Washington DC has so many monuments and memorials to visit. Not only are these really awesome to see, but they are also all free! You can even collect stamps from each one. I recommend taking the following stroll around the monuments. This walk can be done in a couple of hours.
Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in Washington, DC here.
Washington Monument
Begin your walk at the Washington Monument. Construction on the Washington Monument began in 1848. The building of the monument was halted due to lack of funds and the American Civil War. It was finally finished in 1888. You used to be able to go up to the observation deck at the top, but as of 2016, they have been working on fixing the elevator.
World War II Memorial
Next, stop at the National World War II memorial. This memorial honors the 16 million who served in the US forces during World War II. All 50 states, as well as the US territories, are represented.
Head right from the World War II memorial to the Constitution Gardens. In the springtime, beautiful flowers bloom and in the fall, it is filled with colorful fall colors.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
After the Constitution Gardens, stop at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This memorial honors all the veterans who died in the Vietnam war. The names are in order of when they died. You can look up online where a name is located.
Lincoln Memorial
At the end of the Reflecting Pool, you will have reached the Lincoln Memorial. This memorial honors our 16th president. It is also the spot of Martin Luther King Jr’s infamous “I Have a Dream” speech. Take the time to climb the steps to see the gigantic Lincoln and the views from the top.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Head away from the Lincoln Memorial to the right to the Korean War Veterans Memorial. This memorial honors all the soldiers who died in the Korean War. The 17 stainless steel statues represent the platoons in the Korean War.
MLK Jr. Memorial
Follow Independence Avenue and cross the street to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. This is the newest memorial on the National Mall. It was dedicated on the 48th anniversary of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Take the time to view the Washington Monument and Jefferson Monument around the Tidal Basin.
FDR Memorial
Follow the Tidal Basin to the right to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. This memorial honors our only president to serve four terms. Each of the four sections of the memorial honors his accomplishments during his four terms.
Jefferson Memorial
Continue to walk around the Tidal Basin and you will end up at the Jefferson Memorial. In this memorial, Jefferson is enclosed in a Roman Pantheon style building.
If you continue to follow the Tidal Basin around, it will take you back towards the Washington Monument and the National Mall.
Teacher Tip: For a different experience, visit the monuments at night! I felt safe walking around and you get totally different views.
Comment below with your favorite DC memorial!
