Memorial to the first President of the United States The structure is hard to miss when in downtown. It was said to be the world's tallest freestanding stone structure and it was the first thing we saw driving in DC. When I saw it from afar for the first time I saw this beautiful monument and gave a sense of feeling the awe, respect, and gratitude our nation felt for our Founding Father and first President of the United States, George Washington. The monument has become a symbol of our country. Unfortunately, the interior of the monument was closed for repairs during our visit. We knew this coming in DC. It will be reopened to the public in Spring of 2019. It may also be a nicer time to come around during the Spring season when the weather is not so freezing cold. The weather we experienced during our first time visit at this time of year was nothing like I've felt before and I wasn't prepared for it. Nonetheless, we managed to walk around and enjoy the many monuments that we passed by. The Washington monument is located in the center of the National Mall between the U.S. Capitol and Lincoln Memorial. It is beautiful in the daytime as well as in the night time when the monument is lit. The 50 American flags around the base of the monument represent the 50 States. Hope to come back again sometime and give a better experience review when it reopens and I could say that I climbed all 898 steps to the top of the Washington Monument! Well, we'll certainly try. Oh wait.. where's the elevators? Review #1190 read more

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So much to see and learn about George Washington, his Valor and leadership which truly set the tone for other American presidents to live up to. Beautiful tribute to the great man. Loved the day view. Sharing the image from reflection pool. read more

Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This memorial is truly a landmark. You can spot it from just about anywhere in the local area and use it to get your bearings. But then with the road network they have in the DC area, you'll still end up getting lost. Simple in design and yet highly recognizable, the Washington Monument is the centerpiece to the National Mall. You'll want to walk up close to it so you know and can say you've been there but it's distance that will give you the photos and perspective you're looking for. It's so tall that any photos taken up close will just look like a giant wall. You could always take a straight up into the sky shot. Even from the foot of the monument the views are noteworthy. You can see down to The Lincoln Memorial, up to the Capitol Building or over to the White House. Something I didn't know is that you can go inside the Washington Monument and up to the top. The tickets are free and handed out daily. They're for a timed entrance and are first-come first-serve. The ticket window opens at 8:30 am but they say the line starts forming way before then so get there early. You can request a specific entrance time for your tickets (once you get to the ticket window). One person can get up to 6 tickets. Don't get your free tickets and then try to sell them. :/ read more

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Superbly scenic to look at from a good distance. I was enjoying the beautiful scenery of this surrounding from the top steps of the Lincoln monument! Leisurely stroll as well to go walking by it! read more

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MAKE RESERVATIONS to GUARANTEE A RIDE UP TO THE TOP The tickets sell out during peak season, so reserve early. Visit www.recreation.gov and pay the processing fee (few dollars) to guarantee your ride up the 500ft elevator to the top of the Washington Monument. It's worth the few dollars. Oh what!? You want to do it tomorrow? (We did too!) And they're sold out? (I was ready to give up). No worries. This is what you do.. STAND IN LINE before the ticket booth opens at 8:30am. The TICKET BOOTH is NOT at the base of the monument. The ticket booth/gift shop &restrooms are closer to 15th between Constitution and Independence. Depending on what time of the year you are visiting, you may have to go very early. We lucked out and didn't have to wait too long but we went during off-season. These same day tickets are FREE. Your tax dollars are hard at work. First tour starts at 9:00am, last tour is at 4:30pm during off-peak season, and they occur every 30 minutes. The most recognizable landmark in DC is the tallest free standing stone structure in the world! At 555 feet tall, the Washington Monument is the tallest building (by law) in Washington DC. The 70 second elevator ride will take you up to a nice birds eye view of the entire city. Gorgeous views in every direction. My favorite was this one: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/washington-monument-washington?userid=QhYJx2jQdPuSq3fGe3aGcA#1YPd5a1FikYr1aqKLHoinw After reading about how the monument was closed from 2011-2014 for earthquake damage/construction, and how the elevators are frequently broken (they don't let you climb the stairs), and how the monument was actually closed during the furloughs, we got really lucky. I came here 20yrs ago and didn't even know you could go in, I think it was closed! I can't believe we almost didn't do this, it was awesome. TIPS: 1. Get to the monument 15-30min before scheduled tour to allow enough time to go through security. 2. Check the list of prohibited items, you will go through a metal detector. 3. Restrooms are at the ticket booth building. No restrooms up at the top. 4. Try to stand near either door on the way DOWN. Have camera out and ready for surprises. Figure out how they do that with the windows. 5. If you don't get to do this, just take pictures from the outside, that's the money shot anyway. read more

