What’s What?
Did you know that you can visit the Monument and go inside AND ride the elevator over 500 feet to the top AND see views of DC, MD, and even VA from 360 degrees?! Well, you can and it’s only for $1. When I found out, I thought it was too good to be true, but I have learned that it doesn’t have to cost a lot to have a lot of fun! Especially in DC, the best city in the world!
How Do I See DC For $1?
Reservations
You must purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are only available the day before starting at 10AM (fair warning: they move FAST!). The Monument is open every day from 9AM-5PM. They’re closed on December 25 and July 4, of course. You must create an account to purchase the tickets so I would do that before actually attempting to get the tickets, so everything goes smoother. Register for an account and get tickets here.
Parking
So yes, the Monument is located downtown so you must be strategic (and have patience) if you want to find parking. When we went, street parking was just ending for evening rush hour and I thought all hope was lost until my husband drove around and found street parking on Madison Street NW, which ended up being right across the street (14th St NW) from the Monument. Jefferson Drive SW (directly parallel from Madison) also has street parking but is a one-way. Madison Street NW is also a one-way.
Sights
The best part of being up that high (over 500 feet) is the VIEW of course! Once you’re off the elevator, you’re directed to move one-way to each of the four viewing spaces. There are dedicated viewing spaces for the East, North, South, and West so it was fun to look above and beyond and even into Maryland and Virginia! I was even able to locate the Historic Anacostia neighborhood thanks to the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.
What’s Luxe
DC provides some of the best opportunities to explore. The Monument has been “closed” for as long as I can remember. So long that I forgot that you could go inside and ride to the top for some amazing views (and I love a view!). From the impeccable customer service to the awesome views to the history learned, it is a DC must-do and I’m so glad I did. I’ll never stop exploring my city (or exploring, period!); I felt like a tourist, and it was wonderful. I also took steps to overcome my fear of heights and that was really empowering; I still have a fear of heights (mountain tops overwhelm me), I’m just not AS scared anymore.
If you want to see DC from the top of the Washington Monument yourself, before you go, please visit their site to know ALL you need to know. If you do go, tag me on IG in your photos! I ain’t gon lie, I loved taking pictures against the marble!
Have you already been to the Monument? Did you enjoy your experience? Tell me about it in the comments. Post your memories on your IG story and tag me! And let me know in the comments if you plan to go again since its only a $1!
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