How to get the impossible Washington Monument Tickets
Ever wondered how people get tickets for the Washington Monument? Have you stood at the base of the monument looking around wondering how to get tickets? I can save you from an experience like that.
How to avoid frustrations
I tried for several years to get the Washington Monument tickets without success.
First attempt to get tickets…
My first attempt was to just show up at the Washington Monument. Standing at the base of the Washington Monument, we looked around on how to get tickets. We walked to a small building we spotted that had ticket windows. The windows were closed with a sign posted. Tickets can be acquired here at 8:00 am in the morning or 24 hours ahead of time. Looking at my watch it was around 11:00 am. This was our day in Washington DC so we headed to our next attraction.
Second attempt to get tickets…
My second attempt was to try and get tickets online the day before. The reason this happened was because I didn’t get the tickets 30 days prior on the Recreation.gov site. I knew I could tickets the day before so that was my next best option. Well, I failed. I was so frustrated, I called recreation.gov. The person on the phone explained it to me in a way that was very clear.
He said, you can get tickets for the Washington Monument 3 ways.
- 30 days in advance on the Recreation.gov site
- The day before on the Recreation.gov site at 10:00 am
- In the morning you want to go at the ticket office at the base of the Washington Monument
Third and final attempt to get tickets…
My third attempt was SUCCESSFUL! Finally! I was so excited! It happened on a Sunday morning. Sunday was 30 days out from when I want tickets for the Washington Monument. This is how I did it:
- Before that Sunday, I had registered on Recreation.gov
- On Sunday, 30 days before, I opened my computer and logged into the Recreation.gov site.
- I searched for Washington Monument Tour and opened that page.
- I typed in my date, quantity of tickets and picked a time. I then waited until 10:00 am
- I had my credit card out and ready. There is $1 fee per ticket.
- I did not move away from my computer. I didn’t want to be distracted!
- A little before 10:00 am I made sure I was still logged in
- At 10:00 I clicked request tickets.
- What followed next was Review Cart, Payment and Confirmation.
The day finally arrived!
We walked from the metro to the base of the Washington Monument. There at the base were two sets of benches. The ones to the left of the entrance door were for the next time slot. The benches to the right were for the following time frame. We sat on the left benches and waited.
What you see when you go up the elevator.
The stairs have been closed for years. The cool thing about going up the stairs is you get to see the different stone designs on the inside of the monument. However, on the elevator ride up there is a video if I remember correctly.
What you see through the little windows up top
The picture above is from the West window.
There are windows on each side of the building. They are marked North, South, East and West. If you are short, there is a ledge to stand on. From each view you can all of Washington and the surrounding area. When you are finished, you go down a flight of steps and wait for the elevator. There is no one pressing to move ahead so enjoy the view from each angle.
On the way back down the elevator
As you can’t see the state representations in stone, the elevator stops on the way down.so you can see some of them. They do this by un-frosting the glass. My only wish is that the glass would be clear for the entire descent.
It’s a must see in Washington DC!
My kids loved this. In fact it has been their favorite thing to do in Washington DC and we have seen and done many things.
Le me know about your experience attaining tickets to this Monument. If you have been up there, what has been your experience?
