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    Jefferson Memorial

    4.7 (372 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

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    Joyce T.

    Huge and beautiful architecture of Rome's style rotunda next to the man-made reservoir known as the Tidal Basin. The views are stunning from every angle of the building

    Kenneth T.

    Rich in history and reminders that all created equal with inalienable rights. Depending on when you go, could be crowded or just nice. So timing is important. We went mid morning on a cloudy day, so there was just a couple dozen of people.

    Andrea U.

    The Jefferson Memorial building is a white marble, circular, open-air structure featuring a shallow dome supported by a circular colonnade composed of 26 columns. A flight of granite & marble stairs and platforms, lead up from the Tidal Basin. The bronze statue of Jefferson is 19 ft tall atop its pedestal, surrounded by columns, quotes from Jefferson with a coffered ceiling above. Four quotations from Jefferson's writings are carved into the walls of the memorial. An excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, which Jefferson is best known, is located on the southwest wall. The southeast wall features a statement on the evolution of law and the constitution, which was taken from a letter he wrote. The northwest wall is inscribed with a 6 quotations taken from Jefferson's "1786 Notes of Virginia" and "Summary Views," illustrating his beliefs in the evils of slavery and the need to educate the masses. The northeast wall contains a quote from the "Act of Religious Freedom," which was adopted in 1779 and eliminated the state church of Virginia; this quote expresses Jefferson's views on freedom of religion. A fifth quote encircles the memorial's interior. This quote "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man," is taken from a1800 letter. There is an elevator that leads from the monument down to a gift shop, restrooms and exit. Is monument is accessible to the handicap.

    David M.

    Currently undergoing renovations for 2025. Beautiful memorial and so excited to see what happens in taking this to the stage.

    Nehal A.

    Beautiful shrine to capture the contribution and essence of Thomas Jefferson. It has a beautiful outlook to the Train basin. One of few spots that has its own parking, but very hard to get as its always packed. It's free to enter, has a small gift store, not much to do other than admiring the statue m, the art and the location. The of Jefferson's most famous quotes are engraved in the marble walls of the dome. A wonderful tribute to one of the founding fathers of the nation.

    Eric D.

    The monument is heavily under construction but it's still such a great place to visit! The monument is beautiful and has all of Jefferson great works on the walls in the rotunda. The dome is beautiful and the views of the tidal basin is great as well! This is one of the prettiest spots in all of DC especially during the cherry blossoms festival!

    Natika G.

    So beautiful in person! It's being remodeled but it's still open to the public. Be prepared to walk because there are a ton of steps. It's near the water and it's absolutely beautiful!

    Jason M.

    A beautiful area to explore, it works well with the Roosevelt Memorial if you are up for a walk around the estuary. I love the views of the Washington Monument and the park grounds, especially at night. You will find that the Jefferson Memorial isn't as busy (or rowdy) as Lincolns Memorial, bit there can still be a crowd at peak times (nights and evenings) If you are up for a bit of a wall, there is a foot bridge around the estuary west of the Memorial that is a great spot to make a panoramic photo of the Washington and Jefferson monuments. It's also the way to Roosevelt's memorial.

    Mike F.

    The Jefferson Memorial is yet another must-see landmark to include on your visit to the National Mall and Washington D.C. Jefferson Memorial is a little bit of a walk away from the rest of the landmarks in the National Mall since it is located on the other side of the Tidal Basin. We went on a Saturday morning and I was quite surprised to see that there were only maybe 8-10 other people there. Once you walk inside, in the center area you will be met by a 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson himself. Excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, among other timeless Jefferson quotes, adorn the interior panels of the Memorial. It was fantastic being able to take it all in without a ton of people there. The pics really don't do it justice. A couple of fun facts: - One of the original plans for the site was a Memorial site for Teddy Roosevelt - FDR was a great admirer of Jefferson and was a large sponsor and proponent for the building of this landmark. He even laid the cornerstone on November 15, 1939! - The outer structure is directly influenced by the Pantheon in Rome. - In 2007, it was ranked fourth on the "List of America's Favorite Architecture" by the American Institute of Architects I've said it many times before and I will say it again: Any trip to the Washington DC area is incomplete without a visit to this beautiful and majestic landmark! 5 stars.

