Watergate Steps

Watergate Steps

Library of Congress

Quick Facts

Location:

Washington, DC

Amenities

2 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible

These curved steps leading down to the Potomac River were conceived as part of the Lincoln Memorial grounds as a ceremonial entrance to the city. Shortly after their construction, the brand new National Symphony Orchestra adopted the steps as a seating are from summertime concerts. The orchestra played to audiences of up to 10,000 people from a floating stage on the Potomac. More frequent air traffic from the nearby Washington National Airport put a stop to the concerts in the late 1960s.