Thing to Do

Take a Tour of the Old Post Office Tower

National Mall and Memorial Parks , Pennsylvania Avenue

Old Post Office Tower

The National Park Service provides tours of the Old Post Office Tower under an agreement with the building's owner, the General Services Administration.
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
The Old Post Office Tower offers fantastic views of the nation’s capital. From the 270-foot observation deck visitors are treated to a views of the Capitol, White House, Washington Monument, Pentagon, Smithsonian museums, Supreme Court, and Lincoln Memorial. National Park Service rangers are on duty throughout the building to educate visitors about the building and surrounding attractions.

Service animals are permitted without exception. 

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

Reservations
No
Season
Year Round

Hours of Operation: Daily, 9 am - 4 pm (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). The Old Post Office Tower is closed one day during the first week of every month for routine maintenance activities. In 2022, the closure dates are: July 5, August 2, September 1, October 4, November 1 and December 1.

Accessibility Information

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed in national parks. For a definition of a service animal, please see the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) definition.

Facilities

The Old Post Office Tower tour is wheelchair accessible. 

Programs

Assistive listening devices, or large print brochures may be available by request or with advance notice. For information about individual park programs, please visit park websites. Accessibility information is located under the Plan Your Visit tab.

National Mall and Memorial Parks , Pennsylvania Avenue

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Old Post Office Exterior.
Exterior of the Old Post Office Building.

NPS

The Old Post Office Tower is located at the intersection of 12th Street and Pennsylvania Ave N.W. The 270-foot observation deck allows visitors an awe-inspiring view of the city.

Self-Guided Tours begin approximately every five minutes from the elevator lobby on the stage level of the Old Post Office Pavilion. Visitors board the glass elevator to the exhibit area and then follow the signs to gain access to the 270-foot level.
U.S. Post Office Department, Washington, D.C., courtesy of the Historic American Buildings Survey
Historic American Buildings Survey

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Last updated: August 19, 2022