World War II Memorial
4.9(26K)google
4.7(365)yelp
MilitaryHistoryCity LandmarkPhoto SpotFree
Overview
The World War II Memorial is a grand, beautifully crafted plaza that honors the incredible service and ultimate sacrifice of sixteen million members of the United States Armed Forces. Perfectly positioned between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, its circular design features fifty-six granite pillars representing American states and territories. Two massive triumphal arches flank a spectacular central fountain, creating a highly reflective, peaceful environment for remembering global victory and unity.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 30-45 minutes
Best TimeLate afternoon through evening during spring and autumn is an excellent time to visit. The illuminated monuments and fountains look stunning against the night sky, and the evening temperatures are much more comfortable.
Getting ThereTake the Metro Blue, Orange, or Silver lines to either the Smithsonian or Federal Triangle stations, and then walk for about 10 to 15 minutes toward the Washington Monument on the National Mall.
Travel Tips
- Do not dip your feet or swim in the central Rainbow Pool. Wading is strictly prohibited by federal park regulations and monitored by Park Police, resulting in immediate warnings or fines. Sitting on the perimeter stone benches is permitted.
- Facilities are scarce on the open plaza. The nearest public restrooms are tucked behind the informational kiosk on the south side (near Independence Ave). The site sits in a transit blind spot; the closest Metro is Smithsonian station, requiring a 10-15 minute walk.
Photo Tips
Best LightLocated between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, this plaza is open 24/7 with no shade, making summer days punishing. Visit at night when the central fountain and state pillars are brilliantly illuminated, offering prime reflections of the Washington Monument.
Reviews
Positive
- The memorial scale is spectacular, with the massive fountain matrix and granite pillars representing states and territories forming a perfectly symmetrical axis on the Mall.
- It serves as an excellent spot to cool down along the National Mall; sitting on the stone ledge of the center fountain listening to the splashing water is wonderful.
- Open free 24/7 with superb accessibility; a night visit is highly recommended as the warm underwater lighting and the distant Washington Monument form a serene view.
- The accessibility engineering is exceptional, featuring long, gentle ramps and smooth tactile paths directly into the plaza center for veterans in wheelchairs or families with strollers.
Heads up
- Situated exactly between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, it has zero mature shade trees, making it intensely hot under direct summer sunlight.
- The educational signage is bare-bones; aside from state names and battles carved in stone, there are few detailed history plaques or QR codes for independent learning.
- Despite strict signs prohibiting wading, you often see unsupervised kids and tourists putting their bare feet into the memorial fountain water, which ruins the somber respect.
- The surrounding amenities are very sparse; the closest public restrooms, water fountains, and snack kiosks require a lengthy walk across the gravel paths.