Monument Walking Tour You Can Do Before the Museums Open
Organizing a monument walking tour in Washington, DC, is a big task! There are so many to see, and even limiting yourself to the National Mall can require several hours of walking around. This tour can be done anytime but I’ve limited it to about 1 to 2 hours with the idea that you can do it between 8 and 10 am, before the museums open. You could also do this tour between 5 and 7 pm after the museums close or in the middle of the day.
When planning your walking tour, be mindful that most of it will be in the sun. Bring good walking shoes, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes for the weather. If you choose to do this tour in the evening, remember that the sun will set earlier in fall and winter. The National Mall is usually very safe in the evening, and you will see many tourists and locals enjoying the monuments during this time. Just practice situational awareness!
The walk from the Smithsonian Metro station around the reflecting pool back to the African American History Museum takes about 1 hour plus time to stop at each monument. This includes walking into Constitution Gardens to see the Signers Memorial. There are restrooms and water fountains along the route but note that sometimes the water fountains are off during winter.
Starting Point: The Smithsonian Metro Stop
You can start this tour anywhere but for the sake of this post, I’m going to assume you are taking the Metro to the Smithsonian Metro stop. This stop serves the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines. The exit will put you directly on the National Mall where you can immediately see major landmarks to help you navigate. From here, head toward the Washington Monument.
The Washington Monument
Snap your photos from farther away and then again as you get closer to the monument for a variety of shots. As you get closer, you’ll notice the stones don’t match exactly. This is because the monument was built in two phases from 1848 to 1854 and from 1876 to 1884. Because of this, the stone from the quarry used in the first phase was no longer available and they had to find a different quarry to complete the project.
Want to go inside the Washington Monument? You’ll need to grab tickets for the Washington Monument about 30 days in advance or right at 10 am the day before. There are also a few same-day tickets available in person starting at 8:45 am. Most locals will say the view isn’t worth the hype. For the best views of the city, check out the Old Post Office Tower or even better – head to a rooftop in Arlington.
World War II Memorial
Next, head to the World War II Memorial. This memorial always feels especially powerful to me due to the sounds of the water and the giant open-air area to walk around. There are 56 pillars representing each state and territory during the war. You can also visit the Freedom Wall to see all 400,000 names of those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Next, head to the left of the Reflecting Pool toward the Korean War Veterans Memorial. This memorial strikes a very different tone than the triumphant tone of the World War II Memorial. You’ll see statues of soldiers moving through fog, symbolizing the challenges and uncertainties of the war. It is much quieter and meant to invoke the feeling of isolation many people felt during this war.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial sits at the end of the National Mall and will be in view for most of this walking tour. You can take photos from many angles and go inside to see the Lincoln statue. This memorial is currently under a massive renovation project that will add 15,000 square feet of exhibit space, a larger bookstore, new restrooms, and an additional elevator. The memorial will remain open for visitors during renovation and is expected to be completed in July 2026.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Women’s Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is known as the quiet, dark wall with the names of veterans printed on it. Even if the National Mall is loud and lively on the day you visit, this memorial almost always has a hushed and sober tone. While you are here, take a moment to honor the veterans at the wall, see the Three Servicemen Statue, and visit the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.
Constitution Gardens
A lot of people miss Constitution Gardens even though they pass right by it when walking by the Reflecting Pool. This park is a great spot to take a break after your walking tour. Check out the little pond and eat any snacks you brought in the grass. The pond has a small island that is accessible by a footbridge. Cross the bridge to see the Signer’s Memorial, which has copies of all of the signers of the Declaration of Independence engraved in stone.
After visiting Consitution Gardens, you can head back to the Smithsonian Metro stop. Or you will be about a 15 minute walk to the American History Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the African American History Museum.
Bonus: Walk Around the Tidal Basin
If you have some extra time, head toward the Tidal Basin after visiting the World War II Memorial. If you are facing the Lincoln Memorial, it will be on your left. The Jefferson Memorial is visible from across the water for photos, or you can walk around it. If you do the loop, you will see the Jefferson Memorial, the George Mason Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
After you complete the loop, you can continue the route above by heading toward the Korean War Veterans Memorial after the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The loop around the Tidal Basin takes about 40 to 50 minutes plus time to stop at each monument.