Physical / Mobility

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Parking and Transportation

The White House and President’s Park are in the center of downtown Washington, DC, where parking options are limited.

One accessible parking space is on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House Visitor Center for vehicles with disability placards or plates.

Use the parking map to find more accessible metered parking in DC.

We encourage visitors to use public transportation to visit the White House and President’s Park. The closest Metrorail stations to the White House are:

• Federal Triangle (blue, orange, and silver lines)
• Metro Center (blue, orange, silver, and red lines)
• McPherson Square (blue, orange, and silver lines)

Directions and more parking information.

 

The button to activate the automatic doors is on a post to the left of the doorway.

NPS / Thomas Pemrick

White House Visitor Center

The visitor center is one block from the White House. It has restrooms, an information desk, a retail store, and exhibits about the White House.

The White House Visitor Center address is:
1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20004

Entrance

The entrance is on Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets at street level.

 

There are no stairs or steps to enter or exit the visitor center.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Security Screening

Security screening, similar to TSA airport security, is required for entry to the visitor center. Check the list of prohibited items before you arrive.

During busy times, expect short lines outside while groups pass through screening.

A wide, low-pile carpeted ramp with a 5.25% running slope connects the security screening area with the main floor. There are hand railings on both sides of the ramp.

 

The buttons to activate the automatic restroom doors were not working as of the last update to this page.

NPS / Thomas Pemrick

Restrooms

Restrooms are to the left of the information desk through the archway with columns. Bench seating is between the doors to the men’s and women’s restrooms.

Women’s Restroom

• 1 accessible stall
• 6 standard stalls
• Child-sized changing table

Men’s Restroom

• 1 accessible stall
• 2 standard stalls
• 5 urinals
• Child-sized changing table

Drinking Fountains

There are two drinking fountains with one water bottle filling station next to the men’s restroom.

 

Park rangers at the information desk are ready to answer your questions.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Information Desk

The information desk is at the bottom of the entrance and exit ramp. There is a low section in the center of the counter for asking questions.

The White House and President’s Park passport stamp is on the left end of the counter.

 

Sit and watch videos and photo slideshows about the White House.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Exhibits

The exhibit area features about 100 historical artifacts, interpretive panels, photo slideshows, videos, tactile elements, scale models, and an interactive touch screen tour of the White House.

The room has low-pile carpet with space to move around the exhibits with a mobility device. Benches are throughout the exhibits in front of video screens. There is additional bench seating behind the information desk.

 

There are multiple spots for wheelchairs in the theater.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Theater

The theater is at the east end of the exhibit area. There are entrances on either side of the screen. The 14-minute film “White House: Reflections from Within” plays every 20 minutes, starting on the hour.

There are wheelchair spaces in the front row (far right and far left) and back row (center right) when facing the screen.

 

The park store has t-shirts, books, jewelry, and other souvenirs.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Park Store

The store is to the right after you go down the entrance ramp. Bench seating lines the front wall of the store. There is space to move around inside the store with a mobility device. The checkout is on the left after you enter, and the register on the left end has a low counter.

 

Exit

The exit is at the top of the ramp on the left. Two sets of glass double doors have automatic door buttons to the left of each set.

Wheelchairs for Loan

Two wheelchairs are available to borrow for use in the visitor center. Ask a ranger or visit the information desk.

 

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

White House Tours

Please check your ticket for the most updated information about entrance location. Due to construction, the White House Tour entrance is currently at the northeast corner of Lafayette Square, at the intersection of H Street NW and Madison Place NW. The entrance is about a half mile walk slightly uphill from the visitor center. The closest Metrorail station to the tour entrance is McPherson Square (blue, orange, and silver lines), about 0.3 miles away.

Dress for the weather and be prepared to stand in long lines outdoors before your tour.

For White House tours, a limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow. Ask a Secret Service officer at the entrance location for assistance.

 

Lafayette Square has many benches to sit and take in the views.

NPS

Lafayette Square

Wide, flat brick paths lined with benches cross through Lafayette Square connecting landscaping, monuments, and statues.

When walking from the visitor center to Lafayette Square, you will have to cross 15th Street and walk north for a couple of blocks. The sidewalk is wide with curb cuts and a median slope of 3%. There are no benches on 15th street between the visitor center and Lafayette Square.

The Secret Service may close Lafayette Square at any time without advance notice.

The Ellipse

There is no visitor parking on the Ellipse.

There are wide, paved paths across the Ellipse, with benches placed along the sidewalks and paths.

The Secret Service may close the Ellipse at any time without advance notice.

 

Questions?

Please contact us for additional information or for help planning your visit.

Email Us

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Voice: 202-208-1631