Washington Monument
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Experience Type: American icon, historic landmark
An enduring tribute to the nation’s first president, the 555-foot-tall Washington Monument rises above the National Mall. Completed in 1884, the marble obelisk once held the title of world’s tallest building, standing as a lasting symbol of American history and pride.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Ascend to the Observation Deck – Ride the 70-second elevator to the top for sweeping views. Timed tickets required; reserve ahead or try for first-come, first-served same-day passes.
- Discover the Commemorative Stones – Admire 193 stones donated by states, cities, societies, and nations embedded inside the monument walls to honor George Washington.
- Chat Up a Park Ranger – Rangers can share stories about Washington, the monument’s engineering, and the design of the city named in his honor.
- Walk the National Mall – Capture striking monument views from different angles, including from the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.
- See the Monument at Night – The monument’s illuminated glow is visible across the Mall. Join a guided night tour or take an evening stroll to admire the monument after dark.
Plan Ahead: Reserve a timed-entry ticket to skip the line at the Washington Monument and head straight to the top for skyline views. A digital guidebook helps you spot major landmarks and learn their stories as you take in the panoramic scene.
Photo Credit: Sobia Akhtar/Pexels