Washington, D.C: The FREE White House Garden Tour lets you look inside the White House Presidential gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, and the Kitchen Garden. The White House Gardens span 18 acres and contain 500 trees, 5000 shrubs, and an ever-changing floral display.
2023 Fall White House Garden Tour Dates
The dates for the fall White House Garden Tour are Saturday, October 14, and Sunday, October 15. In the event that the federal government is shut down on these dates, the Fall Garden Tours will be postponed or canceled. The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets outside the White House Visitor Center, located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day.
Whether you are planning a trip to see the White House Gardens or are interested in seeing them from afar, this post will take you onto the White House grounds and provide tips on scoring the FREE White House Garden Tour tickets. To assist in planning your trip, a Garden Travel Guide to the White House Garden Tour is located at the end of the post.
3 Tips for Scoring White House Garden Tour Tickets
The White House Garden Tour is a rare opportunity to get onto the White House grounds and see the Presidential Gardens. The event is free and open to the public but requires a ticket.
Tip #1 How to Find Dates of Tour
Tours are held two weekends a year, typically in April or October. The garden tour is announced online less than two weeks in advance. Tickets are only available on the day of the event on a first-come, first-served basis.
For details, you’ll need to search the internet for “white house garden tour” in early October or April. An announcement by the White House Briefing Room will look something like this and contain information on where and when the next garden tour tickets will be released.
Tip #2 Line Up Early the Day of the Tour
There are no advance tickets. Hopeful garden tourists must go to the spot designated by the National Park Service and line up on the day of the event. Visitors can pick their tour time, providing tickets are still available. This is a self-guided tour, and once on the grounds, there are no limitations on how long one can stay.
The morning of the tour, I arrived 40 minutes early before the designated 8:30 a.m. distribution time to get tickets, and there were probably 70 people ahead of me. Thirty minutes later, the line stretched down the block. But don’t worry, there are a lot of tickets. I walked by the ticket booth about an hour later; the line was short, and plenty of tickets were still available.
Tip #3 Get the First Time Slot
I recommend reserving the first time slot available for the tour. It was exhilarating being among the first group to walk onto the grounds as the Marine Band began playing from the upper balcony of the White House. The garden grounds quickly filled up, and lines began to form along the tour route.
What to See on the White House Garden Tours
White House Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is located just outside the West Wing of the Oval Office. It is a site for outdoor press conferences and greeting foreign Heads of State.
Plants in the Rose Garden include magnolia trees, crab apple trees, and a variety of roses.
The photo below shows a view of the Rose Garden during the State Dinner for Australia’s Prime Minister.
Jacqueline Kennedy Garden
The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was renovated in 1963 and dedicated to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. It is also a site for events and features seasonal flowers and hedges.
White House Kitchen Garden
The White House has had multiple vegetable gardens over the years. The current White House garden was planted in 2009 by First Lady Michelle Obama to model healthy eating habits for the nation.
The garden bounty and honey from the White House beehive are put to use by the White House Chef.
The White House Children’s Garden
Created by Lady Bird Johnson, the White House Children’s Garden is also known as the Secret Garden. Tucked behind a tall hedge, the Children’s Garden was not open during the White House Garden Tour, but it is a special place in the hearts of the former White House occupants:
“Sunday, January 19 [1969]. Today dawned gray and dreary with a light rain falling . . . Carrying an umbrella, I went down to the Children’s Garden, which will be our departing gift to the White House . . . Even in the gray day, the garden was a charming little spot . . . a very secret, quiet place.”
First Lady “Lady Bird” Johnson
The handprints and footprints of Presidential grandchildren are memorialized in bronze along the flagstone paths. Their stories and get a peek of what is behind the bushes in “Reflections: A Secret Garden” on WhiteHouseHistory.org.
Other Things to See on the White House Garden Tour
Presidential Trees
Did you know that since the 1800’s most Presidents and/or First Ladies have planted a commemorative tree in the White House garden?
The National Christmas Tree stood alone in an expansive space. It’s in its glory during the holiday season, as shown in the bottom picture from the National Park Service.
