Last updated: April 15, 2022
Thing to Do
Visit the Washington Monument
The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, honors and memorializes George Washington at the center of the nation's capital. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854) and one public (1876-1884). Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.
Details
Duration
15-45 Minutes
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
The interior of the Washington Monument is currently closed, but you may walk around the outside of the building.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
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.
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
The Washington Monument allows visitors to get a bird's eye view of the nation's capital. Timed tickets are required to ride the elevator to the 500 foot observation deck. Online advance tickets and same day walk up tickets are available.
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-serve basis. One person may obtain up to six tickets as well as request their preferred ticket time.
Order tickets online up to a month in advance of your visit. Inventory for the next available day (30 days out) becomes available at 10 a.m. each morning (e.g. - on May 7 at 10 a.m., tickets will become available for visits on June 6). Additionally, a limited number of additional tickets are made available at 10 a.m. each day for the next day's visits (e.g. - on May 7 at 10 a.m., tickets will become available for visits on May 8).
Online tickets for the Washington Monument are available from recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777). There is a $1.00 service charge per ticket to cover the reservation service.
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-serve basis. One person may obtain up to six tickets as well as request their preferred ticket time.
Order tickets online up to a month in advance of your visit. Inventory for the next available day (30 days out) becomes available at 10 a.m. each morning (e.g. - on May 7 at 10 a.m., tickets will become available for visits on June 6). Additionally, a limited number of additional tickets are made available at 10 a.m. each day for the next day's visits (e.g. - on May 7 at 10 a.m., tickets will become available for visits on May 8).
Online tickets for the Washington Monument are available from recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777). There is a $1.00 service charge per ticket to cover the reservation service.
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
The sidewalks and approaches to the Washington Monument are ADA compliant.
NPS Photo