It is more than the President's residence; it is a site for protests and national discourse about what it means to be American. As one of the most iconic sites in the country, the White House and President's Park seeks to tell the stories of all people who have lived, worked, and visited.
Photo: NPS / Kelsey Graczyk
The White House and President's Park
The White House is owned by the American people and stewarded by the National Park Service.
- LocationWashington, DC
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 7:30AM - 4:00PM
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Weather now81°F Light rain shower
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- American Revolution
- Architecture and Building
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21 more topics
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- War of 1812
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Alerts (1)
InformationTemporary Closure of Park Areas at Request of US Secret Service At the request of the United States Secret Service and to ensure necessary security and safety for the adjacent White Ho… Read more
At the request of the United States Secret Service and to ensure necessary security and safety for the adjacent White House complex and its occupants, several designated areas of President's Park will be temporarily closed from approximately 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, until approximately 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026. For a closure map and more detailed information, please follow the link below.
Things to Do
5 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Blue Line - DC Metro
Fee applies
From the National Mall and Memorial Parks to the Mount Vernon Trail, travel the Blue Line to see what the southern portion of Washington, DC has to offer. Each of the parks listed here are 1 mile or…
Learn more about Blue Line - DC Metro on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Explore the White House Visitor Center
Explore interactive exhibits, discover historic White House treasures, watch a free film, and get to know the White House as a home, office, symbol, and stage.
Learn more about Explore the White House Visitor Center on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Go sightseeing at President's Park
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…
Learn more about Go sightseeing at President's Park on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Red Line - DC Metro
Fee applies
Embrace the outdoors, explore interactive exhbits and stand where history happened by taking the Red Line to visit some of DC's National Park Sites. Each of the parks listed here are 1 mile or less…
Learn more about Red Line - DC Metro on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Silver Line - DC Metro
Fee applies
Step off the Silver Line to take a walk on Theodore Roosevelt Island, or sight see from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Each of the parks listed here are 1 mile or less from each metro stop (about…
Learn more about Silver Line - DC Metro on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 5 of 5
Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Tours & Tickets
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The National Christmas Tree Lighting Opening Ceremony
Ticket Facility
The Opening Ceremony of the Lighting of the National Christmas is a time-honored holiday tradition which includes the illumination of the National Christmas Tree on the…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov DC Directions
Details
Overview:
The Opening Ceremony of the Lighting of the National Christmas is a time-honored holiday tradition which includes the illumination of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse just south of the White House. Popular entertainers and a United States military band add to the celebratory evening when the President of the United States lights the National Christmas Tree and brings a message of peace to the nation and world. With the White House as a back drop, in what becomes the "Christmas Pathway of Peace," the National Christmas Tree and 56 smaller trees--one for each state, five territories and the District of Columbia--serve as the event focal point. -
The White House Easter Egg Roll
Ticket Facility
THE WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL - The White House Easter Egg Roll is a tradition that dates to 1878. Originally, young children in Washington, D.C. would flock to…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov DC Directions
Details
Overview:
THE WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL -
The White House Easter Egg Roll is a tradition that dates to 1878. Originally, young children in Washington, D.C. would flock to Capitol Hill every Monday after Easter for egg rolling and a day of activities. Members of Congress grew tired of the growing crowds and passed an Act of Congress which prohibited egg rolling on the Capitol grounds. The event was moved to the White House in 1878 after President Hayes was approached by young children to use his backyard to roll eggs. Nearly every Easter since, the White House has invited young children to roll eggs on the White House lawn.
Today, the Easter Egg Roll has grown from a few local children rolling eggs on the White House Lawn to become the largest event held at the White House, filled with live entertainment, sports and interactive cooking demos. And, of course, the traditional rolling of the Easter eggs. The Easter Egg Roll promotes healthy and active living and is designed for children 12 years of age and under. As in past years, an online lottery will be conducted to choose the lucky winners of tickets. Signing up for the lottery is free of charge. Tickets for winners are free of charge.
