United States Naval Observatory grounds and Vice President's residence hill

The United States Naval Observatory sits on a rise in Northwest Washington and includes the Vice President's official residence at 1 Observatory Circle. The observatory grounds occupy elevated terrain that historically provided clear sightlines over Massachusetts Avenue and surrounding neighborhoods; however, much of the property, including the residence, is not open for public access. The observatory is an operational facility of the U.S. Navy and access and views from public streets are limited by security and fencing.