The Jefferson Memorial honors America's 3rd President and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson. It is among the most well known and picturesque monuments in all of Washington, D.C.
How to get to the Jefferson Memorial
Located off the southern edge of the Tidal Basin, the memorial is best accessed by car, bike or foot. The eastbound approach is via Ohio Drive SW and the westbound approach is via East Basin Drive SW. For vehicles, general parking is off Ohio Drive beside the highway overpass which spans the Potomac River.
Best and worst time to go to the Jefferson Memorial
April's Cherry Blossom season is, traditionally, the most beautiful time of year to visit the memorial. It is also the most crowded. If you'd rather not deal with the tourist hordes, wait until May arrives.
Admission to the Jefferson Memorial
The memorial is free to all and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Rangers are there to answer questions between 9:30 A.M. and 11:30 P.M. daily, and free interpretive programs are provided every hour on-the-hour between 10:00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M.
Must see/do at the Jefferson Memorial
Once inside the memorial, walk around to the backside of Jefferson's statue and try to find the objects poking out from underneath the great visionary's coat. You'll see books, corn and tobacco. As a philosopher, farmer, and herbalist, all these items were very important to Jefferson during his lifetime.
Other places to visit near the Jefferson Memorial
Continue your journey around the Tidal Basin and visit the George Mason Memorial followed by the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and finish up at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. In total, it should take you approximately one hour. If you've already had your fill of memorials, visit the nearby Bureau of Engraving and Printing to see where the nation's paper money is made (no free samples).
Insider tip for visitors to the Jefferson Memorial
During the spring and summer, as you look out upon the water from the steps of the memorial, you'll notice a flotilla of self propelled paddle boats puttering around the Tidal Basin. If you're moved to rent one, be forewarned - they're a real workout. Bring a willing companion and two sets of strong leg muscles.
Author's bio: Aaron is a freelance writer and licensed D.C. tour guide living in the nation's capital. He is a true history geek and loves showing off the city to visitors. Follow his exploits by visiting www.historicamerica.org.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. honors the American men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War. The memorial consists of the Three Soldiers statue, the Vietnam Women's Memorial, and its best-known part, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall etched with the names of more than 58,000 war dead or missing. The black, granite wall, often called "The Wall That Heals," is highly polished so that its reflective surface lets visitors see themselves as they honor fallen soldiers.
How to get to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located near the National Mall, is accessible by car, public transportation, and bike. General parking is available along Ohio Drive SW between the Lincoln Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Handicap parking is available on Daniel French Drive SW. The nearest Metro station is Foggy Bottom/George Washington University at 23rd and I Streets, NW.
Best and worst time to go to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Cherry blossom time in early spring is the best time to visit the memorial, which is open 24 hours a day. It will be crowded, but the white and pink cherry blossoms make the visit particularly beautiful and joyful. Weekdays will be less crowded than weekends; early morning is particularly tranquil. Avoid major spring and summer national holidays when everyone visits Washington, D.C.
Admission to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Admission is free.
Must see/do at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Make a paper rubbing of a loved one's name engraved on the wall. Catalogs, with the location of each name, are available near the entrances of the memorial.
Other places to visit near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is ringed by some of Washington's most famous landmarks -- Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and World War II Memorial. If you're in the mood for a hike, cross the nearby Memorial Bridge, and visit Arlington National Cemetery.
Insider tip for visitors to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Bring tissues. Walking the Memorial Wall is a uniquely stirring, emotional experience. Be prepared for whatever feelings well up – sadness, reverence, gratitude for service and sacrifice.
Author's bio: Lisa Kaplan Gordon is a writer who lives in McLean, Virginia. Visit her website: www.lisakaplangordon.com
Washington, D.C.'s Tidal Basin is best known for its famous monuments and iconic cherry trees. If you take a closer look, however, you'll also find a beautifully realized memorial honoring a very important yet little known founding father named George Mason -- an American patriot known as "The Father of the United States Bill of Rights."
