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I was in awe walking around all day and seeing all the different monuments and memorials. The reflecting pool is no different. There is so much history here. Truly breathtaking I don't quite know how to put it in words. So many famous moments, history made, and voices heard right here. I can't help but gasp and become speechless at the fact that I'm able to walk right up to it and along it. Add in it being a gorgeous day for it? Unreal.
Located in front of the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool is the site of several historical events, such as Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech and a protest against the Vietnam War. There isn't too much to say about the Reflecting Pool, but it's a nice place for a stroll, and I love watching the baby ducklings swimming around. There are even ramps at the edge of the pool specifically to help the ducklings climb out! [Yelp collections: East Coast 2022; Washington, DC 2022; East Coast 2016]
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool sits in the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. I've seen this reflecting pool many a times while watching Bones and now I can finally see it in person. So many historic moments have happened at the reflecting pool, from the March on Washington to anti-Vietnam War protesters to the celebration after Barack Obama's presidential election win. It's a beautiful pool and a beautiful sight from either side, whether you face the Lincoln Memorial or the National Monument.
One cannot help themselves but think of Jenny trying to run through the water to Forrest when you see the Reflecting Pool. This is located in-between the WWII Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial in the center of the of the National Mall. On the sides it will lead you to other memorials like the Vietnam Veterans and MLK memorials. It is very large in size, six acres to be exact. The pool provides beautiful and peaceful reflections and views.
If you're visiting the Lincoln Memorial, you will for sure see this. It's a huge pool that's in front of the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where you see a nice reflection of the Washington Monument. It's a beautiful sight to see and makes for a nice stroll around while visiting the different monuments and memorials in D.C.
An iconic part of DC. It also is the main focus of the National Mall except for the Washington Monument. The Reflecting Pool is an often beautiful and sometimes disgusting looking thing. Get here in the warmer months. You need to see it when it actually has water. Coming here can be a crapshoot if you want to see it at its best. It often is drained. That means you'll just see an empty basin or a tarp. Often this is during the colder months. They still have it drained sometimes in the summer though. It has an interesting history. This was completed after the Lincoln Memorial. It was designed by Francis Bacon. The Lincoln Memorial is on one end and the World War II Memorial is on the other. It depends on when you come. Sometimes it looks pretty good. There's other times where there's lots of algae and the water is putrefying.
The reflecting pool was designed by American architect Henry Bacon (1866-1924) and constructed in 1922. Its 2029' long, 167' wide with a maximum depth of 30". A lot of great things have happened here, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech in 1963, President Obama's inauguration in 2009. EXPERIENCE: Conditions weren't ideal when we were here, meaning nothing was being reflected off of the water (the Lincoln Memorial to the west and Washington Monument to the east). The water itself was gross, regardless of the 2009 restoration that was supposed to eliminate the stagnant water. It was full of green algae, trash and ducks. I was shocked it wasn't kept in better condition. I did however get a great shot of the area from the airplane as we departed DC! Of course seeing it on the ground was ideal but there were so many people there you'd never get a nice, human-less photograph. OVERALL: One of DC's many iconic sites you have to see!
