The View of DC

Amazing view. Quiet place. The hours are bit confusing, closing late only on Mondays but definitely worth the trip so please visit! The balcony is nice but the floor is shaking I think some bricks are not glued together or something, it almost gave me a heart attack..

Great place for amazing 360-degree views of DC areas. It's free and no reservation is needed. You just need to show your id and walk through a security gate. We visited this hidden gem in the morning at 8:30 am. It's completely empty. On their website, you can also schedule your private event like a wedding there. Definitely worth a recommendation.

This observation deck is one of the best ones to check out! Definitely the best one in the area. It’s very quiet and the space up top is quite large. The views are definitely amazing from up here too! And the greatest thing about it is it’s free for everyone to go up!

Ever since we discovered this observation deck a few years ago, we have made it a point to bring all our out-of-town visitors here. It is the tallest observation point in Rosslyn to see DC from the top of a well-managed building. The best part is that it's free! You can't ask for anything better than this.

A little tricky to find but you enter in through the courtyard near the metro station. It’s free. Amazing views of DC and VA. Did I mention it was free. You cannot bring drinks or tripods up but they will watch them at the front. A great way to end a DC trip.

You can't bring food or drink up with you, even in your backpack, so plan ahead. We were able to leave our items at the security desk, but they weren't secured or anything. The ride up in the glass front elevator gives you a great view and the almost 360* view from the top is worth the trip. This would be an ideal place for someone to start their tour of the area, especially with a local to point out all the landmarks.

Beautiful space, unobstructed panoramic view of DC. Best thing is…it’s FREE! Parking is tricky so if you can leave your car, the metro is downstairs. If you must drive, we found Sunday morning to be *chefs kiss* free parking right out front! Come early and you’ll have the entire place to yourself.

If you cannot find the place so I help you the way how to find this. Let search go to the main entrance Roslyn Station. Now, see opposite the entrance, your left side is MacDonald, middle is space area and the right side is the building, that building is "The View of DC". Trust me don't miss the place, it is very beautiful and amazing. I recommend going to it on a sunny day. It is free, The security guy needs your ID for security of course

A hidden gem in Arlington! I found out about this place through a friend and went to go check it out. I live in Rosslyn and can't believe I've never noticed it! When you enter they check your ID and make you go through security. The view is on the 31st floor. I went on a Saturday around 11 am and it was only me and one other group in there. The view was great! They have signs on the poles to explain what you're seeing like the monuments, memorials, Potomac, etc. They have a small outdoor area with some seating to enjoy the view. There was also a bar inside, but it was closed. Will definitely be bringing family/friends here when they visit!

This was such an exciting adventure to come and see you go up 31 floors and overlook Washington DC. It was so calming like I could really stay all day. They have an upper level you go to called observation level, and it goes out further than the building like a cliff it's cool but very high. Great place to check out for free.

What a cool place to show off the hub of the DMV! From 31 floors up and not including the outside observation deck, you can see all of the DMV for several miles on a clear day. This is the perfect place to bring new visitors to this area to see all the major landmarks all at once. Ofcr. Adams was kind enough to escort me to the observation floor and point out all the cool places to show off on my next visit! Despite the city atmosphere, parking is pretty decent and the Rosslyn Metro is right across the street.

It was a nice view! I'm happy that it wasn't too crowded & it was definitely a nice view of DC! It doesn't cost anything go & they check your bags & stuff before going upstairs so relatively safe & a peaceful place to just look out & enjoy the scenery. There's even seats if you plan to stay longer & wanted to chill.

Morning or evening- I can't get enough of the view. Such a hidden gem. I've been to many viewpoints in the DMV and this one is my favorite. Free to visit. Just need government ID. So tranquil, never busy, perfect place to see all VA and DC.

This was a surprise for my boyfriend for date night. It was my first time hearing about this place, so I said why not. The entrance is on the side. Show ID and paid nothing. We went with a small ground up to the top floor. When we walked out and to the right and we started walking around. If you are afraid of heights, this place is not for you to come and try your luck. They had a simulation helicopter ride above DC, and motion sickness was activated. Great space for events and I would like to come back.

