In Washington, D.C., there are several prominent avenues, and one of them is Pennsylvania Avenue. This grand avenue runs diagonally from the United States Capitol, through the north side of the White House, all the way to Georgetown.
The section from the United States Capitol to the White House is particularly famous as it is the route for the presidential inaugural parade, which may be familiar to many in Japan.
This time, we would like to take a walk along Pennsylvania Avenue from the United States Capitol to the White House.
A Prominent Avenue that Evolved with the City
Pennsylvania Avenue is a historically significant avenue that has evolved since Pierre L’Enfant’s city planning era. Its name is derived from the fact that the United States’ capital was originally located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In its early days, the avenue was paved with cobblestones and wooden blocks. However, in 1876, it was asphalted as it is today, and in recent years, it underwent resurfacing in November 2012.
Historic Path of Past Presidents
The approximately 1.2-mile (about 2 kilometers) stretch from the United States Capitol to the White House is well-known as the location for the presidential inaugural parade. Along this route, there are numerous government-related buildings and monuments, making it a place that encapsulates the history of the United States.
When a new president is inaugurated, they descend the stairs of the East Front Central Portico of the United States Capitol and board a limousine. Then, they proceed westward and turn towards the northwest direction where the White House is located, passing through the North Gate and onto Pennsylvania Avenue.
On this stretch, you can find the D.C. District Court on the right side of the street, along with John Marshall Park, the Canadian Embassy, and the Newseum. On the left side, there are the National Gallery of Art East Building and the Federal Trade Commission.
The National Gallery in Washington, D.C. is a renowned art museum that...
Beyond the intersection with Constitution Avenue, you will find the National Archives Building on the left side and the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building and Trump International Hotel on the right side. Notably, the J. Edgar Hoover Building, which houses the FBI, has a unique design, with one small window and the first two floors being entirely hollowed out, resembling a fortress in the city.
The headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, commonly know...
The Waldorf Astoria, a luxury hotel brand, is housed in the former Post Office Building. Its entire structure evokes a medieval castle, adorned with curved designs on the exterior walls.
After passing the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the avenue changes direction from northwest to west. This section features Freedom Plaza and Pershing Park on the right side and the Ronald Reagan Building, John A. Wilson Building (D.C. City Hall), and the Department of Commerce Building on the left side.
Notably, Freedom Plaza showcases a large rectangular space with a ground map of Washington, D.C., designed by Pierre L’Enfant, allowing visitors to experience the city’s historical features. It’s fascinating to walk along this plaza, retracing the steps from the Capitol.
One of the streets planned by Pierre L'Enfant in the Washington, D.C. city plan is Pennsylvania Avenue, which connects t...
After enjoying Freedom Plaza, you can visit the White House Visitor Center on the ground floor of the Department of Commerce Building. There, you’ll find exhibits related to the White House and the history of past presidents. Additionally, a theater screens videos about the White House. On the right side of the entrance, you can find the official shop of the White House Historical Association, where you can purchase unique souvenirs related to the White House. Especially, the ornaments released annually during Christmas time are popular, and it’s worth buying one when you visit.
Located on the east side of the White House, at the intersection of ...
Pennsylvania Avenue around the White House
When you reach 15th Street, the map indicates that Pennsylvania Avenue seemingly disappears. During the presidential inauguration, the presidential motorcade continues straight, proceeding north on East Executive Avenue to exit the White House from its north side. However, East Executive Avenue is generally not accessible to the public. Instead, you can walk north on 15th Street, pass the east side of the Department of the Treasury, and reach the north side of the White House.
By the way, if you don’t turn right from Pennsylvania Avenue onto 15th Street and instead cross the crosswalk, you will arrive at a vast lawn known as the Ellipse. There, you can find the Ellipse Pavilion with displays related to events held on the Ellipse, the National Christmas Tree, and the Zero Milestone, marking the starting point of the road network across the United States.
The Zero Milestone Monument, located in front of the White House in Wa...
From the location of the Zero Milestone, you can get a view of the White House’s balcony and South Lawn, which are familiar from television.
The semi-circular balcony is incredibly famous and always crowded with tourists. However, if you’re visiting the White House, I recommend observing the front from the north side. Walking north on 15th Street, you’ll turn left past the east side of the Department of the Treasury, and once again, you’ll find yourself on Pennsylvania Avenue. Only government-related vehicles can enter this part of the avenue, so pedestrians can walk safely.
The White House is an iconic tourist destination that cannot be miss...
From here, you’ll walk along the widest part of the avenue towards the north of the White House. It’s quite an experience to walk confidently down the middle of the route taken by the president.
As the White House comes into view, restrain your excitement and pay attention to a particular spot. Across the street from the Federal Courthouse and Lafayette Square, between the Federal Courthouse and Lafayette Square, there’s a streetlight that reads “1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” which is the address of the White House. It’s a must-see location alongside the White House.
From Lafayette Square, you’ll see the North Lawn of the White House, which is the goal of our journey. From this viewpoint, you can get a closer view of the White House compared to the south side, so it’s always crowded with tourists. Moreover, at night, the residence is illuminated and shines in cream color, creating a different atmosphere from daytime and making it a sight to behold.
By the way, during the presidential inaugural parade, the president’s motorcade enters from the west gate, docks at the residence, and stops at the North Lawn. If you walk north on 15th Street, pass the west side of the Department of the Treasury, you can also see the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Blair House, and the Guest House, which are all located adjacent to the west gate.
One of the attractions in Washington, D.C., is the Eisenhower Executiv...
Blair House is a facility located near the White House in Washington, ...
Pennsylvania Avenue: An Iconic Avenue Symbolizing Washington, D.C.
Pennsylvania Avenue is undoubtedly an iconic avenue that has evolved alongside the history of Washington, D.C. It offers numerous attractions and allows visitors to experience the romance of history.
If you visit Washington, D.C., be sure to take a bus to the United States Capitol and walk all the way to the White House.
