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Right around the corner from the White House lives many other monuments and memorials. These monuments make up the famous National Mall. You should note, these monuments in Washington DC are spaced out much further than it appears online. As a result, we scootered around the National Mall. You are going to love seeing these mementos of our nation’s history! This post includes all 10 monuments to see in Washington DC.
Keep In Mind
Looking at the monuments in Washington DC is free. The costs you will incur are if you opt to take a scooter, Segway, or guided tour. If you are looking for more free things to do in Washington DC, check out the free tours offered through your representative.
Important! Read how to book FREE tours in Washington DC.
1. Washington Monument
This is the first monument was saw in Washington DC. It pierces the sky and is visible from throughout the city. We loved riding our scooters around the monument and taking pictures.
According to the National Park Service, the Washington Monument is 555 feet tall. That is approximately 39 stories tall! It was built in 1884 and was the tallest in the world at that time.
2. World War II Memorial
This memorial is located in between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool. The World War II Memorial honors those that served in the historic battle. It is complete with a fountain and views of the surrounding monuments.
According to its official website, the World War II Memorial was built in 2004. This is fairly new considering its neighbor the Washington Monument was built in 1884 and the Lincoln Memorial was built in 1922.
3. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
This massive body of water is a historic landmark in Washington DC. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is located in between the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. You can walk or scooter around the water and take in your surroundings. Just off the Reflecting Pool is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial.
4. Lincoln Memorial
You may have seen it in Forrest Gump. The Lincoln Memorial sits in front of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The columns stand tall on a flight of stairs. Inside, there are famous speeches from Abraham Lincoln etched into the structure. The statue of Abraham Lincoln sits in the middle, looking out at the National Mall.
5. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was powerful. The wall of names are etched into a long walkway. When we visited the memorial, we saw a few veterans paying their respects. It is an emotional experience for them. Seeing them interact with the memorial was a moving experience and reminded me that these are not just names on a wall and this is a small way that we pay respect and tribute.
6. Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is very unique. I loved the different details that went into making it. First, you have the soldiers walking through the field. It gave me Tropic Thunder vibes of when they are walking through the jungle. Except, this is very real. These statues represent the soldiers in the war.
Next, you have faces etched into the Memorial Wall. This monument stands out against the rest with the detail given to the faces permanently living in granite. Lastly, there is the Pool of Remembrance that trickles and gives the calming sounds when looking through he names of the fallen soldiers.
Interesting To Note: According to the American Battle Monuments Commission, there is an honor roll kiosk at the memorial. A Park Ranger has access to a database with all names, records and so on. If you have a family member that served, you can track down their information.
7. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
This was my favorite monument in Washington DC. There is so much symbolism behind Martin Luther King Jr’s Memorial. As we approached the memorial, I spotted two massive two stones. As we walked through the middle, I interpreted doing so as 1.) Martin Luther King set out to move mountains and 2.) he broke a barrier on both sides. I am not sure if that was intended in the building of the memorial, but that is where my mind went.
8. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Across the Tidal Basin from the National Mall lives Thomas Jefferson’s Memorial. It is visible throughout Washington DC, even at the White House!
Bonus: The Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin is the body of water surrounding the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial and the National Mall. During the spring time, this is where you will find the famous Washington DC cherry blossoms.
When we were scootering along the Tidal Basin, we heard helicopters circling overhead. We knew something was up. In the distance, we saw three helicopters in formation heading our direction. It was Marine One! The President was flying back to the White House. They flew right over our heads and gave us the biggest chills!
9. World War I Memorial
A new monument! The War War I Memorial was just introduced in 2021. According to the National park Service, a sculpture wall will be joining the memorial in 2024.
10. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
This does not seem to be a popular monument with tourists. It should be! The waterfalls flow with quotes from the famous President. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial sits near the Tidal Basin and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
Book Your Trip Now
The National Mall is an amazing way to spend the day. Grab a scooter or Segway and cruise around the monuments. I cherish the memories of standing at the Lincoln Memorial or looking across the Reflecting Pool to the Washington Monument.
Have you visited these monuments in Washington DC? I want to know which one was your favorite. Please comment below and share your experience.
Looking for more free tours? Read 25 things to see on the free tour of the White House.
Planning A Trip To Washington DC?
There is so much to see and do in Washington DC. Covering everything from Smithsonian museums to tours of The White House, you will not want to miss out on any of these exciting sights.
The complete guide for what to do in Washington DC covers the must-see landmarks in our nation’s capitol.
Cheers!
