I could feel the anticipation as I turned the corner. For the first time in almost three years, the day had finally come—the structure was once again open to everyone. The previous day had been reserved for the official re-opening: the ceremonial event, the media, the VIPs, contest winners, and well-deserved recognition of the individual whose generous donation had made it all possible. But now came the first of many days when anyone could ride an elevator to the best view in Washington, DC.
Morning, Washington Monument, May 13, 2014
Nikon D800E with 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens, lens at 70mm, exposure: 1/250th sec @ f/16
The Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the world when it was completed in 1884, and is still the world’s tallest stone structure. You can find more information about the monument in my post of April 22, 2014 but today’s story is about the view. I had no idea what to expect. I feared that the number of people (about 100) and the short time before the next tour (about 30 minutes) would make it hard to get any image, let alone something decent. And with the sun still relatively low in the east there would be no chance for anything in that direction. But, as it turns out, I shouldn’t have worried. The elevator will hold about 15-20 passengers, there are eight viewing windows, and you can stay up there as long as you want. And everyone was quite polite, not hogging the windows and waiting patiently for their turn. Details on scoring your own ride on that elevator are at the end of this post.
Looking West, World War II Memorial, Reflecting Pool, Lincoln Memorial
(Technical Data: Nikon D800E with 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens, lens at 70mm, exposure: 1/250th sec @ f/16, EV at -0.67; eleven images combined with Photomerge in Photoshop CC)
The excitement of the other visitors as they looked out the windows was palpable. And when I stepped forward to get my first glimpse, the view was even more dramatic than I had expected. My first thought: “I’ll never be able to do justice to this view.”
World War II Memorial, Reflecting Pool, and Lincoln Memorial
(Technical Data: Nikon D800E with 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens, lens at 70mm, exposure: 1/250th sec @ f/16, EV at -0.67; three images combined with Photomerge in Photoshop CC)
To the south, the sweeping vista incorporated the Jefferson Memorial, the entire Tidal Basin, Reagan National Airport and the full breadth of the Potomac River. The departing and arriving aircraft seemed like tiny mosquitos.
Looking South, Jefferson Memorial, Tidal Basin and Beyond
(Technical Data: Nikon D800E with 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens, lens at 60mm, exposure: 1/250th sec @ f/16, EV at -0.67; eighteen images combined with Photomerge in Photoshop CC)
I quickly realized that I would have come back again and I am already thinking about ideas for the next time. Although the first morning tour is well after sunrise, it is open until after sunset. Without a doubt, there will be some future posts on this incredible place. A ranger told me they plan on adding tours in a few months that will allow you to walk up the stairs. If you are able to make such a climb (it takes about an hour), it would be well worth it. There are nearly 200 commemorative stones donated by all 50 states, organizations and foreign governments, some of them quite elaborate.
There are two ways to get your own admission ticket to the top of the Monument. You can take a chance and just show up early in the morning the day you want to visit. The ticket window opens at 8:30 and will distribute a limited number of tickets for that day until the supply runs out. Or you can order tickets in advance. Go to this link for further details about orders by phone and a link for placing online orders.
The ticket window is located on the backside of the Washington Memorial Lodge, a small white stone building located on 15th Street, directly east of the Monument. If you have “Will Call” tickets ordered online, you can pick them up inside the Lodge, which opens at 8:30 AM.
photographybykent 
Great shots! I wish you’d take some sunset photos — I bet they’d be equally stunning.
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Thanks for the comment. Actually, that was my plan. I had a second reservation for that purpose, but we had a series of thunderstorms come through so I’ll have to wait for another opportunity. I have already reserved a couple days in July so hopefully I’ll get lucky then.
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Great photos and what a beautiful day to take them!
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Thanks very much. Yes, it was a great day, at least in the morning. As the summer heat rises, the first tours in the AM would be preferable.
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Awesome! I was last up in it with a film camera back sometime in the 1980s, when there was snow on the ground. Looking forward to going up again.
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Thanks, Mitch. Better reserve ahead, I think the tickets are sold out well into June. I just snagged one for mid- July after I get back from a trip.
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Wow! I had no idea!
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Totally cool!
