Things to do nearLincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, District of Columbia, stands as one of America's most iconic monuments, drawing visitors with its monumental architecture, reflective pool views, and deep civil rights history.
Dedicated in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was designed by architect Henry Bacon in the style of a Greek Doric temple, with 36 columns representing the states of the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. The 19-foot seated statue of Abraham Lincoln was sculpted by Daniel Chester French and took four years to complete, with the final work split across 28 separate marble pieces joined seamlessly together. The memorial sits at the western terminus of the National Mall, directly across from the Capitol building along a central axis that also includes the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial.
Beyond its architectural significance, the Lincoln Memorial has served as a stage for some of the most consequential moments in American public life. Marian Anderson performed here in 1939 after being barred from Constitution Hall, and the site became indelibly linked to the civil rights movement when Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his speech from its steps during the 1963 March on Washington.
Rangers from the National Park Service are stationed at the memorial and offer informal talks throughout the day. The surrounding grounds connect easily to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial, both a short walk away, making the western end of the Mall a natural circuit for a single afternoon. For all its familiarity from photographs and films, the Lincoln Memorial rewards a slow, unhurried visit in person, where the scale of the space and the weight of its history become genuinely felt rather than simply observed.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Lincoln Memorial
Visit after sunset when the memorial is illuminated and the crowds thin, offering a more contemplative experience along the reflecting pool.
Climb all 87 steps to the main chamber and look back toward the Washington Monument for one of the most sweeping views on the National Mall.
Read the full texts of Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and the Gettysburg Address, which are carved into the north and south interior walls.
Take time to visit the lower-level exhibit beneath the memorial, which details the building's construction history and its role in landmark civil rights events.
Arrive on a weekday morning during the off-season if you want to spend time inside the chamber without large tour groups present.
Top tours & experiences near Lincoln Memorial
Washington DC Monument Cruise from The Wharf
Sail past iconic monuments on a lively tiki boat with onboard bar and music.
Cleveland Park Guided Walking Tour From The Cathedral
Walk Cleveland Park from Washington National Cathedral to McLean Gardens
U Street Jazz Cocktail Tour in Washington, D.C.
Sip craft cocktails and explore U Street’s jazz heritage with a guide
National Mall Guided Walking Tour With Washington Monument
Walk the National Mall in a small group, then enter the Washington Monument on your own
Explore Washington DC on a Guided Bus Tour With Entry
See DC by convertible bus with reserved entry to the U.S. Capitol and National Archives
Explore Washington DC VIP Tour With Capitol Entry
See DC’s top memorials with reserved entry to the U.S. Capitol and National Archives
3-Hour Washington, D.C. Guided Night City Tour
See Washington, D.C. landmarks lit up on a 3-hour guided night tour
Cruise the Potomac River With Open Bar in Washington, DC
Sail the Potomac on a 21+ party yacht with premium open bar
Narrated 1-Hour Washington, DC Sightseeing Cruise
See DC landmarks on a 1-hour narrated Potomac River cruise
Cruise the Potomac on a 2-Hour Pirate Party in DC
2-hour adults-only pirate ship party cruise with open bar
Cruise on a 2-Hour Private Charter in Washington, DC
Book a 2-hour private charter from Navy Yard for 25–48 guests (21+)
Single Kayak Rental on the Potomac River in DC
Paddle a single kayak from Key Bridge Boathouse in Georgetown
Double Kayak Rental in Georgetown at Key Bridge
Paddle a double kayak under Key Bridge in Georgetown
Explore Washington, D.C. Highlights on a 3-Hour Private Tour
See D.C.’s top landmarks in 3 hours with your private guide and vehicle
Private 3-Hour Black History Tour in Washington, D.C.
Tour D.C. Black history sites by private vehicle, with museum admission included
Take a 1-Hour Pirate Treasure Hunt Cruise in DC
Join a family pirate treasure hunt cruise with water cannon battles
Brunch Cruise on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.
Cruise the Potomac with a brunch buffet, open bar, and DJ
Dupont Circle & Embassy Row Walking Tour in DC
Walk Dupont Circle and Embassy Row for Gilded Age mansions, diplomacy, and scandals
National Mall Architecture & Memorials Walking Tour
Walk the National Mall and learn the stories behind its monuments and memorial designs
Explore Washington, DC Architecture Cruise
Cruise the Potomac and learn DC design stories from Georgetown to the National Mall
Private Washington, DC Monuments Boat Tour
Customize a private DC-area boat tour from National Harbor (2-hour minimum)
Customize a Private Boat Tour in Washington, DC
Private, customizable boat tour from The Yards Marina for up to 6 guests
Customize a Private Washington, DC Boat Tour
Cruise the Potomac on a private, customizable boat tour from Georgetown
Customize a Private Washington, DC Boat Cruise
Charter a private DC boat tour from The Wharf for up to 6 guests
90-Minute Guided Monument Kayak Tour in Washington, D.C.
Paddle past DC landmarks from Key Bridge Boathouse
Kayak Washington, DC Monuments Happy Hour Tour
Paddle past DC monuments, then relax with live music at Key Bridge Boathouse