This post may contain affiliate links. This means I might receive a commission for any purchases made using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. So, go get your Amazon on!
The White House is the home of the President and many Presidents before him. Regardless, this property is available for us to visit and tour. This is an incredible opportunity to walk the hallways of our nation’s history. You will be underneath the same roof where discussions on policy, national security, and so much more take place. The free tour of the White House in Washington DC is an opportunity you do not want to miss out on.
Book Your Free Tour
Tours of the White House are free and available through your elected representative. You will need to book your tour over 3 weeks in advance.
Important! Read how to book FREE tours in Washington DC.
1. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
As you arrive for your tour, you will be walking on the famous Pennsylvania Avenue. This is when it sunk in that I was really visiting the White House.
2. The Secret Service
As soon as you get close to the White House, you will see Secret Service. They are everywhere. Even if you do not see them, they are there.
3. The Exterior Of The White House
We have seen so many pictures of the White House throughout our lives. In history books, on the news, and so much more. Seeing the white mansion up close made me awe-struck. On one hand, it looks like every picture you have ever seen. On the other hand, no pictures could ever do it justice. During the tour, you will get different glimpses of the exterior of the White House.
4. The South Lawn
If you look outside the windows, you will see the South Lawn. I recognized this area most from Marine One. This grassy area outside is where Marine One (the President’s Helicopter) lands. Beyond the South Lawn, you will have views of the Ellipse, Washington Monument and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
5. The East Lobby
The tour begins on the east wing of The White House. You start in the East Lobby which is most recognizable with its wood paneling and a few portraits. One of my favorite portraits in The White House is Nancy Reagan.
Fun Fact: This portrait was just used for her commemorative stamp released in 2022 by the USPS.
6. The East Colonnade
The next stop on the tour is the East Colonnade. This is a pretty recognizable area of the White House. This hallway has framed photographs for your viewing. Since this is the first stop on the tour, everyone is soaking it in.
I recognized the East Colonnade as the hallway where Melania Trump decorated with her controversial Christmas Trees. When this story was all over the news, I leaned over to my friends and said “I have been in that room!”
7. A Tribute To The First Pets
You have heard of the first lady and the first family, but what about the first pets? There is a photo tribute in the East Colonnade that I became obsessed with. You will have a chance to glimpse into the softer side of our Presidents and meet the furry members of their families.
8. Pictures Of Famous Moments At The White House
There are an abundance of photos along the East Colonnade. It is mesmerizing seeing everything that has taken place on these grounds. Some of my favorite pictures include Princess Diana dancing with Ronald Reagan, and another of Queen Elizabeth planting a tree on the south lawn. Imagine instructing the Queen of England to plant a tree!
9. The East Garden Room
The East Wing was built in 1902 and since that time has been the entrance to the White House for visitors and guests.
The building was enlarged in 1942 to its current size to provide office space. The garden, seen through the windows, was named the Jacqueline Kenney Garden in 1965. Designed with ornamental hedges and seasonal flowers, this space can be used for informal entertaining.
– The East Wing Entrance and Kenney Garden
10. The Kennedy Garden
The Kennedy Garden is named to honor Jacqueline Kennedy. It sits outside the East Garden Room and offers views of the South Lawn. When we toured the White House, there was a soccer net set up for Barron Trump.
11. The Vermeil Room
Once a billiard room, the room now displays selections from a collection of European and American vermeil (a French term meaning gilded silver) received by the White House in 1957.
The 1,575 piece collection is on view throughout the house and contains examples of work by the most prominent English and French silversmiths working in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Portraits of 20th century first ladies are also displayed here.
– The Vermeil Room
12. The Library
The Library contains over 2,700 books relating to American life. This room was used as the laundry until 1902 when it became a gentleman’s waiting room. It was turned into a library in 1935 and has been a favorite location for media tapings in the modern era. Most of the Federal furnishings were made in New York, 1800-1820.
Above the mantel is a 1930 painting by Georgia O’ Keeffe entitled, Mountain at Bear Lake – Taos, showing a sacred spot on the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico.
– The Library
13. The China Room
The China Room has been an exhibition space for tableware since 1917. Not every president has ordered state china, so both official and some family services are exhibited. The 1918 Woodrow Wilson state service was the first White House service made in the United States. The 1924 portrait of First Lady Grace Coolidge by Howard Chandler Christy features her white collie, Rob Roy. Her red dress was inspiration for the red décor, first introduced in 1963 during the John F. Kennedy administration.
– The China Room
The China Room was one of my favorite parts of our tour. It reminded me of the movie The American President in which they call this The Dish Room.
