World War II Memorial
#12 in Best Things To Do in Washington, D.C.
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A popular memorial, the 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 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 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 World War II Memorial page.
More Best Things To Do in Washington, D.C.
#1 Lincoln Memorial
Although the Lincoln Memorial is just one of the District's many monuments, the larger-than-life Honest Abe is also among travelers' favorites. History buffs might enjoy the man of few (albeit powerful) words' two famous speeches, the second inaugural address and the Gettysburg Address, which are both etched into the memorial's opposing walls. Meanwhile, art history and architecture aficionados will enjoy admiring the building's striking design by Henry Bacon, complete with 38 Doric columns, 36 of which signify the states in the Union at the time Lincoln passed away.
Though most agree the Lincoln Memorial is worth checking out during the day or at night, many recent travelers say the most captivating time to visit is after dark when the attraction is lit and less crowded. Plus, evening temps will make peak summer visits more comfortable.
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