Washington Monument
The Basics
At the Washington Monument—one of DC’s most visited and photographed—you can admire it from street level and then take an elevator to its top and enjoy the panoramic view. The monument is included on many guided sightseeing tours of DC, and is in close proximity to other attractions on the National Mall. Bike, Segway, and hop-on hop-off bus and trolley tours let you see many monuments in less time, and can help make the vast scale and number of sights in the capital more manageable.
Recent reviews from experiences in Washington DC
Things to Know Before You Go
The Washington Monument is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Washington DC.
Entrance to the monument requires a free ticket. Reserve tickets in advance online or via phone, or pick up a same-day ticket at the nearby Washington Monument Lodge.
Washington DC can have extreme weather conditions. Check the forecast and dress accordingly.
Distances between monuments can be longer than anticipated, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The monument is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Washington Monument is located in the center of the National Mall, on 15th Street NW between 15th Street and Madison Drive NW. It is easily accessible by bus, metro, or bike, and on foot from many of DC’s major attractions. Driving is not recommended, as parking in the area is extremely limited.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Washington Monument is open daily from 9am to 5pm except on July 4 and December 25. The last entrance is at 4pm. Washington DC is always busy, yet spring and fall typically offer slightly smaller crowds, pleasant weather, and colorful foliage.
See the Washington Monument in a Different Light
Come evening, many monuments in Washington DC are artfully lit, highlighting the drama and craftsmanship of their construction. A nighttime tour of the Washington Monument enables you to see the structure with historical context and to appreciate the architecture with artistic illumination.
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- National World War II Memorial
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing
- National Museum of American History
- Art Museum of the Americas
- National Museum of African Art
- White House Visitor Center
- The Smithsonian
- National Museum of Natural History
- Freedom Plaza
- Old Post Office Pavilion
- National Theatre
- The Pentagon
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial