The White House, where the President and his family live, is an icon of the United States.The White House has been home to every president since John Adams.
Step 1: You can learn about the White House public tours.
Knowing some basic facts about public tours of the White House will help you plan your trip to Washington, DC.There are self-guided tours from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday through Thursday.There are no tours on federal holidays.The tours are subject to last-minute cancellation.There are no group tours.
Step 2: You can request tickets to visit the White House.
There is a procedure for requesting tickets for the self-guided public tours at the White House.As soon as possible, submit your request.On a first come, first served basis, there are limited spaces.You can request White House tickets up to six months in advance and three weeks before your tour date.The House of Representatives has a website where you can find the name of your congressman.You can find this website at http://www.house.gov.Foreign citizens can request tickets through their embassies.There is a list of embassies in the United States.
Step 3: Take a tour of the White House.
If you want to take a self-guided tour of the White House, it is a good idea to get acquainted with it first.Virtual tours of the space are offered by the White House.You can visit the White House Visitor Center.The National Park Service visitor center is open to the public from 7:30am to 4:00pm.You can enhance your understanding of what you see on your tour of the White House if you take a virtual tour.
Step 4: You can ask questions or get last minute information.
You can call the White House Visitor's Office if you have questions or want to know if your tour was canceled.Representatives are available to answer questions.
Step 5: Required documents should be taken for your tour.
Guests over the age of 18 must present a government issued form of identification to the United States Secret Service in order to take a tour of the White House.If you want to go on a tour, you have to show the Secret Service your government issued ID.Any government issued photo identification, including a driver's license, passport, and military ID, can be presented by American citizens.Foreign citizens need to show their passport.Any other form of foreign identification will not be accepted by the Secret Service.The Secret Service will not accept forms of identification that are not government issued.
Step 6: You can leave banned items at home or in your hotel room.
The security in Washington, DC is more strict than at the White House.Knowing what you can and can't bring will keep the Secret Service from denying you entry.Visitors to the White House are not allowed to bring cameras or video recorders, handbags, book bags, backpacks, and purses, food and beverages, tobacco, personal grooming items, strollers, or any pointed objects.Guns, bullets, stun guns, martial arts devices, and knives are all banned.The Secret Service can refuse to allow other items.You can take umbrellas, wallet, car keys and cell phones.The Secret Service can take your cell phone if you use it in the White House.The White House does not have a storage facility for personal items.
Step 7: You can take a tour of the White House.
You will need to arrive for your tour in a timely manner either by public transportation or car.The United States Secret Service can turn away late arrivals, so aim to arrive 15 minutes early.The entrance to White House Tours is located on 15th Street.If you have trouble locating it, the National Park Service can help.There are limited street parking spaces near the White House.It is advisable to use public transportation if you are not familiar with driving in Washington, DC.The best way to get to the White House is by public transportation.Metro Center is the closest stop to the White House.The White House does not have a public restroom.Before you arrive, make sure you use a restroom.
Step 8: The Secret Service has a security screening.
An officer of the Secret Service will tell you to go through the security screening after you arrive at the White House.Additional screening, including personal interviews, may be requested by the Secret Service.
Step 9: President's Park is a great place to visit.
You might want to visit the land and gardens around the White House after you have finished your tour.The President's Park is a great place to take pictures of yourself in front of the White House Porticos.
Step 10: You can visit the White House.
The grounds of the White House, also known as President's Park, can be visited if you weren't able to get tickets for the self-guided public tours.The White House Visitors Center, The Ellipse and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building are places you can go if you don't want to go inside.The grounds of the White House, also called President's Park, can be found in the north, south and between 15th and 17th Streets.The grounds inside the White House fence are not open to the public.The grounds of the White House are not open to the public.There is limited street parking near the White House.It is advisable to use public transportation if you do not know how to drive in Washington, DC.The best way to get to the White House is by public transportation.Metro Center is the closest stop to the White House.
Step 11: Go to The Ellipse.
The South Lawn of the White House is where the Ellipse begins.Visitors can see the South Portico of the White House from this point.Unless otherwise stated, the Ellipse is open to the public all day.The National Christmas Tree and National Menorah can be seen on the Ellipse if you are in Washington during the holiday season.
Step 12: You can visit Lafayette Square.
Lafayette Square is a small park that spans from H Street to Pennsylvania Avenue in the south.Visitors can see the North Portico of the White House from this point.Unless otherwise posted, Lafayette Square is open to the public all day.You may be able to see the President or members of the First Family if you are lucky.The Lafayette Square area is so close to the White House that the Secret Service protects it.If you have questions, the guards may be able to answer them.
Step 13: You can visit the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
The Eisenhower Executive Office Building was once the largest office building in the world and now houses most of the White House staff.The White House is right next to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.There are no public tours or visiting hours for the Eisenhower Executive Office Building because it is for White House staff.
Step 14: The White House Visitors Center is open to the public.
The White House Visitors Center is an excellent alternative to the actual site if you weren't able to get tickets for one of the self-guided public tours.There is a film called "The White House: Reflections from Within" at the Visitor's Center that is free.It is open from 7:30am to 4:00pm from January 1 to December 25.
Step 15: You can take a virtual tour of the White House.
The White House Visitors Center is an excellent alternative to the actual site if you were unable to get tickets for one of the self-guided public tours.There is a film called "The White House: Reflections from Within" at the Visitor's Center and it is free.It is open from 7:30am to 4:00pm from January 1 to December 25.
Step 16: You can take a virtual tour of the White House.
If you can't make it to Washington, DC anytime soon, the President and First Lady offer a virtual tour of the White House.
Step 17: You can read about the White House.
There are many books about the White House from coffee table books to academic studies.