How to Get Same Day Tickets to the Washington Monument in DC

The Washington Monument tours take visitors to the top of the structure.

The Washington Monument, one of the most iconic structures in the nation's capital, was still standing after a surprise 2011 earthquake in the D.C. area. It caused enough concern that the attraction was closed for part of the year. When it is open, tour tickets are free and do not have to be acquired in advance.

Things You'll Need

• Tour ticket
• Time

Instructions

1. Check the nps.gov website for the admission hours that day.

2. Go to the lodge on 15th Street, which opens one half-hour before the monument tours begin. The site suggests visitors be at the lodge at 7 a.m. during the peak season of April through September. All tickets are given out a first-come, first served basis.

3. Tell the ticketing agent how many tickets you would like. One person can pick up as many as six tickets.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt to tour the monument with an animal (except certified guide dogs), weapons, large backpacks, or strollers.

References

• NPS.gov/Washington Monument