As America's capital, Washington, D.C. is home to a number of incredible monuments and memorials. Some monuments are grand and breathtaking in scale, while others are more reserved and subtle. However, all of them are sure to provide unforgettable experiences and they are an essential part of any vacation to D.C.
In this guide, we'll go over the top monuments to see in Washington D.C. (many of which are free) so you can make the most of your next trip.
1. Washington Monument
2 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20024
As a memorial to one of America’s Founding Fathers and the nation's first president, the Washington Monument has become just as iconic as George Washington himself.
Towering next to the equally renowned Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument was designed in an Egyptian style to evoke the pyramids in grandiosity and beauty.
Completed in 1888, it remains the world’s tallest obelisk, which is a pyramid-like design. Due to its height and strategic placement in the city, it’s a monument that’s nearly impossible to miss while visiting D.C.
However, it’s worth visiting up close so you can read the historical transcriptions carved in marble and stone. Plus, you can get tickets to the top of the monument for incredible views of D.C.
Tickets to the top should be purchased online in advance, or early in the morning before they sell out.
2. Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, D.C. 20002
First opened in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial is a grand and must-see monument when traveling in D.C.
Celebrating Abraham Lincoln, America’s 16th president and a key figure in the abolition of slavery within the U.S., the Lincoln Memorial is a powerful testament to both the man himself and the changes he oversaw throughout history.
The monument's exterior is strikingly beautiful with its classical design and appearance and inside the central chamber, you'll find the iconic marble sculpture of Lincoln which must be seen to be believed. Along with the statue, the walls also feature key speeches and historical facts about the president to help visitors understand his important role in American history.
The Lincoln Memorial is conveniently located along the Reflecting Pool, at the opposite end from the Washington Monument. Both are some of the top memorials in Washington D.C. and are highly recommended for visitors of all ages.
Entry is free and no reservations are needed.
3. World War II Memorial
1750 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 200024
D.C.’s World War II Memorial is a large outdoor presentation that features a large fountain surrounded by striking marble columns commemorating the vast losses and ultimate victory during WWII.
Around the fountain, you’ll find 56 granite pillars symbolizing the states and territories that fought in the war. Along with the pillars, there are memorial wreathes and inscriptions that detail those who fought and lost their lives.
While somber, this memorial is an essential visit during your trip to D.C. and its location within the National Mall makes it easy to get to as well.
Entry is free and no reservations are needed.
4. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
1850 West Basin Dr SW, Washington, D.C. 20004
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial opened in 1997, making it one of the newer monuments in Washington D.C., but it remains an essential visit for anyone exploring the city.
Situated in an outdoor garden with surrounding cherry trees, the FDR Memorial has four open-air rooms that visitors can walk through. Each room represents a different term of the president and features relevant quotes from his experiences during the Great Depression to World War II and beyond.
The rooms also have specific themes and emotions, such as harsh waterfalls representing the chaos of war, along with more calm waters to represent the successes during his tenure.
With an intricate and unique design, along with its historical teachings, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is well worth visiting.
Entry is free and no reservations are needed.
5. Jefferson Memorial
16 E Basin Dr SW Washington, D.C. 20242
The Jefferson Memorial is a stunning attraction dedicated to the Founding Father and leading author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson.
Completed in 1943, this massive memorial is based after the Roman Pantheon, which gives it an air of beauty and power. The centerpiece statue of Jefferson within the rotunda is striking in its aesthetic, as are the white marble walls and pink marble flooring.
Along the walls, you can read parts of the Declaration of Independence and enjoy soaking in the history this monument represents.
Entry is free and no reservations are needed.
6. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Completed in 2011, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial contains a beautifully sculpted granite statue of MLK along with a large outdoor park commemorating his fight for civil rights.
The waterfront location, along with its central garden and surrounding granite walls and cherry trees, allow you to reflect on the man’s work and overall message of equality and human rights. Along the stunning walls, you can find some of his more famous quotes along with other information about his life to help gain a greater appreciation of his mark on history.
Entry is free and no reservations are needed.
7. Japanese Stone Lantern
Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20006
The Japanese Stone Lantern monument has a very interesting history and is worth visiting when touring D.C.
Originally, this stone lantern statue was to be delivered by Japan to D.C. in 1921 along with the importation of cherry trees. Unfortunately, relations between the U.S. and Japan deteriorated and it wasn’t until 1954 that the statue was finally erected.
Today, cherry trees remain an iconic feature of Washington, D.C and this statue is beautifully placed among them to commemorate the free and open trade which allowed them to blossom.
Entry is free and no reservations are needed.
8. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, D.C. 20002
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a somber yet moving memorial to the men and women who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
The memorial is situated on a sprawling outdoor lawn with statues, informative plaques, along with vast marble walls containing the names of the nearly 60,000 soldiers who lost their lives.
A newer section of the park also commemorates the women who lost their lives and served during the conflict as well.
Entry is free and no reservations are needed.
9. Korean War Veterans Memorial
900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
Commemorating what's often referred to as “The Forgotten War,” the Korean War Veterans Memorial offers a place for reflection as you walk among statues of soldiers towards a pool at the end of the garden.
Along with statues, there are also numerous photographs and quotations detailing the conflict and its role in history.
Entry is free and no reservations are needed.
10. Albert Einstein Memorial
2101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20418
The Albert Einstein Memorial is a large outdoor monument to one of history’s most noted scientists. Along with the statue, there are also a few selected quotations placed nearby to help commemorate his life's work. The space itself is beautifully surrounded by trees and an open park and the location is a great place for outdoor photos and relaxation.
A local tip: if you stand in front of Albert on the little marble circle and speak to him, you’ll hear your words echoed back to you from the acoustic shape of the sculpture.
Entry is free and no reservations are needed.
11. Titanic Memorial
4th ST Waterfront, Washington D.C. 20050
The Titanic Memorial opened in 1931 and features a granite statue commemorating the lives lost during the sinking of the Titanic.
At the National Harbor nearby, there is also a museum containing artifacts and information about the ship for those interested in learning more about this tragic event which still impacts popular culture today.
Entry is free and no reservations are needed.
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