The Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) memorial is unlike any other monument in Washington D.C. The memorial is situated along the Tidal Basin, and is made up of a path winding its way through trees, water features, brass statues, and memorable quotes carved into stone walls. It is a fittingly complex tribute to a man who was Assistant Secretary to the Navy, the longest-serving U.S. president, creator of the New Deal, and president during World War II.
Parking and public transportation at the FDR Memorial
For those driving, there is parking along both Ohio Drive and West Basin Drive, but be warned, spaces fill fast. Those taking the subway should get off at the Smithsonian Metro station on the orange, blue, and silver lines. The walk to the FDR Memorial is about a mile long, but it is around the Tidal Basin, and very pretty. Those using the Capital Bikeshare program will find docks right outside the entrance to the memorial on Ohio Drive, at the Jefferson Memorial, or at the Lincoln Memorial.
Best and worst time to go to the FDR Memorial
The best time to visit the FDR Memorial is during cherry blossom season. The trees in bloom around the Tidal Basin are an incredible sight. However, Washington D.C. gets extremely crowded during this time, so visit on weekdays or in the early morning to avoid the worst of the crush.
Admission to the FDR Memorial
Admission to the memorial is free, and the memorial is open 24 hours a day. Rangers are there to answer questions between 9:30am and 11:30 pm.
Must see/do at the FDR Memorial
Take a second to stand in front of the statue of FDR in his wheelchair. Initially, the park wasn't going to include this statue, but after heavy lobbying, they changed their mind. It serves as a powerful reminder that we shouldn't underestimate or judge people based on their physical abilities or disabilities.
Other places to visit near the FDR Memorial
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the George Mason Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial are all located within walking distance around the Tidal Basin. The full walk around the Tidal Basin through these monuments takes about an hour.
Insider tip for visitors to the FDR Memorial
Renting out a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin is a great way to get a different perspective on the memorials. Choose a day that is not too hot, when there's no chance of rain, and make sure to bring along a companion with strong legs.
Author's bio: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins has been living in DC since she was born, with the exception of a few brief residential stints in Malawi, South Africa, and the UK. When not writing, she spends her time working on aerial acrobatics and fostering kittens, both of which are really fun facts to bring up at D.C. cocktail parties.
Washington, D.C.'s United States Navy Memorial is a popular outdoor spot for locals and a great place to visit if you're traveling down the storied parade route of Pennsylvania Avenue. The prominent sculptures, fountains and signal flags combine to honor those who have served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.
How to get to the United States Navy Memorial
If you're traveling by car, bike or foot, the United States Navy Memorial is located directly off of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 7th and 9th Streets NW, directly opposite the National Archives Building. Street parking in the area is metered. By metro, the memorial is found on either the green or yellow line at the top of the escalator upon exiting the National Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station.
Best and worst time to go to the United States Navy Memorial
Beautifully lit during the evening hours, the memorial's fountains are best experienced at night during the Spring and Summer months. If you visit during the daytime and the sun is shining, you'll be sharing the memorial with crowds of office workers lounging on their lunch break.
Admission to the United States Navy Memorial
The memorial is free to all and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Must see/do at the United States Navy Memorial
Take the time to walk around and enjoy at the 26 finely carved relief sculptures which surround the memorial's front entrance. Each one depicts a stirring scene from the navy's history in marvelous detail.
Other places to visit near the United States Navy Memorial
Take a trip across the street to see the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution at the National Archives Building. If the line is too long, head over to the intersection of 7th and E Streets NW to visit Clara Barton's Missing Soldier's Office Museum.
Insider tip for visitors to the United States Navy Memorial
A great nearby lunch spot is Hill Country Barbecue at the corner of 7th and D Streets NW. If you like the idea of eating pulled pork sandwiches and drinking lemonade out of a mason jar, this is the spot for you.
Author's bio: Aaron is a freelance writer and licensed D.C. tour guide living in the nation's capital. He is a true history geek and loves showing off the city to visitors. Follow his exploits by visiting www.historicamerica.org.
The National Mall connects the majority of Washington D.C.'s monuments and museums. Spanning nearly two miles between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial, the Mall includes token tourist destinations from The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to the Vietnam Memorial. If you visit the National Mall, plan on being there for a while because you can knock out visits to the Smithsonian museums, The White House, monuments and memorials all in one day.