Located off of Wilson Boulevard, this is across the street from the metro. I'd recommend taking that way, but paid parking is available. I don't know how this is free, but am extremely grateful for this. As a single dad, it's not always easy financially, and to whom is behind this I can't thank enough. The view up here is unbelievable. While it's not as high up as the Washington Monument, the three story windows and observation deck are far better. You can see for miles up here. Looking forward to returning on a clear day, and an evening to get pictures of the lights. There's a seating area that is quite comfortable. Also love the high speed elevators. Without a doubt, you should go and see this. I bet weddings up here are amazing, and again, my profound thanks to the person/s behind this endeavor.

The GPS led us to a locked office building. We walked to the opposite end of the building and found the entrance to The View of DC. The entrance is next to a restaurant (SALT) and directly across from McDonald's. Our ID's and bags were checked and we took the elevator up. The main observation deck did not have air conditioning. It was hot and uncomfortable. The open air terrace has a couch and two double chairs. The view is amazing. You are sure to scream when your foot tilts on one of the loose and uneven tiles outside. If you are in the area, stop by and enjoy the view.

Haven't seen this mentioned yet, but this place is NOT ADA accessible. You can walk around the inside top portion, but cannot access the outside viewing deck without climbing two flights of stairs. This makes it very difficult for my disabled wife to fully experience the main attraction. Also got a lot of attitude from the staff when I asked if there was a separate elevator to the top, said "well you just can't go up there then," not a response you'd expect in 2023.

This free viewing deck in Rosslyn is right across the metro. All you need for admission is a valid ID. It's a beautiful space to take in views of Washington, DC and Arlington.

Does anyone know about this place? That's what I asked myself when trying to find the entrance. Seriously, no one knew where it was. That's shocking to me. I ended up looking for the tallest building I could find. I finally found the entrance which happens to be across the street from the Rosslyn Metro Station. It's in the square where they have the farmer's market (between Lynn and Moore streets). The doors have "View of DC" on it, and there is a sign out front that indicates they are open. You enter the building, and they immediately ask you for a government issued picture ID. There was no admission fee. You no longer need to be a resident of Arlington to enter. I'm from Florida and had no issues getting admitted. The nice lady at the front desk took me to the observation deck elevator. It goes straight to the very top, and there are no stops along the way. The elevator ride up was actually a little scary in my opinion. I'm not even afraid of heights. The elevator is mostly an open view (from top to bottom). Two sides of the elevator have a clear view. It's 31 floors up to the observation deck. There is a 32nd floor deck but I didn't venture up there. I'm not even sure if it is open. There was only a group of 3 people there, and I think they were touring the building for office space. Other than that, not a whole lot going on up there except you and the view. It was actually quite peaceful. There are plenty of places to sit down and relax. I just walked around the floor to take in all the different views. I think the most spectacular ones are on the Potomac River side where you can see the memorials in DC. The views of the Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, and the bridges were the highlights for me. It was an overcast day so the view wasn't as good. On a clear day, you can see so much more. The National Cathedral could also be seen in the distance. It's a cool place to visit if you happen to be staying in the Rosslyn area.

Finally had the chance to check this place out. It was on my list at the height of the pandemic, but only allowed Arlington residents. That restriction has been removed and it's now open to all. But boy did I have a hard time finding the entrance! After I parked at the corner of Wilson and N Lynn, I walked. GPS kept redirecting me and I was so confused. Nothing I could find on the website about the specific entrance. That's why I'm deducting one star. Also, I've called twice and no one answers, so that wasn't helpful for finding the exact location. The entrance is on the plaza side of the building that houses Cava, Salt and some other restaurants. Luckily the guard at the entrance directly on Wilson directed me. Once inside, it's quite lovely space. I was there for a photo event, and there are lots of great aesthetics for pictures. The views are gorgeous!

