Visitors can go to the observation level of the Washington Monument by elevator with a timed ticket. Check the National Park Service website for current availability.
Short answer
Yes, with a timed ticket.
How it works
The National Park Service runs an elevator ride to the observation level at 500 feet, with views of the city.
Tickets
Reserve at Recreation.gov (a small fee applies). Same day tickets may be released at the Washington Monument Lodge.
Hours
Check the NPS website for hours and closures.
Tip
Book early in spring.
Height
555 feet, the tallest structure in DC.
Visiting facts
The Washington Monument is 555 feet 5 and 1/8 inches (169.3 m) tall, and an elevator takes visitors to an observation level at 500 feet in about 70 seconds. It is run by the National Park Service. The monument was completed in 1884, dedicated in 1885 and opened to the public in 1888.
- Timed tickets are required, available through Recreation.gov with a small service fee of 1 USD per ticket, with some same-day tickets at the 15th Street kiosk.
- The monument was closed for repairs after the 2011 earthquake and reopened in 2014, and the elevator was closed for modernization for several months in 2019.
- Observation windows give views of the White House, Capitol, Lincoln Memorial and Potomac River.
Planning
Check the NPS website for current hours and closures, as maintenance and weather affect operations. Visitors pass through security screening. Tickets are timed for entry, and a visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Reservations may sell out in peak spring cherry blossom season.
Visiting facts
The Washington Monument is 555 feet (169 m) tall and has an elevator to the top observation level, which reopened after renovations in 2019. Tickets are free but need reservations through recreation.gov with a small fee, with some same day tickets offered.
Planning
Check the National Park Service for closures. The monument was completed in 1884 and dedicated in 1885. Photo ID may be required. Arrive early and plan for security checks.
History and visiting facts
Construction of the Washington Monument ran from 1848 to 1884 with a pause during the Civil War and a visible color change in the stone about 150 feet up. It was the tallest structure in the world until the Eiffel Tower in 1889. The elevator ride takes about 70 seconds, and a visit lasts about 20 minutes. It sits on the National Mall.
Planning tips
Tickets are free with a 1 USD reservation fee through recreation.gov in advance, and some are released daily. Hours vary by season. Security screening occurs at the entrance. The monument can close for maintenance or after earthquakes, such as the 2011 Virginia earthquake that damaged it, closing it until 2014. Check nps.gov/wamo.
Based on data from the National Park Service
