Monument · Washington DC

Washington Monument

Washington Monument
Photo: Greyfiveys, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Washington Monument stands 555 feet tall as a marble obelisk. An elevator takes visitors to the observation level for views across the Mall and city. Memorial stones from states and organizations line the interior walls.

Updated September 27, 2026On day 1 of Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York in 7 Days

Visiting Washington Monument: what to know

Tickets
Free timed tickets required; reserve online for a small service fee or pick up free same-day tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge
Time needed
30 minutes to 1 hour
Best time
Early morning on weekdays
Getting there
Short walk from Smithsonian Metro station

Washington DC itineraries with Washington Monument

Day 1 of Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York in 7 Days

The National Mall

How Washington Monument fits into a day.
  1. 9:00Lincoln MemorialWashington DC
  2. 10:00Vietnam Veterans MemorialWashington DC
  3. 11:30Washington MonumentWashington DC
  4. 14:00National Air and Space MuseumWashington DC
See all 7 days
Advertisement
Ad space · 728 × 90

Washington Monument FAQs

Do I need tickets for the Washington Monument?

Yes. Timed tickets are required. Reserve online through Recreation.gov for a small fee, or get free same-day tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge from 8:45am.

Can you go inside the Washington Monument?

Yes. An elevator reaches the observation level with city views.

How long is the wait for the Washington Monument?

Same-day tickets go quickly. Reserving ahead is the most reliable way to secure a time slot.

More places on this trip