Monuments and Memorials
Tidal Basin
A D.C. classic the Tidal Basin is a perfect place to start your morning. I've outlined a walking route below that travels through all of the Tidal Basin's monuments. The Tidal Basin is most beautiful during cherry blossom season in the spring but is well worth a visit all year long.
Tidal Basin
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The Tidal Basin is a picturesque reservoir situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., known for its stunning cherry blossom trees that bloom each spring, attracting visitors from around the world. This tranquil body of water, nestled between the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument, offers scenic walking paths, paddle boating, and panoramic views of some of the nation's most iconic landmarks. The Tidal Basin is also home to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the George Mason Memorial, making it a significant cultural and historical site. Whether you're enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossoms, taking a leisurely stroll, or reflecting on American history, the Tidal Basin provides a serene escape and a memorable experience in the nation's capital.
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Start your journey at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. This is on the farside of the memorial and I recommend taking an uber or taxi there before walking the rest of the monuments.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
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Upon entering the memorial you'll immediately notice the 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson. He is facing toward the White House.
The walls of the Jefferson Memorial contain words from his various texts; one expresses his idea about the right to religious freedom, while another features the importance of changing laws to represent the changing times.
One of the memorial’s most powerful sights can be found on its southwest wall. On the left side of the Jefferson statue, you will find some of the most impactful words in the history of the United States, taken directly from the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
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From there head to the west (the left facing the water). The next monument is a little tucked away but just before the bridge you can see founding father Geogre Mason on a bench.
George Mason Memorial
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George Mason was the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which served as an inspiration to Thomas Jefferson while drafting the Declaration of Independence. This memorial is located behind the Jefferson Memorial in the already established "Pansy Garden." The memorial is intended to be unobtrusive and and reflect Mason's unpretentious character.
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Continuing along the path the next monument is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorial. In the warm months this memorial uses a water feature that creates a peaceful atmosphere.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
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The FDR Memorial progresses chronologically through Roosevelt's four terms as presidency. It consists of five outdoor rooms - one prologue and four for the unprecedented four presidential terms. The prologue room was added later on with a statue of Roosevelt in his wheelchair. The memorial maximizes accessibility in honor of FDR's own accessibility needs. In the warm months this memorial uses a water feature that creates a peaceful atmosphere.
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The final monument along this path is the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. This monument contains numerous quotes from MLK and I advise you to walk around the whole memorial since the perspective changes based on where you stand.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
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This monument contains numerous quotes from MLK and I advise you to walk around the whole memorial since the perspective changes based on where you stand.
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DC War Memorial
This memorial is dedicated to DC Citizens that died during World War I.
D.C. War Memorial
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The DC War Memorial, located on the western end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is a poignant tribute to the residents of the District of Columbia who served in World War I. Designed by architect John Russell Pope and completed in 1931, the memorial features a simple yet elegant circular structure with a domed roof supported by eight columns. The walls are adorned with inscriptions of the names of the local soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Surrounded by a spacious plaza and a reflecting pool, the DC War Memorial offers a serene setting for contemplation and remembrance. Its understated design and historical significance make it a moving testament to the sacrifice and service of Washington, D.C.'s wartime heroes.
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Korean War Veterans Memorial
From the Tidal Basin take a short walk to the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The memorial contains etched faces of over 2,400 real soldiers who fought in the war. For fans of the show MASH, you should also look for several of the characters of the show etched into the wall.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
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The memorial contains etched faces of over 2,400 real soldiers who fought in the war. For fans of the show MASH, you should also look for several of the characters of the show etched into the wall.
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John Ericsson Memorial
This memorial is dedicated to the man who invented the ship propeller, thereby revolutionizing naval warfare during the Civil War.
John Ericsson Memorial
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This memorial is dedicated to the man who invented the ship propeller, thereby revolutionizing naval warfare during the Civil War.
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Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial sits at the very edge of the National Mall. From here you have a great view of the Capitol Building and the rest of the Mall. It's a great place for pictures!
A few things to look for while you're here:
- Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have A Dream" speech here and there is an inscription that marks the spot at the top of the Lincoln Memorial
- The freize at the top is inscribed with the name of 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death and the dates in which they entered the union.
- The Inscriptions inside are from Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and his Gettysburg Address, respectively. If you're eagle-eyed you can find the typo on the north interior wall.
