North Lawn, Presidential yard at White House Complex, Washington DC, United States
The lawn extends in front of the White House along Pennsylvania Avenue and features a semicircular driveway with a central fountain near the North Portico. The grounds are planted with tall fescue grass bordered by specimen trees including American elms, white oaks, red maples, and white saucer magnolias.
The landscape design originated in 1793 following Pierre-Charles L'Enfant's city plan, which positioned the President's House to face converging avenues. This urban design made the grounds a central focal point of Washington's overall street system.
Television news correspondents regularly report from a specific area of the lawn known informally as Pebble Beach. This spot has become a symbol for broadcasting major announcements from the grounds.
The lawn serves as a reception area for visiting dignitaries and is visible from public streets nearby. Visitors can view the building's facade and architecture from street level, though access varies depending on current security measures.
The grounds serve as a landing zone for presidential helicopters in addition to hosting major state events. This dual purpose as both ceremonial space and operational hub is rarely apparent to casual observers.
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