Parking at the National Mall
Thinking about driving to the National Mall? Don't. Parking is not easy, and if you are lucky enough to find a spot you will either have to pay a meter or be prepared to shell out at least $15 for garage parking.
Public Transportation at the National Mall
Taking the Metro to the National Mall is the best way to get there. Depending on how much walking you want to do, you can choose from up to 10 stations to get out of. The Mall is a big place, so plan your station stop according to what part of the Mall you are going to visit first. The Smithsonian stop is a popular one for tourists as it lets you out in the middle of everything. Get out at Gallery Place or McPherson Square and take a short walk if you want to avoid crowds.
Best Time to Go to the National Mall
At night. It's less crowded and viewing the monuments and buildings on the National Mall lit up at night is a sight not to be missed.
Worst Time to Go to the National Mall
Summer. D.C. summers are not just hot, they are humid. Humidity + large tourist crowds = very little space to mill about in the Mall's air conditioned museums. If you are in Washington in the summertime, the best time to hit the Mall would be on a weekday. If the weekend is the only time you have, start early in the morning.
Admission to the National Mall
Admission is free. The park is open 24 hours a day except for memorial closures on December 25.
Must see/do at the National Mall
Go to the basement of the National Gallery of Art where an awe-inspiring light-up tunnel/art installation awaits. It connects the East and West buildings of the gallery.
Other places to visit near the National Mall
After all of that walking around the National Mall, you're going to need to refuel. I suggest Astro's Fried Chicken and Doughnuts on G Street, a 15 minute walk from the Mall. There are also several restaurants to choose from in Chinatown form sushi to burgers to Chinese food. Check out the Chinatown bridge over H Street while you're there.
Insider Tip for Visitors of the National Mall
Utilize the National Park maps spread about the Mall. They are a great resource whether you get lost or are looking for what landmark or museum you want to venture to next.
Anna Jacoby was raised in the District of Columbia and has lived there for over 20 years. She graduated from Boston University in 2012 with a degree is journalism. Anna is a freelance writer, music lover, and city buff.
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., is easily one of the world's most recognizable monuments. Filled with architectural details and nuances, the memorial pays tribute to the president credited with saving the Union. Part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, the Lincoln Memorial is the most visited site on the National Mall. Started in 1914 and dedicated in 1922, people from around the world and the nation flock to pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by mentions of his most famous words and works.
Parking and public transportation at the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is at the western edge of the National Mall, two miles from the Capitol Building. Parking for the area can be found at Ohio Drive, SW between the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials, while accessible parking can be found adjacent to the Memorial at Daniel Chester French Drive SW.
The Lincoln Memorial can also be reached by public transportation and then walked to. The nearest Metro stop is Foggy Bottom (23rd St. &I St. NW) and Smithsonian (12th St. &Independence Ave. SW).
The National Mall is bike friendly and if you don't have your own, a Capital Bikeshare location can be found on Daniel French Drive SW.
Best and worst time to go to the Lincoln Memorial
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation, the steps of the Lincoln Memorial are always crowded, especially during national holidays and school holidays. The National Mall is open 24 hours, so going at off times, like sunrise and sunset, not only afford beautiful lighting but also the chance of seeing fewer mass groups.
Admission to the Lincoln Memorial
Admission to the Lincoln Memorial is free. You can check out the details and stay on the steps for as long as you like. There is a small gift store where you can buy memorabilia pertaining to the area.
Must see/do at the Lincoln Memorial
If you are interested in American history and learning more about the Lincoln Memorial and other sites of interest on the National Mall, then check out the free walking and biking tours that are offered. An annual highlight is the Independence Day celebration. Crowds converge upon the National Mall for a day filled with activities, highlighted by a spectacular fireworks display in the evening.
Other places to visit near the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is part of the National Mall, a vast park that includes the Washington Monument and many other memorials dedicated to wars, presidents and important leaders. At various points within the mall, you can find concessions such as ice cream and snack vendors.
Insider tips for visitors to the Lincoln Memorial
The National Mall is two miles long, from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather, as it is also a walk from the nearest parking and Metro stations. Sunscreen and plenty of water are essential during D.C.'s hot summer months.
Author's bio: Carly Zinderman is a freelance writer from Los Angeles that loves to travel. She has written for many websites on topics including travel, food and drink.