We stumbled upon this by chance. We were enjoying lunch nearby when I happened to notice a sign for this and wondered what it was. A quick search revealed that it was open for visitors, so once we finished up, we headed over to check it out. You head into the lobby and adults need to show their IDs and go through a quick security screening. Then you head up to the observation space. It's gorgeous, and I can absolutely see why it is used for an event space - it would be fabulous! The views are great, and there is plenty of signage to identify what you're looking at. There is also a cute little balcony space where you can sit outside and enjoy the nice weather and look around. It was free to visit, and we were able to enjoy at our own pace. You just head back downstairs when you are done. The staff was nice too.

Australian friends visiting from Down Under helped me discover this FREE treasure in Rosslyn. How have I lived here since 2018 and never knew of it? Excellent welcome by the staff who verified our bags, etc then up we wentvia an elevator to the 32nd floor to catch the 360 view of the area. Simply spectacular views! Sorry to report that the refreshment bar was not available but we lingered anyway. Enjoy this opportunity 7 days a week until 8pm each evening.

FYI - the website has incorrect hours, they close at 330 on Saturday and all people must be out of the view by 345.

We came an hour before closing and we're just about the only people there, was super peaceful! I could imagine spending a much longer time there, reading, drinking coffee, etc. The views are gorgeous, as can be expected and you can see quite a few monuments. The man at the front was super nice, courteous, and gave us a run down of the building etc. Super happy we were able to fit this in while family was in town.

Wow! Such a lovely place to visit, with views that are unmatched. And...it's FREE! I have 2 "complaints". 1) The outside portion is not 360*. 2) There were no vending machines with upscale snacks!

I got a great deal for this last December through Instagram.. $26 for two people, including admission, food and drink. It was well worth it. Arlington residents get to go for free, so definitely go! My Mom lives in Rosslyn and has taken guests as a way to sightsee. I recommend going an hour before sunset so you can scope the place out and then plant yourself wherever you want to be during sunset. The outdoor deck has high glass walls so you will be shielded from wind.

Excellent learned lots ...very interesting and informative! Thanks again and would totally recommend

Called no answer. Showed up and it was locked up at 3 pm on a Thursday. No sign or notice why

Well organized, air conditioned, nice 360 degree view. The historical facts were interesting and well designed. Arlington residents are able to visit one time for free and it is definitely worth it. I enjoyed the annotated panoramic photos so you could tell what you were looking at. I'm not sure it's worth the $22 ticket price, but I've paid similar prices when visiting observatories in other cities as a tourist.

I had the pleasure to take a peak at the observation deck before it was open to public. It was so nice to see that there's a Observation Deck that overlooks DC/VA. Because some of the big cities have their own tower already (NYC, Chicago). It will definitely bring in a lot tourism for the city and the businesses. The view is 360 degree overlooking potomac river, DC and Arlington. Each of the view point you are standing, there's sign showing the view and the history of each building. I thought that was pretty cool. A lot of time we could be sightseeing from far away, but really knowing what we are looking at. it's also very spacious on the viewing deck, the glasses are built very high as well at the edge. I definitely recommend this as a tourist stuff to do even for locals.

Conveniently positioned right outside the Rosslyn Metro Station along the Potomac River, The Observation Deck offers one of the best views of the entire DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) area. Once you pay the $22 price tag, you're guided to a glass elevator that takes you to the top two floors of one of the tallest buildings in the entire region. Put your phone away for the ride and take in the sights as you are ushered up. Once you're at the top, your breath will be taken away by the views. It's two floors with lots of glass and a crisp wood design. High ceilings complete the beauty of the space. As you slowly walk around the circle, you'll notice several touch screens telling the history of DC, Arlington and American leaders throughout the centuries. You'll also notice markers at the railings pointing out landmarks. You'll be able to see all the major DC landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Washington Monument. You can even see the MGM in Maryland. If you're hungry or thirsty, there's a cafe. They sell drinks (sodas are $3), snacks, and light meals like sandwiches. Once you've taken in the beautiful view, head up the stairs to the small outside area. It's more like a balcony, but there are large glass safety panels giving you an unobstructed view of the city. The glass panels have gaps in them where you'd think a baby could slip through (my 17 month old was okay). This is the spot you want to snap a photo to show all your friends. On top of the view and unique experience, every staff member I interacted with was genuinely friendly and proud of the space. I recommend taking in the view at the Observation Deck. When you're done, dine in one of the growing number of restaurants in Rosslyn!

