A popular memorial, the National World War II Memorial was dedicated in 2004 to the 400,000-plus Americans who died during the war. A circle of 56 pilings (representing the then 56 U.S. states and territories) looks over the Rainbow Pool. At night, with lights shining, this memorial can be quite ethereal.

Past visitors said they felt inspired after visiting the National World War II Memorial. Though you'll rub elbows with other tourists in the spring and summer, previous travelers suggest timing your visit during one of these seasons so you can enjoy the memorial's fountains and waterfalls.

The National World War II Memorial is located on the National Mall's main drag, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, and can be reached by taking the DC Circulator's National Mall bus or the Metro's Blue, Silver or Orange line to Smithsonian station. It's also a featured stop on many of the city's best bus tours. The sight is free to explore 24 hours a day, but it is only staffed by National Park Service rangers every day from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. For further details, consult the National Park Service's official National WWII Memorial page.