Visit the White House and the Washington Monument

Plan Ahead

To get a chance at a White House tour, you have to contact your senator or representative 21 to 90 days in advance.

Exploring Iconic Landmarks in Washington D.C.

The Washington Monument

Even if you're only in town for a short trip, visiting the Washington Monument – one of the iconic symbols of the U.S. – is a must for any first-time D.C. visitor.

Standing just shy of 555.5 feet, the Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the world when it was completed in 1884. Today, you can ride one of the monument's glass-encased elevators to the top observation deck to enjoy impressive 360-degree views of the city. You can explore the attraction's exterior for free 24 hours a day. However, National Park Service rangers are available to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The monument itself is open to visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free timed-entry tickets can be reserved up to 30 days in advance via Recreation.gov (note that there is a $1 nonrefundable service charge for each ticket). Some same-day tickets are distributed daily on a first-come, first-served basis. The ticket window opens at 8:45 a.m.; expect a line. The Smithsonian Metro stop is closest to the monument. For more information, visit the National Park Service's Washington Monument page.

The White House

Home to every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800, the White House is America's most famous homestead. A tour of the building includes the State Floor, featuring rooms like the East Room, the Green Room, and the Blue Room. If you wish to tour the building, you'll need to contact the office of your senator or representative at least 21 days but no more than 90 days in advance to ensure your entry. Upon confirmation, you'll be assigned a specific time to arrive.

Public tours usually take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Be aware that tours can be canceled at the last minute and security lines can be long, especially during the summer months. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early and bring a government-issued ID. The White House is a short walk from the McPherson Square, Metro Center, and Federal Triangle Metro stops on the Blue, Silver, and Orange lines; you can also take the Red Line to Metro Center. To plan your visit, consult the White House's official website.

Several of the city's best guided tours also feature stops at the Washington Monument and the White House, including the best bus tours available.