    Kevin B.

    The Jefferson Memorial is a lovely building and a fitting tribute to Jefferson. It's a short walk from The Washington Monument or The WWII Memorial and as such, it's definitely less visited than some of the other memorials/monuments. The memorial has a neoclassical architecture and the architect took inspiration from Jefferson's designs for UVA/Monticello and The Pantheon in Rome, the latter of which is very easy to see. It's a peaceful area and very nice to visit even outside of the Cherry Blossom festival. There was construction when we came here on Memorial Day Weekend, but it was still a lovely place to visit and I highly recommend that you come here when you're in D.C.!

    Brian F.

    The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is out of the way from the National Mall which is where we were coming from but we knew that it was a stop we had to make. To get here, we walked south from the National Mall, past the MLK and FDR memorials along the Tidal Basin and crossing the bridge (known as the Ohio Drive Bridge) to get here. It requires a lot of walking so if you're not able you can take the D.C. Circulator bus for a small fee. It's majestic on the outside and beautiful on the inside. When you walk up the steps to get inside, you'll see a huge statue of Thomas Jefferson right in the center. All around the walls you'll see important quotes from him. From the steps of the memorial you can see the beaming National Monument. Unfortunately part of it was under construction when we went but we got to see enough. There's also a bookstore and gift shop at the top which was interesting (but not surprising) for such a historic monument. I've heard a lot of the Jefferson Memorial's popularity during the cherry blossom festival. If you get a chance to stop by during that time I'd take advantage of it!

    Nick P.

    You can get your dose of exercise by going up the stairs. It's not too bad. After you reach the top, you'll see a statue of Thomas Jefferson. He was the third president of the United States, a Founding Father, and primary author of the Declaration of Independence. If you look around at the walls, you'll see some of his quotes. Admission is free. Definitely less crowded than the Abraham Lincoln Memorial. You'll get some crowds but it's not bad. You also get an amazing view when you look out.

    Thomas Jefferson
    David M.

    The Jefferson Memorial is currently under renovation and can be deceiving when you first see it. It looks closer than it actually is but is quite a walk. Definitely recommend going at night you get to see a great view of the city and the memorial at night. Strategically placed overlooking The White House, there is also bathrooms available that you can use as well.

    Outside of the Lincoln memorial.

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    Beautiful memorial! There is some construction happening here at the moment.

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    . From the SW bank of the Tidal Basin can see views of both Jefferson & the Washington memorial at the same time

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    Library of Congress - Well attended Thursday happy hour

    Library of Congress

    4.7(607 reviews)
    1.6 miCapitol Hill

    Library of Congress -- A Living Monument to History…read more Few buildings in Washington, D.C. carry the weight of history as effortlessly as the Library of Congress. It is not merely a repository of books, but a living archive of the American story--one that reveals itself the moment you step inside. For visitors to the nation's capital, this is not optional--it is essential. The current exhibition, The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution, is particularly compelling. Through the intertwined narratives of George Washington and King George III, the exhibit captures a world on the brink--an undeclared nation edging toward war, a fragile cause facing overwhelming odds, and ultimately, the improbable path to independence. What makes this exhibition stand out is not just its historical scope, but its perspective. It does not present history as a foregone conclusion, but as a series of uncertain, high-stakes decisions made in real time. That tension--between inevitability and risk--is where the story comes alive. Accessible, visually engaging, and intellectually rewarding, this is an experience that resonates across generations. If you find yourself in Washington, make the time. Some places inform you. This one reminds you why the story matters.

    I have only visited the Library of Congress at a personal level a couple of times. Other visits…read morewere due to events/meetings there. If you are visiting D.C., I cannot stress the importance of a stop here. To this day, it remains the largest library in the world. Pretty impressive. It's also the oldest federal cultural institution. Periodicals, books, etc. available in over 470 languages. More than 178 million pieces of articles from manuscripts, recordings, photos, printed materials, to books and so on. Library acts as a source of research for Members of Congress and handles copyright laws. This building and all its components are an important part of our nation's history.

