We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 340 Washington DC Attractions »

National World War II Memorial

17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, Washington DC, DC
1-800-639-4WW2
Ranked #27 of 215 attractions in Washington DC
4.5 of 5 stars 236 Reviews
Type: Monuments/ Statues
Activities: City walk sightseeing, Golfing, Group tours/walking tour, Kayaking, People-watching, Swimming, Canoeing, Drinking, Group tours/city tour, Jogging, Nightlife, Shopping, Walking, Biking, Dining, Group tours/bus tour, Hiking, Motor-boating, Running, Viewing wildlife
Update attraction details
Write a Review

236 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    151
    50
    24
    6
    5
Date Rating
Chapel Hill, NC
Top Contributor
102 reviews 102 reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
39 helpful votes 39 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

The designers of this monument had a very tough job. With nearly 420,000 combat deaths and 70 million dead globally, there's simply no way to make it as intimate and personal as the Vietnam, or even Korean War, Memorials. Was there a way to make it more personal without in some way minimizing the sacrifice of an entire generation? I... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by Morpheus1041 for Washington DC
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

This is a very powerful monument / memorial to a nation that gaves it all to help overcome tyranny. It is all very beatiful done and fits magnificently with its surround. I was concerned, given how new the memorial is, that many of the quotations are already very hard to read as the black letter has faded or been washed... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by anactbloke for Washington DC
Chesapeake, Virginia
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW via mobile

This memorial is not only a beautiful memorial to those who fought in WWII, it is also the perfect place to stop for a rest during your tour of the Mall. Located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, the fountains of this memorial make it a good place to stop and rest your feet. Since it is shallow,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by JessicaM6 for Washington DC
Napa, California
Top Contributor
117 reviews 117 reviews
Reviews in 74 cities Reviews in 74 cities
91 helpful votes 91 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

The National World War II Memorial is just Awesome! I should preface this with especially awesome at night without the crowds. Either way though, it's a definite must-see. It's located at the opposite end of the Reflecting Pool from the Lincoln Memorial. It is dedicated to all who served during World War II. It's designed with 56 granite pillars and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by WorldWanderer99 for Washington DC
Charles Town, West Virginia
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

When we visited there a veteran's orgainzation was bringing bus loads of WWII veterans to see the Memorial. Having lost my Dad who fought in WWII several years ago, it did my heart well to see these men, many in wheelchairs, around the memorial. I saw a little of my Dad in their eyes, and it did my heart well.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Charles W for Washington DC
Bellingham, Washington
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

The architecture of the WWII Memorial is a stark contrast to the simplicity of the Vietnam Veterans' memorial ("The Wall"). To me it seems weighty and almost Stonehenge-like, but it befits the nature of the conflict. I enjoy taking my time, walking around the entire space, and reading the inscriptions. As a history buff, I appreciate the details presented and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by HeadingOut98229 for Washington DC
Aliso Viejo, California
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012

Very cool place to sit and relax, as well as a visually interesting monument to WWII. There is a pillar for each state, so don't forget the obligatory "I'm-standing-next-to-my-state" photo! Fountains are cool, and the detail in the metal sculptures is great. Great views of Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 15 more reviews by AyeElle for Washington DC
A TripAdvisor Member
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012

Not to insult any of the other absolutely amazing monuments and memorials in DC but the WW2 Memorial is my favorite spot to visit in the Mall. To call this memorial moving and awe-inspiring are understatements. I think about my both of my grandfathers and the rest of our Greatest Generation during my visits here. Everything is impressive from the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Orlando
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012

This is an impressive space with monolith granite stonework and the peaceful sound of multiple simple fountains. Especially moving is the Gold Star Wall/Freedom Wall where "Here We Mark The Price of Freedom" with each star representing 100 Americans who died in the war. Interesting little touches include: "Kilroy was here" engraving, and the bas relief panel on the east... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by fiw320 for Washington DC
middle Tennessee
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

There aren't really words to discribe this memorial, but I'll try. It is breathtaking. It is so large and beautiful. When we went, there were alot of Veterans there with a group. It was very emotional. Do not miss this memorial on your trip to DC.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 13 more reviews by Biology_Major for Washington DC

Travellers who viewed National World War II Memorial also viewed

Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool
4.5 of 5 stars 1,118 Reviews
Washington DC, DC
Smithsonian Institution
4.5 of 5 stars 667 Reviews
Washington DC, DC
 
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
4.5 of 5 stars 402 Reviews
Washington DC, DC
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
4.5 of 5 stars 576 Reviews
Washington DC, DC
 

Been to National World War II Memorial? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage National World War II Memorial, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »