There are so many incredible monuments and memorials in our nation’s capital. As professional tour guides, we love sharing our list of the 25 top monuments and memorials you must see in Washington DC.
TOP 25 MONUMENTS TO SEE IN DC
Washington, DC is full of memorials and monuments to presidents, wars, servicemen, and individuals.
We find that many visitors to DC limit themselves to just the small handful of the most visited memorials on the National Mall.
Unless otherwise noted, every memorial listed on this page is open 24 hours a day and is free to visit. Most are maintained by the National Park Service.
And this is what we do. Since 2005, we have led hundreds of thousands of visitors to both the well-known and hidden gems of the city on our walking tours.
We live here, we publish books on these memorials, and we love sharing what we have learned with you, so come along on a tour with us.
Join the conversation in our Washington, DC Travel Tips Facebook group and see what our roughly 90k members have to say about DC's monuments.
Our tour guides answer questions here, and you do not need to be a member to read all of the comments and posts.
Now, let's get to our list.
MEMORIALS TO U.S. PRESIDENTS
There are roughly a dozen memorials and monuments to U.S. presidents.
Some of them are part of larger sights, such as JFK's gravesite on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.
Click the map for a larger map.
Most of the presidential monuments and memorials listed below are visited or covered on our National Mall walking tours.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is one of the most iconic monuments in Washington, DC.
This 555' (~169 m) obelisk honors George Washington, the commanding general of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and our very first president. Surrounded by 50 flags representing our 50 states, you can get a picturesque view of the National Mall from the base.
It is usually open to the public and free to go inside. The viewing space at the 500 foot level boasts the best views of Washington, DC.
We have a post that explains how to get tickets and how to plan your visit, or you could join our National Mall Walking Tour which includes tickets to the top at the end of the tour!
Lincoln Memorial
Arguably the most well-known of all DC memorials, the Lincoln Memorial honors Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president and probably the country's most beloved. You likely won’t take a tour with us and not hear about Abraham Lincoln!
The memorial is located on the western end of the National Mall, right in front of the iconic Reflecting Pool.
This memorial, made of white marble and designed in part to resemble a Greek Doric temple, stands as a testament to the legacy of Lincoln, the man who helped preserve the United States during our Civil War.
Inside the memorial is the famous 19’ tall statue of Abraham Lincoln (if he were standing up, he would be 28’ tall!) Additionally, you can find the full text of his Second Inaugural Address and the Gettysburg Address chiseled into the walls. (Be sure to look closely and you may even find a misspelled word!)
Outside, right where the steps change from tan to white marble, you will find an inscription recognizing the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr.'s delivered his famous I Have a Dream speech on August 28, 1963 during the March of Washington for Jobs & Freedom.
You could learn all about Lincoln’s last days on our Lincoln Assassination Tour.
Jefferson Memorial
Thomas Jefferson was our 3rd president and is perhaps best remembered today for writing the Declaration of Independence, which you can visit on display at the National Archives.
The Jefferson Memorial sits on the Tidal Basin, on the southwestern side of the National Mall, and is surrounded by cherry blossom trees, which bloom in the early spring.
Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome as well as Jefferson's home of Monticello, and the Rotunda at the University of Virginia, it showcases Jefferson’s love of classical architecture. Be sure to read the excerpts from Jefferson’s writings inside – and notice that you have a direct view of the White House from the memorial’s top steps!
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
One of the most picturesque memorials is for our 32nd and longest-serving president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Located adjacent to the Jefferson Memorial, this memorial is nestled among the cherry blossom trees and other foliage of the Tidal Basin. The shade can often provide a nice respite during the warm summer months.
The FDR Memorial has four rooms, representing FDR’s four elected terms of office, that stretch along the western edge of the Tidal Basin, as well as a prologue area added to the entrance of the memorial in 2001.
Each room tells the story of each term through sculpture, inscriptions, and waterfalls, with particular focus on the Great Depression and the Second World War.
Be sure to check out the interactive signage in each room, which has tactical and audio elements to further explain the memorial’s design.