14. The East Room
The largest room in the White House, the East Room has been the scene of state dinners, receptions, concerts, bill-signing ceremonies, award presentations, and press conferences. During the winter of 1800-1801, First Lady Abigail Adams had her laundry hung out to dry in the unfinished East Room. It was not decorated as a reception room until 1829 for President Andrew Jackson.
Of the eight presidents who died in office, seven have laid in state in this room. It has been the location of wedding ceremonies for five presidential daughters, most recently Lynda Johnson in 1967. Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as President here on August 9, 1974.
– The East Room
Neoclassical décor was added to the East Room under President Theodore Roosevelt. The chandeliers, light standards, benches and window cornices remain from the 1902 renovation.
The portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart is the only object to have remained in the White House since it was first occupied in 1800. It was removed for safekeeping at the direction of First Lady Dolley Madison just before the mansion burned down during the War of 1812.
The 1903 portrait of Theodore Roosevelt was painted from life at the White House by John Singer Sargent.
– The East Room
15. The Green Room
From 1801 to 1809, Thomas Jefferson used this room as a dining room, it became a formal parlor during James Madison’s presidency.
By 1825 under John Quincy Adams, this room was known as the “Green Drawing Room” named for the color of the fabrics. Located on the center table are John and Abigail Adams’ silver hot water urn and James and Dolley Madison’s French candlesticks. The Federal-style furniture was made between 1800 and 1815.
Scottish artist David Martin painted the portrait of the influential scientist and statesman, Benjamin Franklin, in 1767. Independence Hall in Philadelphia by Ferdinand Richardt, seen over the sofa, shows the historic building and city life during the mid-19th century.
– The Green Room
16. The Blue Room
Oval shaped rooms were the height of architectural fashion in the late 1700s. White House architect James Hoban designed a stack of three such rooms, forming the now distinctive bow of the south side. This oval room has served as the most formal parlor.
President James Monroe furnished it in the French style in 1817. Original objects include most of the glided chairs, the sofa, and the clock on the mantel.
It has been known as the Blue Room since the Marin Van Buren redecoration of 1837 when blue textiles were introduced. Grover Cleveland, the only president to have a White House wedding, married Frances Folsom here in 188. Most holiday seasons, the official Christmas tree stands in the center of the room.
– The Blue Room
17. The Red Room
The Red Room was first decorated with red fabrics in 1845. It has been a parlor since the early 19th century and often used by first ladies to receive guests. President Rutherford B. Hayes took the oath of office in this room in 1877.
Over the mantel is an 1842 portrait by Henry Inman of Angelica Singleton Van Buren, daughter-in-law and official hostess for President Martin Van Buren. The marble sculpture of the president seen in the painting is also displayed in this room.
An 1804 portrait of Dolley Madison by Gilbert Stuart hangs over the door to the State Dining Room.
– The Red Room
18. The State Dining Room
This room was Thomas Jefferson’s office, where he and his secretary, Meriwether Lewis, planned the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1802. Since 1809, it has served as a State Dining Room. Using a series of round tables, as many has 140 people can dine in the room for formal events.
The portrait of Abraham Lincoln, painted by George Healy in 1869, was submitted to a competition for an official portrait of the late president. It did not win and was purchased by Robert Todd Lincoln, whose widow bequeathed it to the White House in 1939.
– The State Dining Room
When we visited the White House, I instantly recognized the State Dining Room from recent news. President Donald Trump was welcoming the NCAA Champions to the White House and he ordered fast-food for their visit. As seen in the New Yorker, he proudly posed in front of the food.
19. The Iconic Portrait of John F Kennedy
20. The Entrance Hall
21. The Seal of the President of the United States
22. The Cross Hall
According to the New York Times, the President gets to rearrange portraits in the White House. When we toured The White House, President Trump moved Bill Clinton and George W. Bush portraits. President Biden has since moved those back. When you visit, the location of these portraits may be slightly different depending on the administration.
23. Once-In-A-Lifetime Photo Opportunities
24. The President’s Neighbors
The White House is surrounded by other famous buildings and government agencies. Since you are in the neighborhood, you can check out the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and the Treasury Department.
25. Your History Book Comes To Life
I remember my high school history teacher dissecting John F. Kennedy’s portrait. He was convinced there was a deeper meaning behind his bowed head. Was he hiding something? Was he foreseeing his fate? Whatever it may be, it was an amazing experience getting to see a piece of history that I studied in history class.
Book Your Trip Now
Whether you are planning a trip to Washington DC or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have toured The White House and tell me how you liked it.
The complete guide for what to do in Washington DC covers the must-see landmarks in our nation’s capitol.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in Washington DC, please share them below!
Cheers!
