View of the Washington Monument at night, in Mount Vernon, Baltimore, Maryland.; Shutterstock ID 618663329; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI Image Update

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Washington Monument

Baltimore

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For the best views of Baltimore, climb the 227 marble steps of the 178ft-tall Doric column dedicated to America's founding father, George Washington. The monument was designed by Robert Mills, who also created DC's Washington Monument, and is looking better than ever following a $6-million restoration project. The ground floor contains a museum about Washington's life. To climb the monument, buy a ticket on-site or reserve online. Spaces are limited. The 1st-floor gallery is free.

Claustrophobes beware – the climb is narrow, steep and surrounded by brick, with only one window before reaching the enclosed viewpoints at the top.

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