The Lincoln Memorial is located at the west end of the National Mall. After spending some time enjoying the illuminated Washington Monument and World War II Memorial, head back to the pathway that runs alongside the National Mall. The pathway at this point becomes even more park-like as it runs under trees and along the famous reflecting pool that sits at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial. There are definitely fewer street lamps and lighted areas along this pathway, so be sure you are with someone else or a group of people.
As Jim and I headed toward the Lincoln Memorial we decided to stray away from the path a little and head to the middle where the reflecting pool is located. You can actually walk along the edge of the Reflecting pool on a narrow cement border, or you can walk through the grass. (See Travel Tips and Info below for a goose-poop warning)! By walking in the center you get a full view of the Lincoln Memorial the whole way and you can enjoy the night-lights reflecting in the pool.
(Quick Note: Nestled and almost forgotten in the trees along the South pathway is the World War I Memorial. It is not very well lit and is back in the trees just a little. The first time we were in Washington D.C. we didn’t even notice it was there. If you are interested in seeing it, simple but memorable, be sure to walk along the southern pathway on your way to the Lincoln Memorial.)
Once you arrive at the Lincoln Memorial you will find that many tourists gather here at night. Not only is the bright statue of Lincoln quite grandiose and awe inspiring, but the view of the National Mall from the steps of this memorial is one of my favorite night views in Washington D.C. From here you can see the Washington Monument perfectly mirrored in the reflecting pool as if there are two instead of just one. You can also see the Capitol building in all its glory off in the distance. On a nice night, one that is not bitterly cold, this would be a great place to take a seat and enjoy the lights.
There are two other “must see” memorials located right near the Lincoln Memorial: The Vietnam Memorial and the Korean Memorial. Both of these Memorials are very unique and they too, like the flags blowing around the Washington Monument, create almost an ominous feeling when lit up at night. The Vietnam Memorial is on the northern side of the Lincoln Memorial and the Korean Memorial is on the southern side.
If you are planning a trip to D.C., definitely be sure to choose a night to walk the National Mall and enjoy some of our nation’s most famous monuments and memorials in a while new light.
Other sites that are cool to see at night (not on the National Mall):
- The White House
- The Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- The FDR Memorial
Travel Tips and Info:
- The full walk between the steps of the Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial is just about two miles.
- Both the pathway on the north side and the pathway on the south lead to the Lincoln Memorial.
- If you don’t feel skilled at maneuvering around goose poop, you might not want to walk in the grass along the reflecting pool.
- If you are ever on the National Mall around sunset, take a walk to the World War II Memorial area or the reflecting pool and watch the sunset over the Lincoln Memorial.
- There is a small room beneath the Lincoln memorial where you can read information about its history and the President that inspired it.