Beautiful views of the Reflecting Pool are seen from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial facing toward the Washington Monument. I always think of the movie Forest Gump: "Jenny! Jenny! Jeennnnnnny!" Walks around the entire pool are a peaceful treat. read more
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is the largest of all reflecting pools in DC. It sits between the Lincoln and WWII memorials. It is the iconic backdrop of many of the nation's protests in the 1960s including the March on Washington, Vietnam War protests, and of course the most known MLK "I Have a Dream" speech. The pool is normally filled, however, recent restoration projects has the pool drained. I'm glad this is happening because over the years the pool has been known to smell and have algae buildup since the water doesn't circulate. NOTE: this area is home or gnats and mosquitoes during the summer. When the pool is filled, you can find families of geese, ducks, and other bird species in and around the pool. Elm trees line the promenade on both sides. I recommend walking the entire length of the promenade for a relaxing, shaded, and normally not congested walking path. Please do not walk in the pool out of respect and for your own safety. read more
Easily one of the most picturesque sites in Washington, D.C., probably most famous from the Forest Gump movie where Forest and Jenny reunite, it really is a site to behold. One could easily spend hours here just soaking in the sun and enjoying the view. I can't say enough good about this site. Even with the crowds of people, there was still room to move about and enjoy it. read more
It's been a few years since I've been here, but I recall the water being much nicer. This felt like a true dingy pond. That being said, it's an iconic landmark you must see and walk next to. My dad swam in it in the 60s! read more
I was in awe walking around all day and seeing all the different monuments and memorials. The reflecting pool is no different. There is so much history here. Truly breathtaking I don't quite know how to put it in words. So many famous moments, history made, and voices heard right here. I can't help but gasp and become speechless at the fact that I'm able to walk right up to it and along it. Add in it being a gorgeous day for it? Unreal. read more
4 years ago
Located in front of the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool is the site of several historical events, such as Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech and a protest against the Vietnam War. There isn't too much to say about the Reflecting Pool, but it's a nice place for a stroll, and I love watching the baby ducklings swimming around. There are even ramps at the edge of the pool specifically to help the ducklings climb out! [Yelp collections: East Coast 2022; Washington, DC 2022; East Coast 2016] read more
Although it's filled with goose poop (and geese), that's all a part of the charm. The reflecting pool is a must-see for both tourists and DC natives. Be warned: bring a water on a hot summer's day, and try not to get run over by electric scooters (it's harder than you think). read more
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool sits in the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. I've seen this reflecting pool many a times while watching Bones and now I can finally see it in person. So many historic moments have happened at the reflecting pool, from the March on Washington to anti-Vietnam War protesters to the celebration after Barack Obama's presidential election win. It's a beautiful pool and a beautiful sight from either side, whether you face the Lincoln Memorial or the National Monument. read more
One cannot help themselves but think of Jenny trying to run through the water to Forrest when you see the Reflecting Pool. This is located in-between the WWII Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial in the center of the of the National Mall. On the sides it will lead you to other memorials like the Vietnam Veterans and MLK memorials. It is very large in size, six acres to be exact. The pool provides beautiful and peaceful reflections and views. read more
3 years ago
You can reflect at the reflecting pool on your walk from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. It is a beautiful sight to see from both ends. I recommend checking it out. read more
If you're visiting the Lincoln Memorial, you will for sure see this. It's a huge pool that's in front of the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where you see a nice reflection of the Washington Monument. It's a beautiful sight to see and makes for a nice stroll around while visiting the different monuments and memorials in D.C. read more
It's the reflecting pool, what else is there to say? Great place for a nice walk. Keep on the outside path for some shade or take in the sun in the area right beside the pool itself. Duck ramps are dope too. Here's the sunrise view from Lincoln. read more
Me my kids and wife came to see the reflecting pool it is very long for sure takes a bit to walk from one side to the other and I have to say it looks pretty cool when it's night time and your standing on the steps of the Lincoln memorial read more
