White House

Even if you don’t visit inside, it’s worth walking around to take in this iconic Neoclassical building which was designed by the architect James Hoban in 1792. (Every president has lived here since George Washington, who commissioned the design.)  The building features 132 rooms including a bowling alley and three kitchens and sits on 18 acres of land. Here’s how to plan your Washington, D.C. visit, what to expect, and what to explore nearby, all within easy reach of The ROOST White House.

Seeing the White House from the Outside

Most visitors first encounter the White House, the country’s most well-known address, from Lafayette Square, the seven-acre park directly north of the building. This offers an iconic view of the imposing white façade framed by green lawn and the Washington Monument in the distance. It’s where crowds have gathered for photos, protests, and the occasional presidential motorcade.

The South Lawn, viewed from the Ellipse, offers a different perspective. This side faces the National Mall and gives you a wide view of the grounds, the Rose Garden,
first designed in 1903 by First Lady Edith Roosevelt, and the Truman Balcony, which was added on by the 33rd President in 1949. Early mornings and sunset hours are usually the quietest times to visit both areas. Each vantage point tells a different story. The north side shows the stately, formal face of the presidency, while the south side feels more open and connected to the city.

Getting an Inside Tour

A public tour of the White House takes some planning, but it’s well worth the effort. U.S. citizens typically need to request tickets through their member of Congress at least three weeks in advance. International visitors can request tickets through their embassy. Tours are self-guided but carefully managed, allowing visitors to see several historic rooms such as the East Room, the largest of the state rooms. Fun fact: John Adams, the second president, and first lady Abigail Adams used to hang their wash here when it was still being constructed. There’s also the State Dining Room, and Blue Room, which is one of the three state parlors on the first floor in the White House, the residence of the president of the United States. It is distinctive for its oval shape. The room is used for receptions and receiving lines and is occasionally set for small dinners. President Grover Cleveland married Frances Folsom in the room on June 2, 1886, the only wedding of a President and First Lady in the White House.

If you don’t have time to arrange a tour, the White House Visitor Center offers a great alternative. Located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, it’s open daily and includes interactive exhibits, photographs, and artifacts from the presidential collection. There’s a 14-minute film about daily life in the White House, and a full-scale model of the building that helps you understand its layout. Admission is free, and it’s only a five-minute walk from the main gates.

A Brief History Worth Knowing

Construction of the White House began in 1792, with President George Washington overseeing the site but never living there. John Adams was the first to move in. Over the next two centuries, it endured fires, renovations, and expansions.
The British burned it during the War of 1812. Theodore Roosevelt oversaw major interior changes that gave it a more modern structure. Harry Truman rebuilt much of the interior during his presidency, while maintaining the original exterior walls. Today, it stands as both a functioning office and a preserved piece of national heritage.
Every administration has left its mark, too, with new décor, gardens, art, and policies that change how the space is used. Theodore Roosevelt’s passion for hunting led him to decorate the State Dining Room with taxidermy during his terms (1901-19090. Jackie Kennedy redesigned the Rose Garden. In 1970, President Richard Nixon converted the indoor swimming pool(first built for FDR to help with his physical therapy) into a briefing room to cater to the growing press corps.

That ongoing evolution is part of what makes it fascinating to see up close.

What You’ll See Nearby

A visit to the White House doesn’t stop at the fence line. The surrounding blocks are dotted with landmarks, museums, and parks that round out the experience.

• Lafayette Square: Shaded benches, statues, and some of the best photo opportunities of the North Portico. Street musicians and protest groups often gather here, adding to the lively atmosphere.
• The Ellipse: A 52-acre public park behind the South Lawn. It hosts the National Christmas Tree each winter and offers sweeping views of both the White House and the Washington Monument.
• Blair House: Across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, this is the official presidential guest residence where visiting heads of state stay.
• Eisenhower Executive Office Building: The ornate grey building next door is known for its French Second Empire architecture. You can view it from the sidewalk or join one of the occasional public tours.
• Renwick Gallery: Two blocks away, it is part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and focuses on contemporary craft and design, and is free to enter.
• St. John’s Church: At 16th and H Streets, this 19th-century Episcopal church is often called the “Church of the Presidents.” Almost every president since James Madison has attended services here.

Planning Your Visit to Washington, D.C.

When to Go:

The grounds around the White House are open year-round, but spring and fall are the best seasons for comfort and photography. Mornings tend to be the quietest, while afternoons draw larger crowds and school groups.

How Long to Stay:

You can see both sides of the White House and visit the Visitor Center in about ninety minutes. If you plan to include nearby sites like Lafayette Square or the Renwick Gallery, allow two to three hours.

Getting There:

From The ROOST, walk or take the Metro to McPherson Square Station. Exit toward I Street NW and follow the signs west to Pennsylvania Avenue. The streets around the White House are closed to through traffic, which makes walking both safe and scenic.

Security Tips:

Expect restricted access and periodic street closures. Backpacks, large bags, and tripods aren’t allowed on tours. Bring only essentials, and have identification handy if you have a scheduled tour slot.

What to Do Around the Neighborhood

The downtown area surrounding the White House blends government, history, and leisure. You’ll find everything from casual lunch spots to high-end dining, as well as cultural stops that fill the rest of your day.

• Old Ebbitt Grill: A historic restaurant two blocks from the White House, known for oysters and classic American fare. Ideal for lunch or dinner after your visit.
• Founding Farmers: A popular modern farm-to-table restaurant with hearty breakfasts and locally sourced dishes. Reservations are recommended during weekends.
• Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab: Upscale, reliable, and just a short walk away if you want to turn your sightseeing day into a celebratory dinner.
• The Hamilton: A large, lively restaurant with a late-night bar scene and occasional live music.
• Dolcezza Gelato: Perfect for a mid-day break, especially during the steamy summer months. It’s located inside the nearby CityCenterDC shopping area.

For quick bites, several cafés and coffee shops line Pennsylvania Avenue, catering to office workers and visitors alike.

A Few Practical Tips

• Check the National Park Service's website before visiting for updated hours or closures.
• Bring a valid ID if you have a tour reservation.
• Restrooms are available inside the Visitor Center, not in the immediate park area.
• Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll cover more ground than you expect.
• Take a moment to explore Pennsylvania Avenue’s historic plaques and signs; they offer quick facts that enrich the experience.

Why the White House Belongs on Your D.C. Itinerary

From The ROOST White House, you’re less than a ten-minute walk from the country’s most famous address. And you're close enough to make it part of your morning routine. Grab a coffee, wander west toward Lafayette Square, and watch the flag above the North Portico as the city wakes up around you. Seeing the White House in person connects everything that defines Washington. Add it to your itinerary and be sure to explore on your next visit. Book your stay at The ROOST White House, a premier White House hotel, to be right at the heart of it all and experience what it feels like to have history right in your neighborhood.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our guide to the Best Things To Do in Washington, D.C. — from iconic landmarks to hidden local gems, all just minutes from ROOST White House.