at 8:30 AM the morning of on a first come-first served basis. We were lucky to be there on a week-end when there was also a garden tour available. In both, every square inch is in mint condition. The only other place I have seen that is as well maintained as the White House is Buckingham Palace. They are used for award ceremonies, meals or diplomatic occasions in the afternoons and evenings primarily. These rooms are stunning, filled with beautiful antiques and incredibly well maintained.
There are guards stationed everywhere who will answer questions but do not have prepared spiels. But after those, there are some bigger, well known rooms to spend time in. We saw about seven rooms, a few of which we could not enter as they are two small to allow easy in and out. We went in October when Congress was not in session and were able to get a tour with a month's notice. I had read some very unfavorable tour reviews online but having just taken the tour, I heartily disagree. If you cannot get one through your own Congressperson you can request one from any Congressperson from your state, although obviously they are going to give preference to citizens who live within their own district. The National Park Service, who approves the requests, told me that some representatives are very good about forwarding requests, and others are very lax. Unfortunately, you likely won't hear if you have been accepted for a tour until a week or two before you are due to travel. White House tours are requested through your Congressperson three weeks to three months before your travel dates. Note that the view of the White House is much further away on the south lawn, but it is less noisy and gives a different view of the White House. Two nights later I was back in the evening enjoying the White House view until the Secret Service Security Guards started yelling and demanding people to get on the other side of the street so they could tape off the street for some reason that they did not disclose. A bit later I had the chance to see the White House lights go out at 11PM and relish in the quietness of the night. As I sat on the curb to rest and next to me was a cameraman setting up for a telecast, well 15 minutes later the reporter arrived, and I had a front row view to a network telecast which was quite interesting. I made three trips to view the White House, and it was most peaceful later in the evening.
In front of the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue it is literally a circus! The protesters and street performers made the area circus like, the use of bullhorns, a loud boombox and cardboard signage, was really a very sad state.
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