The White House was the first "DC" thing that I really got touristy around. We tried to take the spring garden tour, but the lines were WAY too long. Not to mention it was raining. So, we got up at the crack of dawn and took a White House tour later in the week. One piece of advice for visiting the White House: write ahead for a pass. All you have to do is get a letter from your congressman, and you can avoid a lot of standing. Oh, and I think it was one of the White House x-ray machines that wiped my subway card, so I would keep it on your person instead of in a bag that will be x-rayed. (My credit cards were fine though, so who knows....)

Although we stood in lines for hours and the tour itself took only about 15-20 minutes, I would have to say it was worth it. Just to see that building on the news and think "I've been in there" is kind of cool. The interior of the house is very nice (as you would expect) and a bit smaller than I had imagined.

Be sure and take a look at the White House Visitor's Center exhibits after you pick up your tour pass (unless you will be taking a guided tour) to learn more about the history of the building. Since the self-guided tours don't give you a lot of information, the Visitor's Center will add to the experience.

A Brief History of The White House:
The cornerstone was laid in 1792, making it the oldest public building in Washington. It was designed by an Irishman and bares some likeness to the Georgian estates of Dublin. The house was burned down in 1814 by the British. It was rebuilt and painted white. The South Portico was added in 1824 and the North Portico was added in 1829. Electricity was installed in 1891.

The sky is kind of washed out in this picture since it was a cloudy day.
This view is of the South Portico.

The North Portico, which covers the driveway.

After the tour, you leave through the North entrance
and exit under the great columns of the portico.

The White House as seen from the Washington Monument.