Tickets are required to enter the Washington Monument. Reserve tickets online (reservation fee of $1 per ticket applies) or get free, same-day tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge on 15th Street near the Washington Monument. Supplies are limited and advance reservations are strongly recommended. The ticket window is on the back side of the Washington Monument Lodge, on the side closest to the Washington Monument.
A view of the National Mall, US Capitol Building, and Smithsonian museums from the observation deck on the Washington Monument.
The Washington Monument Lodge, located along 15th Street between Madison and Jefferson drives, opens at 8:45 a.m. for distribution of free, same day, timed tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. One person (16+ years old) may obtain up to six tickets for an available ticket time. All visitors (including children ages 2+) must have a ticket to enter the Washington Monument. During peak season, tickets run out quickly. Expect a line to form at the ticket window wait long before the ticket window opens.
Advance reservations online
Check availability and make advance reservations at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Though there is no admission fee for the Washington Monument, there is a non-refundable $1.00 service charge per advance ticket.
Tickets are released daily at 10:00 am
Tickets are available 30 days in advance of the tour date.
Demand for tickets far exceeds availability and in the spring, summer and fall, tickets routinely sell out immediately after being released. To increase your chances of getting tickets, create your recreation.gov account beforehand and be logged in before the tickets are released.
Additional tickets are released one day before the tour date. If you missed the opportunity to book 30 days in advance, you can try for these tickets the day before your visit.
Group tickets (online only)
Groups may reserve up to 55 tickets up to 30 days in advance at recreation.gov only. No walk ups are available for group tours. There is a $1.00 service charge per ticket.
What to expect during your visit
Before you enjoy this attraction
Visitors who are uncomfortable with heights, enclosed spaces, crowding, and elevators should consider that the Washington Monument involves all these experiences.
Before you arrive, consider using the restroom and getting a drink of water before you approach the Washington Monument. There are no drinking fountains and no restrooms inside the Washington Monument. The nearest restrooms are at the Washington Monument Lodge on 15th Street near the Washington Monument.
Arriving at the Washington Monument
Please note the tour time on your ticket, and arrive up to 30 minutes before your tour time begins. The waiting area is on the benches inside the circle of flags at the Washington Monument. Signs posted outside the Washington Monument indicate the waiting areas for your tour time.
Security screening
All visitors are subject to security screening. When your tour time begins, park rangers will direct you to the screening area in small groups to prevent crowding. Weapons (including pocketknives), strollers, and bulky items are prohibited. Wheelchairs are permitted. See restricted items for details.
After passing through security, you will continue to the Washington Monument's ground floor lobby to board the elevator.
Touring the Washington Monument
The nonstop elevator ascent to the top floor 500 feet above the ground takes approximately 70 seconds.
Once at the observation deck, you are free to explore at your leisure. The 500' foot observation deck has windows on all four sides. The museum level at 490' includes more exhibits and is where you will re-board the elevator. Wheelchair users can re-board the elevator at 500' to go down to the 490' level; other visitors should use the stairs to descend to 490.
Weather and other closures
For your safety, the Washington Monument may be closed for unsuitable weather conditions including high wind and thunderstorms. Tickets will be voided for the affected entrance times.
If thunderstorms are in the area, seek shelter away from the Washington Monument. If you are close enough to hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
The Washington Monument is closed one day during the first week of every month for routine maintenance. Closures for 2025: Mon, Jan. 6, Thu., Jan. 9; Mon., Jan. 20; Thu., March 13; Wed., Apr. 16; Wed., May 14; Wed., June 4; Mon., July 14; Mon., Aug. 4; Mon., Sept. 15., Oct 8., Nov 6., and Dec 11. The monument is also closed on July 4 and Dec. 25.