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One of a thousand things to see when visiting Washington DC, but the Washington Monument has to be at the top. Centrally located between (and with fantastic views of) the White House, the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial. Wide open spaces, great walkways, and a great hub for the annual Kite Festival! A must see!! read more

Washington Monument - Kite Festival 2022 - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I've seen the Washington Monument on TV before, but it truly is a sight to behold in person, especially from the different vantage points around National Mall. Great views from the Reflecting Pool, WWII Memorial, and around the Jefferson Memorial. So much history surrounding this monument - it's definitely one to check out if you're ever in DC. We couldn't enter the monument itself, so we'll save it for the next trip! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/washington-monument-washington?select=hcDASgcuAV-hQtkNalLYYw&userid=97Dj5h5CQUsWZrEWj3wWOg https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/washington-monument-washington?select=VLWF2WjtsTakjxfgfnBntw&userid=97Dj5h5CQUsWZrEWj3wWOg read more

Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The Washington Monument is a MUST SEE in DC. It is awesome to see and up close and personal it exceeds my expectations. Take a moment to see this. It was extremely windy when we arrived, but we didn't care. We sat down and absorbed the scenery upwards and around us. It was fun to people watch too. There is a small shop but it as crowded so we didn't go in. You can buy tickets online ahead of time to tour the monument too. read more

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Worth visiting, though not necessarily to the top if there's a wait. What else can I write about this phallic symbol of our nation's virility? It's a massive obelisk, the tallest structure in DC. Small wonder it's such a tourist attraction, providing photo ops to folks far and wide. Stop by, snap pics, and fly a kite here. read more

Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Now that is one large phallic symbol of Murrica's freedom! As far as a monument goes this one is just ok when compared to the others in the area. The Washington Monument is an obelisk on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate our first President and overall bad-ass military leader George Washington who led our ragtag militia to an ass beating of the British monarchy and paved the way for American freedom. The father of our country would be proud of this erect symbol shooting into the sky. Lit up at the base at night with the circle of American flags around it is quite a sight. Murrica! read more

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I did not know this tour! Awesome!! Great new knowledge and fantastic view;) Price: Free at a ticket shop or $1.5 reservation on the phone. I went there around 9:39 on Mon and found the tickets at 13:00 earliest. They open at 8:30. If you don't have time, make a all to get a spot. Time: Up to how long you stay there. Staff: Nice! Parking lot: Noooo. read more

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Built to honor George Washington, the United States' first president, the 555-foot marble monument can be spotted instantly upon driving into Washington D.C. It is quite a sight to see since it is the tallest building in the city. When I first spotted it, I was instantly excited and overwhelmed. Beautifully tall, surrounded by a ton of American flags and being at the center of the National mall. It is truly a landmark. A photo opportunity here is a must! There's not a bad angle where you can take a photo. This place is the perfect spot to first start a tour of Washington D.C! read more

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Seeing the Washington Monument up close is awesome! It's an iconic structure that can be seen from many places throughout DC but up close, it is just massive. I loved how American flags circle the monument. And looking down at the Lincoln memorial in one direction and the White House in another direction, I was struck by the sheer beauty of D.C. As we walked from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, I kept wanting to turn around to see the Washington Monument. Even from a distance it's beautiful. read more

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An iconic structure that you can see joyfully at a distance and breath a sigh of disbelief. It was exciting to bring the kids to D.C. for the first time to see the Washington Monument. I believe in a non-theory based education and if I can provide a great experience that is memorable I think children can appreciate, learn and absorb more about history when they can see it instead of just reading about it. There was a ton of construction so there was no opportunity to go up. It was a pretty hot day and a quick weekend trip so maybe next time we'll get the chance to get some tickets. read more

Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I don't have much to add...I'll just say that after seeing it in person, its much bigger than I thought it would be! Amurri'ca!!!!!! read more

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George Washington is like the Beyoncé of presidents. Everyone knows George, even if you're not into politics and like Beyoncé, George deserves a symbol of his legacy in our country ( Bey will get her's soon enough). The Washington Monument is kind of magnificent in the way that kind of is the epicenter of the monuments. No matter where you in the area, you can see it. It's an amazing focal point. It's also great for guys to take vulgar pictures with... Every time I'm in DC I make sure to stop here. This is the only monument I do this with. It's massive yet sleek. It's my favorite monument in DC. Thank you George. read more

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I'm going to keep this review sweet and short. I don't want to make it sound redundant as there are many reviews already. I also don't want to give a history lesson here either (however I love how you can tell where the building stalled and then took off again). Like several people have said you can see this from just about anywhere when you near it. Also if you want to be lucky enough to scale the stairs inside, get there early. I wasn't lucky enough as they were sold out already by the time I got there. You can get a great picture of this from so many angles, so take you time near it. That about sums up my experience here. read more

Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I've been to DC before, I've been to the Washington Monument before however I've never taken the tour. This time, while out walking from my Hotel, I decided to get a ticket - free. I was able to get a walk up ticket for an 11:30 tour time. NICE! I whiled away my hour wait by wandering around and then got to the monument and in line. I went through the check in process and into the little house at the bottom, it was nice to look around at the ornate tile work and the statue of President Washington housed here. The elevator ride up the 500 feet was inconsequential, it went rapidly and yes, my ears popped, but it was really cool to step out and be able to go to the compass points and look out the windows in the cap. The view of the city was incredible! From the Lincoln Memorial, to the white house, to the Capital Building to the water's edge, you get a panoramic view of DC. And don't forget to pay attention on your way down after viewing the exhibits. You'll learn why the blocks are rough hewn when they didn't need to be. But I'm not going to give that away here. :) read more

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I saw the Washington Monument in person for the first time ever this May. It's beautiful. I couldn't get very close to it as there was a barricade around it, but I could still admire it from a distance. read more

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As a federal government contractor, I'm in the DC area from time to time. I haven't been to the area since my 6th grade field trip! We were able to get out at a reasonable hour the other day, and went for a leisurely stroll by the White House, Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. Absolutely stunning views and bringing back so many good memories, looking forward to seeing the Smithsonian museums soon and the White House tours - Best, Charlie read more

Washington Monument - View from the Lincoln Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Awesomeness! It is so beautiful to see the Monument during the day, but to watch the fireworks on our nation's birthday was amazing. read more

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well, it's not a business, but it is a cool monument. on the National Mall, it is a great tour for the view. lines can be long. they were not this day due to the rain. read more

After 250+ plus reviews for this giant stone phallus I'm not going to tell you anything that hasn't been said many times before. So as usual, I will just spew forth a few noteworthy tips about the phallus: * Either get in line early, come on a bad weather day or pay the $1.50 per ticket fee and reserve your tickets via recreation.gov months in advance if need be. I don't know the exact breakdown as the ranger who queued as up outside said that they distribute tickets for each time slot 50/50 between online and at the day of ticket booth where as the ranger in the elevator on the way down said that it was 60% online/40% ticket booth. Either way if you come during school group season or around a holiday you're screwed if you're not there in line before the window opens. Again, pay the reservation fee and book ahead even though times slots get reserved that way in some cases weeks/months in advance. * Don't expect a "tour" as there's not that much to see. Outside two rangers queue you up in different lines, then you go thru an airport style security scan, wait in another line for the elevator ride where the ranger more or less said diddly then it's walk around the observation deck which has a few signs/placards explaining some history of the monument/area before walking down a flight of stairs for the elevator ride to the bottom. * For the ride down make sure any kids are near the doors so that they have prime viewing spots for when the elevator is slowed down to see the commemorative stones on the inside walls. While cheesy and touristy all the way, visiting the monument is a one of a kind experience that can't be had really anywhere else quite the same way. Just. Do. It. read more

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Bottom Line: The effort to get tickets is worth it and the views from the top are better than expected, even on a cloudy day. Having walked by the Washington Monument countless times and watched about ten documentaries on the obelisk, I was by no means a stranger to this most conspicuous architecture of the Federal City. However, I recently and finally was able to make the trip to the top of the monument. The three things I enjoyed the most about my tour were the panoramic views from the top, getting brief glimpses of the famous commemorative stones and the friendliness of the Park Rangers and volunteers. Even though I visited on a cloudy day, the views were spectacular with the views to the West being my favorite. There are two windows looking in each direction and one of the two windows has a step stool so smaller statured guests can enjoy the views from approximately 50 stories over the National Mall. Also, each view has a photo and guide that tells you what you're seeing below. The 500 foot observation deck, as well as the 490 foot exhibit deck, have some really neat historic photos that reinforce the magnitude of this great engineering feat. I've learned a lot about the various commemorative stones that have been donated to the monument throughout its nearly 170 year history so I was looking forward to seeing those on the descent. The way in which they're revealed is very cool but it definitely left me wanting more. I'd love to be able to walk back down the monument's stairs and take a detailed look at the stones. A volunteer noted that within the last six months NPS had run some training on visitors having access to the stairs so hopefully one day that will be a possibility. But for now, everyone has to take the elevator up and down. I was surprised how many Park Rangers, volunteers and security personnel were on hand to make the tours run efficiently. Additionally, all of the staff members were very friendly and engaging. Instead of letting lost tourists seek them out for help, Park Rangers would proactively greet tourists and make sure they knew where to go. There is not a ton of history about the Washington Monument presented here, probably because there is neither space nor time, so if you are wanting to learn more about this monument, turn to a bookstore or souvenir shop. But for most people, the basic history and facts discussed here will be sufficient. As others noted, you can wait in line for tickets in the morning or reserve them in advance on the Internet up to 90 days in advance. We logged on 90 days in advance, at the exact second ticket reservations opened, and were able to get two tickets for a 10am tour but even using this method there were only a handful of tickets available for an April Saturday morning tour. read more

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Of all the sights to see within the National Mall, I took the most pictures of the Washington Monument. I swear that I covered every angle, near and far. It's so tempting when you see it in the distance and feel excited to get there already!! As my friend and I got closer, we saw people hanging out on the lawn in the shade of the monument or finding a seat around the actual monument. The biggest challenge is trying to take a photo of the freaking thing. Trying to snap a picture when the sun is behind the monument... terrible idea. No one wants a silhouette. I learned that the key is to wait until the clouds cover the sun, or the light hits it directly (when you're on the correct side of the monument) so you can get the true colors. Anyways, this is too iconic to miss, so come check it out during your tour of the National Mall! read more

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A good 15 min walk from the White House. Also close to the Holocaust Museum, and World War Two Memorial. It's at the eastern end of the reflecting pool. The Lincoln Memorial is at the western end, with the Korean and Vietnam War memorials, as well as Martin Luther King Jr Memorial. Take it all in, using the DC Circulator to save on walking. read more

You know a monument is good when it attracts both tourists and locals. The Washington Monument is smack dab in the center of the National Mall giving it a great view of the Lincoln Memorial on one side and the US Capitol Building on the other. It's on a little hill and you can also see the White House. The monument itself is beautiful (Pro Tip: Hug the monument and look straight up. It feels like the monument will come crashing down on you, but don't worry. It won't). American flags surround the monument and large, marble (or stone) "benches" line the monument giving rest to the tourists. If you get there early enough, you can snag one of the free, timed tickets to go up the actual monument. It's free and worth it for the best view of DC in the city. The history behind the construction of the monument is also fascinating. Be sure to take a breather and sit on the benches to reflect on history and life. Then head to the nearby World War II Memorial, the White House, or the Tidal Basin. read more

Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Iconic landmark Nice to see during day and at night They do offer a tour ($) You can see it throughout the city Amazing view read more

This place was absolutely stunning. You see it in the movies and pictures, and those do it no justice. This place was just so peaceful and beautiful and represents so much history. It was an absolute joy to come here and see an amazing part of history. I would definitely recommend making this a place to go and see on your visit in DC. read more

At 555 feet tall, not only is the iconic Washington Monument something not to be missed when visiting Washington, DC, but it can't be missed. There are tours available and and you can enter the monument and ride up in an elevator, but we didn't bother with that; instead we were content to walk around the well maintained grounds and take touristy photos of the monument. There is also a public washroom on the monument's grounds. The washroom was utterly disgusting, but I'm always thankful for public washrooms, as you can't always count on a Starbucks nearby. Also, it is open quite late, so when it's 7pm and all the museums and nearby attractions are closed, the washroom at the Washington Monument is the place to go. (And anyone who's taken the metro in DC knows that it's prone to delays, fires, etc, so there's always a good chance that it will be delayed.) Also, watch out for psycho cyclists. (If you're from Vancouver, it'll feel just like home.) During our first visit to the monument, I was standing to the side of one of the (wide) paths, looking at a sign. I was as close to the side of the path as possible, practically leaning against the low hanging metal chain that separated the path from the grass, my foot inches away from the grass. As I'm standing there, reading the sign, I all of a sudden hear a woman yelling and swearing at me for being in her way, as she speeds past me, just inches away from me. I had been standing in one spot for a at least a minute, standing as close to the side of the path as possible; it's not as if I had suddenly jumped in front of her. She could clearly see me ahead, and she had plenty of room to on the path to safely ride past me. Instead, she came towards me, from behind, without warning (no bell or friendly verbal warning), and rode past me unnecessarily, and dangerously, close. And when I stood up straight (as I had been leaning to the side a little to get a look at the sign), she screamed and yelled obscenities because I dared to get in her way. read more

