Washington Monument
Washington Monument
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Dedicated to the first U.S. president, this 555-foot obelisk is an iconic American symbol that stands tall in the National Mall.
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Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience Washington Monument
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Upper Northwest
How to get there
  • Smithsonian • 8 min walk
  • Federal Triangle • 10 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • Alejandro B
    Ottawa, Canada971 contributions
    DCs most iconic landmark
    Without a doubt, this monument is the most famous memorial in Washington. Visible from a distance of up to 30 miles away, this tribute to the first president of the US is not only iconic, but also a wonder of workmanship. I have been fortunate to visit Washington several times, and the only constant in my trips has been seeing this beautiful monument.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled solo
    Written December 12, 2022
  • Leonhkny
    Hong Kong, China14,189 contributions
    Ultimate DC
    The huge obelisk is a cornerstone of Washington DC. In commemoration of the first president, the Washington Monument is tallest structure in the city as well as the most remarkable one. A short but pleasant walk to the base of monument rewards with a pleasant view of the National Mall.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 16, 2022
  • Emily M
    United States1,328 contributions
    Very well organized!
    This was well-organized from the start. Where to go, based on our entry time, was clearly marked outside the monument. National park staff and volunteers were present letting us know how long it would be and answered questions we had on the memorial. The observation and exhibit areas at the top was not crowded as the groups were appropriately sized and spaced. Be sure to get your ticket about 30 days ahead of time. Highly recommend.
    Visited August 2022
    Written December 29, 2022
  • Andrew N
    Hendersonville, North Carolina121 contributions
    Amazing experience
    It is impressive from the outside but even more amazing inside. The views are spectacular. Timed entry tickets are required. We were unable to secure them online because they sell out so quickly. Got in line around 6:45 in the morning to get tickets. You actually line up in the back of the Washington Monument Lodge to get the tickets.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written December 31, 2022
  • Amy D
    London, United Kingdom295 contributions
    Unique viewpoint
    You have to pre-book tickets to go up to the top online 24 hours before, it seemed a lot of people didn't know that. It's $1 to book a ticket. There's airport style security at the bottom and then in small groups you go to the top in the lift, on the way up you can see bricks with people's names on. At the top there is fantastic views over the Potomas, Virgina and National Mall. Would definitely recommend.
    Visited February 2022
    Written January 26, 2023
  • TheOrganizedTravelCoach
    28 contributions
    Inspiring landmark to visit
    The Washington Monument is a famous landmark in Washington DC that honors the first president of the United States, George Washington. The monument is a towering obelisk that stands at over 500 feet tall and can be seen from many parts of the city. On a busy day, the Washington Monument can be crowded with tourists and visitors, making it a bit more challenging to navigate and fully appreciate the monument. There may be lines to go inside the monument, and it may be difficult to find a good spot to take photos. Despite the crowds, the Washington Monument is still a fascinating and inspiring place to visit. The monument is an engineering marvel, and visitors can learn about the history of its construction and the significance of the monument to the United States. One way to make the most of a busy day at the Washington Monument is to plan ahead and arrive early to avoid the crowds. Visitors can also purchase tickets in advance online to skip the lines and have a more streamlined experience. Another option is to visit the monument during off-peak times, such as early in the morning or later in the evening. This can provide a quieter and more serene experience, and allow visitors to fully appreciate the grandeur of the monument without the distractions of large crowds.
    Visited April 2022
    Written February 23, 2023
  • Johanna C
    113 contributions
    More Beautiful in Person
    So cool to see from so many different places in the area. Great view from the bottom, didn't go to the top. You need a reserved timed pass for that. It is 0.8 miles to the Lincoln Memorial from the base of the Washington Monument. In March 2023 the reflecting pool was drained for cleaning. While we missed seeing that, it was pretty neat to be able to walk inside it on our way back from the Lincoln Memorial.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written March 19, 2023
  • Justin W
    Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey3,631 contributions
    What a beautiful monument
    Though I have never been inside the monument, the Washington Monument is something you should not miss. It is so majestic and full of history, If this building could talk. Take time to walk around and really look at the structure. It is nice yo just sit on the benches and people watch. The lawns are full of people socializing and flying kites. The perfect place to relax and take everything in.
    Visited April 2023
    Written April 6, 2023
  • Stefan G
    Washington DC, District of Columbia1,062 contributions
    Excellent views, informative museum - tix go fast!
    Great views of DC. Small, yet insightful museum at the very top. On the way down, the elevator will pause a few times to allow you to check out some of the neat stone blocks that have engravings on them (mottos, names, state flags, etc.) that you can only see from inside the building. There are a few ways to get tickets: 30 days in advance (online); 24-hours in advance (online); same day, first-come first-served (in person). You have to be quick no matter which option you choose. No bathrooms in the building itself, but there are bathrooms in the Washington Monument Lodge (gift shop) near the base of the building along 15th St NW.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written April 8, 2023
  • Passport53
    Oxford, Alabama160 contributions
    Jerk at ticket window
    If you want tickets to go up to the top, you need to be at the ticket window early. Ticket window opens up at 8:45 and the line forms much earlier than that. I went, in the cold and rain, and got there about 8:00 am and there were already 50 people ahead of me. I got to the window and asked for tickets at a specific time, which is common, and the guy was just a jerk. They change the hours of the Monument with no notice and I apparently offended him by asking for a specific time. I'm happy for him that he gets to enjoy the vast amount of power that he has in being rude to people. Oh well, we all have bad days I guess.
    Visited March 2023
    Written April 11, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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sfuhere
uk780 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
I hope someone who deals with the account creation for tickets reads this. (I doubt it, to be honest, but here goes anyway.)

