A visit to the WWII Memorial is a must for any visitor to the National Mall. The monument is entirely free and accessible 24 hours a day, year-round, making it easy to fit into any itinerary. Its fully ramped, open design ensures complete accessibility for all visitors.

Recommendation: While beautiful during the day, the memorial is particularly striking at night. The soft, dramatic lighting on the pillars and the illuminated fountain create a serene, almost ethereal atmosphere, allowing for a quieter, more personal moment of reflection. For those who appreciate subtle historical details, be sure to look for the famous "Kilroy was here" graffiti hidden in the memorial—a nod to the ubiquitous symbol of American troops during the war.

The National World War II Memorial is a monumental achievement in public art and remembrance, perfectly summarizing the spirit of service, sacrifice, and ultimate victory of a generation united under a single cause.

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars. A deeply moving, flawlessly designed tribute.

The World War II Memorial is one of the most meaningful places to visit in D.C. Situated right between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, it's beautifully designed with fountains, pillars, and inscriptions that honor every state and territory. The moment you walk in, you can feel the weight of history and the gratitude owed to the generation it

represents.

The fountains add a peaceful, calming touch, and the symmetry of the memorial makes it stunning both during the day and when it's lit up at night. It's a place that makes you pause, reflect, and appreciate the sacrifices made.

A must-visit if you're exploring the National Mall -powerful, respectful, and truly unforgettable.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The World War II Memorial is absolutely gorgeous and a must-see on the National Mall. The architecture is stunning, but the center fountains are the real highlight—they create such a peaceful and amazing atmosphere. We loved the views looking across the water toward the Lincoln Memorial and back toward the Washington Monument. It’s a powerful, beautifully designed space that offers a great place to reflect while enjoying some of the best views in DC.

​The National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. is an intensely moving and essential stop right on the National Mall. The most recent visit, on a gorgeous fall afternoon, cool, crisp, and filled with sun, made the entire experience feel particularly perfect.
​The memorial’s design, centered on the Rainbow Pool, is immediately striking. Fifty-six granite pillars representing the states and territories form a beautiful semi-circle, all connected by a bronze rope, powerfully symbolizing the nation's unified commitment. The grand Atlantic and Pacific Arches stand at the ends, featuring intricate bronze bas-reliefs that illustrate key moments from both the battlefield and the critical home front.
​The heart of the memorial is the Freedom Wall, a stunning expanse covered with 4,048 shimmering gold stars. Since each star signifies 100 Americans who gave their lives, standing here and looking out toward the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool offers an unforgettable and solemn perspective on the immense price of freedom. It is a truly beautiful and profoundly conceived tribute to "The Greatest Generation."

This memorial is absolutely beautiful and I would've spent hours there had I had the time. Each US state and territory is included and the fountains make the setting very serene. It's definitely worth walking through as you explore the National Mall. You can sit and put your feet in the water but running and playing is not allowed! Please respect national monuments!