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Of course you have to visit the Washington Monument when in DC! I loved running around the grounds in the morning and laying on a bench to look up at the monument. We also went up in the monument, for which you have to wait in a long line the morning you want to visit to get your tickets. My coworker got us all tickets so we could get the birds eye view of the city. So beautiful!! read more

Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I was so pleased that I was able to visit the monument again after seeing it 12 years ago on my first visit to DC. With Covid-19 precautions in effect, you have to reserve a few days beforehand right at 10am when the website opens up. Get the tickets at that time because they're gone in a hot minute. Only four parties are allowed up at a time with strict social distancing measures in effect. After checking in, we waited for a little bit before going through security and waiting in the elevator lobby. After going up, we had free reign of the upstairs for about 10 minutes. It was a great time up there and I'm very thankful to the guides who are there everyday during these hard times! read more

It has been years since I have been inside the Washington Monument. I love this landmark. It was nice to see the scaffolding come off after the repair work done to the monument. You can order tickets online at recreation.gov. I have two issues with doing that. You have to make a reservation months out. I prefer having immediate plans. I also don't like paying a service fee for a free ticket. It goes against my savings principals. The park service gives out day of tour passes at Washington Monument Lodge, beside the monument. One person can claim up to six free tickets. TIP: show up by 7:30am in order to increase your chances of getting tickets. I have seen the tickets run out at 8:45am. Make sure you read the list of "no-no" before you get in line. read more

For me, it is a dream comes true to be able to see the Washington Monument aka The Obelisk. If there is such a thing as beauty or elegance in simplicity, this is it! A single tall and uncluttered structure pointing heavenward. You can't help but to look up along with it. It is majectic! read more

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If Washington DC is the nation's capital, is this the nation's big . . . attraction? In all seriousness, pretty impressive up close. An uncrowded classic landmark. read more

So I haven't been to DC since I was a kid...I imagine when I first visited the Washington Monument looked like something a giant would have built. I obviously didn't understand the significance or the beauty of the monument, but I posed in front for family photos like any good kid would... Fast forward about 20 years or so, to when I returned to the area this past summer, and I'm still in awe. The size, the marble, the construction of the monument. Just beautiful. The small plaza surrounding it is lovely as are the flags that decorate it and there are plenty of benches to sit and check out this wonderful structure. Hoping next time we can score a couple of {free} tickets for a trip to the top, the views are supposed to be spectacular. read more

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Free free free. I love exhibit and museum are free. Having a wonderful day walking around. Met a great family who gave me a ticket.

Beautiful- great place to celebrate a birthday or just do a picnic with friends. Dogs are allowed as well, just pick up poop!

Five stars? Well of course it gets FIVE STARS because it's the one, the only Washington Monument! Compared to itself, I'd say it does a pretty good job! The immense granite obelisk, standing 554 feet 7 11⁄32 inches, is both the world's tallest stone structure and the world's tallest obelisk. Construction began in 1848 and, due to various delays such as the Civil War and men arguing over what *really* constitutes 6 inches, did not completely finish until 1888. When visiting Washington, DC, plan ahead to ensure you can get your free tickets to the monument. You can reserve online by paying a small service fee (visit the NPS's Washington Monument site) or you can roll the dice and show up at the monument "lodge" & gift shop which is just east of the monument itself. While at the lodge, I overheard one of the attendants recommending that you arrive at 6:30am to get your tickets for that day. The lodge has bathrooms so that can be a life saver when you're in the area. And know that there are no bathrooms in the monument itself so take care of your "business" ahead of time. Enjoy your time in our nation's capital and be sure to make the Washington Monument a stop on your tour of all that the National Mall has to offer! read more

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One of my most favorite landmarks in this country. I always love taking pics of it at different times of day from the National mall and the WWII memorial. Somehow I still haven't been inside it, but maybe someday. read more