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Thanks!
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Stupendous pictures! I have always wanted to see this thing ever since I’ve read Dan Brown’s THE LOST SYMBOL where he describes it so wonderfully, I felt as if I was there. But then looking at your pics, I feel that I am wrong. This memorial is definitely worth visiting.
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Thanks very much. I’m glad you liked the images. It surely is a great view. If you go, make sure you reserve ahead of time.
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Sure! Thanks for the advice. But I don’t think I’ll get a chance in near future. I just visited NY and UTAH a month back and I’m from India, so it’s a long way. But sometime I’ll.
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OK, I understand. I hope you were in New York City at least part of the time. I’ll be doing some posts on it later this year. And Utah is full of great scenery so I hope you were able to see some of that. When you make your next trip to the United States, maybe you can see Washington, DC. Hopefully, my blog will provide you some information on what there is to see here. Thanks again for your comments.
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Great post ~ great photos! My tickets are for next week ~ I’ve been to the top before (a few weeks before the earthquake) but my daughter hasn’t been. She’s thrilled it’s open again.
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Thanks for the comments. Glad you got tickets, it should be a lot of fun. I’ll be interested to hear about it.
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great shots Robin! I would say you did the view justice, and I can’t wait to see your sunset shots when you get then done as well, and I might add, this might be a good place to spend a snow day should you get one!!!
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Thanks! And a snow day is a great idea; had not thought of it. While such an event would be hard to predict (i.e., reserving ahead), one could always try for one of the same-day tickets. I’ll keep that in mind this winter.
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I would think on a snow-day you would have a good chance at same day tickets!
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Wonderful shots. I stayed in DC for a week years ago and it wasn’t long enough. Thanks for reviving the memories.
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Thank you for your kind words. I hope you’ll be able to return to the city again.
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Robin, your photos are superb! I can just image all the great shots you’re going to get in the future. I used to live in DC, but haven’t been back in a while. Your beautiful shots had me smiling and nodding all the way through. Thanks for the smiles. 🙂 All the best, Terri
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Thanks very much for your comments, Terri. I’m glad you liked the images and I hope you will visit again.
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Thanks. Very atmospheric. Makes me want to go there soon. I’ll be revisiting your blog. Regards from Thom at the immortal jukebox.
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Thanks very much Thom for your nice words. Hope you can make it to DC soon. In the coming weeks, I’ll try to post some additional tempting reasons to come here.
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Hi Robin,
We just love this post and wanted to let you know that we featured a link to it today as part of our “Slice of Americana Series” that we’re running this July. You can check it out at the link below. Thanks for your beautiful writing and photos!
All the best, Terri & James
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Wow, thanks so much! I checked the link and loved the idea. I’m flattered that you included me on the list.
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Totally our pleasure Robin. Everyone needs to see your gorgeous photos! 🙂 ~Terri
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I am one of those that came here as referred from Terri’s post. Excellent photos!
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That’s great, thank you very much for checking out the post. And thank you for the comments. I hope to see you again.
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Wonderful images! I was in DC for a conference a few years ago. It was during the cherry blossom festival and the streets were packed! I’ve been trying to plan another trip, this time with my husband and for more than a weekend!
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Thanks very much for the comments. I was back up on the top of the Washington Monument on Monday evening. The light wasn’t that great so no great images, but it is a good time to be up there. Hope you can make it down to DC again soon. Thanks for the Follow, I have been to your site and liked it a lot.
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Robin, I’m happy to discover your work thanks to Terri & James. 🙂 I’ve been to DC a few times but never to the top of the Washington Monument. Thanks for taking me there virtually via this wonderful set.
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Thanks very much; I’m glad you found your way here and I hope you’ll drop by again.
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Indeed, it’s a pleasure connecting with a fellow globetrotter and photography enthusiast! 🙂
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Although I’ve been to Washington, I’ve never been to the top of this building! What a view! You’ve captured some great pics, and I really appreciate the chance to see D. C. through your eyes. So glad Gallivance included you in their Americana series!!! Best wishes for continued success! http://ohtheplaceswesee.com
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Thank you so much for checking out the post. And thanks for your comments. I hope to see you here again.
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