An iconic part of DC. It also is the main focus of the National Mall except for the Washington Monument. The Reflecting Pool is an often beautiful and sometimes disgusting looking thing. Get here in the warmer months. You need to see it when it actually has water. Coming here can be a crapshoot if you want to see it at its best. It often is drained. That means you'll just see an empty basin or a tarp. Often this is during the colder months. They still have it drained sometimes in the summer though. It has an interesting history. This was completed after the Lincoln Memorial. It was designed by Francis Bacon. The Lincoln Memorial is on one end and the World War II Memorial is on the other. It depends on when you come. Sometimes it looks pretty good. There's other times where there's lots of algae and the water is putrefying. read more
3 years ago
The reflecting pool was designed by American architect Henry Bacon (1866-1924) and constructed in 1922. Its 2029' long, 167' wide with a maximum depth of 30". A lot of great things have happened here, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech in 1963, President Obama's inauguration in 2009. EXPERIENCE: Conditions weren't ideal when we were here, meaning nothing was being reflected off of the water (the Lincoln Memorial to the west and Washington Monument to the east). The water itself was gross, regardless of the 2009 restoration that was supposed to eliminate the stagnant water. It was full of green algae, trash and ducks. I was shocked it wasn't kept in better condition. I did however get a great shot of the area from the airplane as we departed DC! Of course seeing it on the ground was ideal but there were so many people there you'd never get a nice, human-less photograph. OVERALL: One of DC's many iconic sites you have to see! read more
Take note, and look back on Americans rich history. This is what "The Reflecting Pool" means. It's a way to look at you and see what American means to you. The water is a mirror into your soul. I am amazed to see it in person. Many movies have tried to capture its grandeur, like Forrest Gump. Barrack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr. have spoken in front of it. I feel in person they have failed. It's almost bigger up close. The only negative is that they don't keep it clean. It's riddled with duck droppings and algae filled water. I can say with all the taxes I see coming out of my check....doesn't that pay for upkeep? read more
6 years ago
Yes, there were many significant events that had occurred here, and you're reminded by this when you stand in the same place as those before you, like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or President Obama. But I can't seem to help myself when I get the urge to yell, "Jennnnnyyyy!" whenever I'm here. You know you like Forrest Gump too. But really, the Reflecting Pool is a very special place of history and magnitude. On one side is the Lincoln Memorial and to the other is the WWII Memorial and Washington Monument. When the water is clear, it reflects these landmarks. Along the pool are walking trails with benches. It gets super busy during spring and summer, since you really can't beat the views. It's bound to be en route to a monument or two, so bask in what this iconic Reflecting Pool has meant to so many. From everything you'll see around it, with the surrounding monuments and memorials and other hot tourist spots, this area is a wonderful place to just sit and consider all that's around. read more
Beautiful site to see! Up until our Thanksgiving Day visit to the Lincoln Memorial I've only seen the Reflecting Pool in TV or in pictures as the backdrop for many historic U.S. events. From the Lincoln Memorial steps we were able to get a good view of the Reflecting Pool. It is located on the west side of the National Mall. It doesn't look like it on the photos but the large rectangular shaped pool is long, almost a mile, 2,029-ft long (over 1/3 of a mile) and people walking by the pool looked like ants from a distance. It is amazing to see this landmark from the Lincoln Memorial steps. It is surrounded by large shade trees. The pool itself is shallow and calm, no fountains jets ruffling the peacefulness, so that a visitor can see a reflection of the memorial in the water. From our view it is reflecting the Washington Monument. The Reflecting Pool is a peaceful place to visit and feel fortunate that we had a chance to see it in person. Review #1203 read more
3 years ago
8/7/21 In the movies and in actuality people have waded into The Reflection Pool during some historical moments. I think as a kid I and some of my friends went into the pool on more than one occasion. How the hell...why the hell would we do that? Well to us back then, the pool wasn't as dirty...the hell it wasn't. Okay, to the mind of a kid, or someone who doesn't care, the pool was cool and inviting. I think finding a condom in the water as a kid was my first clue not to go in the water. Nevermind the cops telling us not to. They were adults and people of authority...you know how that goes...what the saying? Thinking back it was a good idea at the time. Today there was no way I would ever think to go into these waters. Even if it looked inviting. The memories of the past can stay in the past and I will keep my feet out of the waters of this historic memorial. This can not be said for the Canadian Geese and the Ducks that like to swim, eat and relax by the reflection pools. Many times, I think they have a peaceful and simple life. Another great time in Washington DC. read more
The Reflecting Pool is located on the western end of the National Mall, between the Lincoln Memorial to the west and the World War II Memorial to the east. On a good day, you can see a nice reflection of everything. If you or anyone in your party are tempted to go into the water... just don't! The water looks pretty filthy. read more
