Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is one of DC’s most visited and photographed sights. You can admire it from street level and then take an elevator to its top and enjoy the panoramic view.

Washington Monument tours are included on many guided sightseeing tours of DC, and its proximity to other attractions on the National Mall makes it easy to visit a lot in one go. Bike, Segway, and hop-on hop-off trolley and bus tours let you see many monuments in less time, and many stop at nearby sights such as the United States Capitol, the White House, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

• 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.

• You’ll need to clear a security screening before entering the monument, and you may be asked to leave restricted items such as food, glass containers, strollers, and aerosol cans behind.

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 (in some cases) on foot from many of DC’s major attractions. Avoid driving, as parking in the area is extremely limited.

The Washington Monument is open to the public daily, except on July 4 and December 25. The last entrance is an hour before closing. Washington DC is always busy, yet spring and fall typically offer slightly smaller crowds, pleasant weather, and colorful foliage.

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 is a great way to appreciate the structure’s architecture under the glow of artistic illumination.

Yes, the Washington Monument is open for tours. The landmark is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with the last admission at 4:30pm. However, the monument closes every year on Christmas Day and the Fourth of July. It also closes once per month for maintenance.

Same-day tickets to the Washington Monument are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 8:45am every day. Arrive early to guarantee your admission. A limited number of 24-hour advance tickets are available online from 10am the day before admission. Also, 30-day advance reservation tickets are offered online.

That depends. Once inside the Washington Monument, it’s a 70-second elevator ride to the top. While there are no time limits on the observation deck, visits typically last between 20 and 30 minutes and include time to admire the views and browse the shop and museum before descending.

As it is operated by the National Park Service, the Washington Monument is free to visit, with same-day tickets offered on a first-come, first-served basis. However, for those booking advance tickets online, there is a non-refundable $1 service charge per ticket to cover the cost of the reservation service.

Yes, visiting the top of the Washington Monument is worth it. One of the country’s most recognizable landmarks, it has been a highlight of the National Mall since its opening in 1888. At the top, there’s a bird’s eye view of Washington DC.

Wait times at the Washington Monument can vary—and are particularly long during summer and school holidays—but visitors often line up at 8am (or earlier) to guarantee their entry. Same-day tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis from the on-site ticket office, which opens at 8:45am.