Washington Monument

This 555-foot obelisk honoring America's first president towers above the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and is one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. Visitors can get a wonderful 360-degree view from the observation area at the top. The interior of the monument contains nearly 200 memorial stones. These stones — some simple, some intricately carved works of art — were donated by states, cities, civic organizations and other nations in memory of President Washington. Twice each day, when staffing allows, the Park Service gives "walk-down tours," providing a detailed and fascinating history of the construction of the monument and stories about individual memorial stones for anyone willing to make the 900-step journey down by foot.