Washington Monument Tours

Washington Monument featuring a monument and a sunset
Washington Monument
Washington Monument which includes a monument, autumn leaves and a sunset
Washington Monument featuring a monument and a sunset
Washington Monument which includes a monument, a park and fall colors


Centerpiece of the National Mall, America’s tribute to the country’s founding father stirs the soul while offering superb views from the top.

Erected in honor of the first American president, the Washington Monument is one of America’s oldest and most recognizable symbols of national pride. The alabaster obelisk at the west end of the National Mall offers not-to-be-missed views of the White House, the Capitol, the Lincoln memorial and other surrounding monuments.

Work on the monument began in 1848 but was not completed until in 1884. Look closely and you’ll notice the slight change in color of the marble, the result of the 22-year hiatus between 1854 and 1876 due to the Civil War. This impressive monument, 555 feet (169 meters) high, is the tallest building in Washington and the tallest free-standing stone structure in the world.

The Washington Monument is visible from countless locations in the National Mall and beyond, but to get a true sense of its grandeur you need to get up close. The view from the west, behind the Reflecting Pool, offers an enticing photo opportunity at night when the structure is subtly illuminated.

Tickets to enter the monument are free. You can either make a reservation in advance online or obtain a ticket from the Washington Monument Lodge, where they are given out on a first come, first served basis starting at 8:30 am. Each ticket is stamped with a time for your visit, and there’s a limit of six tickets per person. Tickets at the Lodge often go fast, and lines can start as early as 7 a.m.

Plan your visit to coincide with one of the many free concerts, theater performances or cinema screenings that are held throughout the year in the Sylvan Theater, an amphitheater at the base of the monument. Ask at the visitor center for program times.

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Best Lodging Options Near Washington Monument

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
Washington Plaza Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
State Plaza Hotel

State Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2116 E Street NW, Washington, DC
State Plaza Hotel
Salamander Washington DC

Salamander Washington DC

5 out of 5
1330 Maryland Ave, SW, Washington, DC
Salamander Washington DC
citizenM Washington DC Capitol

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

4 out of 5
550 School St SW, Washington, DC
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
The Henley Park Hotel

The Henley Park Hotel

4 out of 5
926 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC
The Henley Park Hotel
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

3 out of 5
550 C St SW, Washington, DC
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
Hotel Washington

Hotel Washington

5 out of 5
515 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
Hotel Washington
Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf

Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf

3.5 out of 5
725 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC
Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Washington Monument

Visiting the Washington Monument offers a range of activities, including shopping in nearby districts, enjoying local theater performances, and exploring various entertainment options. For a memorable experience, consider taking day trips to nearby attractions, which can enhance your visit and allow you to discover more of the rich history and culture that Washington, D.C. has to offer.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is CityCenterDC, located 0.9 miles from the Washington Monument, offering a mix of family-friendly shops and restaurants. Union Station Shopping Center, 2 miles away, has a lively atmosphere for entertainment and dining. If you're up for a drive, check out Union Market, also 2 miles away, for unique local finds.

Recreation

Experience the energy at Capital One Arena, just 1 mile from the Washington Monument, for thrilling sports events. Enjoy live performances at Birchmere, 4 miles away, capturing the essence of entertainment. For a touch of luxury, visit the Cosmos Club, 2 miles from the monument, offering an exclusive retreat.

Adventure

Explore the Allegheny Passage, a scenic hiking trail located 0.3 miles from the Washington Monument, offering stunning outdoor views. Nearby, the Pinery Trail provides a peaceful outdoor experience, while the Greenstone Ridge Trail promises more adventure with breathtaking scenery, all within easy reach of the monument.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Washington Monument offers vibrant experiences. Enjoy a performance at the Kennedy Center, just 1 mile away, or catch a show at The Anthem, 0.8 miles away. For a historic twist, visit Ford's Theater, located 0.7 miles from the monument, all brimming with culture and romance.

Find the best attractions near Washington Monument

Visiting the Washington Monument offers a rich blend of culture and history, with nearby attractions like the Lincoln Memorial and various museums and art venues. Whether you're looking to explore cherished monuments or delve into the city's vibrant outdoor scene, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the iconic Washington Monument itself, a must-see landmark that captures the essence of America's heritage.

  • National Mall: Explore the expansive National Mall, a national park featuring iconic monuments and memorials. Enjoy scenic walks, outdoor activities, and stunning views of the U.S. Capitol and Lincoln Memorial, perfect for adventure seekers and history buffs alike.
  • White House: Visit the historic White House, the official residence of the U.S. President. Experience its rich cultural significance as you admire its neoclassical architecture and learn about the history of American leadership.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Attend events at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, a premier venue for conferences and exhibitions. This modern facility embodies a vibrant business atmosphere, ideal for networking and professional gatherings.

Best time to go to Washington Monument

Visitor numbers around Washington Monument is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Washington Monument can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Washington Monument falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Washington Monument falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Washington Monument

To save money on your trip to the Washington Monument, consider visiting from December to February when accommodation prices are lower. Fridays typically offer the best hotel rates, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare prices, look for eco-certified hotels, and explore package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and help you earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Don't forget to check for special offers and read the latest reviews for the best experience on a budget!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Washington Monument are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Washington Monument is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Washington Monument is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Washington Monument with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.