Watergate Steps and The Watergate - The white house stands with people gathered nearby.
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Watergate Steps and The Watergate

4.5
·50 reviews·Washington, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset to Dusk

Magical river reflections

CrowdMedium
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Watergate Steps and The Watergate - The white house stands with people gathered nearby.

Watergate Steps and The Watergate

Best Time

Sunset to Dusk

Magical river reflections

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(50 reviews)

"A peaceful spot for reflection and river views, with a fascinating history behind its design."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Watergate Steps

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

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

Jogging and Exercise Spot

Watergate Steps

A popular location for runners and fitness enthusiasts to get their stair workout in.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Watergate Steps

While the Watergate Steps themselves are always accessible, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for stunning sunset views over the Potomac River. Early mornings are popular with joggers, offering a more peaceful experience before the day's crowds arrive.

Understanding the Watergate's History

These steps, part of the Lincoln Memorial, were designed for boat arrivals that never materialized. They later hosted 'Sunset Symphonies' and are now a quiet spot for reflection and river views, offering a unique historical perspective.

Best Times

When
Sunset to Dusk
Why
Magical river reflections
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Mornings
Why
Peaceful jogging spot
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Push Day at Watergate Steps | Tập Ngực & Tay Sau tại Cầu Thang Watergate #washingtondc #outdoortraining #pushday
@saigonspringroll
328.5K likes • 4.7M views

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour

Visit during sunset for spectacular river views and a peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

👟 Great for a Workout

Perfect spot for joggers and those looking for a stair-climbing exercise routine. Reddit

The Watergate Scandal in under 10 minutes. The details get even more fun, but this will have to do! #watergate #history #adhd #storytime #tea #drama #fyp
@perezbrenna
217.5K likes • 1.6M views
I bet a lot of you have driven past these steps and now you know why they were built and how they were used! The view from the top is pretty spectacular too. ——————— #bestaddress #watergate #nationalmall #potomacriver #lincolnmemorial #washingtondc #washingtondclife #visitwashingtondc #funfacts #historyfacts #themall #historicplaces #beautifulbuildings #mydccool
bestaddress
2.2K likes • 48.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Reflective Pause

Take a moment to sit, reflect, and enjoy the quiet ambiance and river vistas. Reddit

🏛️ Historical Context

Learn about the steps' original purpose and past 'Sunset Symphonies' for a richer visit. TikTok

Best walks in Cornwall…all with a treat stop!😋🤩 Watergate-> Bedruthan Steps, stop at The Beach Hut for a cream tea! 🫖 Mullion-> Poldhu, stop at @poldhu for a delicious hot chocolate! 🍫 Tehidy Woods, stop at @tehidywoodscafe for coffee and donuts from @sasparella_cornwall 🍩 Readymoney Cove-> Fowey, stop at @rubysicecream for a decadent ice cream 🍦 - - - - - #cornwall #lovecornwall #aspectsh...
aspects_holidays
253 likes • 9.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour

Visit during sunset for spectacular river views and a peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

👟 Great for a Workout

Perfect spot for joggers and those looking for a stair-climbing exercise routine. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Reflective Pause

Take a moment to sit, reflect, and enjoy the quiet ambiance and river vistas. Reddit

🏛️ Historical Context

Learn about the steps' original purpose and past 'Sunset Symphonies' for a richer visit. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(50 reviews)

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

Scenic river views
Historical significance
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Not much to see

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

The steps themselves are not wheelchair accessible due to their nature. However, the surrounding Lincoln Memorial grounds are accessible. Instagram

Combine your visit with exploring the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall. Walking is the best way to see everything. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Watergate Steps and the surrounding Lincoln Memorial area are free to visit and do not require tickets. Instagram

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. Instagram

There is no entrance fee for the Lincoln Memorial or the Watergate Steps. Instagram

Yes, the area is accessible at night, and the views of the illuminated Lincoln Memorial and the city lights can be quite beautiful. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Reddit

You can capture panoramic views of the Potomac River, the Virginia skyline, the Lincoln Memorial, and joggers in action. Instagram

Drone usage is restricted in many areas of Washington D.C., including national parks and monuments. Check current National Park Service regulations before flying. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ 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.' Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Watergate Steps themselves are primarily a historical and exercise spot, they can be a pleasant addition to a family outing on the National Mall. Kids might enjoy the novelty of the steps and the open space for a quick run-around. The real draw for families will be the proximity to the Lincoln Memorial, which is always a hit with children due to its impressive scale and the iconic statue. Pack some snacks and water, as amenities are limited right at the steps, but readily available at the nearby Lincoln Memorial Visitor Center. Instagram

🏃‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts

For those looking to incorporate a workout into their sightseeing, the Watergate Steps are a fantastic find. These steps offer a challenging and rewarding stair-climbing session with a view. Many locals and visitors use them for their daily runs or intense cardio workouts. The consistent incline and number of steps provide a great cardiovascular challenge. Remember to stay hydrated and be mindful of other users, especially during peak morning hours when the steps are most popular with runners. TikTokReddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find the Watergate Steps particularly appealing during sunset and twilight. The way the light reflects off the Potomac River and the city skyline creates a magical atmosphere. It's an excellent spot for capturing both wide-angle landscape shots and more intimate portraits with the memorial or river as a backdrop. Consider bringing a tripod for those low-light conditions to achieve stunning long-exposure shots of the water and city lights. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unfulfilled Vision: Watergate Steps' Original Purpose

The Watergate Steps were conceived as a grand entrance for visitors arriving at the Lincoln Memorial via the Potomac River. The original plans for the Lincoln Memorial included a substantial waterfront development, with these steps designed to allow dignitaries and the public to disembark from boats and ascend directly to the memorial. This ambitious vision, however, was never fully realized due to shifting transportation priorities and the rise of automobile travel.

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. TikTokReddit

Capturing the Magic: Photography at Watergate Steps

The Watergate Steps offer a unique photographic perspective, especially during the transition from day to night. The 'golden hour' just before sunset provides a warm, soft light that bathes the steps and the Potomac River in a beautiful glow. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky often erupts in vibrant colors, creating stunning reflections on the water's surface, making it a prime spot for landscape and cityscape photographers. Reddit

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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