The White House

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One of the most recognizable structures in the world, one can’t say they’ve been to Washington D.C. until they have seen the White House. The home of the leader of the free world is open to the public five days a week from 10 – noon.

The White House tour probably ranks high on a visitor’s list of things to do while in Washington D.C., but the process to get tickets will definitely test your determination. The White House is open Tues. – Sat. from 10 AM – Noon, but you need to get one of the free tickets for admittance. Herein lies the problem because tickets for that day’s tours can only be picked up at the White House Visitors Center and they run out very quickly. Although the center opens at 7:30 AM, during tourist season the line to get tickets starts to form around 5 AM. Therefore most people have to be satisfied with seeing only the exterior of the White House. The Visitors Center has nice displays on the history of the White House to mollify the disappointed visitors who couldn’t get tickets. It’s a nice place to visit, but don’t expect to get tickets for the tour if you arrive after 9 AM.

If you are lucky enough to get tickets, they will be stamped with the departure time of your tour. Bleachers have been set up on the Ellipse so visitors can sit until the tour staff collects them. The twenty minute tour consists of five rooms: The East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room and the State Dining Room.