Roadskater Resources
The White House
WAR Homepage > WAR Resources > Skating Locally > skatespots > White House


1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

A Little History

In 1792, work began on constructing the official residence, for the president... etc.

During 1995, an event happened that prompted increased security concerns and the Secret Service to immediately closed Pennsylania Avenue to traffic, and install barriers on the streets near the White house. The result of these actions are that we now have a De-Militirized Zone (DMZ) in front of the White House making it an ideal place for skating, roller hockey, cones, tourism, and just hanging out.

Near the Whitehouse

Our meeting spot is right in the middle of Pennsylvania Ave.

From Downtown
If you are anywhere on this map, it should take you within about 10 minutes to skate to the meeting spot.

Via Metro
In addition to being central, the White House is within 3 blocks of 4 different metro stations; Farragut North (on the Red line), Faragut West (oarnge and blue), and McPhereson Square (oarnge and Blue).

Driving to the White House
There is plenty of nearby street parking available at the times we meet.

From Virginia:
Cross the Potomac River and then aim for the Washington Monument. The White house is just north of this large landmark. (That would be a left hand turn.)

From Maryland:
The fastest arterials to downtown are usually the parkways which run along Rock Creek and the Potomac river. Many main roads also head downtown towards the white house. Connecticut, Wisconsin, 16th Street, E street, Rt 50, and the SE-SW Freeway.

White house meeting spot security issues:
Given possible security precautions, here is a plan for where to meet for WAR skates. If we can't use the first location, go to the next one on the list.
  1. Closed-off section of Pennsylvania Avenue at the White House. Our usual meeting place.
  2. If Pennsylvania Avenue is blocked off, but the inside of Lafayette Park is still accessible, meet inside Lafayette Park.
  3. If previous options are unavailable, meet at the Visitor's Center on the Ellipse. This is normally our first stop on the Friday skates. They may block off E street and certain sidewalks, but the visitor center is usually accessible if you skate around to the side or bottom of the circle.
  4. If all options above are unavailable, meet at the Navy memorial.
    (We will leave 15 minutes after the posted time)
    The Navy Memorial is at 7th & Pennsylvania NW, a few blocks away in the direction of the Capitol.


Email the WAR webmaster

Last updated 4/10/2008