White House South Lawn
The South Lawn is an expansive area. In addition to being the landing area of the Marine One helicopter, the South Lawn also serves as the location for the annual Easter Egg Roll and other large events.
Look closer; you can see that the lawn doubles as a Presidential putting green.
About the White House Putting Green
- President Eisenhower, an avid golfer, had a putting green installed on the White House lawn during his presidency from 1953-1961.
- President Richard Nixon removed it.
- President George H. W. Bush reinstalled the putting green.
- President Bill Clinton moved it to its current location just south of the Rose Garden, a short walk from the Oval Office.
White House Garden Tour Spring or Fall?
There is more color on the Spring White House Garden Tour. The flower beds are filled with blooms, the bulbs are up, and the trees are flowering.
In the fall garden tour, the trees and structure of the garden take a more prominent role. The White House Vegetable Garden has matured, and the cutting garden is in flower making it one of the most colorful spots on the Fall White House Garden Tour.
What to Wear to the White House Garden Tour
There is no dress code. Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather and wear clothing and shoes suitable for walking and exploring the gardens.
Here are some tips for what to wear:
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes that help you navigate the garden paths.
- Choose lightweight, breathable clothing, especially when visiting on a hot day. Natural fibers like cotton and linen are good choices because they’ll help keep you cool.
- Bring a hat or other protective headwear if you plan to spend a lot of time in the gardens to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Consider wearing sunscreen, especially if you’re visiting during the summer or in a sunny location.
- Bring a jacket or other outer layer to keep you warm if you see the White House gardens during the cooler months. It’s chilly waiting in line for tickets in the early morning.
Prohibited Items on the Tour
The U.S. Secret Service will screen guests. Strollers, wheelchairs, umbrellas (no metal tips), and cameras are allowed.
Prohibited items:
- aerosols
- animals (except guide dogs)
- backpacks (oversized)
- tablets/iPads
- selfie sticks
- balloons
- food or beverages
- duffle bags/suitcases
- fireworks/firecrackers
- insulated metal containers/water bottles/thermos
- guns/stun guns/ammunition
- any pointed objects, knives, mace, toy weapons
- smoking (including e-cigarettes).
Conclusion: The People’s Garden
Being on the White House grounds is exciting regardless of the time of year.
The White House is known as the “People’s House.” So, by extension, this is the “People’s Garden.” Thanks to the White House and the National Park Service for making these tours accessible to the public.
Visitors Guide White House Garden Tour
Address:
Address for ticket distribution: White House Visitor Center, 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Meeting Point for Garden Entry: The South Lawn entry point for guests with tickets is near 15th St NW between E Street NW and Constitution Avenue NW near the Bov Scout Memorial.
How to Best Experience the White House Garden Tour
Line up early for tickets. Take the first ticket time slot to avoid the heavy crowds later in the day. Backpacks and purses will be searched, so know the prohibited items before entering. Dress comfortably. Wear walking shoes and dress in layers. Plan to spend at least 30 walking the route.
White House Garden Tour Map
Find the most up-to-date map here.
White House Garden Tour Hours
Tours are available from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Tours are held two weekends a year, typically in April or October and announced on the White House website, www.whitehouse.gov, about 2 weeks in advance. Enter “White House Garden Tour” in the search bar on the White House website.
Tickets White House Garden Tour
Tickets are FREE and available on the morning of the tour. No advance tickets are available. To get tickets, line up at the spot designated by the National Park Service. In past years the ticket location was outside the White House Visitor Center, located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.
Parking at the White House Garden Tour
There is very limited on-street parking available in areas near the Garden tour. You can book guaranteed parking in nearby garages in advance with ParkWhiz, but public transportation is your best bet. View a map of the closest Metro stations.
The Metrorail stations closest to the White House are Metro Center (blue, orange, and red lines), Federal Triangle (blue and orange lines), and McPherson Square (blue and orange lines).
Pet Policy for the White House Gardens Tour
Pets are not allowed on the tour.
Accessibility for the White House Garden Tours
ADA entrance to the White House Garden tour is at 15th Street NW and Alexander Hamilton Place NW.
