Things To Do Near Vietnam Veterans Memorial
If you lost someone close to you or one of your ancestors during the Vietnam War, you can find his or her name among the 58,000 names on the wall. Use the catalog near the memorial’s entrance to see the panel number where the name is located. You will also want to view the Three Soldiers statue as it is the first piece of art on the National Mall created by an African American artist, a man named Frederick Hart. Many find this location a great place to slow down and reflect.
Hiking Trails
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Capital Crescent Trail
The Capital Crescent Trail starts at 30th Street at K Street Northwest, and its 11-mile course ends on Kansas Avenue in Silver Springs, Maryland. It is paved between Georgetown and Bethesda, and the remaining five miles are crushed stone. This section of the trail serves as the trailhead for the Great American Rail-Trai, which runs over 4,000 miles to Washington state.
Location
30 Street at K Street Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20007
Length
11 Miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Rock Creek Park Trail
This trail starts at Chestnut Street at Oregon Avenue Northwest, and it ends in Rock Creek Park at Rock Creek Parkway Northwest and Parkway Drive Northwest. The paved multi-use trail runs parallel to Beach Drive and Oregon Avenue. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along this trail without leaving Washington, D.C. Rock Creek Park is the largest urban park operated by the National Park Service.
Location
Chestnut Street at Oregon Avenue Northwest, Washington D.C. 20037
Length
8.5 Miles
Intensity
Moderate
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C&O Canal Towpath
The C&O Canal Towpath follows the north bank of the Potomac River from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. This crushed stone path starts near the former Georgetown Visitor Center and runs through Fletcher’s Cove and the Carderock Recreation Area.
Location
Georgetown Visitor Center, 1057 Thomas Jefferson Street Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20007
Length
184.5 Miles
Intensity
Difficult
Sightseeing
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Constitution Gardens
The 50 acres that make up Constitution Gardens, located just east of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, were once under the Potomac River. The gardens were first opened in May 1976 as an American Revolution Bicentennial tribute, and President Reagan signed a proclamation in 1986 to make it a living legacy tribute to the Constitution.
Location
1850 Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20002
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Vietnam Women’s Memorial
The Vietnam Women’s Memorial is directly south of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This statue portrays three women caring for a dying soldier. It is designed to serve as a tribute to all women who served during the Vietnam War. It is the first memorial on the National Mall to honor the patriotic service of women.
Location
5 Henry Bacon Drive Southwest Washington, D.C. 20007
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Arts of War and The Arts of Peace
The Arts of War and the Arts of Peace are four statues directly west of the Lincoln Memorial. One of the two peace statues represents music and harvest while the other of these statues represent aspiration and literature. These statues designed by James Earle Fraser frame the entrance to the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. The other two statues symbolize valor and hope. They were designed by Leo Friedlander, and they form the access to Arlington Memorial Bridge.
Location
Lincoln Memorial Circle, West Potomac Park, 2912 Independence Avenue Southwest Washington, D.C. 20418
Museums
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U.S. Department of the Interior Museum
Learn more about what the U.S. Department of Interior does across the United States to protect public lands. Exhibits at this free museum include tools used in park upkeep, Native American artifacts, and art featuring the American West.
Location
1849 C Street Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20240
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Daughters of the American Revolution Museum
The Daughters of the American Revolution Museum houses more than 30,000 items reflecting the material culture and the social history of people in America before 1840. Since 1928, people have been attending shows at the Constitution Hall, which served as the home to the National Symphony for more than 40 years.
Location
1776 D Street Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20006
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Howl to the Chief
Find all your favorite pet food and equipment at Howl to the Chief. If your dog gets dirty while exploring Washington, D.C., this location also offers a self-service dog wash.
Location
733 8th Street Southeast, Washington, D.C. 20003
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Labyrinth Games & Puzzles
Find non-electric puzzles and games sourced from small businesses globally at Labyrinth Games & Puzzles. It also offers many family-friendly magazines and regularly hosts special games and contests.
Location
645 Pennsylvania Avenue Southwest, Washington, D.C. 20003
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El Rey
Dine at this restaurant made from recycled shipping containers. Find a variety of nachos, tacos, and other fast-food Mexican offerings. It also serves great margaritas in a fun garden setting.
Location
919 U Street Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20001
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Ivy and Coney
If you love the upper Midwest, then head to Ivy and Coney, where you can dine on Chicago-style hot dogs while drinking your favorite Detroit beer. Cheer on Chicago and Detroit teams playing their respective sports while watching on this location’s large-screen televisions.
Location
1537 7th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20001