Visiting The White House

While actually moving in can be a more complicated matter, the United States’ most celebrated residence doubles as a popular tourist destination, accessible to D.C.-bound travelers who plan ahead. Self-guided tours are offered from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. from Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, all on a first come first serve basis.Upon your arrival at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, it is greatly encouraged to stop by the White House Visitor Center, located on the corner of 15^th Street and E Street. The Visitor Center is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing both background information and unique historical insights that might enhance your tour of the facility. A brief 30 minute video is available for visitors taking a quick look at the structure’s architecture, its furnishings and dcor, famous first family figures, social events, press relations and international figureheads who have made their own visits over the years. A tour of the premises generally only lasts between 20 minutes and an hour, so don’t feel rushed when making your way to through the Visitor Center, instead take your time and appreciate the anecdotal information that can only improve your White House experience and your visit’s significance.Understandably, visit requests and public tours must be scheduled in advance, as the inherent dangers and national security threats of letting the general public in to the President’s home are substantial. Since the September 11 attacks, public access has been heavily regulated and placed under intense scrutiny. Generally, public tours must be submitted through the petitioner’s member of Congress and can be scheduled up to six months in advance. All visitors will be subjected to background checks and visits to the White House may be canceled at any time, subject to the schedule of White House Staff and the Commander in Chief.