Where to Eat Near the White House Gardens
Café du Parc
Café du Parc is reminiscent of a Parisian-inspired sidewalk café. Paying homage to traditional French cooking, the restaurant offers diners a variety of culinary offerings, from coffee and pastries at its coffee shop to breakfast, lunch, and dinner on its outdoor terrace or inside the main dining room. Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, and Gluten Free Options.
1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-1047 0.2 miles from White House (about a 5-minute walk) from White House South Lawn Garden Tour.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Awarded the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award in 2022, the Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington’s oldest saloon, founded in 1856 and a historic landmark. Located in a Beaux-Arts building, the cozy Victorian interior holds a priceless collection of antiques and memorabilia. They offer Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, and Gluten Free Options.
675 15th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20005-5702. 0.2 miles (about a 5-minute walk) from the White House South Lawn Garden Tour.
Starbucks Coffee
If you take my advice and get in line early to score the best garden tour ticket time, you may want to have a beverage in hand while waiting. The closest Starbucks is inside the JW Marriott, which ups the coffee shop’s swanky factor. The lobby is also an excellent place to relax if you need to kill some time before your garden tour.
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. 0.01 mile (about a 3-minute walk) from the White House Visitor Center and the White House South Lawn.
Where to Stay Near the White House Garden Tour
Hotel Washington
Prime location is just steps from The White House, the Washington Monument, and the National Mall. Modern luxury in the heart of D.C. blending old and new.
Address: 515 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20004. 0.1 miles (about a 3-minute walk ) from the White House
Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Voted the #1 Best Hotel in Washington, DC, by the 2022 Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards. Art Deco style in a historic building.
Address: 806 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005. 0.4 miles (about a 9-minute walk ) from the White House Garden Tour.
JW Marriott Washington DC
An unbeatable location on Pennsylvania Avenue just steps away from top local attractions like the White House, National Mall, Smithsonian Institution and Freedom Plaza.
Address: 1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004. 0.1 Miles (about a 3-minute walk) from the White House Garden Tour.
Capital Hilton
While in Washington, D.C., I stayed at the Capital Hilton. The location was walkable to several metro stops and within walking distance of the gardens and other D.C. attractions.
1001 16th Street NW Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA 0.5 miles (about a 14-minute walk) to the White House Garden Tour.
Author’s Note: My recommendations are not sponsored; they are my personal experience or researched suggestions.
More Resources for the White House Garden Tour
Learn about The History of the White House Gardens and Grounds from the White House archives.
Learn more about the history of the Rose Garden in President Kennedy’s Rose Garden through the White House Historical Association.
See photos and learn about the history of the Children’s Garden, “Reflections: A Secret Garden,” on WhiteHouseHistory.org.
View a video and get the story on the Kitchen Garden. First Lady Michelle Obama and White House chef Sam Kass tell the story of the first garden on White House grounds since Eleanor Roosevelt’s Victory Garden during World War II.
More Gardens Within Walking Distance From the White House Garden Tour
Want to explore more Washington D.C. gardens? Head over to the United States Botanical Garden. It’s about a 30-minute walk along the National Mall. One of the top botanical gardens in the U.S., the United States Botanic Garden is the oldest continuously operating botanic garden in the United States. A fascinating journey through the connected glass houses will take you from the tropics to the deserts, then outdoors to beautiful gardens of local plants.
On the way, there are 13 Smithsonian Gardens near or on the National Mall. For a complete list of locations, see 13 Smithsonian Gardens You Can Enjoy for Free.
I recommend heading to the south side of the National Mall and seeing these Smithsonian Gardens on the way the United States Botanic Garden: Enid A. Haupt Garden, Mary Ripley Livingston Garden, the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden, and the Katherine Folger Rose Gardens, all within a 1 -2 minute walk of each other.
Right across from the United States Botanic Garden is the Native Landscape Gardens at the National Museum of the American Indian
For even more gardens, check out the DC Gardens website, a nonprofit organization promoting public gardens and gardening in the Washington DC area.
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