The expansive, oval-shaped park on the White House's south side is known as the Ellipse. It's studded with a random collection of monuments, such as the Zero Milestone (the marker for highway distances all across the country) and the Second Division Memorial. It also hosts parades and public events such as the lighting of the national Christmas tree.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Zero Milestone

0.07 MILES

Located in the Ellipse, the Zero Milestone is the marker for highway distances all across the country.

2. Second Division Memorial

0.15 MILES

This memorial in the Ellipse honors the US Army Second Division's dead from WWI, WWII and the Korean War.

4. White House Visitor Center

0.22 MILES

Getting inside the White House can be difficult, so here is your back-up plan. Housed in the splendiferous 1932 Patent Search Room of the Department of…

6. Organization of American States

0.22 MILES

A forerunner to the UN, the OAS was founded in 1890 to promote cooperation among North and South American nations. Its main building on the corner of…

8. C&O Canal Lockkeeper's House

0.24 MILES

At the northeast corner of Constitution Gardens, this 1835 stone gatehouse is a remnant of the days when the Washington City Canal flowed through this…