Observation room
At the top.
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A white obelisk 169 metres tall at the centre of the National Mall, built to honour George Washington, the first president of the United States. It is the third-tallest monumental column in the world, and was the world's tallest structure from 1884 to 1889, until the Eiffel Tower overtook it. Work began in 1848 and stopped from 1854 to 1877 for lack of funds, which is why a careful eye can spot a slight change in the marble's colour partway up; three different kinds of white marble were used on its faces. A lift carries visitors to the observation room at the top, whose eight windows look over the whole city: the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool to the west, the Capitol to the east, the White House to the north and the Potomac River. Entry is free, but going up needs a timed ticket: book online in advance for a $1 service charge per ticket, or pick up a free same-day ticket from 8:45 while they last, per the National Park Service.
At the top.
In two shades.
Over the whole Mall.
Centre of the National Mall, Washington
National MallThe great national park in the heart of Washington, D.C., running about three ki3 minutes walk4.7
National Museum of African American History and CultureA Smithsonian museum on the National Mall beside the Washington Monument, the wo4 minutes walk4.7
National Museum of American HistoryThe Smithsonian museum of the heritage of the United States in social, political6 minutes walk4.8
Tidal Basin and the Cherry BlossomsA man-made reservoir between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel, south8 minutes walk4.7
National Museum of Natural HistoryThe Smithsonian's natural history museum on the National Mall, opened in 1910 in10 minutes walk4.7Book online in advance for a $1 service charge, or get a free same-day ticket from 8:45 while they last, per the National Park Service.