Conquering the Washington Monument: Your Guide to Not Getting Stuck Inside a Giant Marble Pencil
So you're in D.C., land of free museums, important buildings, and enough monuments to make you feel like a history textbook come to life. But one particular pointy fellow stands out: the Washington Monument. And let's face it, staring up at 555 feet of marble can spark a burning question: can you even go up there?
The suspense is killing me (almost as fast as those elevator rides)!
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Fear not, intrepid adventurer! The answer is a resounding yes. You can absolutely ascend this colossal tribute to George Washington, and the views from the top are legendary (just ask anyone who's braved the selfie stick crowds).
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But wait, there's more! (Because in the world of tourism, there almost always is).
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| Can You Go Up The Washington Monument |
Scaling the Summit: How to Avoid Looking Like a Lost Tourist
Conquering the Washington Monument isn't quite like storming the Bastille, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
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- Tickets, glorious tickets! This ain't a climb-up-at-your-own-risk kind of situation. You'll need to snag a free ticket in advance or try your luck for walk-up availability. Pro tip: Snag those tickets online beforehand and thank yourself later.
- Elevator time! The Washington Monument boasts an express elevator that'll have you soaring to the top in a mere 70 seconds. Just remember, those 70 seconds can feel like an eternity if you're prone to claustrophobia. Maybe take a deep breath (or two) before you embark on this thrilling ascent.
- The stairs are a thing of the past... mostly. While the 896-step climb to the top is a closed chapter in the Washington Monument's history, you can still get your leg workout in on the way down from the observation deck. Just be prepared to dodge a few selfie sticks.
So You've Reached the Top: Bragging Rights and Breathtaking Views
Congratulations! You've officially conquered the Washington Monument. Now it's time to reap the rewards:
- Panoramic vistas for days. The observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views of D.C. Spot the Lincoln Memorial, marvel at the Capitol Building, and pretend you can name every single landmark (bonus points for knowing what that weird pointy building over there is).
- Bragging rights. Let's be honest, scaling a giant marble pencil is pretty darn cool. Regale your friends and family with tales of your Washington Monument victory. They'll be suitably impressed (or slightly terrified of your newfound vertical ambitions).
Alright, enough chit-chat, time for the FAQs!
How to Conquer the Washington Monument: Frequently Asked Questions
- How to get tickets? Tickets are available online or at the Washington Monument Lodge. https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234635
- How much does it cost? Free! (Though you might want to budget for some celebratory ice cream after your big climb).
- How long does the tour take? There's no set tour time. You can spend as long as you like taking in the views from the observation deck.
- Is it wheelchair accessible? Absolutely! The elevator is wheelchair accessible, and there's a ramp available for the short climb down from the observation deck.
- Can I bring my pet goldfish, Steve? Probably best to leave Steve at home for this one. Pets (except service animals) are not allowed inside the Washington Monument.
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