Place

Watergate Steps

Steps lead down to a road and the Potomac River. The Arlington Memorial Bridge can be seen on the left.
The Watergate Steps

Quick Facts
Location:
Washington, DC

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 floating on the Potomac. More frequent air traffic from the nearby Washington National Airport put a stop to the concerts in the late 1960s.

National Mall and Memorial Parks

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Last updated: March 24, 2022