Whether you're looking for that classic, tourist photo opp or an 'undiscovered' secret view of the city, we put together a list of the best places to take pictures in DC. There’s plenty of great places to snap the perfect instagram photo of famous Washington DC landmarks during your trip.
Best Ways to See Famous Washington DC Landmarks
Here are a few fun ways to help you get around while sightseeing…- Hop On Hop Off Monuments Express Tour
- Washington Monuments Cruise
- Bike rental by Bike and Roll DC
- Washington Walks Walking Tours
Best Places to Take Pictures in DC
The Lincoln Memorial
Famous for being featured on the $5 bill, the Lincoln Memorial is the most photographed landmark in Washington DC. Located on one end of the famous reflection pool opposite the Washington Monument, you'll be able to get great views of the memorial from a little ways away. For a close up of Abraham in his chair, you'll have to walk up the steps to get a good view. Getting in: the monument is free to visit but is an included stop along the hop-on hop-off Washington DC bus tour, available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass.A photo posted by We ❤ to travel (@one.million.places) on Dec 21, 2015 at 7:45am PST
The Washington Monument
The second highest point in Washington DC, the Washington Monument, offers great views of the sprawling city. Head up to the observation deck 500-feet above ground to get a look out! For a great view of the Washington Monument, head to the National WWII Memorial for a straight-shot view of it over the grassy grounds. Getting in: the monument is free to visit but is a short walk from the WWII Memorial, an included stop along the hop-on hop-off Washington DC bus tour available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass.Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The famous Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors U.S. service members who died in the Vietnam War. Here you'll find the famous reflective wall etched with all of the names of the servicemen and women who were killed during the war. Getting in: the monument is free to visit but is a short walk from the Lincoln Memorial, an included stop along the hop-on hop-off Washington DC bus tour available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass.A photo posted by Jeeven (@jeeven) on Dec 15, 2015 at 5:16pm PST
Korean War Memorial
Located near the Lincoln Memorial and Reflection Pool, the Korean War Veterans Memorial features 19 stainless steel statues that represent an eerie depiction of a squad in full combat gear on patrol. Getting in: the monument is free to visit but is a short walk from the Lincoln Memorial, an included stop along the hop-on hop-off Washington DC bus tour available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass.A photo posted by simon lee (@simoni1015) on Dec 6, 2015 at 4:23pm PST
The White House
Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the White House is one of the most visited sights in DC. Getting in: the White House is an included stop along the hop-on hop-off Washington DC bus tour available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass. To go on a tour of the White House, you must submit a request through your Member of Congress.A photo posted by Kiley Dorssom (@kileyamanda) on Dec 19, 2015 at 5:22am PST
United States Capitol Building
Located atop Capitol Hill at the easternmost end of the National Mall, the Capitol Building is one of the most iconic buildings in Washington DC and an international symbol of democracy and is where the United States Congress, legislative branch, and US Federal Government meet. Getting in: the Capitol Building is an included stop along the hop-on hop-off Washington DC bus tour available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass. Visiting the Capitol Visitor Center is free, but tours beyond that require advance reservations.A photo posted by Angela & Wee Chico (@angel_26_weechico) on Nov 28, 2015 at 2:34pm PST
George Washington's Mount Vernon
George Washington's Mount Vernon estate is the plantation house that belonged to the first President of the United States, George Washington and his wife. Located outside of the city, it's a little bit of a hike to get to, but one of the most fascinating attractions in Washington DC and is a designated National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The stunning architecture of the estate, well-kept grounds, situation on the Potomac River, and other points of interest on the grounds lend lots of photo opportunities for your visit. At the estate you can tour the grounds, the iconic Palladian style estate itself, English-style gardens, slave memorial and burial ground, Washington's Tomb (though the remains of him and his wife have since been moved), distillery, gristmill, and more. Insider tip: plan to spend at least 4 hours exploring the site and download the Mount Vernon app before you visit for audio tours, visitor information, plant finder features, and more. Getting in: George Washington's Mount Vernon tickets are available with the Washington DC Explorer Pass.A photo posted by Toni Amato (@toniamato) on Nov 8, 2014 at 10:20am PST
Jefferson Memorial
Head to the Jefferson Memorial, located on the southern side of the Tidal Basin. Recognizable by its dome and columns, the famous structure houses a bronze statue of Jefferson and inscriptions of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, which Jefferson is largely credited for writing, can be found on the walls inside. Getting in: the Jefferson Memorial is free to visit and an included stop along the hop-on hop-off Washington DC bus tour available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass.A photo posted by @aushammer on Dec 20, 2015 at 2:45pm PST
From the Water
Some of the best views of Washington DC and the monuments can be captured from the water. Whether you want to make an adventure of it and explore the Potomac River and Tidal Basin by renting a kayak, or you'd rather sit back and relax on a narrated cruise along the river, you'll get plenty of great photo opps that you just can't get by land.A photo posted by tjam41 (@tjam41) on Aug 29, 2015 at 4:33pm PDT
FDR Memorial
More exciting than the original FDR Memorial located outside the National Archives, this memorial features a scene depicting the president's famous "fireside chats" he used to air on the radio to address the nation. His first pet, Fala, can be seen next to the president and is the only presidential pet to ever be memorialized. Getting in: the memorial is free to visit but is a short walk from the Jefferson Memorial or Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, two included stops along the hop-on hop-off Washington DC bus tour available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass.A photo posted by Alicia اليشا (@aliciacagle) on Sep 9, 2015 at 8:59am PDT
Georgetown Waterfront and Downtown
Get a view of Watergate, the Kennedy Center, and Theodore Roosevelt Island from the promenade along the Georgetown Waterfront area. Plus, explore the cute downtown area's boutique shops, cafes, and restaurant scene along the water.A photo posted by 세계정복% (@e_jeon) on Nov 3, 2015 at 10:34pm PST
Washington National Cathedral
A sight in itself, the Washington National Cathedral features iconic, Neo-Gothic style architecture and a tour of the cathedral itself offers some great views of the surrounding areas. Getting in: admission to the Washington National Cathedral can be purchased at the cathedral and ranges in cost from $23-$27/person. Monday-Friday only.
Let's Recap
While this list is by no means exhaustive, it does contain a bunch of our favorite places to take pictures in Washington DC. So whether you're looking to step up your Instagram or social media game, or add another location to your family photo album, there are tons of places to take pictures in Washington DC. Remember, a number of these famous Washington DC landmarks and attractions are available with the Washington DC Explorer Pass, where you can save on combined admission prices vs. paying at the gate. Do you have anywhere to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below and tag us on Instagram: @GoCity.