Lincoln Memorial
- Address: Independence Avenue SW, at 23rd Street NW, National Mall, Washington D.C.
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day
- Admission: Free
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Must-Do Experience,
People Watching,
Popular with Locals,
Monument - Historical
Here's a local secret: if you're ever stuck in a thunderstorm while wandering around the Mall, make a dash for the Lincoln Memorial. Thunder seems to rumble like clockwork nearly every 4th of July, and everyone in the know takes shelter under the marble dome, crouching near the foot of the enormous chair in which a gigantic Lincoln holds court.
In a city of icons, the Lincoln Memorial is truly a highlight. It's the classicism evoked by the Greek temple design, or the way the memorial so perfectly anchors the Mall's west end, or maybe just the stony dignity of Lincoln's gaze and the power of his speeches engraved in the wall. Nonetheless, a visit here while gazing over the 2,000ft(600m) Reflecting Pool is a defining D.C. moment.
For these are the steps where lovers kiss, schoolchildren lounge, protesters gather, and Martin Luther King Jr’s "I Have a Dream" speech seared itself into the national conscience. This stunning location is also a favorite spot for Hollywood blockbusters. Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn discussed girls on the steps in the Wedding Crashers, while Reese Witherspoon's Elle Woods sought Lincoln's advice in Legally Blonde 2.
Latest Reviews
Review by Karen W, Australia, July 2012
Doing what: Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour by Trolley
Absolutely enjoyed this tour, was given time at the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial and the FDR Memorial to look around and get pictures. A good way to see the sights at night.
Review by Linda J, March 2012
Doing what: Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour by Trolley
Outstanding tour! Tour guide, Bill Thomas was exceptional: friendly, well informed and articulate. The memorials we saw sparkled in the darkness and the three stops during wish we had time to get out of the bus and spend time were inspiring. We walked around 1. FDR and MLK, Jr. memorial, 2. Lincoln, World War II and Viet Nam memorials and 3. Iwo Jima statue. From the bus we saw and learned the history of Arlington Cemetery (the Lees,
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal light flickering at JFK's gravesite), Jefferson Memorial and other historic areas.
It was an awesome and educational night and
I recommend it with enthusiasm.
Review by Pamela B, July 2011
Doing what: Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour by Trolley
Recommend the tour. The driver was informative and entertaining. It was a beautiful moonlit night (great luck/timing with that!) Rushed for time at the Lincoln/Korean War/Vietnam Memorials; only got to see two of three with time alotted. On the negative side, Viator did not notify the trolley co. of our reservation (discovered the day of the tour when we confirmed), but the trolley co. fit us in.
Note from Viator: Thank you for your comment. In case it isn't clear, Viator does not individually notify the tour operator of each individual who books the tour through our web site. As it says in the information section for this tour listing, "You must present a paper voucher for this tour. We will email a link to access and print your voucher at the Lead Travelers email address." That is all you should have to do to take this tour.
Practical Info
The Lincoln Memorial anchors the west end of the National Mall, perfectly balancing the long axis of the Mall, its back fronting the Potomac River. Like other attractions on the Mall, the memorial is accessible via public transportation. A visit here also serves as a respite from visiting museums, while still retaining the D.C. experience.
