You can visit the outside of the Washington Monument without a ticket. But you need a ticket to tour the inside. As an added bonus, the tour allows you to travel up to the top for amazing views of DC. Of course, this is not something you can just walk up and do! But, with a little advanced planning, you will be visiting the Washington Monument with a complete tour!
What is the Washington Monument
The Washington Monument was built to honor George Washington, the first United States president. Completed in 1884, the Washington Monument was once the world’s tallest building. It still holds the title of the world’s tallest stone structure and obelisk! And since it serves as a symbol of the nation, it remains the tallest structure in Washington DC. Its marble, granite and blue stones, with its iconic shape, make it a recognizable symbol of the United States.
Visiting the Washington Monument:
Getting Tour Tickets
You have two opportunities to get tickets for the Washington Monument tour. You can get them online at the recreation.gov website 30 days prior to your desired tour date. Otherwise, you get them at the Washington Monument Lodge the day before your desired tour date.
Online Ticket Option
Online tickets are gone in seconds! So you need to be online and logged in before 10 am ET on the 30 day mark. Have your account set-up and refresh your browser starting 1-2 minutes before 10 am. Keep refreshing until the tickets load. Tickets are scheduled every half hour from 9 a.m. to 4 pm. So it is really important to have an idea of your desired time and a backup time.
Another tip … there is no size minimum for group tickets! So, these can be easier to get!! Tickets are “free” but there is a $1 “convenience fee”. Tickets must be printed or viewable from your recreation.gov account.
Online Ticket Option
In person tickets are released at 8:45 am. But, the line starts forming much, much earlier.
Tour Operator Ticket Option
A third option is to book a tour through a tour company that obtains the tickets for you! We recommend this one.
You Don't Want to Miss This Tour!
Get Tickets to Go Inside the Washington Monument!
Visiting the Washington Monument:
Important Information
| Tour Dates | Almost every day, except Independence Day and Christmas Day. It is also closed one day a month for routine maintenance. |
| Tour Times | open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last available tour ticket is at 4 p.m.) |
| Requirements | All visitors must have a ticket |
| Prohibited Items | This is a long list, but the highlights include no: • bags larger than 18”x16”x8” • food • liquids • strollers • animals |
There are also no drinking fountains or restrooms inside the Washington Monument.
Visiting the Washington Monument:
When You Arrive for Your Tour
Make sure to arrive early for our tour. But, know that there is very little shade around the monument. It can be really hot! When you arrive, the Rangers direct you to sit on a bench labeled with your tour time. This is a line-up for the order you will enter the monument. We rotated who waited on the very sunny bench. While while the others sat by the monument in what little shade was available. So be early enough to get in the line, but don’t be too early that you bake in the sun.
Visiting the Washington Monument:
Entering the Monument
After passing through the front door, you go through security. The Washington Monument is covered by national security. So the doors to get inside are super thick with all kinds of security locks.
Visiting the Washington Monument:
Ground Floor
After passing through security, you are greeted by a statue of George Washington on the ground floor.
Visiting the Washington Monument:
Elevator Ride to the Top
You take the elevator 500 feet up to the Observation Deck. The elevator ride is not too long. Plus, it also includes a short video about what to expect during your self-guided tour.
Visiting the Washington Monument:
The Observation Deck
The Observation Deck provides amazing views of Washington, DC! From here, you can see nearly 25 miles into the horizon in every direction. It has two windows on the each side so you get a full panoramic view of the area.
View from the North Side
From the windows on the north side, you get amazing views of the White House. You can even see the state of Maryland off in the distance.
View from the East Side
Out the windows on the east side, you can see the US Capitol at the end of the National Mall. Along the National Mall you can see the Smithsonian Buildings.
View from the South Side
When looking out the windows on the south side, get a spectacular view of the Jefferson Memorial. During the spring, there are beautiful blooms of the Japanese cherry trees along the Tidal Basin. From this view, you can also see the states of Maryland and Virginia in the distance.
View from the West Side
The windows on the west side provide views of the National Mall memorials. From here you see the World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial connected by the Reflecting Pool. The Korean War Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial are on the left. While the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is on the right. In the distance, you can see the State of Virginia and Arlington National Cemetery.
Looking Up
There are signs directing you to look up while on the Observation Deck. Here you can see damage to the Monument from the 2011 earthquake. Engineers fixed the Monument with metal pins and stone patches. But, you can still see some of the repairs.
Visiting the Washington Monument:
Exhibits on the Top Floors
There is a set of stone stairs that connects the Observation Deck with the floor below it.
As you walk through these floors, there are fun facts and exhibits displayed. These exhibits include historical photographs and information about the Monument.
Visiting the Washington Monument:
The Return Elevator Ride
Private citizens and organizations helped build the Washington Monument. On the elevator down, you can see 193 commemorative stones in the walls. These represent the various individuals, groups, cities, states, and countries that contributed to its construction. You can see all of the commemorative stones on the interior walls during the ride.
Visiting the Washington Monument:
Exiting the Washington Monument
Once everyone gathers on the bottom level, a key card is need to exit through the national security doors. Buttercup spoke with the Ranger about her interest in become a NPS Ranger. So he gave her the special honor of using his key card to unlock the Monument door when we exited. These moments are always so memorable!
The Family Verdict
The Washington Monument is a national treasure and can’t be missed. It provided amazing views and some interesting facts. But, be forewarned about the lack of shade and plan accordingly.
Make sure to check out our adventures at the White House, Library of Congress, Ford’s Theater, and the National Mall. Also, follow our complete adventures through Washington DC and at nearby Niagara Falls!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
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