If you come to visit Arlington, please do not leave without visiting the Tomb of the Unknown…read moreSoldier. It is one of the most moving and solemn ceremonies you will ever witness in your lives. This tomb is the most heavily guarded grave in the world; guarded by the elite soldiers from the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard." They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through all weather conditions. The guards march exact patterns of 21 steps, pause for 21 seconds, and turn meticulously, all to honor the fallen. The tombs holds unidentified American service members from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The inscription reads: "Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known but to God." The Changing of the Guard ceremony lasts about 15 minutes. This ceremony represents one of the highest honors in the United States military. During the ceremony, one Sentinel is relieved by another in a series of precise movements. The guard's weapon is inspected, and a slow salute is exchanged. In the summer, the guards change every 30 minutes. At night, the schedule extends to two-hour shifts, but the watch never ends. Visitors who plan to attend should arrive a few minutes early and remain silent throughout. Being silent during the ceremony only enhances your experience of this solemn event. This changing of the guard has been happening without interruption since 1948. On the day we were there, we not only had the privilege of the changing of the guard, but we also had the honor to witness a wreath laying ceremony, which was a really moving experience.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was such an amazing experience…read more I thought it was for one person, but it's a beautiful memorial to all of the unnamed soldiers that pass in battle. We were lucky enough to whiteness the changing of the guard. It only lasts a few moments , but it's such an amazing thing to experience.

First Infantry Division Monument - The monument of the 1st Infantry Division impressed me with its…read moresimplicity and seriousness. It does not feel overcrowded, and precisely because of that it conveys great respect toward the soldiers to whom it is dedicated. The surroundings are calm and invite a brief moment of reflection. I value places where history is presented quietly and with dignity, without unnecessary dramatization.

BLUF: One of DC's newest memorials honoring Americans who served in World War 1…read more The Great War later known as World War 1 ended in 1918 yet it took until 2021 for the United States to create a national memorial. Over 4 million service members supported the war and many more supported the efforts on the home front. During the country's two years of participation, 116,516 Americans were killed. Although more American were killed in WWI than Vietnam and Korea combined, the memorial in DC was opened long after the last American WWI veteran passed away. Around 2021 Pershing Park was repurposed to be the World War I memorial and installation of the iconic bronze sculpture was completed in 2026. The statue of General Pershing, who was Commander of US forces during the Great War, remains on the memorial grounds. The main feature of the memorial is "A Soldier's Journey" - 36 bronze figures in a 60 foot memorial that tell the story of a soldier leaving home for war and subsequently returning home. The soldiers take us through the having to leave his family, through battle and the aftermath and then returning home again. Real veterans posed for the sculpture and it's the most life-like bronze I can ever recall seeing. I greeted each figure and could feel their emotions through this graphic, detailed and patriotic sculpture. Taps is played daily at the memorial at 5pm. I was late for Taps but just in time to see the presidential motorcade departing the White House. This two acre memorial is new, not well known but certainly not one to be missed. It is located near the White House next to the famous Willard Hotel.

The World War I monument is right in front of the Marriott and the Intercontinental, along…read morePennsylvania Avenue NW between 14th Street NW and 15th Street NW, across from the White House Visitor Center. The American flag was raised over the World War I Memorial for the 1st time in 2021. The memorial honors all 4.7 million Americans who served their nation in World War I, including 116,516 who made the supreme sacrifice. This new memorial incorporates the existing memorial to Gen. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during the war. The memorial includes the Peace Fountain, a cascade of water behind an excerpt from the poem "The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak" with engraved quotes and references to theaters, campaigns & battles in which American forces participated. A sculpture titled A Soldier's Journey, was just installed. The 58-foot-long bas-relief sculpture features 38 figures depicting the journey of a recurring American soldier. Due to the size & complexity of this memorial, the sculpture is scheduled to be installed later in 2024. Until then, artwork showing what the final product will look like will be in its place. The wall is surrounded by water and is viewed from a platform several feet in front of it. A belvedere is an architectural feature providing a particularly scenic view. Here the Belvedere is the conceptual center of the memorial, it provides a view of the elements and features of the memorial - the American Expeditionary Forces memorial and General Pershing statue is located to the viewer's left, the A Soldier's Journey sculpture is to the front, and flagstaff are and quotes from President Woodrow Wilson and others are to the right. Encircling the Belvedere are the names of the campaigns in which U.S. forces participated during the war.

