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Things to do in Washington DC, District of Columbia (DC): The Best Monuments & Statues
Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country.
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1. Saint John Paul II National Shrine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
The Saint John Paul II National Shrine is a place of pilgrimage, learning, and prayer. It was designated as a National Shrine by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2014. Visitors are welcome to attend daily Mass in the Redemptor Hominis Church, and to pray in the Luminous Mysteries Chapel, which contains a first-class blood relic of Saint John Paul II. Both sacred spaces are adorned with intricately beautiful mosaics that glorify and praise God. Our permanent exhibit, "A Gift of Love: The Life of Saint John Paul II," lets visitors to walk in the footsteps of John Paul II by tracing his life and legacy. More information can be found on our website.
Reviewed By CharlesP1904
The place is solemn and peaceful to communicate with God. The shrine is divided in three areas: A Gift of Love Exhibit- showcases the Life and artifacts of St.John Paul II, Redemptor Hominis Church- it hosts daily masses with beautiful mosaics, and the Luminous Mysteries Chapel-houses a 1st class relic of JPII for veneration. Each has a different amazing experience. I am so blessed to visit this shrine. I also experienced a first hand miracle and answered prayer. After 2 months that I visited the shrine I was able to obtain a first class relic of St. John Paul II. I was so happy to be a custodian of his relic. To God be the glory!
2. Jefferson Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,414 reviews
A 19-foot bronze statue of perhaps the most esteemed founding father sits beneath a columned rotunda in the style of the Roman Pantheon.
Reviewed By sergeyb324
Having been to Jefferson Memorial before I still couldn’t miss a chance to visit it again as my stay in DC provided me with some free time. Notwithstanding the fact that they are doing restoration work on the cupola and the roof and the outside of the building is covered in scaffolding and the outside doesn’t look as magnificent as usually, the place is full of the feeling of grandeur and awe. The inside is as impressive as ever and the presence of the great man is almost palpable. This being off season, I happened to be entirely alone there and it was such a great feeling as if I was listening to Jefferson reading out his words that are captured there on the panels. This memorial appears to me to be a deserving tribute to one of the greatest minds not only of his time but rather of all times.
3. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,849 reviews
Emotionally stirring memorial pays tribute to the men and women who served in one of America's most controversial wars.
Reviewed By SimbaFamily
It was very nicely done and just beautiful lots of staff around to help you find names etc. everyone there was proud of their job and helpful to people trying to find loved ones names.
4. Washington Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,309 reviews
The Washington Monument elevator is closed until spring 2019.
Reviewed By DCN2012 - New York City, United States
As a native Washingtonian, I've had the privilege of seeing this iconic monument stand tall throughout my life and so many historic events. Even during the much needed year plus renovation (several years ago), gave it a 'must see - can't wait' allure. The Washington Monument has a presence of its own; pristine, regal, official and inviting. For a unique, one of a kind adventure, walk up and see the Nation's Capital from an unparalleled perspective. Of course, there are many people and activity inside and out but that's all a part of what enhances the overall experience. Grab the fam, the crew or just you, it takes you up and that's a good thing.
5. Vietnam Women's Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 629 reviews
Memorial to the women who served during the Vietnam War.
Reviewed By TravelQ6492QE - Florida, United States
Women in wartime are often overlooked. A beautiful tribute to the brave ladies that served and yes, some perished in Vietnam. This shows the tenderness of the nurses. It was drizzling and the rain formed a very fitting tear on one ladies cheek. One of the smaller monuments.
6. Korean War Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,978 reviews
This memorial to Korean War veterans consists of the Pool of Remembrance and the triangular Field of Service depicting 19 soldiers on the field of combat.
Reviewed By JamesT5733
One of several war memorials around the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting pool, this is a moving tribute to military personnel who fought in the Korean War.
7. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,890 reviews
This outdoor memorial is the most popular of presidential memorials, in large part because of its elegant design, which includes waterfalls and sculptures.
Reviewed By MDMensch
This is among my favorite monuments in DC, because it is not a "Click & Go" tourist photo opp. It is an inviting, tranquil refuge (shaded, water features, plenty of areas to sit by the reflecting pond) where you can learn about FDR, WWII, and a troubled nation. This monument tells a clear story and is lengthy enough that visitors are spread out over 4 or so viewing areas (so as no to crowd). This is a nice change of pace for DC visitors who want to saunter. Early morning is a great time to visit -- easy to grab a Lime Bike and cycle there.
8. United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
A statue of The Lone Sailor peers over this memorial, which consists of a plaza bearing a granite world map flanked by waterfalls and fountains. The heritage center contains exhibits on naval history.
Reviewed By daff0dil74 - Saint Louis, United States
This Navy Memorial honors everyone who served in a US naval capacity. I entered my submariner husband in the Navy Log there so that his grandchildren, great grandchildren and those who come after will be able to connect with him and who he was, in years ahead. Registration was easy to do: just need a photo, with time and location noted, and basic information ( name, rank, serial number, etc). . Once entered in this archive the information can be brought up on computer’s there, and on your computer devices at home, anytime, anywhere. If you’ve been a Navy family the two statues there will be an emotional tug. The Lone Sailor and his Seabag stands outside on the Seven Seas plaza; and the “ Homecomig” statue of sailor, wife and child is inside in the archives area. Have a tissue in your pocket if they are a poingnant reminder of ‘ been there, done that’.
9. Albert Einstein Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 760 reviews
The National Academy of Sciences invites you to help honor the legacy of Albert Einstein by sending us your #PhotosWithAlbert. Simply snap a photo of you or your group at the Einstein Memorial Statue and post it to Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, using the hashtag #PhotosWithAlbert. The NAS building and exhibits are open to the public from 9am - 5pm on weekdays. The Albert Einstein Memorial is located in the front lawn and available anytime.
Reviewed By bunny98765 - London, United Kingdom
It’s nice to see this relaxed statue in front of the national academy of science in constitution avenue
10. National World War II Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,078 reviews
Reviewed By mvtouring - Cape Town, South Africa
I was astounded to find this memorial. You do not see a lot about it, and I definately did not know about it, so great was the surpirse to finding it. Sitting squarely between the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool, the WW II Memorial, stands as a beautiful tribute to the men and women who fought and served in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of combat -which is exactly how the Memorial is laid out. It really is a beautiful tribute that the Americans can be proud of.
