My husband and I stayed in Virgina and took some tours in DC. We decided to take the bus tour and one place we saw was the US Marine Corps Memorial. It was amazing to see it in person. It was so much larger than I had expected. The detail in this bronze sculpture of these marines is incredible. That whole area around this is worth seeing. There are so many things that are close by that are worth a look.

We took a ride to Arlington, VA to visit the Iwo Jima Memorial. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon with the sun shining and temperatures warming up. It is a very overwhelming experience at the Memorial. Not just it's shear size, but also the meaning that this site holds. There is plenty of parking at the Memorial. Take care as you will encounter tour busses in this area. Bathrooms are available near the site. Enjoy your visit!

This is a bucket list "must see." The mood is appropriately somber, but not as strict as at Arlington National Cemetery. Located in northern Virginia just a short drive from the national mall in D.C. Only the most expert military historians will recognize every battle theater listed on the memorial.

The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.

Standing there in person, the scale and emotion of the monument are overwhelming in the best way. The sculpture captures a moment of sacrifice and unity that feels incredibly real and deeply human. You don’t just see history—you feel the weight of it, and the respect owed to those who served.

What struck me most was the quietness around the memorial. Even with people visiting, there’s a sense of stillness and reflection, like everyone instinctively understands the meaning of the place. Looking up at the figures raised against the sky, it’s impossible not to feel grateful and humbled.

It’s beautifully maintained, easy to access, and especially powerful when viewed near sunset or at night when it’s softly lit. A must-see in Washington, D.C., not just for its history, but for the emotion it leaves you with.

A truly moving tribute that deserves to be experienced in person.

The area around the memorial is basically a park and wo8ld be a good spot for a picnic. Also, there are good views of DC to and if you stand in the right spot you could get a photo with the memorial, Lincoln memorial, Washington monument, and the Capitol building.