Guided tour
Family friendly
Washington, DC: Full-Day Tour with a Scenic River Cruise
- Small group
- Duration: 6 hours
From
$74
per person
Top pick
White House: Tours & Tickets
Free cancellation
Change of plans? No problem. Cancel up to 24 hours before your activity starts for a full refund.
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Architectural Facts About The White House
The architecture of the White House is classical while regal, honoring royal British and ancient Greek times. In a neoclassical and Palladian style, the presidential residence has seen many changes throughout its history.
1. The Men Behind The House
The inspiration for the building came from the only president that didn’t live there, George Washington, who designed it like an English country house with architect James Hoban.
2. The First Resident
John Adams moved into the White House in 1800 for just 4 short months at the end of his term. With over 100 rooms, Adams frequently commented the residence was "too big."
3. Fire in 1814
In the War of 1812, British troops marched to Washington and set the White House ablaze, destroying everything but the outer walls. Hoban restored it by 1817.
4. How The White House Was Named
The building was first painted white after the fire. Although commonly called the “White House,” it wasn’t official until 1902 when Theodore Roosevelt made it so.
5. Withstanding The Test of Time
Despite a second great fire, the same outer walls and classical style that Hoban designed remain intact today -- a cultural icon that has withstood over 200 years.
Planning Your Visit
Inside the White House
Tours through the White House are in fact available. The tour is free and self-guided, but requires quite a bit of planning in advance. It’s required to apply through your member of Congress or foreign U.S. Embassy 6 months to 21 days in advance. Find your representative here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/.
When You Can’t Plan Ahead
Alternatively, if timing doesn’t allow, the White House Visitor Center at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. is open 7 days a week until 4:00PM. Here you’ll find exhibits and more information on this history behind the building and its legendary residents.
Good to know
-
- When should I visit?
- Tues - Thurs 7:30AM to 11:30AM. Fri - Sat 7:30AM to 1:30PM.
-
- Is it expensive?
- Free!
-
- Will I need a guide?
- Nope! Hard as it is to believe, you can roam the White House alone!
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- How to get there
- Take the Metrorail to Federal Triangle or Metro Center.
-
- Additional information
- There are a number of prohibited items so be sure to take a gander at the rules and regulations before you visit.
What people are saying about White House
Pedro are driver was excellent ontime very informative about the area. Was the best way to travel in Washington dc. I highly recommend Pedro and this company for your VIP chauffeur services. Thank you again Pedro for an enjoyable day.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and attentive to our group during the walking tour. The bus was clean and the driver was professional. The water was a nice addition. Highly recommend!
Our guide Tyrone was awesome and very knowledgeable, driver Chris kept us in schedule. Wonderful excursion for first time visitors even under COVID restrictions.
Great tour! Our guide was so good that our teenage boys were entertained the whole time! That's not very easy to do!!!
Excellent!! Fun for our entire family- tour guide very knowledgeable and well paced
Top Attractions in Washington, DC
- Georgetown
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- The Treasury Building, Washington D.C.
- U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
- Smithsonian Castle
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Organization of American States
- Smithsonian Air & Space Museum
- Museum of the Bible
- Potomac River
- Dulles International Airport
- The U.S. National Archives
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Capitol Hill
- Washington Monument
- District of Columbia War Memorial
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