Lincoln Memorial

Although the Lincoln Memorial is just one of the District's many memorials/monuments, the larger-than-life Honest Abe is also among travelers' and experts' favorites. History buffs might enjoy the man of few word's (albeit powerful words) two famous speeches, the second inaugural address and the Gettysburg Address, which are all etched into the memorial's opposing walls.

The Lincoln Memorial is free and can be viewed 24 hours a day, but experts say the most ambient (and less crowded) time to visit is after dark. Travelers should note that it's only staffed until midnight. You'll find it at the eastern end of the National Mall. One TripAdvisor traveler describes her experience like this, "It is so spectacular and moving to approach this memorial in the dark, all lit up, to walk the stairs and get your first glimpse of the massive, seated Lincoln beyond the columns."