Washington Monument

Washington Monument

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Quick Facts

Washington Monument

District Of Columbia

(202) 426-6841

Map Directions

Things To Do

 

Overview

The Washington Monument is the most prominent structure in Washington, D.C. and one of the city's early attractions. It was built in honor of George Washington, who led the country to independence and then became its first President. The Monument is shaped like an Egyptian obelisk, stands 555' 5 1/8" tall, and offers views in excess of thirty miles. It was finished on December 6, 1884

Map of Washington Monument

Latitude, Longitude: 38.889530, -77.035060

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Activities

  • Historic Sites

    The Washington Monument is open daily except July 4 and December 25. During the summer (May 31 to September 6) it is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the last tour beginning before 9:45 p.m. During the rest of the year, it is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last tour beginning before 4:45 p.m. Admission to the Washington Monument is free but requires a ticket. The Washington Monument Lodge, located along 15th Street, opens at 8:30 a.m. for distribution of free, same day, timed tickets on a first come first serve basis. One person may pick up as many as six tickets as well as select their preferred ticket time from what remains available for that operating day. All individuals (including children) must have a ticket. During peak season, tickets run out quickly and the line for tickets forms at 7 a.m. or earlier; please plan accordingly.

    George Washington remains the essential figure throughout early American history. He was known as the "indispensable man." His steady, determined leadership helped shepherd the fledgling American Independence movement through the dark days of the Revolutionary War toward an eventual peace settlement with Great Britain. After his military career, Washington was recalled to duty to preside over the 1787 Constitutional Convention and, later, to serve as the First President of the United States from 1789 until 1797.

Seasonality/Weather

Washington has a temperate climate typical of the Mid-Atlantic U.S., with four distinct seasons. Summer tends to be very hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild. Winter can bring cold temperatures, frozen precipitation and, on occasions, major snowstorms.

Park Partners

Trust for the National Mall

The Trust for the National Mall is the official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring and improving the National Mall. The trust's goal is to make the National Mall the best park in the world. The Trust for the National Mall will help restore, revitalize and preserve the National Mall, home to the enduring symbols of democracy, for present and future generations.

(202) 407-9408

Tourmobile

Tourmobile open-air trams offer live narrated tours of DC and is the only riding tour of Arlington National Cemetery. You will be taken right where you want to go with unlimited reboarding. Hop on an off throughout the day. You choose where to stop, stay as long as you want, then reboard and ride to another historic location.

Guest Services manages all retail operations (stores and kiosks) for the National Park Service-operated National Mall in Washington, D.C.

(202) 554-5100

Directions

Driving

Washington Monument is part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. The site lies near the center of the National Mall, between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. The Monument stands as the dominant skyline feature of the Federal City and provides incomparable views of the city and surrounding area.

Interstate 395 provides access to the Mall from the south. Interstate 495, New York Avenue, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Cabin John Parkway provide access from the north. Interstate 66, U.S. Routes 50 and 29 provide access from the west. U.S. Routes 50, 1, and 4 provide access from the east.

Flying

Three major airports link Washington, D.C. with the rest of the country and the world. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport all have limousine, taxi cab, or Metro services available that will connect with the National Mall.

Public Transportation

The nearest Metro station to this site is Smithsonian on the Mall near 12th Street, SW. Federal Triangle station also provides convenience access to the Washington Monument.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(202) 426-6841

Links