Washington Monument
8.7Friend Score / 10free
Known formonumentnational mallfreeviewpoint
The 555-foot marble obelisk at the center of the National Mall, the tallest structure in the city and visible from across DC. A timed ticket and elevator take you to observation windows near the top for the best panorama of the Mall and monuments. Tickets are free but limited, so reserve online in advance or grab same-day walk-ups early in the morning.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 9:00a-5:00p Tue 9:00a-5:00p Wed 9:00a-5:00p Thu 9:00a-5:00p Fri 9:00a-5:00p Sat 9:00a-5:00p Sun 9:00a-5:00p |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | — |
| Time needed | — |
| Best time to go | — |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.7/10- Value9.0
- iconic9.5
- excellence8.5
- Crowd level8.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility8.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is it free to go to the top?
- Admission is free, but online reservations carry a $1 non-refundable service fee per ticket. Same-day walk-up tickets from the Lodge are completely free.
- Can I still enjoy it without going inside?
- Absolutely. The grounds and the ring of flags around the base are free and open, and the monument is the anchor of countless Mall photos. Plenty of visitors skip the interior entirely.
- What's the view like from the top?
- It's the highest public vantage point in the city, with 360-degree views over the Mall, the White House, the Capitol, and the Potomac. Small windows on each side keep it from being a wide-open observation deck, but the sightlines are excellent.
- What are the hours?
- The monument is open 9a to 5p daily, with the last tickets timed at 4p. It closes December 25, July 4, part of July 3, and one day per month for maintenance.
- How long does the visit take?
- Budget about 45 minutes to an hour once you're through security, including the 70-second elevator ride and time at the top. The observation level itself takes only 15-20 minutes.
- Is there security screening?
- Yes, everyone goes through screening before the elevator. Large bags and food aren't allowed, so pack light to avoid being turned away.
- How hard is it to actually get a ticket?
- Honestly, tough. Advance tickets often vanish the day they're released, and the walk-up line forms early. If you have your heart set on going up, treat it like a timed mission, not a spontaneous drop-in.
- How do I get tickets to go up the Washington Monument?
- Free timed tickets are required. The main batch releases online 30 days ahead at 10a, with a smaller drop at 3p the day before. If those are gone, walk-up same-day tickets are handed out at the Washington Monument Lodge starting when it opens at 8:45a, first-come first-served.
Nearby in Ask Washington DC
- National Museum of African American History and CultureMuseum0.29 km · 4 min walk
- United States Holocaust Memorial MuseumAttraction0.39 km · 5 min walk
- National Museum of American HistoryMuseum0.5 km · 6 min walk
- National Museum of Natural HistoryMuseum0.82 km · 10 min walk
- Martin Luther King Jr. MemorialAttraction0.85 km · 11 min walk
Where to stay near Washington Monument
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