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Chip P.

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!

View from the steps of the Abe Lincoln memorial
Sophie T.

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.

Jasmine A.

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]

Jane G.

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).

Panorama with view of the National Monument
Brian F.

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.

View from Lincoln memorial
Tina C.

Love this place, very peaceful and filled with life. There have been baby ducks each and every time we visit.

Mari H.

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.

Stephanie J.

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.

Emily C.

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.

Jed R.

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.

The reflecting pool
Jason V.

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

From Lincoln Memorial
Steve A.

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.

From the air - VN
Vince N.

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!

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Stunning, majestic view. I could walk this whole area over and over again and not feel fatigued--it's so inspiring!

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Review Highlights - The Reflecting Pool

You can reflect at the reflecting pool on your walk from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial.

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Executive Office of the President

Executive Office of the President

(2 reviews)

Foggy 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)

Lincoln Memorial - View from the top

Lincoln Memorial

(1.3k reviews)

Can believe I haven't done a review before. First of all I love dc and could look at all these…read morethings over and over again. The memorials are diverse works of art and this temple is no exception The fours score and seven steps that lead to the "Lincoln moment" is one of the truly sacred places in our country. Every American should visit and read two of the three most important American speeches (along with dr kings which was delivered from this spot) Truly beautiful breathtaking architecture Be grateful america!

The Lincoln Memorial honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, who was…read moremartyred for his contribution in leading the U.S. through the Civil War and eventual freeing of approximately 4 million enslaved Africans and their American descendants after the Emancipation Proclamation. The Lincoln Memorial, at the moment, is the furthest memorial west of The National Mall (with the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, currently under construction, being adjacent to and slightly further back along Constitution Avenue. The memorial is a little over 100 years old, but you couldn't tell considering its relatively pristine condition due to use of marble and granite in its construction. The stairs of the Lincoln Memorial is the platform of the iconic MLK "I Have A Dream" speech. Normally you can find visitors and tourists sitting on the stairs of the memorial. The Lincoln Memorial is a feature itinerary stop for tour groups, many of which normally a minimum of 25 people. The memorial is in the final stages of completing its $69 million project of a museum and exhibit underground, giving more of a story and construction history of the memorial. The best time to visit the memorial is at sunset and night when it is illuminated and the top of the stairs presents a photo op for the Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol in the backdrop.

Library of Congress - Well attended Thursday happy hour

Library of Congress

(607 reviews)

Capitol 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.

Old Post Office Tower

Old Post Office Tower

(49 reviews)

Federal Triangle

A free and excellent view of Downtown Washington DC can be viewed from the Old Post Office and…read moreClock Tower, which is the 3rd tallest structure in DC. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it was completed in 1899. This is attached to the (now) Waldorf Astoria, however the Tower is manned by the National Parks Service. The entrance is in the back of the hotel, and the elevator looks out into the hotel's atrium. When you reach the open air top floor, you'll look out for a 360 degree view. One lonely park ranger is up there, and they are there year-round. When we visited, it was completely empty and we had the space to ourselves (and the ranger).

Actual rating: 3.5/5…read more Ok so in fairness, I have never cared for panoramic views. I came here with my friends on a day trip to DC after seeing a post about this place on social media. The entrance to the this place to see the views is incredibly tricky to access. The Waldorf took over and shut down the way to access through the building so you'll have to walk around and find the nearly completely hidden from street view entrance. For ease, I have linked the approximate location from Apple Maps below. There is a small historic background museum when you enter following the bag search and this is part of the National Parks stamping service so if you collect those speak with the nice ranger on duty. There are two elevators to travel to get to the top, the first takes you up to see views of the Astoria and the second will show you the rooftop from the Old Post Office Tower. This view is obscured by bars that make photography challenging. Would I, who does not like views, come again? No. But!!! If you are into views this is quite nice and free so I would recommend.

The Reflecting Pool - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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