This memorial is a standout because it is one of the few major memorials in Washington, DC to be designed by a landscape architect.
Likewise, it's the only major presidential memorial to have a first lady featured. In the last room, you will find Eleanor Roosevelt standing next to the United Nations emblem, representing her role as the first American delegate to the United Nations.
Fun fact: there is also a small monument to FDR on the grounds of the National Archives.
John F. Kennedy Memorial Flame
This simple but powerful memorial to President Kennedy is also his memorial gravesite.
He is buried alongside his wife and 2 children who predeceased him.
It is located in the heart of Arlington National Cemetery and is a stop on both our tour guide-led walk as well as our GPS-led audio tour.
It is only accessible when the cemetery is open to the public, so read our guide by clicking the link just above.
In addition to this memorial gravesite, there is also the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, which is a living national memorial to President Kennedy and features an iconic bust of Kennedy inside of the Grand Foyer as well as a 6’7” memorial sculpture of Kennedy in the gardens of the REACH exterior space.
Ulysses S. Grant
On the grounds of the United States Capitol is the General Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, the largest equestrian monument in the United States.
The memorial honors both Grant as president but also, and even more so, as a general in the American Civil War.
Interested in knowing more about this memorial? Listen to our podcast (Tour Guide Tell All) all about it:
The memorial includes an equestrian statue of Grant with depictions of United States cavalry and artillery on both of his flanks. A little known fact is that the sculptor, Henry Shrady, actually sculpted his face into the memorial on the cavalry side.
It is located on the west side of the Capitol Building along the Capitol Reflecting Pool and is a great spot for photos after your Capitol Hill Tour.
Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial
This hidden gem memorial is located on an 88 acre island in the Potomac River just across from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and opposite of the Georgetown Waterfront. It is usually open from 6am-10pm but restrooms close in the winter months (October to April.)
The memorial consists of a 17’ statue of Theodore Roosevelt as well as 4 massive granite tablets placed on a plaza in the middle of a naturally landscaped park, highlighting some of his values and quotes.
The memorial's design was influenced by Roosevelt's dedication to the preservation of America's natural environment and the island consists of 3 ecosystems.
Note: while the memorial is on D.C. land, the only way to access the memorial is from Rosslyn, Virginia. There is limited parking and no cars or bicycles are allowed past the parking lot.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial was dedicated on September 17th, 2020, on Constitution Day, which was designated by Eisenhower in 1952.
The memorial honors Eisenhower both as a popular, two-term president with significant domestic achievements but also his role as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II.
This is one of the newest memorials in Washington DC, and it's located on the south end of the National Mall, across the street from the National Air and Space Museum and close the west side of the United States Capitol Building grounds.
Check out our Virtual Tour for more details.
Other Presidential Memorials in DC
There are a few more monuments and memorials of U.S. presidents that deserve a visit.
NOTE: None of these is officially a national presidential memorial as are the memorials mentioned above.
Woodrow Wilson House
This national historic landmark is located in a pleasant neighborhood just off of Embassy Row where President Wilson and First Lady Edith Wilson lived after he left office. Though Wilson died just three years after his presidency ended, Edith Wilson remained in the house until the 1960s and kept it preserved to tell his story for future visitors.
The house is a museum to Wilson the man and is open for tours daily with the exception of Mondays. The house is located near the end of our Embassy Row Tours.
Wilson is also the only former president to be buried in Washington, DC. You can pay your respects at the Washington National Cathedral.
Garfield Monument
A monument to James A. Garfield on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol grounds.
Garfield was the 2nd U.S. President to be assassinated in office and the monument was funded by Civil War veterans, many who had served with Garfield.
Our podcast, Tour Guide Tell All, talks about this memorial:
Andrew Jackson
The Andrew Jackson Statue is situated in the center of Lafayette Square Park, which itself is located on the North Front of the White House.
This equestrian statue honors Jackson as a great general in the War of 1812 rather than as a U.S. president.