How to get to the George Mason Memorial
Limited public transit options means that visiting the memorial demands using your feet, bicycle or car. Approach the George Mason Memorial via Ohio Drive SW or East Basin Drive SW and general visitor parking is available along Ohio Drive beside the highway overpass spanning the Potomac River.
Best and worst times to go to the George Mason Memorial
The serene floral landscape of the memorial is best experienced during the daytime hours of Spring and Summer. However, if you're a making a pilgrimage during Cherry Blossom season, be prepared for some crowding.
Admission to the George Mason Memorial
Visitation to the memorial is free to all and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Must see/do at the George Mason Memorial
Quietly resting beside a fountain pool, the memorial's central focus is the elegantly carved bronze statue of Mason himself. The sculptor, Wendy Ross, chose to depict Mason as visitor might find him in his study. Look closely and you'll see that beside him sits a stack of books, the great inspiration of his life.
Other places to visit near the George Mason Memorial
The memorial is placed within sight of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial. The location is a symbolic gesture, acknowledging the profound impact Mason's friendship and philosophy had upon both Washington and Jefferson during their lifetimes. Also, continue down Ohio Drive SW and you'll run into East Potomac Park where, alongside the sweeping vista of the Potomac River, a golf course and picnic area await you.
Insider tip for visitors to the George Mason Memorial
The memorial's somewhat secreted location makes it an ideal place to enjoy a quiet lunch apart from the tourist bustle. It's an excellent escape if you're looking to rest your feet after tramping around the vast expanse of the National Mall.
Author's bio: Aaron Killian is a freelance writer and licensed D.C. tour guide living in the nation's capital. He is a true history geek and loves showing off the city to visitors. Follow his exploits by visiting www.historicamerica.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial (MLK Memorial) is part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. It is located on the northwest corner of the Tidal Basin at the intersection of Independence Avenue and West Basin Drive SW in Washington, D.C. The MLK Memorial was dedicated on August 28, 2011 -- the 48th anniversary of the historic March on Washington organized by Dr. King. The centerpiece is a solid granite carving of King, and it is the first major memorial along the National Mall dedicated to an African-American and a non-president.
Parking and public transportation at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Metrorail or biking is the best way to get to the MLK Memorial. Street parking is limited, and parking restrictions are enforced. Street parking requires payment at a meter for limited hours or you can spend at least $12 for a garage. The nearest station is Smithsonian (orange/silver/blue), and the closest Capital Bikeshare stand is at 14th Street and Jefferson Drive NW.
Best time and worst time to go to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
For a combination of good weather and beautiful landscape, visit the memorial in the spring or fall, and if you want to avoid the tourist crowd, visit in September and October. Peak tourist season and the summer months are the worst times to visit. Summer in D.C. comes with high humidity and temperature that can hit above 100 degrees, and coupled with huge tourist crowd, you might want to save your trip for later.
Admission to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Admission is free, and it is open 24 hours and seven days a week.
Must see/do at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
An endearing aspect of the MLK Memorial, in addition to the solid granite carving of Dr. King, are his quotes carved into the solid granite and on the wall around the memorial. Walk the full length of the wall, and be inspired by the great words of a great man.
Other places to visit near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Visit the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and World War II memorials and the museums of the Smithsonian Institution -- all part of the National Mall. If you are in the area on a summer evening on Friday, visit the Sculpture Garden for Jazz in the Park. It is an evening of lounging around in the garden enjoying a jazz band while sipping sangria, hanging with friends and meeting new people
Insider tip for visitors to Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
MLK memorial and its surrounding memorials is best viewed at night. The monument, along with the other memorials on the Mall, is illuminated at night and offers a fabulous view of the city. In addition, early spring is a good time to catch the Cherry Blossom, and you'll be glad you saw this stunning view of Washington, D.C.
Author's bio: AdeOla Fadumiye moved to Washington D.C. from Minneapolis in 2007, and fell in love with its beautiful scenery, history and vibrant restaurant and night life. She graduated with a Mass Communication Degree from Winona State University, and is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of JostWrite. She loves reading, dancing, working out, and traveling. She is currently working on her first book.