1. Washington Monument
9.4
2 15th St NW (btwn Constitution Ave NW & Independence Ave SW), Washington, D.C.
Monument · Southwest Washington · 344 tips and reviews
Dustin Haley: Always a great view to take in, try and get it from all angles!
HISTORY: The Washington Monument was formally dedicated on February 22, 1885, and at the time of its construction, it was the tallest building in the world; it remains the tallest stone structure in the world.
Scott Thelen: go to the top it's amazing!
2. Lincoln Memorial
9.6
2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW (btwn Constitution & Independence Ave SW), Washington, D.C.
Monument · Southwest Washington · 473 tips and reviews
Aditya Ambadkar: Go in the evening and look at the reflection pond the view of George Washington memorial is magical
The White House: President Obama spoke at the Let Freedom Ring ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Read more.
HISTORY: Construction began in 1914, and the memorial was opened to the public in 1922. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech to a crowd by the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 .
3. World War II Memorial
9.4
1750 Independence Ave SW (at 17th St SW), Washington, D.C.
Monument · Southwest Washington · 160 tips and reviews
Markus Tarjamo: One of the newer memorials, but a definite "must-see". Located directly between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Very scenic!
HISTORY: This memorial, dedicated in 2004, honors the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II (1939-45).
Nancy: This is my great-grandfather, who is a WWII vet, standing in front of the memorial. He is 98 1/2. He thought the memorial was great.
Catia DaSilva: What a nice place to take friends, family and visitor. If you go to D.C. Don't forget to go to Thomas Jefferson. I'm a big fan of Thomas Jefferson, I like all his art works, his saying & architectures
HISTORY: President Roosevelt asked the Commission of Fine Arts about the possibility of erecting a memorial to Thomas Jefferson. Construction went from 1938-43, & Roosevelt laid the first cornerstone himself.
C-SPAN: Designed by John Russell Pope, the Memorial was built between 1939 and 1943. The bronze statue of Jefferson, added in 1947, is 19ft tall and weighs 10,000lbs.
5. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
9.2
5 Henry Bacon Dr NW (at Constitution Ave NW), Washington, D.C.
Monument · Northwest Washington · 91 tips and reviews
Michelin Travel & Lifestyle: The Memorials must be seen on foot: group them into 2 or 3 at one visit; then take a meal break or save some for another day. The sites are also beautiful at night with ample lighting. -- Green Guide
The White House: President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and celebrate those who served. Read more.
HISTORY: The memorial currently consists of three separate parts: the Three Soldiers statue, the Vietnam Women's Memorial & the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, where over 58,000 names are engraved.
Black Family Reunions: This is an incredible monument to visit as a family. It helps to make the legacy of MLK more real for the younger children in your family.
The White House: President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden linked arms and sang "We Shall Overcome" during the dedication ceremony. Read more.
BET: King is the FIRST African-American honored with a memorial on or near the National Mall in DC! See great examples of African-Americans' contributions to us all: http://bet.us/BHM
Mike Barker: Best time to view this monument is at dusk. Very powerful. 🇺🇸
HISTORY: Dedicated in 1995, this memorial honors the U.S. military members who served in the Korean War (1950-53). More than 54,000 Americans were killed, while more than 100,000 others were wounded.
C-SPAN: 19 Statues: 14 Army, 2 Marines, 1 Navy, 1 Air Force. Each weighs~1,000 lbs. Reflected on the wall it creates the image of a total of 38 statues, symbolic of the 38th Parallel & 38 months of the war. Read more.
CJ Wallington: Some of the best, most overlooked statues in DC. Check the detail on the horse-drawn artillery statues on the south end.
HISTORY: This memorial to Grant, the American Civil War general and 18th U.S. president, was dedicated in 1922, the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Stacy Hoehle: Did you know that his born name was Hiram Ulysses Grant? He had it changed so his trunks didn't bear the initials HUG.
Laura McGinnis: Remember that never in the history of the U.S. Military has a woman been drafted! Thank You, and Welcome Home!
IWalked Audio Tours: 1993 addition to Vietnam Memorial. Honors efforts of more than 265,000 women who served during war. Sculpted by Glenna Goodacre who is mother to supermodel Jill Goodacre. Full site history here<LINK> Read more.
Jose Caballero: Looks like some allusion to The Pieta.
Real Living | At Home: And for those who like to stay downtown, you have TRI. A “real forest” it has miles of trails through woods and marshes. It;s a great tribute to the legacy of a great outdoorsman, Teddy R.
- Bossi: Peace, tranquility, beauty, and every other minute 100 decibels of raw aviation fury.
DC Preservation League: In honor of his love of nature, this 88-acres island was presented to the nation by the Roosevelt Memorial Association in 1931. The memorial was built in 1960 by Eric Grugler and Paul Manship
Kye Strance: Incredibly impressive. What makes it even more special, the vets who are there, love to talk about their experience. To hear history first hand like that is incredible.
Rogin Josh: R.I.P. Samuel W. Sowerbutts
DC Preservation League: Completed in 1931, the Peristyle Doric Temple was the first war memorial on the Mall, and lists all 499 DC residents who lost their lives in the war, regardless of their rank, race, or gender.