I’ve driven past this for years and always wondered what it was, but until today I never really got around to looking at it up close because of perceived parking issues. I finally got around to it and honestly it’s even cooler up close. As if the waves and seagulls weren’t cool enough, there’s so many intricate details and embellishments you can’t see from the road and upon learning what it represents it makes it feel all the more powerful. Also the flowers surrounding it are gorgeous so I definitely recommend checking it out while they’re still in bloom. But regardless of when you see it, it’s still worth seeing up close.
If you’re looking for parking, try the marina on the other side of the parkway and take the path that goes under the bridge.

The Navy Merchant Marine Memorial is a memorial on Columbia Island that many recognize by driving along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, but few have stopped to visit it. Here's why it's worth your time:

1) Story: It's the first memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Navy and Merchant Marines. It took almost twenty years to go from ideation to opening due to lack of funds. Given the amount of trash nearby and the decay on the memorial, it's still neglected.

2) Memorial: It's one of the most unique memorials in the city and weirdly beautiful. You can also climb into the wave or use it as a place to read a good book.

3) Views: It's on an island in the Potomac River with stunning views of the National Mall.

If you want to visit, you can access it via foot or bike along the Mt. Vernon Trail or you can drive. The parking lot near the marina gives you three hours of free parking. It's a short walk from the parking lot.

Majestic memorial of sea gulls in flight with gorgeous views across the river. Two miles from the Teddy Roosevelt Island parking lot on the Mt. Vernon Trail. Can also be reached as a much shorter walk from the south end Lyndon B. Johnson memorial parking lot on the southbound side of GW Parkway.

While this Memorial has a great view of the Nation's Capital City, the grounds and the walkway leading to the memorial is in need of repair. The paved path is uneven and the stone stairs are falling apart. There needs to be a better way for those with physical disabilities to approach it. Finally, because the memorial does not have its own parking area, the surrounding grounds should have more park benches.

Went here to enjoy the 4th of July fireworks. We had a lovely evening. Lots of people watching, it was a nice evening.