Who doesn’t love a good view? Especially in Washington, DC!
The Old Post Office Tower offers impressive views of the city, making it a fantastic alternative to the Washington Monument (or maybe in addition to it!).
We had already been to the Washington Monument on a previous trip and wanted to try something new. The Old Post Office Tower was the perfect choice! My favorite part was getting photos of the Washington Monument – something you can’t do if you’re inside it!
If you are looking for a fun and FREE activity in Washington, DC, that not many people know about, you’ll want to visit the Old Post Office Tower. The guide below has everything you need to know before you go!
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Another Place for Views in Washington, DC
The Old Post Office Tower is an excellent alternative to the Washington Monument for incredible views of Washington, DC, landmarks. On a clear day, you can see over 12 miles away!
From the 270-foot observation deck, you can see the Capitol, the White House, the Pentagon, several Smithsonian museums, the Supreme Court, and even the Lincoln Memorial. Plus, the Washington Monument (which you can’t see when inside it 😉)!
The tower is a perfect addition to your Washington, DC, itinerary. Depending on how long you enjoy the museum area and the views, the whole visit might take you about 30-45 minutes.
History of the Old Post Office Tower in Washington, DC
The Old Post Office was built between 1892 and 1899 and was designed by architect Willoughby J. Edbrooke.
It was initially home to the U.S. Postal Department, the Washington, D.C. post office, and the Dead Letters Museum. Plans were made to demolish the building in 1934 because it was “ugly” (can you imagine?), but thanks to the Great Depression, it didn’t happen.
From 1935 to 1978, it housed various government offices. However, it began to fall into disrepair in the 1970s, so a second demolition was proposed. This was thwarted by Nancy Hanks, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, whose advocacy led to its placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Renovated and rededicated in 1983 as The Nancy Hanks Center, it became home to federal arts agencies. Today, it is leased as a luxury hotel, the Waldorf Astoria, while a small section has been dedicated to a museum run by the National Park Service.
Plan Your Visit to the Old Post Office Tower
Location
The Old Post Office Tower is a part of the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC. However, you cannot access the tower from the hotel.
The tower and museum’s entrance is on 12th Street, between Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue. A sign will direct you to the entrance.
Hours
The Old Post Office museum and tower is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm). The museum closes one day during the first week of the month for cleaning and routine maintenance. Visit their website for those dates.
Admission
The Old Post Office Tower and museum are FREE to visit, and they are one of the many FREE things to do in Washington, DC.
What To Expect During Your Visit
History Exhibit
As you enter the building, you’ll walk down a long hallway to the elevator. The hallway has photographs, diagrams, and information about the building’s history. Take the time to look at the pictures and read the information. It’s pretty interesting!
Elevator Ride
There are two elevator rides to the 12th-floor observation deck of the tower. The first elevator, which holds about 10 people, takes you to the 9th floor. You can see inside the gorgeous glass ceiling of the Waldorf Astoria from this level.
After getting off at the 9th floor, you’ll walk down a long hallway to the next elevator, which is a little smaller and holds up to 5 people. This one will take you to the observation deck.
Depending on how many people are visiting the tower, you might have a short wait to get on each elevator.
At the Top
The observation deck at the Old Post Office Tower is 270 feet high and offers beautiful views of the city in every direction. However, it is only partially enclosed, so you are subjected to the temperature outside.
There is a ranger at the top to answer any questions you might have about the tower and the buildings you are looking at.
Other Great Views in Washington, DC
There are some other great places to take in the views in and near Washington, DC.
Of course, the most popular is the Washington Monument, where you can see up to 25 miles away. Unlike the Old Post Office Tower, you must reserve tickets in advance to secure entry.
Another great place to get a view of the city is at Arlington House in Arlington Cemetery. There was a reason the Custis family built their home there!
Other Free Things to Do in Washington, DC
Washington, DC, is the perfect place for a family vacation, thanks to its many FREE and fun things to do! Of course, you have the well-known activities, like all of the Smithsonian Museums. But we also love some of the lesser-known options, like the Planet Word, the National Postal Museum, and the White House Visitor Center.
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