Conquer the Peak: How to snag tickets to the Washington Monument (without wrestling a bald eagle)
Let's face it, folks, tackling D.C. monuments can feel like navigating a jungle gym on a national holiday. But fear not, intrepid sightseers! This guide will have you scaling the Washington Monument like a champion squirrel, with enough laughs to rival a session with Ben Franklin himself (minus the electricity, hopefully).
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| How To Get Tickets To Washington Monument |
Two Tickets to the Top, Please!
There are two main ways to snag those coveted tickets:
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Become an Advance Reservation Renegade: This option is perfect for the planner in you. You can grab tickets online up to 30 days in advance through Recreation.gov. There's a small $1 service fee, but hey, that's a steal compared to a priceless view, right? Pro tip: Tickets get snatched up fast, so be ready to click like nobody's watching (or refreshing the page like a hawk).
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Embark on a Walk-Up Warrior Quest: Feeling spontaneous? Head to the Washington Monument Lodge at 8:45 am on the day of your visit to snag some free, first-come, first-served tickets. Word to the wise: This option is best for the flexible adventurer, as lines can get crazier than a flock of pigeons at a spilled french fry convention during peak season.
Remember, the Washington Monument is closed on December 25th, July 4th, and part of July 3rd (they gotta give the elevator a rest sometime, right?)
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Insider Tips for the Ticket-Obtaining Thrillseeker
- Channel your inner cheetah: If you're going the walk-up route, be prepared to arrive early, especially during peak season.
- Assemble your ticket-hunting squad: There's a limit of six tickets per online transaction, so team up with your fellow monument enthusiasts if you need more.
- Check the forecast: Nobody wants a bad hair day halfway up the monument.
- Pack some patience: Security checks and elevator rides can take a bit, so bring a good book or unleash your inner selfie master while you wait.
Frequently Asked Monumental Maneuvers
How to get to the Washington Monument Lodge?
The Lodge is located on 15th Street NW between Madison and Jefferson Drives.
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How much is the entrance fee?
The good news? The monument itself is free! The not-so-free news? There's a $1 service fee for online reservations.
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How long does the elevator ride take?
The elevator whisks you up the monument in about 70 seconds, plenty of time to practice your best presidential pose.
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How many people fit in the elevator?
The elevator holds about 72 people, so you might be sharing the ride with a fellow monument enthusiast or two.
How high is the Washington Monument?
The Washington Monument stands tall at a whopping 555 feet, making it the tallest structure in D.C. (sorry, Lincoln Memorial, you gotta tilt your head back a bit).
So there you have it! With these tips and a dash of good humor, you'll be scaling the Washington Monument in no time, ready to conquer your next D.C. adventure. Just remember, when in doubt, channel your inner George Washington and persevere!
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