Lincoln Memorial
@elizabethrickert
The Lincoln Memorial sits at the very edge of the National Mall. From here you have a great view of the Capitol Building and the rest of the Mall. It's a great place for pictures!
A few things to look for while you're here:
- Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have A Dream" speech here and there is an inscription that marks the spot at the top of the Lincoln Memorial
- The freize at the top is inscribed with the name of 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death and the dates in which they entered the union.
- The Inscriptions inside are from Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and his Gettysburg Address, respectively. If you're eagle-eyed you can find the typo on the north interior wall.
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial
This solemn memorial has the names of everyone who died in the Vietnam War etched into it. Touchingly friends and family have left mementos for their loved ones at the wall over the years and you can often see former soldiers making a pilgrimage there to pay their respect.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
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This solemn memorial has the names of everyone who died in the Vietnam War etched into it. Touchingly friends and family have left mementos for their loved ones at the wall over the years and you can often see former soldiers making a pilgrimage there to pay their respect.
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Vietnam Woman's Memorial
This memorial is dedicated to the nurses and women of the United States who served in the Vietnam War.
Vietnam Women's Memorial
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This memorial is dedicated to the nurses and women of the United States who served in the Vietnam War.
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Albert Einstein Memorial
This memorial is across the street, by the US State Department, and depicts a 12 foot tall seated Albert Einstein Memorial. It weighs approximately four tons!
Albert Einstein Memorial
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This memorial is across the street, by the US State Department, and depicts a 12 foot tall seated Albert Einstein Memorial. It weighs approximately four tons!
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World War II Memroail
On your way to the Washington Monument take a glance at the World War II Monument.
A few things to look out for:
- Each state receives a pillar and they are arranged in the order they became a part of the United States, alternating from side to side.
- The memorial is divided into two side representing the Atlantic and Pacific fronts.
- The Freedom Wall and the Gold Stars honor the 416,800 American servicemen who died in uniform during WWII. Each star represents approximately 100 U.S. service members.
- There are two depictions of Kilroy hiddon on the memorial if you're eagle-eyed enough to find them!
World War II Memorial
@elizabethrickert
A few things to look out for:
- Each state receives a pillar and they are arranged in the order they became a part of the United States, alternating from side to side.
- The memorial is divided into two side representing the Atlantic and Pacific fronts.
- The Freedom Wall and the Gold Stars honor the 416,800 American servicemen who died in uniform during WWII. Each star represents approximately 100 U.S. service members.
- There are two depictions of Kilroy hiddon on the memorial if you're eagle-eyed enough to find them!
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John Paul Jones Memorial
This memorial honors the father of the American navy and the United States first naval war hero. It's easy to miss
John Paul Jones Memorial
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This memorial honors the father of the American navy and the United States first naval war hero. It can be easy to miss!
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Jefferson Pier Stone
This stone marks the second prime meridian line of the United States even though it has never been officially recognized.
Jefferson Pier Stone
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This stone marks the second prime meridian line of the United States even though it has never been officially recognized.
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Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is 555 feet and 5 1/8 inches tall. If you're interested you can ride the elevator to the top for views of the city and to see the small museum inside. You should register for tickets in advance on the National Park Service website.
A few things to look out for:
- The monument was constructed in two phases resulting in a change in quarrys. As you look at the monument you might notice that the stone color changes slightly part of the way up.
- There are ceremonial stones throughout the monument's interior. As you ride the elevator up you might get a glimpse of them. These have been donated by states, organizations, and various societies.
Washington Monument
@elizabethrickert
This 555-foot tall marble obelisk is located on the National Mall. Timed tickets are required to ride the elevator to the observation deck. These tickets can be reserved in advance on the National Park website here: https://www.nps.gov/wamo/planyourvisit/fees.htm for a fee of $1. Free same-day tickets can be acquired at the Washington Monument Lodge on 15th Street. Tickets are limited so I do recommend getting advanced tickets.
I suggest talking to the rangers while there! They're experts in the monument and can provide some great information!
A few things to look out for:
- The monument was constructed in two phases resulting in a change in quarrys. As you look at the monument you might notice that the stone color changes slightly part of the way up.
- There are ceremonial stones throughout the monument's interior. As you ride the elevator up you might get a glimpse of them. These have been donated by states, organizations, and various societies.
