Presidential Vacations & Retreats Press Collection

Since the creation of the American presidency, the country’s leaders and their families have taken vacations away from the White House. Presidents have found different ways to escape the pressures and politics of the position. For early leaders, it was a matter of course that they would leave the White House for the summer to tend to personal businesses or farms. The modern-day presidency is a year-round job, so the work often follows. The countryside of Virginia or seaside of Maine can provide a better backdrop for writing speeches or drafting policy — and spending quality time with family and friends.

Compiled by the White House Historical Association. Please credit the Association by its full name when using this information.