Historical Slideshow  ›  Presidential Vacations & Retreats

"For more than two centuries the White House has been the great destination and golden prize of American politics. But having scrambled to the top, many presidents can't seem to wait to tell people they've stumbled into a gilded prison."

Larry Knutson

Sports & Recreation  ›  Facts & Trivia

Golf, tennis, bowling, jogging, swimming, and many other sporting pursuits have eased the strain of the executive office on dozen of presidents. Learn about a handful of the more memorable ones.

Presidential Vacations and Retreats  LAWRENCE KNUTSON

Historian Lawrence Knutson discusses the modern tradition of presidential vacationing and his book Escaping the Gilded Cage: An Illustrated History of Presidential Vacations and Retreats in this six-part video interview.

VIEW INTERVIEW SERIES ON YOUTUBE: "Escaping the Gilded Cage"

"A Remarkable Tradition," Presidents and Baseball

President William Howard Taft began the tradition of presidents throwing out the ceremonial first pitch on April 14, 1910, at Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C.—a tradition that continues to this day.

Recreation & Leisure @ President's Park

Part five of this seven part tour documentary covering the White House Gardens & Grounds presents the long history of presidential and first family recreation & relaxation at the White House.