When visiting our nation's capital, there's lots to see and do that won't cost you any money. Memorials to great leaders of our country rise above the landscape to honor those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.
However, a free afternoon of touring DC can be hindered by limited parking in the city or running back to the car to feed the meter.
A perfectly fun day can be had starting from the National Parks parking lots just south of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial (see map above), which has free, all day parking for visitors, and a perfect place to start your day.
Start by heading to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and then follow the path along the Tidal Basin to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (one of my favorite memorials), which follows along the Tidal Basin in a beautiful, serene memorial.
Follow the Tidal Basin up to Independence Ave. for the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, which is a beautiful, touching memorial. While we were visiting, we saw many visitors at this memorial crying or wiping away tears.
Across the street is the Korean War Veterans Memorial and then follow the path to the Lincoln Memorial. Following around the Reflecting Pool is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a touching memorial, that is very simplistic compared to others, but the items left in front of the memorial and letters, cards, photographs and more makes it one of the most touching memorials in DC (I think).
As you continue around the Reflecting Pool, you can walk along side it (when the path is open, it is currently under construction) or walk through Constitution Gardens. Both paths will connect you to the World War II Memorial.
From the WWII Memorial you can access the Washington Monument, which is currently closed since the recent August 2011 earthquake.
From here, if you're ready to head back, catch 15th Street SW, which winds around the Washington Monument and past the Holocaust Museum (which, I've been told is a very moving museum), and also has free admission.
Ta-da! An entirely free day in a city that has topped the 2011 list of "shopaholic" cities.
No comments:
Post a Comment