Go sightseeing at President's Park

In the heart of downtown, Washington, DC, our nation's capital, President's Park surrounds the White House grounds and provides space for recreation, contemplation, and participating in the American democracy. With over hundreds of years of history from Women Suffragists, to Civil War encampments, and the National Christmas Tree, there is plenty to explore in the National Park that is home to the President of the United States.

Details

Duration

30-90 Minutes

Activity

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Immerse yourself in the national park the President of the United States calls home. Hear stories of the presidents and first families who have called the White House home, and learn of the different memorials and special places that make up President's Park.

Ranger programs are usually offered Tuesdays through Saturdays. These programs typically start at the White House Visitor Center Information Desk and are free of charge. We welcome groups of all sizes, but request that groups larger than 25 make arrangements in advance. For a full listing of programs, you can visit our online schedule of events.

Pets Allowed

Yes

At all times, pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet in length. Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost and from other hazard such as running into busy streets. Leashes also help protect park resources, including wildlife and vegetation, as well as other park visitors.

Pets should never be left unattended. Summer sunshine poses a threat to pets left inside vehicles. On a bright, sunny day, even in temperatures as low as 60°F, temperatures inside a vehicle can reach dangerous levels. On an 85°F day, the temperature inside a car-even with the windows cracked-can reach over 100°F within 10 minutes.

Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste.

Activity Fee

No

There are no entrance fees for President's Park or the White House Visitor Center.

Location

President's Park

The White House Visitor Center is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. President's Park boundaries are between 17th and 15th Streets NW on the west and east and between H Street NW and Constitution Avenue NW on the north and south. If you are taking a White House tour, please line up at 15th and Hamilton Streets NW.

We strongly encourage the use of public transportation as nearby parking is very limited.

Parking
The closest Metrorail stations to the White House are Federal Triangle (blue, orange, and silver lines) and Metro Center (red, blue, orange, and silver lines). Because on-street parking is limited, we strongly encourage the use of public transportation. 
 

The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, located a block away from the White House Visitor Center, has an underground parking garage. Access is available via 13½ Street (off Pennsylvania Avenue) and via two entrances on 14th Street from 5 am until 2 am. Rates vary from $10 for one hour up to $23 for all day. Please note that all visitors and vehicles are screened upon entry.

Reservations

No

The National Park Service does not schedule nor provide tours of the White House.

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Night

Park Hours

President's Park outside areas are open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, including holidays.

Standard Hours

• Sunday: Open 24 hours
• Monday: Open 24 hours
• Tuesday: Open 24 hours
• Wednesday: Open 24 hours
• Thursday: Open 24 hours
• Friday: Open 24 hours
• Saturday: Open 24 hours

Accessibility Information

White House Visitor Center Rehabilitation

The remodeled visitor center is designed with a strong focus on accessibility for all visitors. The project team worked closely with the National Center for Accessibility to achieve a fully accessible experience.

All new interactive and tactile exhibits offer visitors a greater chance to find their connection to the President's House. Fore example, visitors will be able to touch tactile maps, pieces of stone used to construct the White House, and replicas of significant objects like the North Portico door knob . Visitors with vision or hearing impairments may request equipment at the information desk to experience the comprehensive audio tour for the museum's exhibits and interactive elements (all film and audio components are open-captioned).

Local Access

The National Park Service provides a wheelchair on loan free-of-charge on a first-come, first-served basis for a maximum of two hours at the Lincoln Memorial, Ford's Theatre, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and other parks. You will be asked to leave a driver's license as security. Please ask a park ranger for assistance.

Every president except George Washington has called the White House and its surrounding grounds his place of work, rest, and solitude. Recognizable around the world, the White House stands as a symbol of democracy. The White House and its park grounds serve not only as the seat of the executive branch of government of the United States of America, but also as an iconic place for civil discourse.

Immerse yourself in the national park the President of the United States calls home. Hear stories of the presidents and first families who have called the White House home, and learn of the different memorials and special places that make up President's Park.

Ranger programs are usually offered Tuesdays through Saturdays. These programs typically start at the White House Visitor Center Information Desk and are free of charge. We welcome groups of all sizes, but request that groups larger than 25 make arrangements in advance. For a full listing of programs, you can visit our online schedule of events.