8 White House Tours to Plan a Day Around

1.White House, National Mall and Lincoln Memorial Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 279 reviews · 2h 30m · from $52Our pick

In 2.5 hours, walk from Lafayette Square past the White House’s north and south sides, then follow the National Mall to the World War II and Vietnam Veterans memorials and finish at the Lincoln Memorial. English-speaking guides such as Daniel, John, and Wayne have earned praise for their engaging stories. White House entry is not included.

“The tour was perfect and amazing due of the performance of our guide John St Ange who transmit his passion for the city and history of America . Many thank to him, he will be in our Washington’s souvenirs forever.👍🏻😉😉 JLouis, Emily And Alex 🇨🇭”

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2.Night of Lincoln Assassination: from White House to Ford Theatre

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 231 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Top rated

Walk about a mile from St. John’s Church to Ford’s Theatre, following Lincoln’s final day through Lafayette Square, Pennsylvania Avenue, and the places tied to the assassination plot. A licensed guide uses historic photos and storytelling to put the events in context. The two-hour tour stays outdoors, so Ford’s Theatre entry requires a separate ticket.

“Excellent historical account of the context in 1865 in the US and specifically, of Lincoln's last day alive”

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3.Lincoln Assassination from White House to Ford’s Theatre

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 51 reviews · 2 hours · from $39Best value

Follow Lincoln’s final route from Lafayette Square to Ford’s Theatre with a live guide, historic images and stories of the coordinated plot against Lincoln, Secretary of State Seward and the Vice President. The two-hour tour stays outdoors, ending at Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House. Guides have included Becca, Michael and Trevor; entry to buildings is not included.

“It was brilliant. Becca was an amazing guide. She definitely knew her history. She also knew a lot about DC in general.”

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4.White House and National Mall Highlights with Lincoln Memorial

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 38 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $49

This 2.5-hour walking tour links the White House’s north and south facades with the Ellipse, WWII and Vietnam memorials, the Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. Guides named Daniel, Wayne, and John have led tours, though you cannot request a particular guide. Expect plenty of history, questions along the way, and several miles of walking.

“Fascinating walking tour made all the more special by Daniel our guide who was so knowledgeable and full of tidbits that only someone who worked for JFK could know!”

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5.White House at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

At 8 pm, a local historian leads an adults-only walk from St. John’s Church through Lafayette Square to the White House, sharing stories of presidential affairs, duels, murder and political gossip. The 90-minute tour costs $39, has a maximum of 15 people, and ends near the White House Visitor Center. Guides Rebecca and Trevor have both led the walk.

“Rebecca was awesome and shared some really great stories. As we wandered museums the day after our tour, my husband and I kept recalling stories shared with us and looking for specific figures in photos (we found Alice Roosevelt more than once!). It was a great time and I would recommend it to anyone interested.”

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6.Sweet and Savory Scandalous White House Walking Food Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $60

Rae Valencia leads this two-hour, 1.5-mile walk from G Street to City Center, mixing White House history and political scandal tales with a donut, a savory bakery dish, and a gelato stop. The 10 a.m. tour runs in English, takes up to 15 people, and lists brunch as included.

“Rae was an excellent tour guide, enthusiastic, full of great info. & a great conversationalist. Treats were excellent, could have used one more savory bite 😊 but definitely recommend!”

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7.White House at Night: Scandals & Murder Adults Only Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · from $39

Spend two evening hours walking near the White House and Lafayette Square with an English-speaking guide who shares stories of presidential affairs, duels, murder, and First Ladies with occult interests. You’ll hear about a former President’s letters to his mistress and see the White House lit at night. The guide’s name is not specified.

“Fun, spooky tour of Georgetown with a fantastic guide who was very knowledgeable. We started promptly on time, the guide was very easy to find as per the email. We ended the tour having a great time around 1.5 hours later.”

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8.America’s Main Street and White House Private Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $666

Start at McPherson Square at 9 a.m. for a private, guided day around the White House grounds and Pennsylvania Avenue. You’ll see Lafayette Park, Freedom Plaza, the National Archives, and more, then finish at the National Gallery of Art. The White House Visitors’ Center is included, but access to other areas can be limited.

“The lady who took us on the tour was so knowledgeable it was unbelievable. She was so easy to talk to and a major asset to your business.”

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