One of the best ways to see D.C.’s many beautiful monuments & memorials is at night. It’s easiest to do if you have a car, but is possible to do on the Metro subway or walking as well (just be careful, pay attention to your surroundings & don’t stay out too late).
Starting on the east end of the National Mall is the U.S. Capitol. This geographic center of the city practically glows when it is lit up at night. Curious if Congress is in session? If they are, a light at the top of the dome will be illuminated.
(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved
Heading down the Mall, you’ll pass the Smithsonian Museums & find the Washington Monument. This 555 foot tall obelisk was built to commemorate our first president, George Washington & is the tallest structure in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, the monument is closed to visitors until at least 2013, due to damage done during the earthquake which struck the area in August 2012. Even though the inside is closed, it’s still a magnificent structure to walk up to & marvel at, especially at night.
(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved
Immediately west of the Washington Monument is the beautiful National World War II Memorial. One of my favorite spots at night, this memorial contains 56 pillars honoring the service of men & women in the 48 U.S. states, territories & districts of 1945. Plazas on opposing ends of the monument recognizing the Atlantic & Pacific campaigns. Perhaps the most moving portion of the memorial is the Freedom Wall, which has 4,048 gold stars, each representing 100 Americans who died in the war. The Freedom Wall truly drives home the enormity of the sacrifice made during World War II.
(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved
Anchoring the far end of the National Mall, & visible from the National World War II Memorial is the Lincoln Memorial. One of the most popular monuments, even at night, you’ll find the steps of the Lincoln Memorial crowded with visitors. Step inside to read President Abraham Lincoln’s famous words etched into the walls (see if you can find where they had to fix the mistake made while etching in his second inaugural address!) & marvel at the 19′ tall statue of Lincoln himself. Finally, stand at the top of the steps where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech & enjoy a beautiful view looking out over the National Mall.
(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved
If you have a car, head out of the city to an overlook point in Arlington, Virginia to get a great view of all the monuments & memorials you’ve already seen up close. Once across the river, follow signs for the Iwo Jima Memorial/Rosslyn, turn off Route 110 onto N. Marshall Drive & right onto the little access road (Iwo Jima Memorial Access Drive). There, next to Arlington National Cemetery, is a clearing which looks across the Potomac River into Washington, D.C. This view is most breathtaking at night & is an excellent place to watch the fireworks on the Fourth of July (be prepared to camp out all day for a spot). You can pull over on the side of the access road to snap a few pictures, but parking is not allowed.
(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved
Once you’re done marveling at the views, continue down the drive to the stunning Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial. Drive around the back for an especially great view of the Memorial & Washington, D.C. There are often Veterans visiting, so take a moment to thank them for all they have done.
(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved
Over the next few weeks, I’m doing a series of blog posts on my new adopted hometown: Washington, D.C. Did I miss your favorite spot? Is there something you’ve always wanted to know about America’s capital? A tip you’re dying to hear for your upcoming trip? Leave me a note in the comments section & let me know!
Leave a Reply