Visit Washington D.C.
Check out Popular Places for Tourists to Visit
African American Civil War Memorial and Museum
1200 U Street, NW.
A Wall of Honor lists the names of 209,145 United States Colored Troops (USCT) who served in the Civil War. The museum explores the African American struggle for freedom in the United States. Museum is open Monday to Friday, 10 a. m. to 5 p. m., Saturdays, 10 a. m. to 2 p. m.
Arlington National Cemetery
Across the Memorial Bridge from DC
This is America's largest burial ground with the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the Tomb of the Unknowns. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in April through September and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. October through March.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
West Potomac Park near Lincoln Memorial on Ohio Drive, SW
This memorial is divided into four outdoor galleries, one for each of FDR's terms in office from 1933 to 1945. Several sculptures depict the 32nd President. Hours are 8a. m. to 11:45 p. m.
George Mason Memorial
900 Ohio Drive, in East Potomac Park, SW.
Monument to the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which inspired Thomas Jefferson while drafting the Declaration of Independence. Mason persuaded our forefathers to include individual rights as a part of the Bill of Rights.
Iwo Jima Memorial
Marshall Drive, next to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
This memorial, also known as the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, is dedicated to the marines who gave their lives during one of the most historic battles of World War II, the battle of Iwo Jima.
Jefferson Memorial
15th Street, SW
This dome-shaped rotunda honors the nation's third president. The 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson is located on the Tidal Basin, surrounded by a grove of trees making it especially beautiful during Cherry Blossom season in the spring. Hours are 8 a. m. to midnight daily.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Daniel French Drive and Independence Avenue, SW
Our nation honors those who were killed, captured, wounded or remain missing in action during the Korean War (1950 -1953). Nineteen figures represent every ethnic background. The statues are supported by a granite wall with 2,400 faces of land, sea and air support troops. A Pool of Remembrance lists the names of the lost Allied Forces. Hours are 8 a.m. to midnight.
Lincoln Memorial
23rd Street between Constitution and Independence Avenues, NW
This memorial was dedicated in 1922 to honor President Abraham Lincoln. Thirty-eight Grecian columns surround a statue of Lincoln seated on a ten-foot high marble base. This impressive statue is surrounded by engraved readings of the Gettysburg address, his Second Inaugural address and murals by French painter Jules Guerin. The Lincoln Memorial is open 24 hours a day, but is staffed 8 a.m. to midnight.
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
Judiciary Square at E Street, NW, between 4th and 5th Streets.
This monument honors the service and sacrifice of federal, state and local law enforcers. A marble wall is inscribed with the names of more than 17,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty since the first known death in 1792. A Memorial Fund is campaigning to build the National Law Enforcement Museum underground, beneath the monument. They expect to break ground on this museum in 2008 and open its doors in 2011.
Pentagon Memorial
I-395 at Boundary Channel Drive, Washington DC. Opening on Sept. 11, 2008, the memorial will honor the 184 lives lost in the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77 during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The Memorial includes a park and gateway spanning approximately two acres.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
George Washington Memorial Parkway, Washington, DC.
A 91-acre wilderness preserve serves as a memorial to the nation's 26th president, honoring his contributions to conservation of public lands for forests, national parks, wildlife and bird refuges, and monuments. The island has 2 1/2 miles of foot trails where you can observe a variety of flora and fauna. A 17-foot bronze statue of Roosevelt stands in the center of the island.
U. S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW.
The museum serves as a memorial to the millions of people who were murdered during the Holocaust. Open daily 10-5:30 with extended hours to 7:50 on Tuesday and Thursday (April-mid June). The musuem is closed on Yom Kippur and Christmas Day. Timed passes are distributed on a first–come first–served basis.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Drive, NW
A V-shaped granite wall is inscribed with the names of the 58,209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam War. Across the lawn is a life size bronze sculpture of three young servicemen. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is open 24 hours a day, but is staffed 8 a.m. to midnight.
Washington Monument
Constitution Avenue and 15th Street, NW.
The memorial to George Washington, our nation's first president, took 40 years to complete its original construction due to lack of funds, but was finally dedicated in 1885. It has recently been refurbished to its original splendor. Take the elevator to the top and see a wonderful view of the city. For free tickets, go to the kiosk on the Washington Monument grounds at 15th Street and Madison Drive. Hours are 9 a. m. to 4:45 p.m. daily except for December 25. Advance tickets are available for $1.50 service fee.
World War II Memorial
17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues.
This beautiful structure serves as a peaceful place to remember those who served our country during World War II. The memorial is open 24 hours a day.