Fantastic views, and free to the public! There was hardly anyone there when we went on a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon. It seems the tourist masses have not discovered it yet. Maybe it has only recently been opened to the public? I don't know, but was a very worthwhile visit for me. Plan to go back to catch a sunset here sometime.

The view of DC is by far the best view of DC. I have seen the Netherlands Carillon view, Old Post Office view, Hotel W view, Washington Monument view, Kennedy Center terrace view, National Cathedral view, but none compares with the View of DC. The worst thing is very expensive ticket ($22) but if you go to Groupon you can get 46% (I did that) and you will better about spending money for the view. The View of DC is not just a view. You have a hologram, interactive panels, plenty of space for kids to run or elderly to sit. You have a view of DC from the drone feature and everything seemed to be friendly. Yes, it is only floor 31 but knowing that DC and adjacent Rosslyn have building height restrictions, this is the best that you can get. It would be very cool to participate in some private event there. The design has been done very well, the glass surfaces are made as if they are moving with you and the patio has the openings between glass surfaces big enough for the picture taking and small enough to be safe. Make sure you take plenty of the photos as you can see the Shrine (in NE), and city of Alexandria and Tysons Corner clearly.

While the entrance to this place was hard to find, it was worth the effort--gorgeous views of DC, Arlington, Georgetown, and Alexandria await you 400 feet above downtown Arlington. It's a great way to gain perspective on the city, and great for picture taking. The place can be rented, but it's also available for free for visitors to just show an ID, ride up thirty fours, and see at your leisure. There are restrooms and seats but not much else--just an amazing view of the cities. There is an outdoor terrace, which Is great for those who don't mind heights, though there are a few loose tiles out there they need to fix--it's safe but rather alarming!

Absolutely love this place! I hope it wasn't that hot when we went there. Will definitely come back when in DC area. A good place to chill with friends. Stunning view.

Incredible observation deck with 360 views of the area. Be careful on the hours as they recently changed with the fall season. Also go after hours or on weekends when street parking is more available...but you still have to pay nearby meters per posted hours. You can also arrive with the WMATA elaborate people mover aka METRO. the entrance is hidden and no flashing lights to tell you it's there. And the attendant/cashier is squirreled away off to the side so just keep being persistent in finding the entrance. Once in it's a quick elevator ride to the top. The decor is an amazing wood outlay which gives off comforting modernist vibes. I just wanted to hang out there for a while contemplating the craziness of what lays across the river. When I was looking out towards the Capitol I sighted the old post office and began to compare. Visiting both are valuable but if you are a veteran tourist or tenant to the area, go here first and have fun sighting all the major and iconic buildings. Or just simply ENJOY the nice views!

The Observation Deck has absolutely beautiful views. It's definitely one of the best views in the area. A girlfriend of mine had a surprise engagement party here. I'm not sure how the process was for the groom and planning it but it was a beautiful experience for the guest whom attended. Very well organized. We were all given wristbands upon arrival. It was an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and pastries. I would advise taking an uber/lyft or train as street parking is very limited. I arrived late due to the difficulty of finding parking.

The Observation Deck is on the 31st floor of the CEB tower. You can buy timed tickets online or just walk right up and purchase them at the box office. Since the tower just opened a few weeks ago, not too many people know about it yet so there weren't any lines. Ticket prices are extremely high ($46 for two adults) for a rooftop view that plenty of the rooftops in DC have for free. The ticket prices are the major downfall but once you get up to the deck there are panoramic views (again nothing extraordinary because one of your friends lives in an apartment with the same views) and interactive touch screen exhibits detailing some DC history. The snack bar is cute and the drink prices are reasonable but this place would be so much better if there were places to sit and enjoy the drinks and watch the sunset but they close at 8pm. Long story, short there are way better rooftops with way better setups for a way better price. I think their hope is that people will add this to their DC tour itinerary but it's probably too out of the way and too pricey for that to make sense.

