Washington Monument
National Mall—sample rating
David Ohmer, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is a 555-foot, 5-1/8-inch marble obelisk on the National Mall built to honor George Washington, the nation's first president. Designed by Robert Mills, construction began in 1848, stalled for over two decades due to funding and the Civil War, and finally finished in 1884 using stone from a different quarry, creating the monument's subtle two-tone coloring. Today it is the tallest stone structure and obelisk in the world, and an elevator carries visitors to an observation level near the top for panoramic views of the city. All visitors age 2 and up need a timed-entry ticket, available free same-day at the Washington Monument Lodge starting at 8:45 a.m. or in advance online via Recreation.gov for a $1 service fee.
Why visit
It's the tallest structure in Washington and its observation deck offers the best 360-degree skyline view in the city.
Best time to visit
Reserve timed tickets 30 days in advance online at recreation.gov, released daily at 10am; visit near opening for shorter lines.
Recommended duration
Allow about 1 hours (60 minutes).
Opening hours
- Every day
- 09:00-17:00
Timed-entry tickets required (free walk-up at Lodge from 8:45am or $1 reservation fee online); closed Dec 25, Independence Day, and one day monthly for maintenance; security screening required.
Information may change — verify details before visiting.
Location
2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024
Load Google Maps content — this may set cookies.
Nearby attractions
National Mall
A vast open-air national park stretching between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, lined with iconic monuments and Smithsonian museums.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
A domed neoclassical monument on the Tidal Basin honoring Thomas Jefferson, surrounded by famous cherry blossom trees.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
A granite memorial on the Tidal Basin featuring a colossal carved likeness of Dr. King emerging from a 'Stone of Hope.'
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
A sprawling outdoor memorial along the Tidal Basin divided into four outdoor 'rooms' representing FDR's four terms in office.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
A stark black granite wall inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 U.S. service members who died or went missing in the Vietnam War.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
A memorial featuring 19 stainless steel soldier statues advancing through juniper bushes, honoring those who served in the Korean War.
Nearby restaurants
Zaytinya
Mediterranean · $$$ · Downtown / Penn Quarter
Ben's Chili Bowl
American / Comfort Food · $ · U Street
Mi Vida
Mexican · $$ · Navy Yard / Waterfront
Ambar Capitol Hill
Balkan · $$ · Capitol Hill
Centrolina
Italian · $$$ · Downtown / Penn Quarter
Maketto
Cambodian / Taiwanese · $$ · Capitol Hill
Flights to New York
Live round-trip fares from Travelpayouts partners.
Partner links — our site's partners are Expedia, GetYourGuide, Go City, Big Bus Tours, Hotellook, Kiwitaxi and Localrent; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Stay near National Mall
Browse stays in New York by budget and style — prices and availability open on our booking partner's site.
Partner links — we're partnered with Expedia and Hotellook; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.