It's identical to the one found in Jackson Square in New Orleans.
We often view this statue during our Lincoln Assassination Tour – Lincoln would have seen this statue any time he came and went from the White House.
Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove
The LBJ Grove on the Potomac is the place the president often escaped to when he needed a moment of peace.
This is why his wife chose the spot on the river to dedicate to her late husband, a place to be enjoyed by visitors today. The grove today is actually part of Lady Bird Johnson Park, which honors the First Lady’s dedication to preserving natural landscapes and beautifying our nation’s capital.
You’ll find a monolith, made of Texas granite, in the center of the grove and many paths and trails to enjoy. This is one of our favorite spots in the spring, when the dogwoods and azaleas are in bloom!
James Buchanan
The 15th President of the United States James Buchanan has a statue in Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park, located about 1.5 miles north of the White House.
The statue was funded by Buchanan’s niece, who also served as his First Lady due to his bachelor status, Harriet Lane.
If you visit the park, you will also find statues to Joan of Arc (a gift from the women of France to the women of America) as well as a statue to Dante Alighieri, the Italian poet and writer.
Listen to our podcast (Tour Guide Tell All) and talk all about it:
WAR AND MILITARY SERVICE MEMORIALS
Many of our memorials in DC honor the service and sacrifice of Americans in uniform. Here are our Top 5 war and service memorials to see in Washington, DC.
We also have a secondary list of other war and service memorials to see, if your schedule allows.
Most of the presidential monuments and memorials listed below are visited or covered on our National Mall walking tours.
Click the map for a larger map.
National World War II Memorial
The National World War II Memorial is a triumphant display of victory in the heart of the National Mall.
This 7-acre (3 hectares) memorial is made of granite and is replete with symbols of victory and peace, including 2 archways honoring both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of war and 56 pillars, one for each state and territory in the country in 1945.
Be sure to take time to read the quotes throughout the memorial, look for the major battles for American forces, admire the bronze reliefs, and pay your respects at the wall of gold stars honoring Americans who were killed in action.
The memorial is located on the National Mall directly between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial and provides incredible views for photos.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Controversial and the recipient of mixed reviews at the time of its dedication in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has since become one of the country's most visited and well-respected memorials.
Designed by Maya Lin, who was a college student when she won the design competition, the memorial features the names of more than 58,000 Americans who sacrificed their lives in service to their country.
Since 1982, additional elements have been added to the memorial - the Three Servicemen Statue, sculpted by Frederick Hart and the Vietnam Women's Memorial Statue, sculpted by Glenna Goodacre.
The memorial is located at the west end of the National Mall, adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial and nearby to the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
Korean War Memorial
Located in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial, this often overlooked memorial often ends up being a favorite memorial for many visitors to Washington, DC.
It is dedicated to the millions of Americans who served in uniform during the Korean War and is rich in symbolism, which we explain in fuller detail on the full blog post about this memorial.
Like all memorials in DC, it is open 24 hours each day but we find that it is particularly compelling at night, when the statues seem to come to life.
Iwo Jima Memorial
The moment when six Americans raised a flag on top of Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima in the Pacific was captured by Associated Press journalist Jason Rosenthal, it became an iconic symbol of victory in the Pacific during World War II.
This image was recreated and cast in bronze, with the figures towering at 32 feet (9 m) tall and raising a 60 foot (~18m) long flagpole. The memorial itself honors all Marines that have served our nation since the corps’ founding in 1776.
This memorial is located a short walk outside of Arlington National Cemetery and is a great thing to after your visit.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is our nation's most sacred burial ground for America's fallen military members.
It is an active cemetery with roughly 2 dozen funerals taking place every day except Sundays and federal holidays.
It is also home to over 150 memorials and monuments on the grounds honoring US military history, many of which our visitors can see on a guided tour, including the final resting spot of two of our presidents, President Howard Taft, and President John F Kennedy.
