Washington, DC
Memorials - Tidal Basin
Lincoln Memorial - The Lincoln Memorial is a gigantic Greek-style temple with 36 huge columns (when the memorial was built, there were 36 states). Inside, there's the magnificent marble statue of Abraham Lincoln and words from the Gettysburg Address inscribed on the wall. Fortunately, this grand monument doesn't require any tickets. Just sit on the steps, under Lincoln's feet, and look down over the reflecting pool toward the Washington Monument.
Washington Monument - The Washington Monument commemorates George Washington, first president of the United States, and "father of the country." The obelisk, 555 ft. high, is the tallest building in the city, and it stands out like no other.
War Memorials - In this area you'll find the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Women's Memorial, Korean War Veteran's Memorial and National World War II Memorial.
All are worth a look, but the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a unique experience. Kids can walk along this eloquent black granite monument, feeling the names of soldiers who died in war. At the World War II Memorial, reach out to touch the Field of Stars, 4,000 stars commemorate 400,000 soldiers.
Tidal Basin - The Tidal Basin, framed with cherry trees that bloom in spring, is the perfect place to get out and stretch your legs. Around the Tidal Basin are three memorials - Jefferson Memorial, Roosevelt Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
In summer, relax out on the water in a pedal boat. Pedal boats can be rented from the boat house, at 15th St. and East Basin Dr., kitty corner from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Read our blog post: "Washington DC Memorials: Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr"
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial - The memorial is a large rock-hewn statue of Marting Luther King Jr, and is inscribed with quotations from his famous speeches, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial - Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial has four fountains and outdoor "stone rooms," inscribed with Roosevelt's words on World War II. Kids will want to pat the ears of the bronze statue of Roosevelt's Scottie dog, Fala.Jefferson Memorial - Jefferson Memorial houses a bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States. The ceiling looks like the Pantheon in Rome. On the lower floor, don't miss exhibits about the life of Jefferson.Tip: The best and most fun way to see all the memorials is to rent bikes at L'Enfant Plaza.