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Dwight D Eisenhower Memorial
This memorial to the 34th President of the US honors Eisenhower's contribution to World War II and his presidency.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
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This memorial to the 34th President of the US honors Eisenhower's contribution to World War II and his presidency.
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Smithsonians
A few things to note about the Smithsonians:
- They are all free!
- They all have security upon entrance. This includes bag checks and metal detectors.
- Most of the museums have cafes for lunch and snack foods. The only food on the National Mall is the Smithsonian cafes and food trucks.
- Some of the museums are more popular than others. This means that the "popular" museums will have lines while others you can just walk in.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
This museum takes you chronologically through the history of African Americans in the United States. The lower three floors are dedicated to this chronological visit, while the top floors are for cultural history.
A few things to note:
- Visitors often need to prebook their visit.
- The cafe here is one of the best on the National Mall
- The line to see the Emmett Till exhibit can often wrap around the floor but is one of the most impactful parts of the museum
- Unlike other Smithsonians it is hard to dash in and out of this museum. Make sure you dedicate enough time to see everything it has to offer.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
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This is the only museum dedicated exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. About 3,500 items are currently on display. The lower levels of the museum move chronologically through the history of African American life in the United States. The top levels of the museum are dedicated to cultural life.
A few things to note:
- Visitors often need to prebook their visit.
- The cafe here is one of the best on the National Mall
- The line to see the Emmett Till exhibit can often wrap around the floor but is one of the most impactful parts of the museum
- Unlike other Smithsonians it is hard to dash in and out of this museum. Make sure you dedicate enough time to see everything it has to offer.
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Smithsonian National Museum of American History
This museum is dedicated specifically to American History.
A few highlights:
- Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers
- The First Lady Exhibit featuring dresses from (almost) all the First Ladies
- An exact recreation of Julia Child's kitchen
- Star Spangled Banner
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
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This museum is home to more than 1.8 million objects regarding the heritage of the United States in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history. A few highlights include the Original Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham LIncoln's top hat, first artificial heart, Dorothy's ruby red slippers, a replica of Julia Child's kitchen, and my personal favorite the First Ladies' collection of dresses.
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National Museum of Natural History
This museum is dedicated to the largest natural history collection in the world! It's extremely kid-friendly and includes exhibits on human origins, fossils, mammals, the ocean, Egyptian mummies, and the Hope Diamond.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
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This museum collection contains over 145 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and human cultural artifacts. A few highlights include the African Bush Elephant, the Butterfly Pavilion, and the Gem Exhibit (including the Hope Diamond!).
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National Archives
Here you can see the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and the Constitution.
National Archives Museum
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This building houses the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. You'll find these documents and more in the main chamber of the National Archives, the Rotunda.
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National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is broken into the Sculpture Garden, the East Building, and the main building.
The Sculpture Garden has 21 sculptures and a lovely cafe. It's a great lunch spot! In the summer the garden hosts a Jazz in the Garden series that is well worth a visit.
Sculpture Garden
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The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is an outdoor oasis that combines art with natural beauty. This 6.1-acre garden features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary sculptures by renowned artists, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and tranquil water features. Highlights include works by Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, and Louise Bourgeois, offering a diverse range of artistic expressions and styles. The garden’s central fountain provides a refreshing focal point, while shaded paths and seating areas invite visitors to relax and enjoy the artistic ambiance. Throughout the year, the Sculpture Garden hosts special events, including live music performances, making it a vibrant cultural hub and a perfect spot for both art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
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The National Gallery of Art East Building hosts a growing collection of modern and contemporary art including pieces by Pollock, Picasso, and O'Keefe. From here, you can travel to the main building through an underground pathway.
National Gallery of Art - East Building
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This is part of the larger National Gallery of Art. It generally houses the more contemporary art (20th century+) including pieces by Picasso. The two buildings can be entered separately or you can travel between the two through an underground tunnel.
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The main building houses pieces from artists all around the world. A few featured pieces include:
- Woman Holding a Balance by Vermeer
- The Boating Party by Mary Cassat
- Photographs by Dorothea Lange
- The Voyage of Life: Youth by Thomas Cole
- Ginevra de Benci by Leonardo da Vinci
National Gallery of Art
@elizabethrickert
The National Gallery of Art is home to exhibits spanning some 124 thousand works by more than 13 thousand artists from the Renaissance to present day! It's in a gorgeous building with a nice café. I feel like it could take days to walk around if you so desired!
