Washington Monument Visitors Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Washington, DC is a history-lover’s dream. It’s a place where grand neoclassical buildings, storied neighborhoods like Georgetown and Capitol Hill, and iconic monuments bring the past to life. And no landmark captures that legacy more than the Washington Monument.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before you go—from elevator access and ticketing prices to the best time to visit. 

And if you’re looking for a unique angle (literally), we’ll show you how to take in this iconic landmark from the water with a hot tub cruise down the Potomac River.

A Quick Overview of the Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is inarguably one of the most widely recognized landmarks in the United States. Whether you’re drawn to its architectural simplicity or its significance as a tribute to George Washington, the monument continues to be a defining part of the DC skyline.

Here are some Washington Monument history and facts to inspire you before you visit:

• Construction Timeline: Construction on the monument began in 1848 and was completed in 1884. Progress was delayed by funding problems, Civil War disruptions, and a leadership change within the Washington National Monument Society.
• Height: The monument stands 555 feet, 5 1/8 inches tall (169.3 meters), making it the world’s tallest stone structure. It’s also 55 feet wide at the base. 
• Materials: It has a hollow interior and is built from granite, bluestone gneiss, and white marble.
• Design Influence: Architect Robert Mills chose an Egyptian-style obelisk to honor George Washington’s legacy as the nation’s first president and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
• Original Plan: Mills also proposed a neoclassical rotunda at the base, although that part of the design was never built.
• Surrounding Flags: Fifty American flags circle the base of the monument, representing each state in the U.S.
• Photographic Appeal: The monument is one of DC’s most photographed landmarks, especially by writers, journalists, and social media creators.
• Pop Culture Status: Its bold silhouette appears in films, documentaries, and news, reinforcing its cultural status and drawing large annual crowds.

Where Is the Washington Monument?

The Washington Monument is located in the heart of the National Mall in Washington DC. It stands between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, right along the main stretch of the Mall. 

Nearby Attractions

There are plenty of things to see near the Washington Monument. In fact, it’s located within easy walking distance of National Mall landmarks—including the World War II Memorial, Constitution Gardens, and several Smithsonian museums. The bodies of water near the monument are lovely too. The nearest and most prominent is the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. 

Can You Go Inside the Washington Monument?

Yes—and it’s absolutely worth it! Once you pass through security and the bag policy screening, you’ll ride to the top for panoramic views of the capital and get a chance to see historical displays inside the monument itself. 

Here’s what to expect when you visit the interior of the monument. 

What You’ll See Inside

An elevator takes visitors to the top level of the monument, where the observation deck sits approximately 500 feet above the ground. 

A small exhibit area sits just below at the 490-foot level. Although stairs connect the ground level to the top, they are not open to the public for general use. Most of the monument’s interior centers around the elevator ride and viewing platform, but there are a few features worth noting. 

On your descent, some elevator trips pause briefly, giving riders a glimpse of commemorative stones set into the monument’s interior walls. These stones were donated by states, cities, civic organizations, and even foreign countries as tributes to George Washington.

Inside the ground-level lobby, you’ll also find a statue of George Washington. He’s shown standing beside a classical column, holding a cane. Below the statue, a quote reads: “My whole life has been dedicated to the service of my country…”—a line taken from a letter Washington wrote to James McHenry in 1797.

Elevator, Stairs, and Accessibility

The attraction’s observatory once required a grueling stair climb, but today, the Washington Monument elevator makes the journey to the top quick and easy. The elevator is fully accessible, and the National Park Service provides accommodations for visitors with mobility needs. Service animals are also permitted.

What You’ll See From the Top

From the top of the monument, the 500-foot observation deck gives you sweeping views of the city’s most iconic landmarks and surrounding areas. From there, you can look out across Washington, DC through eight windows—two facing each cardinal direction.

Look in any direction and you’ll see highlights like:

• East: U.S. Capitol, Nationals Park, Anacostia River, R.F.K. Stadium, and the National Arboretum
• North: White House, National Cathedral, and Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
• West: Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Potomac River, Marine Corps Memorial, and Theodore Roosevelt Island
• South: Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Channel, Reagan National Airport, the Pentagon, and the George Washington Masonic Memorial

Washington Monument Visiting Hours and Closures

If you’re planning a visit, it’s important to know current monument hours and access details. The Washington Monument is typically open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last timed entry at 4 p.m. It is closed on Independence Day, Christmas Day, and one day each month during the first week for routine maintenance.

For safety reasons, the monument may also close during severe weather conditions such as high winds or thunderstorms. Hours and closures can vary, so it’s best to check the National Park Service website page for the Washington Monument before your visit for the most current information.

Best Times to See the Washington Monument

If you’re wondering when is the best time to see the Washington Monument, early morning and late afternoon are ideal. These times offer softer light, smaller crowds, and more comfortable temperatures. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons to visit, with cherry blossoms in March and April or colorful leaves in October. Weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends. For photos, try visiting just after sunrise or during golden hour before sunset. 

How to Get Washington Monument Tickets

Timed-entry tickets are required to go inside the Washington Monument. You can reserve them in advance online at recreation.gov for a nonrefundable $1 service fee per ticket—or try for free, same-day tickets in person at the Washington Monument Lodge on 15th Street. Due to high demand, advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Same-day tickets are distributed starting at 8:45 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The ticket window is located on the back side of the lodge, near the monument. Lines often form well before the distribution window opens, especially during busy parts of the  seasons.

Tickets are released online 30 days in advance and again one day before the tour date. Releases happen at 10:00 a.m. and often sell out within seconds in spring, summer, and fall. 

Driving Directions, Parking, and Metro Info

Use the following travel information to plan your route and arrival to the Washington Monument.

Directions to the Washington Monument

If you’re planning to drive, several major highways provide access to the National Mall area depending on your approach:

• Interstate 395 connects travelers arriving from the south.
• To the north, options include Interstate 495, New York Avenue, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and Cabin John Parkway.
• Those coming from the west can take Interstate 66 or U.S. Routes 50 and 29.
• From the east, use the U.S. Routes 50, 1, or 4.

Parking

If you’re driving to see the Washington Monument, public parking is available inside the Paddle Boat Lot on Maine Avenue Southwest—as well as along Ohio Drive SW, between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. 

Charter buses also have designated spaces along Ohio Drive, including additional areas extending into East Potomac Park. For visitors with disabilities, accessible parking is available both at the Paddle Boat Lot and in nearby spaces close to the World War II Memorial.

Metro Info

Public transportation is the easiest way to reach the National Mall and the Washington Monument within it. The closest Metrorail station is Smithsonian Station (serving the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines). 

Nearby options also include Federal Triangle and L’Enfant Plaza. The DC National Mall Circulator’s route makes stops close to the monument and connects to other parts of the city. For regional visitors, Amtrak, MARC, and VRE trains stop at Union Station and L’Enfant Plaza, providing easy access from Maryland and Virginia.

Location Information

Here’s the essential location info to help you navigate to the Washington Monument:

• Address: 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024
• GPS Coordinates: 38.889463, -77.035237
• Nearest Intersection: 15th St & Madison Dr NW

Tips for Visiting the Monument

To make the most of your visit, it helps to plan for things like weather, walking, and ticket timing. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

• Arrive early: Lines form quickly—especially in peak season. For same-day tickets, plan to arrive by 8:30 a.m. For reserved times, get there at least 15 minutes early.
• Prepare for the weather: There’s minimal shade around the monument. Bring water, wear sunscreen, and dress for the season.
• Use restrooms before entry: There are no bathrooms or water fountains inside the monument, so plan to stop nearby beforehand.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be walking long distances, especially if you’re visiting other Mall landmarks the same day.
• Research nearby attractions: Know which museums and monuments you want to see so you can plan your route and prioritize your time. Downloading DC monument maps and walking guides can help you with this. 
• Explore surrounding neighborhoods: Areas like the Wharf, Penn Quarter, and Capitol Hill offer restaurants, shops, and local charm just beyond the Mall.

Want a Unique View? See the Washington Monument from the Water

We hope you enjoyed our guide on how to visit the Washington Monument. For a fresh take on DC sightseeing, try viewing the monument from the Potomac River. Sea the City’s Hot Tub Boat Tour lets you kick back on the water while enjoying open-air views of one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. 

During the ride, your local captain will share a few interesting Washington Monument history and facts as you cruise by. It’s a non-traditional experience that’s both fun and scenic. Of all DC memorial tours, this one adds a relaxing twist you won’t find on foot. 

Want to try it for yourself? Book a private cruise today!