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A trip to Washington D.C. wouldn’t be complete without a stop at The Washington Monument. This landmark attraction stands out as one of the most prominent features of the D.C. landscape and holds an important place in the history of our nation’s capital. A visit to the capital is all about honoring the history that has taken place throughout our country; what better way to do that than to spend time exploring an attraction that’s dedicated to our very first president?

Of course, you don’t have to take a lot of time to explore The Washington Monument. It’s something that you can see and at least say that you’ve been there. You can take a few pictures and be on your merry way if that’s your travel style. But the experience of being at The Washington Monument is something that can be really special if you take the time to do it right. The area is rich with history – and the attraction itself provides an impressive view of the surrounding city. Investing the energy into experiencing it to the fullest will make a visit to The Washington Monument something worth remembering.

The first thing that you’ll need to do in order to properly experience The Washington Monument in this way is to make sure that you learn something about it before you get there. Built in the nineteenth century to commemorate Former President George Washington, this attraction is a destination that is all about the early history of the United States. By taking the time to learn more about the life and politics of George Washington, you’ll have a better understanding of the reason that this monument was erected in the first place.

In addition to learning about George Washington himself, you’ll want to take the time to learn about the construction of the building. You’ll be impressed by its tall structure as soon as you see it. However, you’ll have a greater appreciation for it when you realize the work that went into designing the building and making it come to life. Constructed in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, The Washington Monument is the world’s tallest obelisk standing today and is also among the world’s tallest masonry structures. That’s quite a feat for a building that was made in the middle of the nineteenth century. As you stare up at the granite and marble building from below, knowing the history of its impressive architecture will make you truly feel the “wow factor” of the experience.

Of course, you’ll have to get to the building before you can actually experience how impressive it is. To do this, you’ll want to plan your visit to The Washington Monument in advance with an eye towards taking public transportation to reach it. That’s because there is limited parking in the area and it’s easiest if you take a shuttle, cab or train from wherever you are staying. You should know that The Washington Monument is open from 9-5 daily except for certain holidays. The area may be busy at any time but is particularly packed during the late spring and throughout the summer. If you wish to avoid the biggest crowds, plan your trip for the winter or early spring. During the busy season, you may want to book tickets to the monument in advance. All tickets are free but they’re given on a first-come-first-served basis.

Before you go to The Washington Monument, you’ll want to make sure that there aren’t going to be any hassles upon arrival. There are certain items that are restricted from the premises. Most of these, such as guns and aerosol cans, won’t be a problem for the average person. However, be aware that items like big backpacks and strollers are prohibited. Make sure you’re aware of these rules before you reach the monument as there are no storage lockers available for you to leave your stuff in.

Once you get there and get your tickets, you’ll have some time to explore the outside of the building. You’ll probably be paying the most attention to the impressive height that it has. However, you should take the time to notice the inscriptions that are located on each side of the building. Information about the structure and the people who made it possible, as well as a Latin saying, are located on the building. Take the time to take some pictures with these inscriptions so that your photos differ a bit from those that you can see anywhere online.

That’s another point worth mentioning for anyone visiting The Washington Monument; you’re going to want to take photographs. Make sure that you bring a camera and that you know how to use it so that you can get some good pictures. The standard pictures that everyone takes are one from the bottom of the monument (looking up at how tall it is) and one from the top of the monument (showing off the view of the city). Make sure that you get these pictures for your scrapbook but also take the time to capture some other details in photos as well so that you can remember the unique experience you had at this landmark.

Once it’s your turn, you’ll be able to head to the top of the monument. Don’t worry; you won’t have to climb the over eight hundred stairs that are located inside. In fact, you won’t be allowed to. The stairs are an important part of the history of The Washington Monument (and bear inscriptions similar to those on the outside of the building) but they are no longer allowed for use by tourists. Instead, you will crowd into an elevator with your group and ride that to the top of the attraction. Once you’re there, you’ll probably have to pause to catch your breath because it’s going to be taken away by the astounding view of our nation’s capital. On a clear day, you can see over thirty miles away from the top of The Washington Monument.

Once you’re at the top of The Washington Monument and you’ve taken some pictures, make sure that you take the time to really enjoy the experience of being up there. Remember what you learned when you did your research about the monument before the trip. Consider that tourists from around the globe have been coming to see this attraction for over one hundred years. Consider that famous politicians and world leaders have stood in the exact spot that you are standing. And consider what an achievement George Washington would consider this to be if he were standing in your footsteps today.

Eventually, your trip to The Washington Monument will come to an end. As you leave the grounds of the monument, consider exploring the other historic attractions that are located in and around The Washington Monument. The clock tower at the Old Post Office Pavilion across the street from the monument is popular as are more famous attractions such as The Lincoln Memorial. Even just wandering around the rest of the park that you’re located in can be a great way to let the experience sink in so that you’ll never forget your trip to this famous landmark. Although others will be able to say that they’ve been to The Washington Monument, you’ll be able to say that you really know what it’s all about.

photo credits: kubina, scatty, craigweb, sivaprakash, jingles

Tags: United States | washington dc | washington monument