Other Visitor Services
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White House Visitor Center
Facility
Visitors can explore an interactive touchscreen tour of the White House, view over 90 artifacts from the White House collection, shop at the White House Historical…
1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC (202) 208-1631 Directions
Details
Visitors can explore an interactive touchscreen tour of the White House, view over 90 artifacts from the White House collection, shop at the White House Historical Association retail store, and view the 14 minute film, "White House: Reflections From Within." Visit the information desk to inquire about special ranger programs and events at President's Park.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 7:30AM - 4:00PM · White House Visitor Center
Hours details
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White House Visitor CenterDaily, 7:30AM - 4:00PM
The White House Visitor Center
Monday 7:30AM - 4:00PM Tuesday 7:30AM - 4:00PM Wednesday 7:30AM - 4:00PM Thursday 7:30AM - 4:00PM Friday 7:30AM - 4:00PM Saturday 7:30AM - 4:00PM Sunday 7:30AM - 4:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
1450 Pennsylvania Ave., NWWashington, DC 20230
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
81°F
Light rain shower · feels like 88°
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Today
95° 63°
Overcast57% rain -
Tomorrow
71° 56°
Light rain shower87% rain -
Sunday
64° 62°
Light rain shower92% rain
Updated 1 hr ago
WeatherSmall Craft Advisory Details
Small Craft Advisory issued October 2 at 9:45AM EDT until October 2 at 10:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...North winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt expected.
* WHERE...Tidal Potomac from Indian Head to Cobb Island MD.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 8 AM EDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
WeatherSmall Craft Advisory Details
Small Craft Advisory issued October 2 at 9:45AM EDT until October 3 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...North winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt expected.
* WHERE...Tidal Potomac from Indian Head to Cobb Island MD.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 8 AM EDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
What to expect by season
The Washington, DC, area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate. Summertime is warm and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4” monthly, year-round. The warmest months are June, July, and August, with average highs in the 80s (~31) combined with high humidity. Temperatures often climb into the 90s (~34). The coldest months are December, January, and February, with average temperatures in the 30s (~3), though lows may dip into the single digits on occasion.
Upcoming Events
3 coming up-
Ranger Talk: First Ladies
About
From preserving the portrait of George Washington to throwing the most legendary parties, Dolley Madison was honored with the term "First Lady". Starting with the story of Dolley Madison, join a ranger at the White House Visitor Center in learning about the lives and legacies of First Ladies throughout American history.
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White House Fall Garden Tours
Event page for White House Fall Garden Tours (opens in a new tab)About
The 2026 Fall Garden Tours will take place Saturday, October 17 from 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM, and Sunday, October 18 from 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM on the White House Grounds.
The event is free and open to the public. A ticket is required for all attendees, including small children. Free, timed tickets will be distributed from a tent outside the White House Visitor Center each day of the tours beginning at 8:30 AM. The White House Visitor Center is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20004, near the intersection of 15th Street and E Street Northwest.
Tickets will be distributed—one ticket per person—on a first-come, first-served basis.
In the event of inclement weather, the event may be canceled. Please call the 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7040 to check on the status of the event. For more information, including what visitors will need to access the White House campus, please visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/Visit. -
White House Fall Garden Tours
Event page for White House Fall Garden Tours (opens in a new tab)About
The 2026 Fall Garden Tours will take place Saturday, October 17 from 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM, and Sunday, October 18 from 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM on the White House Grounds.
The event is free and open to the public. A ticket is required for all attendees, including small children. Free, timed tickets will be distributed from a tent outside the White House Visitor Center each day of the tours beginning at 8:30 AM. The White House Visitor Center is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20004, near the intersection of 15th Street and E Street Northwest.
Tickets will be distributed—one ticket per person—on a first-come, first-served basis.
In the event of inclement weather, the event may be canceled. Please call the 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7040 to check on the status of the event. For more information, including what visitors will need to access the White House campus, please visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/Visit.
Photos
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Traditional Trades Advancement Program interns work alongside the National Park Service to maintain Lafayette Park — NPS / Kelsey Graczyk -
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Getting There
Washington, DC 20230
The White House is located in downtown Washington, DC, directly north of the Washington Monument. The park boundaries are between 17th and 15th Streets NW on the east and west and between Constitution Ave NW and H St NW on the north and south.
Full directions
The nearest Metro stations are Farragut North/South, McPherson Square, and Federal Triangle. The park visitor center is located at 15th St. & Pennsylvania Ave.
Mailing address: 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240
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