Watergate Steps and The Watergate
Historic steps by the Lincoln Memorial, offering serene Potomac River views and a popular spot for joggers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical river reflections
Watergate Steps and The Watergate
Best Time
Magical river reflections

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic steps by the Lincoln Memorial, offering serene Potomac River views and a popular spot for joggers.
"A peaceful spot for reflection and river views, with a fascinating history behind its design."
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit during sunset for spectacular river views and a peaceful atmosphere.
👟 Great for a Workout
Perfect spot for joggers and those looking for a stair-climbing exercise routine.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Watergate Steps
Lincoln Memorial
Historic steps designed for boat arrivals, now a serene spot for river views and reflection.

Sunset Views Over the Potomac
Top of the Watergate Steps
Witness a breathtaking transition from sunset to dusk, with the river mirroring the sky's colors.

Jogging and Exercise Spot
Watergate Steps
A popular location for runners and fitness enthusiasts to get their stair workout in.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Watergate Steps
Understanding the Watergate's History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit during sunset for spectacular river views and a peaceful atmosphere.
👟 Great for a Workout
Perfect spot for joggers and those looking for a stair-climbing exercise routine.
🚶♀️ Reflective Pause
Take a moment to sit, reflect, and enjoy the quiet ambiance and river vistas.
🏛️ Historical Context
Learn about the steps' original purpose and past 'Sunset Symphonies' for a richer visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit during sunset for spectacular river views and a peaceful atmosphere.
👟 Great for a Workout
Perfect spot for joggers and those looking for a stair-climbing exercise routine.
🚶♀️ Reflective Pause
Take a moment to sit, reflect, and enjoy the quiet ambiance and river vistas.
🏛️ Historical Context
Learn about the steps' original purpose and past 'Sunset Symphonies' for a richer visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Watergate Steps for their historical intrigue and scenic river views, especially during sunset. While not a major attraction on its own, it offers a peaceful spot for reflection and a good workout. Some find it 'not much to see' beyond the steps themselves, but acknowledge the interesting history and pleasant ambiance.
"Across the Potomac River, you can catch a glimpse of Virginia state's skyline. 🌆 I absolutely adore the transition from sunset to dusk; it's when the river's reflection mirrors the sky like a perfect canvas. 🌅 The beauty of this moment is truly captivating. 😍"
GSTonyTseng
"Secreted away behind the Lincoln Memorial are these steps that seem to go nowhere. Historically, these steps were part of the Lincoln Memorial and designed to be the entrance for folks entering the Capitol by boat. This never really panned out, but steps were the site of the “Sunset Symphonies”, which ran from 1935 to 1965, when they were finally canceled due to the jet noise drowning out the music. Now it’s a haven for joggers doing their stairs in the morning and is a nice place of an evening to take in river views and the lights of the bridge."
Anthony P
"Not much to see but steps. The history behind it is interesting… built back in the day when they thought people would arrive by boat and land by the steps and climb up to the Lincoln Memorial and the Mall. Now they’re good for runners for exercise, to sit with your lunch and reflect on one’s life or simply rest as you track around DC."
Tatiana Hoover
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Watergate Steps are located behind the Lincoln Memorial. You can reach them by walking from the Lincoln Memorial or via public transportation to the National Mall area. Several bus routes stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from other National Mall monuments.
Limited parking is available at the Lincoln Memorial lot, but it fills up quickly. Consider using ride-sharing services or public transport to avoid parking hassles.
While historically designed for boat arrivals, direct public boat access to the steps is not a common or practical way to visit today. The steps are best accessed by land.
The steps themselves are not wheelchair accessible due to their nature. However, the surrounding Lincoln Memorial grounds are accessible.
Combine your visit with exploring the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall. Walking is the best way to see everything.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Watergate Steps and the surrounding Lincoln Memorial area are free to visit and do not require tickets.
The Watergate Steps are part of the National Mall and are generally accessible 24/7, though it's best to visit during daylight or early evening hours for safety and views.
There is no entrance fee for the Lincoln Memorial or the Watergate Steps.
Yes, the area is accessible at night, and the views of the illuminated Lincoln Memorial and the city lights can be quite beautiful.
While not always a primary focus, many National Mall and Lincoln Memorial tours will pass by or mention the historical significance of the Watergate Steps.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset and dusk offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with the river reflecting the sky's colors. Early mornings can also provide soft, beautiful light.
You can capture panoramic views of the Potomac River, the Virginia skyline, the Lincoln Memorial, and joggers in action.
Drone usage is restricted in many areas of Washington D.C., including national parks and monuments. Check current National Park Service regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be helpful for low-light photography during sunset or at night.
Be mindful of privacy when photographing individuals. It's generally acceptable to capture the general atmosphere, but avoid close-ups of people without their consent.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
The steps were part of an original design for the Lincoln Memorial to accommodate visitors arriving by boat, a plan that was never fully realized. They later hosted 'Sunset Symphonies.'
The Watergate Scandal was a major political scandal in the 1970s involving a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex and subsequent cover-up by the Nixon administration. The steps themselves are not directly related to the scandal, but share the name.
From 1935 to 1965, the Watergate Steps hosted 'Sunset Symphonies,' a series of free orchestral concerts that were eventually canceled due to increasing jet noise.
The name 'Watergate' originally referred to a series of piers and a waterfront complex in Washington D.C. The steps, being part of the Lincoln Memorial's waterfront access design, adopted the name.
While they share the name 'Watergate,' the steps are part of the Lincoln Memorial, and the Watergate Hotel is a separate, nearby landmark famous for its role in the Watergate scandal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unfulfilled Vision: Watergate Steps' Original Purpose
Despite their unfulfilled primary purpose, the steps found a new life as a venue for cultural events. From 1935 to 1965, they hosted the popular 'Sunset Symphonies,' a series of free orchestral concerts that drew large crowds. These events transformed the steps into a vibrant public gathering space, offering entertainment against the backdrop of the Potomac River. The concerts eventually ceased due to increasing noise pollution from air traffic, marking the end of another chapter in the steps' history.
Today, the Watergate Steps serve a more utilitarian role, primarily as a popular spot for joggers and fitness enthusiasts seeking an outdoor stair workout. They also remain a tranquil location for visitors to sit, reflect, and enjoy the scenic views of the river and the Virginia skyline, offering a quiet respite amidst the bustling National Mall.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Watergate Steps
Beyond the sunset, the steps are also a fantastic location for capturing the iconic Lincoln Memorial from a different angle. The perspective looking up towards the memorial from the bottom of the steps can be quite dramatic. For those interested in urban activity, the steps are a popular spot for runners and fitness enthusiasts, offering opportunities for dynamic action shots.
When planning your photo session, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the expansive river views and the grandeur of the memorial. A tripod can be invaluable for low-light conditions during sunset and twilight, allowing for sharper images and longer exposures to capture the city lights reflecting on the water. Remember to be respectful of others enjoying the space, especially joggers and those seeking quiet contemplation.
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