dcp

I'm going to DC in a couple of weeks and was wondering how one goes about seeing/visiting the White House? I've checked out their web site but it only references group tours (schools,etc). Any info on how I could go about this would be much appreciated!

lucky

Not sure...BUT...I think anyone can visit the East Wing of the White House by just going and standing in line for the " tour"...The West Wing is a bit more problematic to just go to.
I was in DC few years ago, and had a friend who was an working as an Intern ( btw ..not named Lewinsky). He was able to arrange for a tour of the West Wing for a party of not more than 6. It was a wonderful experience. I never thought I would ever have an opportunity to see the Cabinet Room, the Oval Office...or the pantry which Pres. Clinton liked so much. If you know someone who can arrange for a West Wing tour as opposed to an East Wing tour. I highly recommend it.

Maria

When I was there in September, you could not go into the White House. You could just see it from the street.

There were tours of the Capitol though.

Cindy

Call your Congressman or Senator and ask staff if they have VIP tickets. Will get you better tour, shorter line, more rooms. They may also have someone on staff to give you a tour of the Capitol if you stop by their office. Even if you do the general admission, it's worth doing ... to say you did it.

Michele

Your senator or congressman will probably not be able to help you. Normally, they need 30 - 60 days (or more) to secure tickets to you. You can try to arrange for a tour of the Capitol, though when I went, I just got there very early and wandered around on my own.

To get tickets for the White House (if they are indeed conducting tours at this time), you will need to get to the Dept of Commerce building the day you want the tickets. A hint: the tickets are free, but they go quickly. It is suggested you get to the Commerce building at around 5am the day you want tickets. You will not be guaranteed a ticket, however, as they are given out on a first come, first served basis, and there is a limited number handed out each day.

Check with the hotel you will be staying at, and they should be able to give your further directions.

gail

In early November we were told it is still open only to school group tours - I guess there seems to be a wide difference of info on what is what.

Paul Rabe

Let's end the confusion.

www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours

It there says you can call 202-456-7041 for recorded information on tours. I just did, and found that tours are only open to "school groups, school age youth groups, and veterans groups."

Their Internet site says it all -- you can no longer just show up at the White House and get inside.

xxx

Sadly, 9/11 had a direct impact on tours, including the White House, FBI, Military bases and the like. Some tours have resumed only for school groups, not the individual tourist. Your best bet would be either to check an internet site or call directly to the place you're intending on visiting to find out the most up-to-date policy on individual visits.

Bella

Possibly because Clinton's administration displayed love for all of mankind, Shrub's administration displays hate and evil. One must be careful when acting as a spoiled child with a wicked tongue.

NotBella

Bella,
Put down the crackpipe.

Now walk away from it.

See? Isn't that better?

xxx

After lots of bad info, here's the scoop: The White House is CLOSED to the public. It is only open to the public and organized military groups. Most other governmental offices are closed too like the Supreme Court, Military Museums on base and the like. You can see the Navy Base museum but must call ahead to make an appointment and then it's still iffy if you'll be allowed to visit. Just returned from DC 2 weeks ago.

xxx

Oops meant WH is only open to school groups & organized military groups.