South Lawn

The South Lawn spreads from the White House building toward South Executive Drive across a large open green space with mature trees, gardens, and seasonal plantings. The lawn also accommodates helicopter landing zones, tennis courts, a basketball court, and a putting green for use by residents and guests.

Thomas Jefferson initiated the first significant changes in 1800, transforming an open meadow into a structured landscape with central grass areas and planted mounds. These early modifications set the foundation for how the lawn developed into the space it is today.

The South Lawn has hosted the annual Easter Monday egg roll since 1878, bringing families together for one of the White House's oldest celebrations. This event shows how the lawn serves as a place where the public gathers for shared traditions.

Visitors should know that much of the lawn is reserved for official functions and is typically not open to the general public. The best opportunity to see the space is during special public events like the Easter egg roll or when visiting with an official tour.

A peanut vendor named Nicholas Stefanos Vasilakes operated a small cart on the grounds starting in 1910, creating an unusual link between the presidential estate and street commerce. This overlooked story shows how the space once served different purposes than it does today.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Part of: White House Complex

GPS coordinates: 38.89694,-77.03667

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:22