World War II Memorial

Things To Do Near World War II Memorial

The World War II Memorial is a solemn place to pay tribute to those who served during the war. The north side of the memorial highlights victory over the Axis powers in Europe, while the south side shows victory in the Pacific. Read the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, President Harry S Truman, author Walter Lord, and commanding officers of the U.S. military on the granite walls to learn more about World War II. Stand in front of the field of gold stars, where each star represents 100 soldiers who paid the ultimate price during the war; all sound seems to disappear because of the monument's design. Walk around the granite columns in order as they are placed according to the sequence that the state or procession became part of the United States. 

Hiking Trails

• Peace Trail

  Head to the northwest corner of the National Mall to begin this hike in front of the United States Institute of Peace. Head northeast to see the United States Department of State building before turning south to see the Albert Einstein Memorial. You can also head southwest to see the Lincoln Memorial. The following three monuments on this path are the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. This hike finishes by circling the Tidal Basin, where you can see the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and Thomas Jefferson Memorial before ending at the Washington Monument. 

  Location

  United States Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C., 20037

  Length

  6 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Tidal Basin Loop Trail

  Start the Tidal Basin Loop at the 10-foot tall commemorative Japanese Lantern. It runs under beautiful cherry trees that were gifted to the American people by Tokyo's mayor. The trail also passes the Japanese Pagoda, a gift to the people of Washington D.C. by Yokohama, Japan's mayor, in 1957. Then, this trail runs past the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial before ending at the Kutz Memorial Bridge, named after Brigadier General Charles W. Kutz, the Commissioner of Engineering for Washington, D.C. 

  Location

  Japanese Lantern, National Mall, Washington, D.C., 20037

  Length

  4 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• The Memorials Trail

  This trail starts at the Washington Monument and runs around the Tidal Basin. It crosses Independence Drive and runs past the Korean War Veteran's Memorial, as well as the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. It concludes at the World War II Memorial. 

  Location

  2 15th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20024

  Length

  3.7 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Korean War Veterans Memorial

  The Korean War Veterans Memorial commemorates the soldiers that served in the Korean War. The stainless-steel statues represent the six different branches of the United States military that helped during that conflict. The walls at this memorial are etched with photos taken at home and aboard during the conflict. There are benches to sit on and reflect on the events of the war and those who paid the ultimate price. 

  Location

  900 Ohio Drive Southwest, Washington, DC 20024

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial

  The wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial lists the names of over 58,000 United States servicemen and women who died during the conflict. See the Three Boys Statue, the first artwork on the National Mall constructed by an African American artist. Purposefully, the statue shows a European, African, and Latino American to showcase that all ethnic groups helped in the conflict. You can also see the Vietnam Women's Memorial, which depicts three women caring for a wounded soldier. 

  Location

  5 Henry Bacon Drive Southwest, Washington, D.C., DC 20007

• Washington Memorial

  The 555-foot-tall marble obelisk Washington Monument is the tallest of the monuments on the National Mall. The memorial is built without any mortar to hold the blocks together. President Washington had suggested the site of this monument as a place to create an American Revolutionary War Memorial. The zinc cornerstone of this memorial contains copies of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, a U.S. dollar, a silk Texas flag, and the Annual Report of the Comptroller of the State of New York signed by future President Fillmore. 

  Location

  2 15th Street, Washington, D.C., 20024

Museums

• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

  The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum contains two permanent exhibits. The Hall of Remembrance is a hexagonal hall that serves as a reminder of those who died during the Holocaust. Chronologically, the museum uses over 70 video monitors and over 900 artifacts to help visitors explore Aryan ideology, Kristallnacht, antisemitism, the American response to Nazi Germany, the Final Solution, and the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. Timed tickets are required to enter this museum. 

  Location

  100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, Washington D.C. 20024

• National Museum of the American Indian

  Simulated wetlands surround the National Museum of the American Indian. Designers shaped the building to look like wind-and-water-eroded limestone. Some of the most impressive exhibits at this museum help visitors learn more about Chesapeake Bay Native Americans and the formation of the Inke Road. Native Americans often perform cultural dances and shows at this location. 

  Location

  4th St Southwest, Washington, DC 20560

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Smithsonian American Art Museum Renwick Gallery

  Find artist-designed jewelry, scarves, and home décor at the Smithsonian American Art Museum Renwick Gallery. They also offer great toys and kits for young artists. Additionally, they sell curated art and history books, as well as posters. 

  Location

  1661 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20006

• Franklin Delano Rosevelt Bookstore

  Located next to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Franklin Delano Rosevelt Bookstore is a fantastic place to find souvenirs of your visit to the National Mall. They sell commemorative pins, children's books, and patches. 

  Location

  1850 West Basin Drive Southwest, Washington, DC 20242

• Zaytinya

  Dine on small-plate Mediterranean cuisine at Zaytinya. This restaurant is divided into small sections to provide a more intimate dining experience. Try their Turkish braised lamb accompanied by Greek and Lebanese wines. 

  Location

  701 9th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C., 20001

• Café du Parc

  You will feel like you have left Washington, D.C., and traveled to Paris when you dine at Café du Parc. This restaurant set up to resemble a French brassiere serves outstanding breakfasts and creative French entrees for lunch and dinner. Head to the basement to enjoy French pastries and coffee. 

  Location

  1401 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20004

How To Get To World War II Memorial

The World War II Memorial is located about 1.8 miles from the White House. Walk in front of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and turn left at the corner to walk south on 17th Street Northwest. Continue until you cross Constitution Avenue. Make a slight left turn to continue on 17th Street Northwest. Look for the memorial on your right. 

Address

1750 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20024

Fee: Entry fee $0

With so many free things to do, including visiting the National Mall and Smithsonian Museums, Washington, D.C. is a great travel bargain. Enjoy your time in the district by bringing your RV. If you do not have one, then you can easily rent one on RVshare.com.