You have to enter a valid phone number when you create an account. Fair enough. However, on entering our perfectly valid British phone number, it would not accept it despite trying every which way. Yes, we added a +. Yes, we added the country code. Yes, we took off the initial zero. We then tried with it added back on. Nothing worked. So there must be a bug in your software. Please sort it out as it is very annoying. In the end, I had to lie and enter an American friend’s phone number instead. It’s a bit of a shame that your system effectively forces people to enter incorrect information in order to get anywhere. Surely this could be a security risk.

None of it mattered as the tickets went in a flash anyway. So in the end we queued up early outside. That may be the best way to avoid your blood pressure going through the roof!

Incidentally, I bet whoever reads this assumes we must be stupid tourists who couldn’t be bothered to read and follow clear instructions. So I fully expect nothing will be done. My advice is to save yourself the hassle and just put in an American phone number. They don’t check it anyway. The email however is checked and will be verified. Luckily there wasn’t a problem with that.

The monument itself is of course iconic. Once you’re in.
Written November 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MomOfTheNorth
Sauk Rapids, MN20 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Went for a night walk of DC. It is so beautiful, especially at night. There are free walking tours in the area and I highly recommend that you check them out.
Written November 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SUNILDASWANEY
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates618 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
We enjoyed visiting the Washington monument and soak in the surrounding atmosphere.Nice to be part of history in some way or the other.
Written November 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Wayne
Tokoroa, New Zealand103 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
This was a very cool place to visit and lots of people were there. Some people are able to go inside but you have to book that in advance. Recommend to look online and book ahead to go inside.
Written November 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ShaneSellsSeashells
247 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
Book this 30 days out or one day prior at 10am online for $1 per ticket. I believe they have same day tickets too but go quickly. You wait outside on a marble bench until your time for the tour. The earlier you get there, the first in line and the first in. They break you into groups of five to go into security. An elevator takes you up and you look out a series of seven out of eight windows. The views are spectacular! You can slightly feel the building shift and sway. I appreciated the strong ventilation and constant airflow. Then you walk down a few stairs and to an exhibit. Hop in the elevator and be sure to stand facing the Lincoln Memorial bc the elevator will slow down and they will show you huge bricks on the inside. You want a good view. When booking online it will give you the date for when they close once a month for maintenance.
Written November 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

chelsealynne
Pensacola, FL955 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
Book 30 days in advance through the national park website to get a tour. The views from the top are great in all directions. Elevator up and down! Pay attention to the open glass on the sides of the elevator for the commemorative stones. Highly recommend!
Written November 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Whitney D
Racine, WI95 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
The Washington Moument is one that is a must see when in DC. We walked by it several times and each time we took the time to take a picture and enjoy the granduar of the area. It wasn't too crowded and walking from the Monument through the World War memorial all the way to Lincoln was a bit of a walk but you get to see all sides of the monument and how well these are all laid out.
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rob M
Cheyenne, WY7,606 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
With such a tight schedule, we only walked by this beauty. Impressive and impossible to miss when in the heart of DC. One can catch a great view from all angles.
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Niki S
Holland, MA165 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
The area is beautiful!
Booking tickets is hard! Bad on me for not realizing that tickets were needed. We tried booking tickets for the next day and they were gone is 30 seconds.
Book your tickets in advance!
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CoasterNerdett
Belfast, UK350 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
We booked our tickets to visit online, managed to get there on time. There is a security check at the start, once you're inside you can take your time, the elevator was interesting on its own, the view is great and the little exhibits are interesting.
Really worth the little bit of planning it needs
Written October 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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WASHINGTON MONUMENT - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Washington Monument