Washington DC, the US capital, is one of the most highly traveled tourist destinations in the Nation. The city is filled with monuments and memorials that pay tribute to American history, humanity, knowledge, and sacrifice.
In total, over 70 landmarks can be found throughout the National Mall and surrounding area, making for the perfect day trip opportunity.
Keep reading to learn about the city’s most iconic must-see monuments and memorials available for touring.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is one of the most famous structures in America.
This 555-foot-tall obelisk was built in dedication to America’s first president, George Washington, and was impressively the largest man-made structure in the world at that time. The construction of this massive tribute started in 1848 and was completed thirty-seven years later in 1885.
Today, visitors can admire this tribute made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss by simply looking from the road or taking a more intimate elevator ride to the top. From atop the monument, you see beautiful views of the city and surrounding areas.
Albert Einstein Memorial
Located near the National Academy of Sciences is a bronze statue of world-renowned physicist Albert Einstein.
This statue was created in celebration of Einstein’s contributions to science and the understanding of the human race. Visiting this memorial is a truly entrancing experience because of how well artist Robert Berks captured Einstein’s humble and relatable personality as he sits comfortably on a bench, relaxed and reading a paper that summarizes his most impactful contributions to the world.
President John F. Kennedy Gravesite
The John F. Kennedy gravesite located in Arlington National Cemetery is the sacred resting place of America’s 35th President.
John F. Kennedy served at the height of the Cold War and wanted freedom and democracy for not only America but for the world. JFK’s views and actions were revolutionary, and although he only served three years of his term before being assassinated for his beliefs, he was capable of changing the way America viewed human rights and unity
American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is a tribute to the courageous sacrifices made by our brave veterans.
This memorial features a star-shaped reflecting pool with a burning fire in the middle. Surrounding the pool are glass panels telling stories, quotes, and experiences told by disabled American soldiers.
This emotional memorial provides a glimpse into the contributions made by veterans and the daily struggles they face. After visiting the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, you walk away with a newfound appreciation and gratitude for America’s heroic volunteers.
Vietnam Women’s Memorial
The Vietnam Women’s Memorial is a bronze statue dedicated to the 265,000 women who served in the Vietnam War between 1955 and 1975.
This statue depicts three uniformed female soldiers surrounding and caring for a fellow soldier wounded in battle.
“The emphasis of this tribute is centered on their emotions – their compassion, their anxiety, their fatigue, and above all, their dedication” – Glenna Goodacre, creator of the memorial sculpture.
The Vietnam Women’s Memorial is located just North of the reflecting pool, near the National Mall.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is an iconic landmark dedicated to the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.
This memorial features a 19-foot statue of Lincoln seated within a Greek Doric temple.
There are many mesmerizing attributes of the memorial, Lincoln’s contemplative expression, the stars and stripes draped across his shoulders, its colossal size, the face engraved on the back of Lincoln’s head, and the intricacies of the temple are just a few.
The Lincoln Memorial commemorates and symbolizes the president’s beliefs in freedom and dignity for all people.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
This memorial is a tribute to America’s third president and principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson.
This white marble neoclassical rotunda is designed to resemble the Pantheon in Rome and features a bronze statue of Jefferson and a dome with an oculus that allows sunlight to shine in.
Quotations of his writings are found inscribed upon the memorial walls, offering insight into his mind and a genuine educational experience.
Jefferson Pier Stone
The Jefferson Pier Stone is a three-foot-tall stone marker erected in 1804 by Thomas Jefferson.
The Pier Stone is located near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and was originally placed there in 1804 as part of a surveying effort made by the president. This marker was the location which Jefferson hoped would be the prime meridian of the United States and a navigational tool for fellow surveyors.
Unfortunately, Jefferson’s plan for the marker never came to fruition, it is now a historical landmark that serves a new purpose of reminding America’s people of his vision for a new Nation.
Visiting the Monuments and Memorials
Visitors can visit the monuments and memorials of DC year-round and are often viewed by walking through the city or taking a guided tour.
Taking a day walk through the city provides beautiful views of cherry blossom trees, astonishing architecture, and smaller, less- known landmarks.
A guided tour provides a quicker and more educational way to view the memorials and monuments. Tours may last anywhere from an hour to all day. Longer tours allow for stops at famous eating establishments and shopping opportunities.
The most iconic and well-loved pit stops located near the monuments include L’Enfant Plaza, City Center DC, Gallery Place, and Granby Za’s marijuana dispensary (Here, you can find medical marijuana doctors in DC).