Last updated: January 24, 2025
Thing to Do
Visit the Washington Monument
Did you know you can go to the top of the Washington Monument? You can! But you will need to plan ahead. Tickets are required to visit the interior of the Washington Monument. Advance tickets are strongly recommended. A limited number of same-day tickets are available while supplies last. Explore ticket options.
The Washington Monument, built to honor George Washington, was the tallest building in the world upon its completion in 1884. Today, it still offers a commanding view of the capital city.
Please be aware this experience involves crowding, confined spaces, and heights. Visitors who are sensitive to these stimuli may wish to consider alternative activities.
The Washington Monument, built to honor George Washington, was the tallest building in the world upon its completion in 1884. Today, it still offers a commanding view of the capital city.
Please be aware this experience involves crowding, confined spaces, and heights. Visitors who are sensitive to these stimuli may wish to consider alternative activities.
Details
Duration
15-90 Minutes
Visitors wait outside the monument to be escorted through a security screening area, then wait inside the Washington Monument lobby for the elevator. After riding the elevator to the top, visitors proceed at their own pace to explore the observation deck and the museum level one floor down. Then visitors queue for the elevator trip back to the ground level. Depending on volume of visitors, wait times may vary.
Pets Allowed
No
Service animals are permitted. Pets are allowed on the grounds, provided they are restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length.
Activity Fee
No
There is no fee to visit the grounds. A small fee is collected for advance tickets to the interior.
Location
National Mall - Washington, DC
2 15th St. NW
Washington, DC 20024
Via Metro: Exit at Smithsonian, using the Mall exit. As you exit the tunnel, the Washington Monument will be behind you.
Reservations
Yes
Walk-up tickets (same day only)
- The Washington Monument Lodge, located along 15th Street between Madison and Jefferson drives, opens at 8:45 a.m. for distribution of free, same day, timed tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. One person (16+ years old) may obtain up to six tickets for an available ticket time. All visitors (including children ages 2+) must have a ticket to enter the Washington Monument. During peak season, tickets run out quickly. Expect a line to form at the ticket window wait long before the ticket window opens.
Advance reservations online
Check availability and make advance reservations at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Though there is no admission fee for the Washington Monument, there is a non-refundable $1.00 service charge per advance ticket.
- Tickets are released daily at 10:00 am
- Tickets are available 30 days in advance of the tour date.
- Demand for tickets far exceeds availability and in the spring, summer and fall, tickets routinely sell out immediately after being released. To increase your chances of getting tickets, create your recreation.gov account beforehand and be logged in before the tickets are released.
- Additional tickets are released one day before the tour date. If you missed the opportunity to book 30 days in advance, you can try for these tickets the day before your visit.
Group tickets (online only)
- Groups may reserve up to 55 tickets up to 30 days in advance at recreation.gov only. No walk ups are available for group tours. There is a $1.00 service charge per ticket.
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
The Washington Monument welcomes all individuals with a disability! The Washington Monument uses an elevator to get to the observation level at 500' and is fully accessible for visitors in wheelchairs. The sidewalks and approaches to the Washington Monument are ADA compliant. See accessibility for detailed information for a variety of accessibility types.
NPS / Kelsey Graczyk