The DC War Memorial is a beautifully detailed, yet simply designed structure commemorating the 499…read moreDC residents who perished serving the United States during WWI. The memorial's platform is constructed of pure marble and the names of the 499 fallen Washingtonians are inscribed around it. The memorial has been restored over the years, so the current structure seems much more pristine despite being a nearly 100 year old structure. You can find many couples using the memorial as a prop for their wedding photos. Others can be seen using it for professional photos for graduation, prom, and other special events. The platform sits 4 feet tall with no guardrails, so I recommend exercising caution and mindfulness when walking on the platform. Being that this monument commemorates DC's own, I wish it were erected in a more conspicuous location. I like the privacy of the location, however, it feels remote and the area doesn't get as much foot traffic as some of the grander, more renown memorials and monuments on The Mall.

Well over 100,000 Americans died in World War 1. This was "the war to end all wars," but sadly as…read morewe know WW2 and others have occurred. I give this monument only two stars, because I believe the 20,000 plus DC residents who served in this conflict, deserve far better than this. It is unacceptable that this small domed marble statue, is all there is to the city's folks who fought, were wounded, or died in service to this nation and allies. DC should improve upon this. I understand that federal funds were used for the much larger WW2 memorial, but it's not even well cared for. To the doughboys my thanks to you. This one is close to the WW2 Memorial. After todays walking am directional challenged, but this landmark is between that and the Jefferson Memorial. It is close to the Kutz Bridge. You can go here and pay your respects to the brave folks. Yet I feel strongly they deserve more than this. It was built years ago and it is showing its age. Lest we forget.

This absolutely lovely park is just across the street from the White House and can only be accessed…read moreby foot (no cars allowed at area of White House). I have been here countless times and never grow tired of it. There are benches, statues, and trees all around. The park attracts tourists and locals alike. Whether to protest or have a sandwich at lunch, it's a nice spot to visit and one that shouldn't be passed up when in D.C.

Lafayette Square pleasantly surprised me during my visit to Washington, D.C. This historic park…read morelocated right next to the White House offers a wonderful combination of greenery, relaxation, and interesting monuments. I especially liked that, despite being in the heart of a busy city, it maintains a peaceful atmosphere. The well-maintained pathways, the many trees providing shade, and the beautiful views of the surrounding historic buildings make it a very enjoyable place to spend some time. The statues of notable historical figures also add to the unique character of the park. It is an excellent spot for photography, relaxation, and learning more about the history of Washington. Unfortunately, the current security measures around the President have made the area inaccessible to the public, so it can only be admired from behind the fence, but it remains an impressive and memorable landmark.

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial feels quieter and more tucked away compared to the busier parts of…read morethe National Mall. Sitting right along the Tidal Basin, the white marble structure stood out immediately once I got closer, especially with the circular colonnade and large dome opening up toward the water. The walk over felt slower and calmer than the main monument loop, and once I was there, the views across the basin made the entire area feel more open and relaxed. At sunset and at night, the lighting reflecting off the water gave the memorial a completely different atmosphere compared to the daytime crowds. Inside, the statue of Jefferson and the engraved quotes gave the space a more reflective feel rather than just being a photo stop. The architecture is what really carried the experience though, with tall columns, wide open archways, and the bright white stone against the water making it one of the more visually striking memorials in D.C. Even with tourists moving through, it still managed to feel peaceful once I stepped away from the entrance area. During cherry blossom season I imagine this becomes one of the busiest spots in the city, but the location around the basin made it worth lingering around longer than I expected. The area itself is well maintained and surprisingly easy to walk through, with pathways wrapping around the water and plenty of space to stop for photos or just take in the view. It is also one of those memorials that feels better the longer you stay. What started as a quick stop turned into walking around the basin, watching the light change over the water, and taking in the quieter side of the city away from the heavier crowds near the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.

This memorial makes a great stop along the way when walking around the tidal basin especially…read moreduring the cherry blossom season. It's a beautiful memorial, well worth the effort. A couple of notes, the road seems to be blocked off (March 2025). I'm not sure if this is because of the cherry blossom festival or something other reason. Also, the tidal basin is undergoing major renovations so the west side of the tidal basin is not accessible.

Here is yet another obscure memorial that's in DC. It was made to honor those in the Second…read moreDivision in World War I who died. This is pretty impressive. Close to the White House. You should be able to get a good look. A few other memorials are close by. It doesn't take long to get to from the National Mall. This is just across Constitution Avenue on the north side. It's on the Ellipse. This is in front of the White House. Simple elegance. This is a nice tribute. It sure is a simple but nice memorial those who didn't make it back home. It's just across from the National Mall. This is something that takes a few minutes to look at but it's important for remembering those who died in wars.

Great place to reflect on the obvious. Go there & pay your respect. It's very humbling.read more

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)