The White House is one of those places you recognize long before you ever get to Washington, DC. You’ve seen it in movies, on the news, and in countless photos. Then you get to see it for yourself. If a visit is on your trip itinerary, there’s plenty to know before you go, from how to request a tour to what you’ll find just beyond the gates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arlo Washington DC<\/a> offers a downtown home base for your visit, especially if you’d like to explore more of the city during your trip. You can get a closer look at presidential history, visit nearby landmarks, and find plenty to do around the neighborhood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s a fun fact for your first visit: George Washington never lived in the White House. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Construction began in 1792, but John Adams was the first president to call it home in 1800. Irish-born architect James Hoban designed the building, and the original residence looked a little different from the landmark you see today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The White House took a serious hit during the War of 1812. British troops set fire to the building in August 1814, and much of the interior was destroyed. The residence was rebuilt under Hoban’s supervision, and the next several decades brought additions such as the North and South Porticos. Those familiar columns have a history of their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And what about the name? The building received a protective whitewash in 1798, but White House<\/em> didn’t become its official name until 1901, under President Theodore Roosevelt. Before that, people used names such as the President’s House and the Executive Mansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The building has changed quite a bit over the years, but its role as the president’s home and workplace has endured. The White House Historical Association’s history<\/a> has more details about the people, renovations, and events that shaped this famous address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to see the inside? You’ll need to plan ahead. White House tour tickets are free, but you must request a tour through your member of Congress. Requests can be submitted between seven and 90 days before your preferred date. The official White House visitor page<\/a> explains how to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Selected rooms on the public tour include the State Floor, such as the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, State Dining Room, Cross Hall, and Entrance Hall. You’ll get a look at the art, furnishings, and historic spaces that have played a part in presidential life. It’s a rare chance to see the building beyond its famous exterior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tours generally take place Tuesday through Saturday, but the schedule can change because of official events, holidays, or security needs. Even a confirmed tour can be affected, so keep a little flexibility in your plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before your tour, review the White House rules for identification, security screening, and prohibited items. A quick look at the requirements ahead of time can save you a headache at the entrance. If you’re visiting from outside the United States, make sure you understand the tour request process for international visitors, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can learn more about the White House even if you don’t have a tour reservation. The White House Visitor Center<\/a> is at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, about a block from the White House grounds, and admission is free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inside, you’ll find artifacts from the White House collection, interactive exhibits, historical photographs, and a short film about life inside the presidential residence. The displays explore the building as a family home, a workplace, and the setting for major moments in American history. There’s also a shop operated by the White House Historical Association if you’d like to take home a book or souvenir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you’ve seen the White House, take a look around the neighborhood. Lafayette Square<\/a> is directly north of the grounds, across Pennsylvania Avenue. The seven-acre park has a history of political demonstrations, public celebrations, and gatherings that go back generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Statues throughout the square honor historical figures such as the Marquis de Lafayette, who served alongside American forces during the Revolutionary War, and President Andrew Jackson. Views of the White House make it a great stop during your visit. Take a walk through the grounds, look at the monuments, and get a closer look at the area around the president’s residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pennsylvania Avenue is another familiar part of the DC landscape. If you’re looking up Pennsylvania Avenue DC before your trip, you’ll find a street tied to the city’s political history and civic life. The avenue connects the White House district to other parts of central Washington, so it’s easy to include in a day of sightseeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for things to do near the White House after your visit? A few nearby attractions can easily fit into your plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The National Archives Museum<\/a> displays the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. It’s a great stop if American history has captured your interest, and general admission is free. Timed entry is recommended, so plan ahead if you’d like to see the original founding documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also head toward the National Mall<\/a> to see the Washington Monument and the memorials dedicated to veterans and prominent figures in American history. The Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial are a bit farther west, so allow extra time as needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You don’t have to fit every landmark into one afternoon. Pick the places that interest you most, then leave room for lunch, a coffee break, or a little time to take in the city between stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re looking for hotels near the White House, Arlo Washington DC offers a comfortable home base for exploring the city. The hotel is at 333 G Street NW, near Judiciary Square Metro station, so you can get around by public transportation and reach plenty of downtown attractions. It’s a handy starting point for a trip that includes the White House and more of DC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You have two public transportation options for getting to the White House from Arlo. For the bus, walk about four minutes to H Street NW and 5th Street NW, then take the D20 four stops to I Street NW and 15th Street NW. From there, it’s about a six minute walk to the White House. By Metro, walk about six minutes to Judiciary Square, take the Red Line two stops to Metro Center, then walk roughly 11 minutes to the White House. Travel times can vary, so the WMATA trip planner<\/a> can help you plan your route. Rideshare is also an easy option. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe White House Has Quite a History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Get White House Tour Tickets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Visit the White House Visitor Center<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Explore Lafayette Square and Pennsylvania Avenue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
More Things to Do Near the White House<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stay at Arlo Washington DC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n