Activity Overview
A 19-foot bronze statue of perhaps our nation's most esteemed founding father sits beneath a beautiful columned rotunda on the banks of the tidal basin. Visitors will enjoy a unique, 360 degree view of the city from the monument as well as water views of the tidal basin from the front.
Things to See & Do
A great way to see this memorial is to rent a paddle boat and check out the memorial from the tidal basin.
Enjoy the views. The view from the memorial looking across the water is breathtaking. In the spring, you’ll find the cherry blossoms and magnolia trees in bloom all around this memorial. Even when they are not in bloom, the trees are all still lovely.
Inside the memorial, the walls are filled with amazing and inspiring quotes from Jefferson and the founding fathers..
Visit the memorial at night. There were lights marking the path from the parking lot to the memorial entrance.
Jefferson Memorial Insider Tips
- There is an historical exhibit and gift shop below the monument so make sure to take the time to go down stairs.
- Restrooms are located below the monument as well.
- There is a parking lot not far from the memorial to park and walk. It is about a 2 block walk to the entrance of the memorial. From the entrance, there is still a bit of walking to get to the actual memorial.
- Since DC involves so much walking, you might consider taking a cab to the Jefferson or one of the tour buses.