Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Place
Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Place
Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Place
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksObservation Decks & TowersMonuments & Statues
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The centerpiece of this National Historic Landmark District is the Washington Monument, the first major monument to honor George Washington, the first president of the United States of America. The Monument has been restored by the Mount Vernon Place Conservancy, and was rededicated and reopened on its bicentennial, July 4, 2015. Visit our website to learn more about hours and reserving a climb time. Surrounding the Monument are the park squares of Mount Vernon Place, described as one of the most beautiful urban spaces in America. The parks are open dawn to dusk.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
290 reviews
Excellent
139
Very good
101
Average
46
Poor
3
Terrible
1
jinxminx
Takoma Park, MD364 contributions
Oct 2019
This is a pleasant little area, but it doesn't really rise to the level of a destination. We were at the Peabody Library nearby and checked this out. They want $6 per person to climb the tower, which is way too much. If you're quick, you can sneak up.
The climb itself is surprisingly difficult. It is a very narrow circular staircase with old stone steps so you are just winding up and up and up. Passing people on the stairs is not easy. There are signs to tell you how much further you have to go, otherwise there's no way to tell. The view is not particularly spectacular, after all that effort. Going down is better than going up, of course, but it still takes concentration and it can be a lot on your knees. Be in decent shape if you're going to make the climb, and it's definitely not for claustrophobics, it really is quite narrow.
The climb itself is surprisingly difficult. It is a very narrow circular staircase with old stone steps so you are just winding up and up and up. Passing people on the stairs is not easy. There are signs to tell you how much further you have to go, otherwise there's no way to tell. The view is not particularly spectacular, after all that effort. Going down is better than going up, of course, but it still takes concentration and it can be a lot on your knees. Be in decent shape if you're going to make the climb, and it's definitely not for claustrophobics, it really is quite narrow.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It sounds like you did not have a chance to talk with our Site Assistants on your visit. Our staff does so much more than manage tickets and limit the number of people in the tower (which we must do in order to maintain safe and comfortable conditions for climbing and viewing the sights). Our Site Assistants are trained and eager to share valuable information about this first Washington Monument and its beautiful surrounds. We are here to provide visitors with a context for what they see, manage their expectations, and foster an understanding of what makes this place special and why people have been climbing it for 200 years. We really encourage you to come back and talk with us! We think you will have a different, richer, and more rewarding experience.
Written January 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bill K
Mantorville, MN6,307 contributions
Oct 2021
This beautiful monument to our first president is well worth a visit. Plan a little extra time and read through the interactive displays at the base. If you are up to the climb (227 marble steps, spiral stairs, very little room for passing or two-way traffic) the cost is $6. I enjoyed both the climb and the views of the city from the top. I encourage you to give it a try unless you have ambulatory issues or if you are claustrophobic.
I did not catch the name of the site assistant that processed my payment, but he was wonderful. He had a wealth of background information to share, was extremely friendly, and went out of his way to make sure my visit was as good as can be.
I did not catch the name of the site assistant that processed my payment, but he was wonderful. He had a wealth of background information to share, was extremely friendly, and went out of his way to make sure my visit was as good as can be.
Written October 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LAURIE S
Buckhannon, WV599 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Smack in the middle of historic mount vernon place, first floor access allowed. Docents very knowledgeable abt this monument along with surrounding area. Digitized boards allow one to experience city vista views live. Free admittance. Green space parks surround monument. Cobblestone streets surround the monument.
Written November 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China21,299 contributions
Dec 2022
The encompassing Washington Monument is the de facto center of Baltimore. With a miniature George Washington overseeing the city, the Greek-style column is a historic commemoration of the first president. The small square around the monument is lovely.
Written December 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EDLichtenstein
Wynnewood, PA312 contributions
Dec 2021
This was a great side trip from the busy Inner Harbor area. The info screens at the bottom were concise but interesting and the walk up the stairs was short and the views were worth it. I like that they were controlling the numbers of people making the climb to help with social distancing in such a cramped space.
Written January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
major_rawls
London, UK679 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
272 winding stone steps is a good physical challenge. I did it without stopping and my heart wanted to break free from my chest. I had he place to myself. I was the only visitor. Fabulous views. Just me and Georgie boy. Going back down was so much easier.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
walt2382016
Manchester, UK116 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Visited The original Washington monument at Mount Vernon Baltimore. George welcomed us and Tucker explained the history of the tower in a most fascinating manner answering our questions demonstrating an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of the monument. Friendly and enthusiastic both. Swerved the steps but with the interactive multimedia presentation including 360 viewer from the top felt like we d had the full experience . Fantastic and free but there’s a small charge to go to the top .
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jktchorne
Fort Smith, AR1,514 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Very interesting history to learn how Washington gave his commission back, as Military family we understood the significance of the moment. The staff was knowledgeable while explaining Baltimore part in America’s history. He encouraged us to walk the 275 steps up to the top of the monument. Honestly unless just want the exercise I don’t recommend because it was not a great view and a tight space.
Mt Vernon District is beautiful with brick lined streets and parks. Beautiful part of the city.
Mt Vernon District is beautiful with brick lined streets and parks. Beautiful part of the city.
Written June 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dambanker
Toronto, Canada1,807 contributions
Nov 2022
Saw this out my hotel window and decided to go here. Nice neighborhood and the park leading up to it was very interesting and peaceful. Unfortunately I was here before it opened, as it doesn't open until 10am. Still worth a visit.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynderella43
Fort Lauderdale, Florida505 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
We were in Baltimore for the day and wanted to check out the monument because the last time we were in town it was closed due to being refurbished.
Upon entering, you are greeted by the tour guides. You must have a reservation to climb up to the top. We were provided with a brief history and then began our assent up the 227 stairs. There are markers along the way letting you know how much further you have to climb. The stairs are narrow.
Once at the top, there are GREAT VIEWS of the city and the climb is totally worth it.
It takes about 20 minutes from beginning to end.
If in town, it is DEFINITELY worth a stop in. Just make sure to reserve your tickets!
PS - If this review was useful, please click the HELPFUL button on your phone or you can click the THANK YOU button on your computer. I'd appreciate it! :-D
Upon entering, you are greeted by the tour guides. You must have a reservation to climb up to the top. We were provided with a brief history and then began our assent up the 227 stairs. There are markers along the way letting you know how much further you have to climb. The stairs are narrow.
Once at the top, there are GREAT VIEWS of the city and the climb is totally worth it.
It takes about 20 minutes from beginning to end.
If in town, it is DEFINITELY worth a stop in. Just make sure to reserve your tickets!
PS - If this review was useful, please click the HELPFUL button on your phone or you can click the THANK YOU button on your computer. I'd appreciate it! :-D
Written August 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where is the best place to park?
Written February 14, 2024
Can we go to the top of the monument? Is there an open air deck at the top?
Written April 28, 2016
Yes, you should be able to climb to the top. You should buy your ticket in advance to ensure you can climb. If you have a group, know that they limit the number. There is no open air platform - you just can look out 4 large windows. The climb is only for the fit - I am fairly healthy and still was quite tired by the time I arrived at the top.
Written April 30, 2016
Yes, the Monument is still being restored in preparation for its bicentennial on July 4, 2015. It will be rededicated and reopened then, with a Fourth of July festival in Mount Vernon Place. In the meantime, Check out the parks squares of Mount Vernon Place and the surrounding attractions.
Written April 3, 2015
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