Great place to go to see views of the surrounding area including Arlington and DC. When you get to the top they do serve food and drinks including alcohol. I ordered a local beer on tap for $6, it was one of their wheat beers they had on draft not bad. To get to the top if you are not an Arlington resident it is around $20, I checked for the groupon that everyone was talking about and it is posted as no longer available. Arlington residents get to the top for free. On friday nights they have a special where you can get to the top for $10 and drink specials. The CEB tower is literally right across from the Rosslyn metro stop which could take you to the mall if you wanted. The staff was very friendly during my visit, both on the ground level and when I ordered my drink.

**As of 8/16/19 only available to Arlington residents and must show name on lease. Other person can come as a guest!!** The View of DC is truly a beautiful place to admire the landscaping and history behind DC and the surrounding states. There's a 360 view from the top of the tower and various signs and maps to point out attractions. Different screens will talk about history of CIA, metro, even Edith Wilson. When we went, the restaurant & snack bar had closed permanently, but the outdoor area was open!! Definitely worth the visit if you are or know someone who's an Arlington Cty resident because the views are breathtaking. On the outside deck, I got vertigo a few times just looking out!! Amazing experience!! Staff was also super friendly and nice!! When we went the "selfie camera" was comically pointed at a pole vs the view of the memorial. Hopefully they'll fix that!! Great place for us to celebrate my sweetie's DC anniversary and tons of food/bars around to enjoy after!! Tips: limited street parking, closes at 5 pm, MUST BE ARLINGTON RESIDENT, admission is free

Do not waste your time at this place. They will only allow Arlington County visitors to the top at the time of this writing, and it is June 5, 2021. CDC Covid restrictions have changed significantly for the better, including for Arlington County. I felt bad for the guy sitting at the front desk, who had to tell me (a local) along with three guests that we could not even buy tickets. Not a single person was there, yet they had the front doors open as if they were legitimacy open for business.

We came to The View of DC for a private event and it was GORGEOUS! The views from both the observatory deck and the inside of the building towards Arlington and DC are stunning. The food and drinks catered were divine. The management and staff were hospitable. I hope to hold an event here one day soon.

4 stars because yes, still a bit pricey. But listen! It was such a great experience. For the price, I went to Groupon and found discounted tickets for 17$ each. Children below the age of 5 get in free. STAFF: what an AMAZING staff! When we entered the desk staff greeted us and took care of us right away. The Groupon thing is new, so they were having difficulty with that but still kept us updated and did everything they could to get us going. *side note: my son is extremely talkative and at times people may not like that, but Mr. Carl at the security checkpoint kept my son entertained and talked to him the entire time while my husband and I were at the desk trying to figure out the ticket situation. Thank you kind sir. Once inside the tower, we were greeted by one staff member who gave us a brief tour. She was nice and answered questions. After the tour, we went our own way. CEB TOWER: first, you take an elevator up, which my kids found to be "cool" since it's all glass and you can see everything on the way up. Then, you get the tour, then go on your own. They have two floors. -Bottom floor is the 360 view of DC/VA they have seating along the wall and a bar with drinks and snacks. They also have this flat huge flat screen that sits on the floor. For this, you are given headphones and it's like a rollercoaster ride but you are standing the whole time and are "flown" by a helicopter throughout the city. You stand on the wall of the screen and look down to see you are being "flown" around all the landmarks. Also, they have a selfie station where you can have your picture taken with the cool background of the city in the back. -Top floor: there is a small room where they plan on adding tables and a smaller bar. There is more seating in this room. Then there is another door that leads to the outside! Everyone's favorite! This is the spot to take all your social media pictures. They have comfortable couches and padded chairs to just sit and take it all in. I came here on a Thursday, after 1pm and pretty much had the place to ourselves. Another staff member, Dwayne I believe? Originally from Colorado, he talked to us a bit about the tower, the area, and how there is still a lot of plans to continue to improve the tower. He spent some extra time with my family answering questions and showing them other cool features of the tower. My son still talks about this guy. ‍ Anyway, bring on the family! If your from arlington it's FREE! The surrounding area has places to eat, and just walk around. We stopped at the central coffee bar then rode around the city in the "Lyft" scooters! Fun day.

Very nice place, its only open for Arlington residents and their guests now. I recommend you go on a sunny day to get the chance to see the sunset

This place is a gem! Hubby and I went once during its preview day in the summer, and then again last week when my mom was in town. The observation deck is located on the 31st floor of the CEB tower in Rosslyn, and there is a dedicated parking garage as well as limited street parking - you might get lucky with the latter if there during an off time. Last week, I went to the box office to establish Arlington residency (observation desk is free for Arlington residents - awesome perk, and stated directly on their website), which was an easy process thanks to the helpful and courteous staff. I asked about getting tickets for the next day, and they advised just showing up before our desired time as it wouldn't be busy. Sure enough, when we arrived ~4:15 the next day, we were the only ones there! My hubby and I got in for free, and I used a Groupon for my mom's admission ($17 instead of $21). We were whisked up to the 31st floor, and essentially had the entire deck to ourselves right around sunset - it was amazing. We purchased drinks at the bar (2 glasses of wine, 1 beer for $20), and took in the view from all available vantage points. There is plenty of signage pinpointing the various sights and monuments, as well as interactive displays that showcase relevant historical facts and photos. The outdoor viewing deck is a must-see, and there is a handful of patio seating - perfect for warmer weather. All in all, this is a visually stunning space - both in terms of the views, and the observation deck itself. I hope people, especially Arlington residents, take advantage of it and bring out of town family and friends to visit - even at full cost, I think it's worth it!

Unique space with floor to ceiling windows and an amazing staff. Great way to start a visit to DC and one of the best rooftop bars in Arlington with local craft beer, views from 400 feet and happy hour specials.

Great location & beautiful views. Interactive history displays (touch screens) throughout. Cafe with good food & they serve alcohol. Fun day!

The best view in DC. Amazing 360 panoramic view. Yeah! A bit pricy but beautiful. Located in the heart of Rosslyn.

I'd probably give this four stars if it wasn't for the amazing staff who are so excited about their job and genuinely want visitors to experience everything the place has to offer. We went on a Saturday at 930 and were 2 of the maybe 5 guests up there for the hour we spent. The bar and restaurant were closed but looked like the differed some breath taking views! The Hover DC thing was cool, a little terrifying at first, but still fun. There's a lot of interactive screens with info about DC history but the main attraction is the view which is phenomenal! You can see so much of DC and the environs and the walls have maps that show where everything is. It's right off the Rosslyn station exit so very easy to get to.

Barely anyone comes here so you're able to take the time to see everything. The security that lets you in is always nice and hospitable.

The is a new spot in Arlington. It's only been open about a year, but it's definitely a nice place to visit. First date? Come here. Surprise engagement? Come here! Need something to do with your kids on a random Saturday? Come here! The staff is so friendly, there is a bar/cafe that sells champagne and the music is great. We saw an engagement while we were here and apparently there was another one within 45 mins. I don't mind high heights but they make me a little anxious. This view was high, but not so high that it's overwhelming. The view sees all of the major monuments easily and there is an outside portion that gets you up close and personal. Add this to you list of places to visit!

A dozen interactive screens offer information about US history.l. Nice views of DC. Other than the excellent panoramas there is little here of consequential importance or interest. Spend your money somewhere else. . ,

I went on a first date to the observation deck. The guy was awful, had bad breath, and looked nothing like his profile pic. But there was nowhere to run. As the date awkwardly ended, we rode down the elevator together. For such a large building, you'd think they'd have more elevators. The views are great... you have panoramic views of Washington DC and Arlington... but there is no way to escape. Don't go on a first date here.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY FOR EVENTS. Cool place but we just paid $75/person to watch the Marine Corps Marathon and there is one person working the bar and food. There are a ton of people who work here just wandering around. She's behind the bar trying to juggle everything. The windows are dirty in some places making it hard to see. Super disappointed! Don't waste your money on these events. PS $75 for microwaved food

What a beautiful venue! I attended a private party here the other day and I was really impressed with the view and the decor. The virtual flyover feature of local attractions and areas of interest is a nice touch. I would recommend a visit here to tourists or out of town guests.

