The White House is an iconic tourist destination that cannot be missed when visiting Washington D.C. The white building standing in the vast greenery is something that everyone has seen on television at least once, and it is a place that anyone would want to visit if they have the opportunity to stop by Washington D.C.
Currently, the White House is open for public tours, and anyone can visit the inside by applying through their member of the United States Congress and passing the screening process.
Additionally, during Easter, spring, and autumn, the South Lawn is open to the public, and with a first-come, first-served basis, anyone can enter with a distributed ticket.
However, both options are limited to specific times and are highly challenging for many international visitors who do not have a U.S. address. As a result, even if you go to the White House, you may end up just looking at it from a distance.
Therefore, in this article, we will introduce recommended ways to tour the White House and suggest gift shops for souvenir shopping.
For those who have American acquaintances, try an inside tour
The White House is famous for its white exterior, but inside, you’ll find rooms themed with various colors such as red, blue, and green, displaying numerous magnificently decorated rooms.
Among them, the State Floor, located on a higher level, is used for various national events and is something that most people have seen at least once.
To see these rooms up close, you need to apply in advance through the member of the United States Congress representing your address.
If you reside in a foreign country, you can apply through the embassy in the United States, but many embassies do not accept White House tour applications from general tourists.
Therefore, for many international visitors, touring the inside of the White House is a highly challenging endeavor. However, if you have an American acquaintance, there is a possibility that you can apply through their member of the United States Congress, so it’s worth a try.
The White House, the official residence of the President of the Unit...
If you are approved for an inside tour of the White House, we hope you enjoy it to the fullest. However, note that there is a gift shop accessible only to those who have entered the building, so let’s introduce it in advance.
The gift shop is located in a corner of the Visitor Lobby, which is visited during the first part of the tour. This room used to be the first room visited by general tourists. However, currently, you enter through the entrance for official guests located in the East Wing and pass through the corridor to reach this room.
After that, you will continue to tour the Executive Residence, the main house of the White House, but there are no gift shops beyond this point, and you generally cannot backtrack. So, if you want to shop inside the White House, be sure to stop by this gift shop.
However, keep in mind that the tour continues after this point, and the later parts of the tour are even more impressive. So, it’s best not to make significant purchases here.
The White House Historical Association operates the gift shop, and it has two additional stores outside the White House, so it is recommended to visit these stores to create the experience of “buying souvenirs from inside the White House.”
By the way, when entering the White House, you cannot bring any bags, so purchasing items at the gift shop and receiving a bag can be meaningful.
Enhancing the Enjoyment of the White House Exterior
Due to the significance of the White House as the working and living place of the sitting president and its national importance, security measures are stringent.
When visiting from the outside, you’ll be observing the building from outside the multiple layers of fences while being monitored by numerous robust security personnel.
Therefore, in some locations, it can be challenging to see clearly, and you may become tired just from the visit. Here, we will introduce recommended viewing spots and photography methods.
Recommended spots for viewing the dignified north side
First and foremost, along Pennsylvania Avenue on the north side, it is highly recommended as it is the closest spot where the general public can approach the White House.
However, as you get closer to the building, the security measures become stricter, and you’ll be surrounded by double fences and robust security personnel.
Moreover, if you try to take a picture from the closest position, the fences will unavoidably appear in the frame. In that case, it’s recommended to tilt the camera slightly upward when taking photos.
Please note that there are always security personnel standing in the front of the building, so when taking photos from the north side, be prepared that the building may appear slightly diagonal.
For those who are concerned about security personnel and other tourists, visit Lafayette Square
The north side of the White House, being the closest to the building, is always crowded with security personnel and tourists. When the President passes through, Pennsylvania Avenue facing the White House is closed, so if you want to enjoy the north side of the White House more casually, it is recommended to view it from the adjacent Lafayette Square.
Especially along H Street facing the north side of Lafayette Square, there are hardly any tourists. Additionally, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the horseback statue of Lafayette in the center of the square, the White House, and the Washington Monument all aligned, making it an excellent spot.
The beautiful south side with a semi-circular balcony
The south side, with its beautiful curved exterior, has an elegant and graceful appearance. However, when observing the south side, you’ll be viewing it from a distance through the vast lawn and quadruple layers of fences.
The closest spot is the promenade on the north side of the Ellipse, where there are few security personnel. When the President is on the South Lawn, the promenade is closed, but there is ample space reserved for viewing along the extension of the balcony, as well as the Zero Milestone, the starting point of road signs across the United States. So, this is also a spot not to be missed.
If you are concerned about fences in your photos, head to the Washington Monument
Although fences may appear in your photos when capturing the White House from the south side, if you want to take photos without being bothered by the fences, it is recommended to extend your walk to the Washington Monument.
The monument is located slightly higher than the White House, and from there, you can have a clear view of the basement of the White House. However, keep in mind that it will be a shot from a considerable distance, so be sure to bring a camera equipped with a telephoto lens.
Recommended Gift Shops near the White House
After touring the White House, you’ll want to buy souvenirs to commemorate your visit. There are three recommended shops near the White House where you can find White House-themed souvenirs, and each has its own unique features.
First, there is the White House Gift Shop, located on the east side of Pennsylvania Avenue, facing New York Avenue and 15th Street. This shop is open from early morning until late at night, making it convenient for a visit before or after sightseeing or dinner. The products here are relatively affordable, making it a suitable place for purchasing small gifts. If you spend over $50, you can even have a commemorative photo taken at the adjacent studio.
Next is the official shop operated by the White House Historical Association. It has two locations: one inside the Decatur House on the north side of the White House, and the other within the Department of Commerce, facing Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street.
When visiting Washington, D.C., one cannot miss the White House. But...
The Decatur House is located in an area where few tourists visit, so it is relatively quiet, and if you’re lucky, you may have the store to yourself. The shop is small and packed with merchandise, giving it a cozy local store atmosphere.
When visiting Washington D.C., one cannot miss the iconic tourist sp...
On the other hand, the gift shop inside the Visitor Center has a museum shop vibe, located in a corner of the center like a museum exhibit. It is recommended to visit after viewing the exhibits at the Visitor Center.
Both shops are official stores operated by the White House Historical Association, so the prices are higher, but the quality is excellent.
Located on the east side of the White House, at the intersection of ...
More Than Just Photography: Enjoying the White House
Due to the tight security at the White House, it may not be easy to approach it casually, but even as a general tourist, you can still get relatively close and enjoy it as one of the highlights of your Washington D.C. sightseeing. The U.S. Secret Service also understands that the White House is a globally renowned tourist spot, and as long as you follow the rules, it is no different from other tourist destinations.
