White House Gardens Open for Free Tours Oct. 17-18
Free timed tickets will be handed out each morning for a chance to see the Rose Garden, South Lawn, kitchen garden and beehive.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The country’s most famous garden gate is opening for a free fall weekend, making for an unusually good Alexandria day trip.
The White House grounds will welcome visitors for its Fall Garden Tours on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. The event is free, but everyone — including small children — needs a timed ticket.
That ticket is not something to arrange through a congressional office, wrestle from the internet or obtain via carrier pigeon. The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets beginning at 8:30 a.m. each tour day at a tent outside the White House Visitor Center, 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, near 15th and E streets. They are first come, first served, one per person.
A rare look beyond the fence
The self-guided outdoor route gives visitors a close look at the South Lawn, the Rose Garden, the White House Kitchen Garden and the expanded White House Beehive. The gardens are usually the backdrop to the building’s big moments; this weekend, they get to be the attraction.
Bring a camera, comfortable shoes and a little patience for the ticket line. Strollers, wheelchairs and cameras are permitted. So are umbrellas without metal tips — an important detail, because October weather has a sense of humor.
Pack light
Security rules are strict. Visitors should leave large bags and backpacks at home; bags may not exceed 18 by 13 by 7 inches. Drones, scooters, metal water bottles, glass containers, selfie sticks, e-cigarettes, tablets, signs and flags are among the prohibited items. Wearable technology capable of taking photos or video is also not permitted.
Medical items, including EpiPens, glucose tablets, wheelchairs and electric scooters, are allowed; visitors should tell Secret Service personnel about those items upon arrival. The Secret Service may restrict additional items for safety reasons.
The tours are weather dependent. Before heading into the District, visitors can check the 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7040 for cancellations or visit WhiteHouse.gov/Visit for current access information.
IF YOU GO
What: 2026 White House Fall Garden Tours
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free timed tickets, one per person, first come, first served. Distribution begins at 8:30 a.m. each day.
Ticket location: Tent outside the White House Visitor Center, 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Weather updates: (202) 456-7040
Details: WhiteHouse.gov/Visit
