Constructed for one of American’s most famous naval heroes, the Decatur House was completed in 1818. It’s one of the oldest surviving homes in Washington DC and one of three remaining residential buildings designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe.
Visitors to the Decatur House can learn about the many residents who lived in the house, including Stephen Decatur and his wife Susan. Ironically, the couple spent only 14 months in their home—their residency ended when Stephen Decatur shockingly died after a duel in 1820. Because of its prime location just across from the White House, the Decatur House was considered to be one of the capital's most desirable addresses and home to many of our nation’s most prominent figures. The house’s last and most beloved resident, Marie Beale, is known for her tireless efforts to protect and preserve the historic home. She is credited with saving the Decatur House from being demolished and for having it listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From Barons and Baronesses to Secretaries of State, Vice Presidents and even slaves, the Decatur House has a colorful, enthralling history that comes alive while visiting.

Just across the street from the White House, Lafayette Park is a public park that was once named “President’s Park”. The square and the historic buildings surrounding it became National Historic Landmarks in 1970. In its past, Lafayette Park had many uses including serving as a race track, a graveyard, a zoo, slave market and the site for many political protests and celebrations. Most who visit are immediately drawn to the various large statues in the park. In the center stands an equestrian statue of President Andrew Jackson, erected in 1853; and in the four corners are statues of Revolutionary War heroes: France's General Marquis Gilbert de Lafayette and Major General Comte Jean de Rochambeau; Poland's General Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Prussia's Major General Baron Frederich Wilhelm von Steuben. The neighborhood that borders the park is also a place many visitors enjoy touring through. It was the city’s most prestigious residential area in the 18th century because of the people that resided there including Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of State, William Henry Seward and South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun.

When walking through the magnificent marble corridors in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building keep in mind that you are walking the same hallways that were occupied by some of the world’s most prominent people. It’s considered by many to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Washington DC with its granite, slate and cast iron exterior attracting the attention of all who come to visit. Building the Eisenhower Executive Office Building took 17 years and was completed in 1888. It was originally constructed for the State, War and Navy Departments and today houses many offices for the White House Staff including the office of the Vice President. An architectural masterpiece, visitors are awed by its imposing presence, grand rooms, massive wooden doors and dramatic interior details. It’s a place where government meetings that made history took place, including talks between our government and Japanese emissaries after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. An important, historic landmark in our nation’s capital, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building is a thrilling must see while visiting.

Throughout the years many Presidents and First Ladies have taken an interest in the White House Grounds and Gardens. From the South Lawn, to the Rose Garden to the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and the children’s garden, magnificent flowers, trees and plants are meticulously cared for by the White House Gardener. Special events that are held in some of the gardens include the annual pardoning of the turkey at Thanksgiving and the annual Easter Egg Roll. Presidential ceremonies and speeches are also sometimes held from one of the gardens. Visitors from around the world can enjoy tours at specified times throughout the year, and although the tours of the White House Grounds and Gardens are free, tickets are required and timed so that everyone can have the opportunity to witness the natural beauty that surrounds the White House.

The Octagon House was built between 1798 and 1800 by the same architect who designed the U.S. Capitol. It was constructed for Colonel John Taylor, a wealthy plantation owner from Virginia. It was in this house that President Madison and his wife resided when the White House was burned by the British in 1814. It was also here that President Madison signed the Treaty of Ghent, which brought the War of 1812 to an end. The Octagon House’s architectural splendor is matched only by its historical significance to our country. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and opened to the public in 1970. The oldest architectural museum, the Octagon House is visited by many thousands of people each year. Through tours, lectures, presentations, special programs and events, the museum informs people of all ages about the power of architecture and its influence on our lives.

For a look into American crafts and decorative arts, a stop at the Renwick Gallery is sure to please. The gallery, housed in a historic architectural landmark just steps away from the White House, provides collections and exhibits from the 19th to the 21st centuries. Take a stroll through the gallery to get a close-up look at treasures created from clay, fiber, glass, metal and wood. Enjoy the many permanent and temporary collections that showcase the talent of American artisans and craftsmen. Traditional gallery tours led by docents are available as well as group tours and various educational programs.

Washington’s very first museum of art, the Corcoran Gallery was created to enhance and inspire American artists and their talents. Founded in 1869 by William Wilson Corcoran, the museum is known around the world for its collection of modern American art as well as European works including paintings, sculpture, photography and decorative arts. Today, visitors enjoy touring the vast fine art museum to view some of the world’s most magnificent masterpieces created by artists of the past and present. Permanent and temporary exhibits strive to educate and delight those who appreciate the arts. Guided group tours are available but must be booked one month in advance.

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours