10 Famous Landmarks in Washington DC You Must See

If you are traveling to Washington DC, you must visit some of the most famous Washington DC landmarks and memorials. This blog post will tell you which ones are the most famous Washington sites, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the White House, Abraham Lincoln Memorial, and other parts of this city filled with American history. Some of the most famous landmarks in Washington DC:

1. Abraham Lincoln Memorial

The Abraham Lincoln Memorial was completed in 1922 and is one of the most famous Washington DC landmarks. It has 36 columns representing each state at the time of Lincoln’s death. The statue of Lincoln is 19 feet tall and carved from 28 blocks of marble. There were 16 sculptors who worked on this project for four years. Inside, there are murals by Jules Guerin with scenes depicting the principles governing Lincoln’s life.

2. Washington Monument

The Washington Monument was built to commemorate George Washington’s military achievement in the Revolutionary War. Washington went on to be the first president of the United States. It is 555 feet tall and took 37 years to build. The monument was closed after an earthquake in 2011 damaged it, but it reopened in May 2014. Visitors can now ride an elevator up to the top for a great view of DC. 

3. The White House

If you want to see some of the more historic landmarks in Washington DC, check out the White House. The White House is home to the president of the United States and has been since 1800. It is also the oldest federal building in Washington DC and is a popular tourist destination. 

4. Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a wall with 58,281 names carved into it. It was dedicated in 1982 and honors those who died during the Vietnam War. Visitors often leave items at the memorial as tribute, such as flowers, letters, and photos.

5. World War II Memorial

The World War II memorial is a beautiful tribute to those who made victory possible. It has wonderful fountains and 56 pillars, each representing one of the 50 states and Washington DC and six other territories, including American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The memorial was dedicated in 2004.

6. Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is a must-see in DC, not just for its size and rows upon endless miles of white markers, but also because each grave tells an interesting story about the person who rests there. Here you will find the graves of two presidents, heroes, athletes, and actors. You can also see the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

7. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial pays tribute to FDR, the 32nd president of the United States. It includes waterfalls and four outdoor rooms representing each term of his presidency. The memorial was dedicated in 1997 and is located next to the Jefferson Memorial along the Tidal Basin.

8. Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial was dedicated in 1943. It is located just across the Tidal Basin from the Washington Monument and has an impressive view of DC. The memorial contains a 19-foot bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson inside, who wrote the Declaration of Independence.

9. The National Mall

The National Mall is a place of honor and memory. It’s a stage that hosts events including the annual Independence Day celebration as well as numerous protests. All along it you’ll find some of the famous Smithsonian museums. 

10. United States Capitol

The United States Capitol building is where Congress meets to make the country’s laws and is one of the most iconic Washington DC landmarks. It first opened in 1800. It was completed in 1866 and its cast iron dome is 288 feet high. It has wonderfully manicured gardens.

The Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Vietnam War Memorial are just a few of DC’s many famous monuments. If you plan on visiting any time soon, don’t leave without taking in all that these landmarks have to offer. So do yourself a favor and visit – make sure to take your camera because they are quite photogenic.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Arlington National Cemetery: Secrets and Stories

Every working day more than twenty Americans who sacrificed for their country are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  On this tour we learn the secrets of Arlington's past and present and the fascinating stories of those buried here. And while Arlington's dead rest in peace, we'll see that they are still always working.  

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Hidden on Capitol Hill

Few people think beyond the Capitol when they think of the Hill. This tour takes you to the heart of a neighborhood with a fascinating history that still speaks to us today. Learn about these famous locations from a former Capitol Hill resident.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Embassy Row: Divinity & Diplomats

Most Embassy Row tours don’t venture far beyond Dupont Circle. But ours does. We see it all from top to bottom. This stretch of Massachusetts Avenue used to be called Millionaires Row where Gilded Age robber-barons built grand mansions. Today those mansions house most of Washington’s embassies, along with private clubs and statues of world heroes such as Mandela, Gandhi, and Churchill – and we will be right in the heart of it.

Duration
8 hours
Group Size
1 to 6

Customized Private Tours

There are no limits here! This tour is whatever you want it to be. See the part of Washington, DC you’ve always wanted to with an expert guide who has been in the city for more than thirty years. Our Washington Private Tours are perfect for those looking to learn more about DC in a fun and safe manner. See what you like for however long you like, accompanied by an expert guide!

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
2 to 6

Above It All - Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece. Perched on a hill overlooking the city it is the second largest cathedral in the country and the 6th largest in the world. It is a living work of art filled with stained-glass, hand-carved wood, and wrought iron. While a modern structure (finished in 1990) it is constructed in the old-world way and has no structural steel.