Other War and Service Memorials:
There are a number of other war and service memorials located all around Washington, DC:
- DC War Memorial
- Air Force Memorial
- U.S. Navy Memorial
- 1st Infantry Division
- 2nd Infantry Division
- Grand Army of the Republic
- National Guard Memorial
- African American Civil War Memorial
- American Veterans Disabled for Life
- WWI Memorial
- National Native Americans Veterans Memorial
- Peace Monument
- Navy and Marine Memorial
- Monuments to the American Revolution in Lafayette Square Park
- Jane A. Delano and the Nurses of World War I Who Died in Service
MEMORIALS TO INDIVIDUAL (NON-PRESIDENTS)
Despite common misconceptions, you do not have to be a president or serve in the military to have a memorial in our city.
There are a number of memorials around Washington, DC to commemorate great individuals who helped shape our nation.
Click the map for a larger map.
MLK Memorial
One of our more recent memorials honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr for his work in the Civil Rights movement.
The memorial takes its design inspiration from King’s famous ‘I Have A Dream’ speech, which he delivered nearby at the Lincoln Memorial.
King’s image is carved into the Stone of Hope in the center of the memorial and left incomplete to symbolize his incomplete life, as he was assassinated in 1968.
The memorial includes two curved walls filled with quotes, all from King’s speeches and writings. The memorial is situated along the Tidal Basin, nestled among our famous cherry blossom trees, making it a beautiful sight, especially in the spring.
Be sure to read our guide to visiting the MLK Memorial.
George Mason Memorial
If you are visiting the memorials or cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin, be sure to check out the often-overlooked George Mason Memorial located just behind the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
George Mason was an important Founding Father whose Virginia Declaration of Rights served as a blueprint for Jefferson's Declaration of Independence (located in the National Archives).
This often bypassed memorial is set in the beautiful "Pansy Garden" and is lovely, especially in the spring, and is a pleasant surprise any time of year.
We talk about this memorial on our podcast, Tour Guide Tell All:
Albert Einstein Memorial
The 12 ft (3.5 m) tall statue of Albert Einstein sits in front of the National Academy of Sciences on Constitution Avenue, just across the street from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and a short walk from the Lincoln Memorial.
You’ll notice Einstein is holding a piece of paper, referencing some of his most favorite work, including the theory of relativity!
At the base of the statue is a star map embedded with over 2,700 metal studs representing the accurate position of the planets, sun, moon, stars, and other celestial objects on the day of the memorial’s dedication, April 22, 1979.
Don’t worry if you notice visitors getting very friendly with the statue - you are in fact encouraged to climb into Albert’s lap!
John J. Pershing Memorial
John J. Pershing held the rank of General of the Armies, a rank he shares only with George Washington, thanks to his leadership during World War I.
His statue now sits in front of the Willard Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, a short walk from the White House, and is integrated into the National World War I Memorial.
William Tecumseh Sherman Memorial
William Tecumseh Sherman was a Union Army general during the American Civil War from 1861-1865.
His equestrian statue sits in Sherman Plaza, a part of Presidents Park near the White House.
Close by in front of the Treasury, you can also get a glimpse of the statue of Hamilton.
Other Individual Memorials:
There are a number of other memorials to individuals around Washington, DC:
- Mary McLeod Bethune, Civil Rights leader and educator
- John Paul Jones, known as the Father of the United States Navy.
- John Ericsson, Swedish-born engineer-inventor best known for transforming naval warfare during the Civil War.
- Robert A. Taft, former United States Senator
- John Marshall, fourth Chief Justice of the United States from 1801-1835
- Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History
- Francis Scott Key, author of the poem that became our national anthem
EMBASSY ROW STATUES
While you may find memorials to individuals sprinkled throughout the city, we have quite a large concentration along Embassy Row.
Below are a few worth visiting, some of which are featured on our Embassy Row walking tour.
Winston Churchill
In front of the British embassy is a statue of Winston Churchill put there in 1966.
If you look closely, he is standing on the edge of the property. One foot is on British soil (the embassy) and the other is on American.