I've been to the Observation Deck twice now, once when it was a preview day for Arlington County residents and then again about two weeks ago when I happened to be in the Rosslyn area and figured I'd pop in to take in the view. The nice thing is that the Observation Deck is free for Arlington Residents, otherwise, it is a bit pricey. While the view is nice, there are so many other things to do in DC (especially a lot of free things) that I don't know I would add this to a first visit to DC List given the price is currently a bit steep. The first time I went it was a bit more crowded, but there was still plenty of space to walk around and take in the view, There are floor to ceiling windows and a pretty wood bench that wraps around the interior. Throughout the space there are various touchscreens that focus on different areas/sites you can see out that particular window that give more information and history and then you can vote in an interactive poll. The second time I went, around 5 pm on a Saturday, there was hardly anyone there. I was really surprised at how empty it was. There is a cool selfie camera area where you go to a website on your phone and then use your phone to position the camera and take a picture with a great view of the Washington Monument and the Kennedy Center, etc. as a backdrop behind you. It's free and takes a little bit to get used to how to line it up, but thankfully both times I was there, there wasn't a line so I was able to take a couple of pictures to figure it out. Then you can download the picture to your phone from the website. It's a nice feature because that way you don't have to bother anyone to take your picture, so you can get a nice picture with everyone in it. You can go up the stairs and outside to the open air terrace where there are large panels of glass and a great view. The only downside is the terrace is on the Pentagon side and I would have loved for the terrace to be on the Washington Monument side. You can see the Washington Monument from the very corner edge of the terrace level, but in order to get a picture without the glass panels on that side because it is the corner edge, you have to position your camera through the small gap between the glass panels and that side tends to get a line because everyone wants their picture in that one small spot. It would have been great if the longer terrace was on the opposite side. It is easy to get to the observation deck because it is literally mere steps from the Rosslyn Metro station. If you come up the elevators for the Metro station, it is right across the plaza. One thing I will note is that the windows have definitely gotten dirtier since I first went. I am not sure what the window washing schedule is, but compared to my first visit, I couldn't get a clear view going up the elevator because the back windows were so dirty and I actually stopped recording my video going up the elevator because it just wasn't a nice view. Also, when I got up to the Observation Deck itself there were more stains and streaks on the windows. Even in the selfie location, there are huge stains from where the water dripped down and dried that you can see in my picture that are streaking down the window right next to where the Washington Monument appears in the photo. While there are plenty of other window space that is cleaner, you would think they would work to ensure the window that is the backdrop for the photo spot is at least cleaner and doesn't have drips of dried dirty water on it. As an Arlington resident, I'm looking forward to going back to see what the view is like at different times of day/year, such as at sunset or when the cherry blossoms are in bloom because it is a nice view!

Worth seeing, just don't think it's worth the $18-$22 they're charging. I told them I was a student and they didn't check for ID. I had no idea I could get in for free as an Arlington resident until I was upstairs and one of the employees told me. The employees upstairs were nicer than downstairs, they were a bit disorganized downstairs. Security was decent but they made me take off my Resqme car tool that I have on my keychain since it has a razor blade in it. I've had to do that before (for the Arlington Courthouse) so no big deal but it kind of bothers me since it's so small I don't think I could do anything with it. Anyhow the facility was decent but the views are great. I wish there were some spots with no glass or holes in the glass so you could take pics without any glass in the way. I'd recommend going to the revolving restaurant on top of the Doubletree in Crystal City instead, you get the same views and if I'm paying $20+ for a ticket here, I'd rather get dinner too. They told me they would reimburse me as an Arlington resident and took down my info but then I got a call from their boss who said they couldn't do that. Shucks.

Must see view of DC! The best place for anyone to capture DC from above. A great venue to host private events!