Washington Monument

The Washington Monument stands on the National Mall at 2 15th St NW in Washington, DC. Its simple design honors George Washington, and the grounds give you views of the Reflecting Pool, Lincoln Memorial and Capitol. With a reserved ticket, you can ride the elevator to the observation deck for a wider view of the city; exhibits sit in the museum below. The monument is free to visit, but plan ahead if you want to go inside, as same-day tickets are limited. Its appearance shifts from calm morning light to sunset and illumination at night.

Views from the grounds and observation deck

From the monument’s grounds, you can see the Reflecting Pool, the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol. An elevator ride to the observation deck gives you a panoramic view of Washington, DC. Exhibits are located in the museum below the deck, so there is more to explore inside than the view alone.

Planning an elevator visit

Admission to the monument is free, but an elevator visit requires a ticket. Reserve through Recreation.gov, where tickets are released 30 days ahead. Same-day tickets are available at the lodge, but they can sell out quickly, so arrive early if you plan to try for one. The monument and its grounds can be visited at different times of day, from calm morning light to sunset and illumination at night.