His mother was American, so the idea was to represent his dual nationality and his efforts to promote the relationship between the two countries.
He has a cigar in one hand and the other raised with V for Victory.
Nelson Mandela
In front of the South African embassy is a statue of Nelson Mandela dedicated in 2013.
Mandela stands with his fist raised, reminiscent of when he was released from prison after 27 years on Feb. 11, 1990.
Mahatma Gandhi
The Indian Embassy gave this statue of Mahatma Gandhi in 2000. It depicts Gandhi on his famous 1930 Salt March to the Sea.
Made of red granite from India, both the aesthetic of the stone and his clothing remind us of his dedication to a simple, grounded life.
His peaceful non-violent resistance would be the heart of Indian independence from the British Empire.
St. Jerome
In front of the Croatian Embassy is the statue of St. Jerome, born in the 300s in what is today Croatia.
He’s most known for translating the Bible into Latin, the Vulgate version still used heavily in Roman Catholic churches.
He was known for criticism of his intellectual rivals and thus is the patron saint of people with difficult personalities.
Robert Emmet
This statue of Robert Emmet is one of four, the others are in San Francisco, Dublin, and Emmetsburg, Iowa. The DC version was dedicated in 1917.
Robert Emmet was an Irish nationalist who tried to lead a rebellion against British rule in 1803. It failed and he was hanged for crimes against the Crown.
While you wouldn’t expect a statue of a failed patriot, his Speech from the Dock that he gave before his hanging inspired other Irish nationalists.
More Statues
Below are some other statues worth visiting on Embassy Row:
- Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese poet
- Saraswati, the Hindu goddess
- Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, former president of Turkey
- Philip Jaisohn fought for Korean independence
- Tomas Masaryk, founder and first President of Czechoslovakia
- Philip Sheridan, Civil War General
- Letelier-Moffitt Memorial
GENERAL/NATIONAL MEMORIALS
Below we have a list of other general and national memorials we believe should be visited on your trip to DC.
Pentagon Memorial
Outside of the Pentagon, our nation's Department of Defense, is the Pentagon Memorial, a subtle tribute to those who lost their lives on the morning of 9/11 when American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon building.
184 benches mark each life that was lost, a permanent tribute to each victim. Each bench is sorted by age lines of stainless steel strips and organized by the year the victim was born.
It is a lovely, peaceful place to visit and reflect – we find it particularly powerful at night, when each bench is illuminated from below.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was opened in 1993 for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history.
Visitors from all over the world come to remember and learn about the Holocaust.
Admission is free but lines can get long, and during the busy season (March-July) we recommend reserving tickets online to guarantee entrance. While tickets are required to explore the permanent exhibition, they are not needed to visit the Hall of Remembrance memorial space, Daniel’s Story children’s exhibit, or special exhibits.
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
The Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at Judiciary Square honors over 21,000 U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty throughout American history.
Visitors can etch a name from the wall, taking a piece of that wall home with them. Each year during Police Week new names are added for all those who fell the year before.
Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence
Near the Vietnam Memorial is a hidden little place called Constitution Gardens, home to the Signers Memorial honoring the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.
To get to it, you must walk across a footbridge to Signers Island, where you will see each of the 56 signatures recreated from the original document. It is a quiet, relaxing place to explore while you are on the National Mall.
We talk more about this memorial on our podcast, Tour Guide Tell All:
Emancipation Memorial
This memorial was funded nearly entirely by former slaves and was their way of paying homage to President Abraham Lincoln for his issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
The memorial was dedicated in 1876, not long after the 16th president was assassinated.
It is located in Lincoln Park near Eastern Market, a great place to go on a food tour while you're in DC.
Listen to our podcast, Tour Guide Tell All, episode about it:
Other Memorials
Here are a few other memorials to see in Washington, DC:
- Japanese American Memorial
Listen to our podcast, Tour Guide Tell All, episode to learn more:
- Boy Scout Memorial
- Arlington Memorial Bridge
- Titanic Memorial
We have an episode about this on Tour Guide Tell All:
