Mostly located around the National Mall, these are some of the most iconic monuments and memorials in DC. Not only are they beautiful, but their history is pretty amazing too (and of course, they are all FREE to visit!). I promise you will never tire of visiting them in different seasons or different times of day!
Pro tip: go early or go late, and avoid peak summer tourists. Also, street parking in DC is easier than you think; the best time to arrive is around 9:45 because entire lanes switch over from rush hour commuting lanes to parking lanes at 10am. You may not see any other cars parked in a lane (and let’s be honest, we can all be sheep at times) so make sure to check signs for some obvious great parking! Make sure to download the park mobile parking app in advance if you don’t already have it. There are also parking lots, but they are usually on the expensive side.
Arlington National Cemetery
Technically in VA, but riiiiight over the bridge from DC, so I’m including it on this list here.
Everyone is familiar with the symmetrical rows of white grave stones and the rolling hills of Arlington National Cemetery, but there’s so much other beauty to honor at the final resting place of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice!
Besides walking around and reflecting, don’t miss stops at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and President John F. Kennedy’s Gravesite (here are other notable graves), or the Memorial Amphitheater. The welcome center is chock full of great info, and if you are looking for an even mre meaningful experience, the annual Wreaths Across America event is a great way to pay tribute to those who lay in peace (and it’s a really fun community event!).
To note: There is ample parking (compared to the National Mall) but be prepared to do a lot of walking as roads are only open to those who have family passes.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
A series of five outdoor “rooms” pay honor to our nation’s 32nd president. Here are some fun facts about FDR to know before you go.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Directly on the other side of the Vietnam Wall (with the Lincoln Memorial and reflecting pool in between) is the Korean War Veteran’s Memorial, made up of four parts: the bronze statues, a mural wall, a United Nations wall, and a reflecting pool. Click here for more info.
Lincoln Memorial
A majestic bookmark at the west end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is beautiful as it is grand. Click here to lean more about it’s history Enjoy spectacular views across the Reflecting Pool as you look out towards the Washington Monument and the Capitol, and don’t mind the crowds…this is one of the most popular monuments for a reason!
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
One of the newest (dedicated in 2011) and prettiest memorials, the MLK Jr. memorial is the first to honor an African American individual on the National Mall. Learn more here. Or visit during the summer and catch an outdoor movie from this iconic location at one of the “Films at the Stone.”
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Situated along the Tidal Basin, you can visit the Thomas Jefferson Memorial on foot or – my favorite – by paddle boat. Any time of the year is great to make a trip, but it’s especially iconic during spring when all of the cherry blossoms are in bloom! Click here for more details.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
While “the Wall” is the most famous, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial also includes the “Three Servicemen Statue” and the “Vietnam Women’s Memorial.” Learn more about this iconic memorial here.
Washington Monument
Did you know that the Washington Monument was the world’s tallest building when it was dedicated in 1888? Or that the marble blocks are held together by just gravity – no mortar? Or have you ever noticed the color line about 1/3 of the way up the Monument which shows where construction was halted and then begun again? There is so much interesting history surrounding this DC icon!
No building in DC is permitted to be taller than the Washington Monument, so you can often see it throughout the city. However, if you want to get up close and personal (once COVID is over), you can also take an elevator ride to the top observation deck. Click here for more visiting details.
WWI Memorial
Brand spanking new, DC’s World War I Memorial was only just built in April 2021 in an area previously known as Pershing Park. Why it took so long, I have no idea. Here’s the latest scoop on who, what, when, where, and why.
WWII Memorial
One of the easiest-to-view-memorials, you can explore the World War II Memorial on foot, bike, one-wheel, scooter, or even just do a drive-by, while looking at the Lincoln Memorial on one side of the car and the Washington Monument / Capitol on the other. This beautiful pavilion full of water features, statues, and columns dedicated to every state…it’s always fun to find your home state and take a picture!
Jelly Side Up 