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National Museum of the American Indian Museum
This museum is dedicated to the indigenous peoples of the United States. This museum has one of the best cafes on the Mall!
National Museum of the American Indian
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This museum was designed in collaboration with tribes and communities across the hemisphere. A few highlights include The Great Inka Road: Engineering an Empire, Nation to Nation: Treaties Between the United States and American Indian Nations, and Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes Our World. It also has one of the best cafes of all the Smithsonians!
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National Air and Space Museum
This is probably the most popular museum. It often can have a line going down the block to get in. It's very family-friendly and has a great IMAX theater. Inside there's a McDonald's for an easy, kid-friendly meal!
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
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This is a research center and museum focused on the history and science of aviation and spaceflight, as well as planetary science and terrestrial geology and geophysics.
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Hirshorn Museum
This museum is dedicated to modern art and hosts a constantly rotating collection. It also has a sculpture garden for modern artists to be featured.
Hirshhorn Museum
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The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is part of the Smithsonian Institution. It houses one of the most important post World War II American and European art in the world.
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Arts and Industries
The Arts and Industries building hosts the FUTURES exhibit that discusses technological advancements being made and where the world might be going next.
Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building
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The Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, situated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is a historic landmark known for its distinctive architecture and role in showcasing innovation. Completed in 1881, this grand structure, designed in the Romanesque Revival style, originally served as the first building of the Smithsonian Institution and was instrumental in the development of the Smithsonian’s collection. The building’s ornate facade and majestic interior spaces reflect its rich history and cultural significance. Recently, the Arts + Industries Building has been revitalized to host exhibitions that explore the intersection of art, technology, and society, providing a dynamic space for exploring creativity and innovation. With its storied past and renewed focus on contemporary issues, the building continues to be a key destination for those interested in the evolution of American art and industry.
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National Museum of African Art
This museum houses over 9,000 works of traditional and modern African art from both sub-Saharan and North Africa.
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
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The museum currently has 11,861 objects from both Sub-Saharan and Arab North Africa in its collection, of which 10,746 are traditional and 1,115 are contemporary. The objects range from 15th century sculptures and masks to multi-media contemporary art.
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National Museum of Asian Art
This museum is broken into two sections - the Freer and Sackler Galleries. These are situated in connected buildings and feature over 40,000 pieces of art.
National Museum of Asian Art
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This museum contains objects dating from the Neolithic times to the early 20th century, including collected works by James McNeill Whistler. The second part of the collection includes Chinese, Indian, Korean, and Japanese paintings, photography contemporary ceramics from China, 19th and 20th century Japanese prints, contemporary Japanese pottery, and other related Asian arts.
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U.S. Botanic Garden
This urban garden provides an oasis within the city. It's a family-friendly activity and its greenhouses provide a lovely break in the winter.
United States Botanic Garden
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Situated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Botanic Garden is a serene oasis dedicated to showcasing the beauty and diversity of the plant world. Established in 1820, this living museum features a stunning array of gardens, including the lush Conservatory, which houses tropical, subtropical, and desert plant collections, as well as the captivating Orchid and Fern Displays. Outside, visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped Bartholdi Fountain, the Rose Garden, and the Medicinal Plant Garden. The Garden offers a range of educational programs and seasonal exhibits, providing insights into plant science, conservation, and horticulture. Free and open to the public, the U.S. Botanic Garden is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the vibrant bustle of the nation’s capital.
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Getting to the National Mall
Public Transportation
Metro: D.C. has a great metro system. It's one of the easiest ways to get around the city, and I highly recommend utilizing it. There are a few stops that are useful for the Mall, depending on where you want to visit. The most central stop is the "Smithsonian" metro stop, accessible via the Blue/Orange/Silver line. For the memorials on the west end of the National Mall, the closest metro is Foggy Bottom. It's accessible via the Blue/Orange/Silver line.
Circulator: One of the easiest ways to get around the National Mall is riding the Circulator Bus. This bus travels a figure eight route around the National Mall. A map is linked below so that you can easily find the spots. It costs $1.00 to ride and users can tap on with their SmarTrip card.
Ride-Share/Taxis: It is very easy to call a ride-share car like Uber or Lyft from anywhere in DC to your preferred destination. Taxis are also constantly driving around and accessible.
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