Walking across the Reflecting Pool, I was reminded of the reunion scene between Forest and Jenny in the movie that I have probably seen millions of time. After visiting the World War II Memorial, we made our way toward the Reflecting Pool. The Reflecting Pool is in the shape of a long rectangle. It was a bit of a walk across the pool which leads to the Lincoln Memorial. As you're walking by, there was numerous portraits side by side with a small historical context about the people. The water in the Reflecting Pool wasn't the clearest blue water, the reflection of the water was a green-ish color. Nonetheless, it was still a nice sight and finally able to see it in person. read more
7 years ago
Review #243 - 2019 The first time I was here in April 2018, it was freezing cold so I didn't get to enjoy the pool too much. It was amazing to look at, but I was in a hurry to head back to the car to get away from the cold that the beauty escaped me. We came back on Sunday, September 1st, and the weather was perfect so we stayed around for awhile. My daughter is also a year older so she was able to enjoy it a whole lot more. She ran around the fountain area & stuck her little toes inside the water. The pools and fountains are absolutely beautiful! The huge columns made me feel like I was in Greece or something, not that I've ever been there to know what it would actually look or feel like. But, a girl can use her imagination and be happy no matter where she's at as long as she's content and at peace. I can't wait to come back again when my daughter is older so she can actually appreciate the real beauty of this place. read more
7 years ago
Nice Park Area For A Temporary Reprieve From DC Madness - 1 Star: The water may not be very clean in the pool, and in fact it may be stinky and algae ridden... This is the iconic Forest Gump scene where he wades through the water yelling Jenny after returning from the Vietnam War. It's still a nice place to escape the DC madness surrounded by memorials. You can now rent scooters and ride them around the mall area for a faster tourist experience. read more
3 years ago
I was super excited to see the Reflecting Pool in person and it did not disappoint. With a blue sky and the sun shining above during the morning, the pool reflected the Washington Monument perfectly. Calm waters and a low density of people just added to the experience. Loved it! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-reflecting-pool-washington?select=Baj0m3xy0EAVrgClb8BwVw&userid=97Dj5h5CQUsWZrEWj3wWOg read more
The Reflecting Pool is a long rectangular pool between the World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial that's seen many historic rallies over the years. During the warmer months, it's filled with a shallow pool of water and you can often see ducks wading in it or sleeping on the concrete path along the pool. I'm a fan of The Reflecting Pool because it doubles a a great running path and there's nothing like walking toward the Lincoln along the Pool as the sun is setting after a hot summer day in Washington, DC. read more
4 years ago
Everyone wants a picture yes, and I have a few of my own. I do sympathize with people who come to visit for a brief time because, I must warn you, the Reflecting Pool has a lot of maintenance issues. It often seems to be full of algae or to have been drained for some reason, and I can see why people are disappointed when this happens. I don't know why it's so hard to keep it in shape. Often enough though, you can still get that iconic shot. read more
10 years ago
On a recent trip to D.C. I finally convinced my husband to do a little sightseeing so that I could visit some of the historical landmarks in our nation's capital. My husband is from D.C. so he was lucky enough to visit all of these sights as a child, but my closest encounter with the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was watching Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and Forrest Gump. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is located at the National Mall so you are able to visit multiple landmarks at the same time. The Lincoln Memorial is west of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument is east of the reflecting pool. From here you can easily walk to the WW II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and MLK Jr. Memorial. I did not realize how massive the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is until I saw it in person. (The pool spans over a third of a mile!) There was a $34 million restoration project in 2010 to add a water filtration system to the pool. I am sure this has dramatically reduced the algae, but the water still looked a bit murky along the edges so I would not recommend wading in the pool and recreating a Jenny and Forrest Gump reunion! Note: The reflecting pool is drained every winter for cleaning. Cleaning the pool can take 30-60 days so January and February are not good months to visit. read more
The reflecting pool is a rectangular pool located at the National Mall and is in between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. It is directly east of the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument is to the east of the reflecting pool. I found myself walking next to the reflecting pool as I was going towards Lincoln Memorial. The pathway to the side is big and broad and found it be a good spot to walk. Once you're at the Lincoln Memorial, the reflecting pool with the Washington Monument as the backdrop, is quite a sight and a good photo op. read more
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The Reflecting Pool - landmarks - Updated May 2026
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