    Photos
    Library of Congress - 3/21/2019

    3/21/2019

    Library of Congress - Thomas Jefferson's Library

    Thomas Jefferson's Library

    Library of Congress - Library of Congress

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    Library of Congress

    Capitol Hill Office Building

    Capitol Hill Office Building

    4.3(6 reviews)
    1.5 miCapitol Hill

    It is amazing feeling standing in front of the Capitol Hill Building!! Before only see it on TV…read more What an experience! The architecture is so beautiful. Just can't get enough of it... and keep taking pictures! The whole area is clean. The grass is maintained nicely. Police Officers are walking around the building all the time. If you are visiting Washington D.C.... absolutely spend some time there!

    Simply Amazing! Took my family for the tour of Capital…read moreHill building and was humbled. There is a free guided tour every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. If you don't mind the security throwing all of your water and food out of your bag, than get ready for the greatest tour your have ever been on. 1st, they wisk your group of about a 100 into a theater and show you a short film on the history of the Capital Hill building narrated by Angelou Maya. From it's humble inception to its completion despite the hardship of the nation, brought tears to my eyes and pride in my heart. Felt very patriotic and knew the meaning of the country after this. 2nd part of the tour is a guided tour with you putting on a headset, so you and your group of 20 can follow him as he points out all the significant paintings, priceless statues and roman architecture and the story behind them , throughout the building. The amount of historical monuments inside this building could probably house several museums! The 30 minute tour will humble you and keep you in awe of our magnificent country and all the great leaders that sacrificed themselves for the good of the republic. Highly recommended!!!!!

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    Capitol Hill Office Building - From a distance

    From a distance

    Capitol Hill Office Building
    Capitol Hill Office Building

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    National Mall - Cherry Blossoms

    National Mall

    4.7(463 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    The national mall is a must. If you are visiting DC it is a really cool part of history and a…read morelovely place to walk around. You can make it a few hours, a whole day, or just take a morning jog around the park. There are so many open spaces to picnic or let the kids play. There are also many iconic restaurants and museums near by. You can't miss this stop if you are in DC. My pictures are only a few of the highlights. There are so many iconic spots you have to check out.

    The National Mall is a must-visit for both locals and tourists to learn American history. Exhibits,…read moremonuments, and Smithsonian museums showcase historical facts from early European settlement on the eastern shores, post-Civil War Reconstruction, world wars era, Civil Rights era, Asian-American wars era, women's suffrage, modern history, and contemporary history, art, and culture. The National Mall is over 1,000 acres of greenspace, museums, gardens, sculptures, and iconic landmarks all in the heart of downtown Washington D.C. Situated along the thoroughfares of Pennsylvania, Constitution, and Independence Avenues and all cross streets in between, The Mall is open 24/7 with exception to closed door museums. On a beautiful day, the area can seem like a paradise with its ponds, fountains, tree-lined streets, and gardens. Visit during the spring and you can witness the country's most beautiful displays of cherry blossoms and seasonal flowers along the Tidal Basin. At night, the monuments are beautifully illuminated, which can be seen from every vantage point low and high. Much of The Mall's exhibits are best seed during daytime hours. Many of the highly-populated areas are well-lit, however, please be careful as some of the areas around the Tidal Basin, Constitution Gardens, and and Haines Point (East Potomac Park) are dimly lit if not devoid of any lighting at night. However, overall The Mall is generally safe as tourists frequent the area in packs at all hours of the day, but be smart and proceed with caution when walking along The Mall at night. You can spend multiple days just walking and sightseeing along the avenues. A week might be enough time to visit all the major museums. The Mall also hosts many activities and annual events like collegiate commencements, group tours, photography, sports, kite flying, and other pastimes. The Mall is also home to the East Potomac Golf Course and tennis courts. East Potomac Park is perhaps the least glorified area along The Mall, however, it is a great open space for walking/biking, people-watching, picnicking, and dog walking. There are many fields throughout The Mall where locals participate in competitive sports leagues such as VOLO. Often, you'll see large groups playing volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, kickball, football, and even local college teams practicing their water sports along the Potomac River. TIPS: Check the forecast before visiting. Unless you are visiting one of the many museums, The Mall is all outdoors, so ensure your day won't be ruined by weather. Arrive early for parking. You can park along Pennsylvania, Constitution, and Independence Avenues, however, pay close attention to and adhere to parking signs. I recommend downloading the Parkmobile app to pay for parking. If strictly walking around the mall, I recommend parking along a main thoroughfare and walking along the perimeter of The Mall. There are private food and ice cream trucks along The Mall. You can also find refreshment stands and gift shops in and outside of museums and monuments. You'll also find street vendors selling cold soft drinks, water, and ice cream. Bring cash to limit credit card exposure to private vendors. Public restrooms are strategically situated throughout The Mall. I recommend packing hand sanitizer and toilet seat covers if for nothing more than when using the restrooms. The restrooms are generally clean during the winter, however, during the summer when increased tourism outpaces the area's cleaning schedule, you'll need to protect yourself. Overall, a memorable experience each and every visit.

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    National Mall - Washington Monument taken from Jefferson Memorial

    Washington Monument taken from Jefferson Memorial

    National Mall - Cherry Blossoms

    Cherry Blossoms

    National Mall - DC War Memorial

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    DC War Memorial

    Executive Office of the President

    Executive Office of the President

    4.5(2 reviews)
    1.2 miFoggy Bottom

    What's prettier than the White House, the Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian put…read moretogether? Yes, Ariana Grande is a good answer, but I was looking for the Executive Office on 17th St! A long time ago, the love of my life used to say that this building was the highlight of her trips to DC, and I can see why. I remember walking with her in the pouring rain next to it, and taking pictures of her exposing herself in front of it. Times change... But this building never did. It's glorious and resplendent. It reminds me of something in France, but better kept, perhaps. It looks palatial. If the White House is a little underwhelming then this executive office is completely awe-inspiring. It's level with the Capitol as my favourite building in the DC area, and is the easiest 5-star rating I've given since my Cousin Daniel got drunk and showed me the ropes.

    Didn't really have a lot of time to roam around Pennsylvania Ave. And my friend and I, being…read moreslightly less than ignorant didn't know that the BACK of the WHITE HOUSE would be on Pennsylvania Ave. ** Not impressed** So our pictures we're not exactly anythng to brag about. So we decided to take pictures in front of the Executive Office of the President where the FRONT of this architecture was much more impressive than the BACK of the White House on Pennsylvania Ave. Still a great experience to roam DC and take in the history and political side of the US. (You don't get much of that or appreciate it as much coming from the west coast. Hence, the ignorance of the FRONT vs the BACK of the WHITE HOUSE. =X)

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    Executive Office of the President
    Executive Office of the President
    Executive Office of the President

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    Titanic Memorial

    Titanic Memorial

    4.2(13 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    We were taking a walk on the Wharf and came unexpectedly to the Titanic Memorial. I used to read…read moreeverything about the Titanic but I was not aware that this memorial was here, dedicated to the men who sacrificed themselves so the women and children of the Titanic would be saved. Just 10 days after the sinking, a group of women formed a committee to raise money for a memorial. This is a quiet corner of DC (the memorial was moved for the Kennedy Center), and a beautiful tribute.

    I have been a Titanic nerd for a while. I remember back in grade school getting a ton of books and…read morereading everything I could get my hands on. That's back when they finally discovered the Titanic at it's current position. That was the initial craze, and it kept going for a while. With the recent to do about the Titanic again it pique my interest. In this day and age most things are online and of course there are videos everywhere as well as documentaries abundant. I even saw the Titanic exhibit when it first went around the country years ago. However, I wanted to see something concrete. This was the closest thing that I was going to be able to see in person, at least for the moment. Getting here can be a task. And I have to say that it is kind of a hidden gem and something that most people would bypass without giving a second thought. Situated near the wharf in DC at the end of a walkway you happen upon this open arms statue that appears that it wants to take flight. If you just walk on by you have no idea that this is a memorial to the victims of the Titanic disaster. With this being off the beaten path you can kind of have a moment and take it in without it being crowded. You can read what the memorial has written. Be sure to circle the memorial as there are inscriptions on the back as well. Once you make your rounds and take it all in, you can stand there and watch the water do it's thing. It is kind of peaceful to just sit nearby and watch the day go by. This would be review 3,100, with more to come.

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    Titanic Memorial
    Titanic Memorial
    Titanic Memorial

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    Jefferson Memorial - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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