Besides being our nation’s capital, it seems like Washington DC is where you can find the headquarters of just about everything: the home office of our President, our government, our military, our money, and an endless list of ‘bureaus’ and ‘departments’ and ‘agencies.’
Take a look at a map of DC and you’ll see words like National and Supreme and Federal simply litter the page. In other words, Washington DC is the undisputed authority on everything, including topics of World War II.
WWII sites in Washington DC
For a World War II enthusiast, Washington D.C. is the (domestic) trip of a lifetime. With monuments and memorials galore and museums aplenty, there are enough WWII sites in Washington DC to fill an entire itinerary. And if you live in the area, we’ve got your weekends covered. Some of them you’ve probably heard of, but many may be new to you. Let’s talk about 16 of them (and then a few more for good measure).
Click this little box with the arrow for the map key.
1. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
And speaking of authority, I’m going to start with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the worldwide authority on all things Holocaust.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is nestled among many of the WWII sites in Washington DC, a 5-minute walk from the Washington Memorial at the center of the National Mall. Its mission is to document, study, and interpret Holocaust history and to serve as the U.S.’s memorial to the millions of victims.
The museum’s permanent exhibition spans three floors and covers the topics of:
- Nazi Assault – 1933 to 1939: Rise of the Nazi party, outbreak of war, turning points in Holocaust history like Kristallnacht and the Invasion of Poland
- The “Final Solution” – 1940 to 1945: Evolution of Nazi policy towards Jews, rise of ghettos and mass killings, concentration camps, primary-source artifacts
- Last Chapter: Liberation of the concentration camps, Allied victory over Germany in 1945, aftermath of the Holocaust
The museum is incredibly well-organized and presented, is full of historical artifacts, and a visit here is a must when visiting Washington DC.
You’ll have to go through airport-style security at the entrance and once you’re through there’s a coat check where you can leave anything you don’t want to carry through the museum. (But remember that it can get cold inside for the purposes of artifact preservation so maybe keep a sweater with you?)
Visiting information for the USHMM
- Hours: 7 days a week, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Closed: Yom Kippur and Christmas Day
- Admission: Free, but you are required to purchase a timed-entry ticket. You can reserve tickets in advance but this will cost you a $1 transaction fee.
- How long to budget: 2-3 hours
- Age limit: A fairly strict 11+
Pro tip: Upon entering the museum, be sure to choose an “Identification Card.” Each Identification Card tells the story of a real person who lived during the Holocaust. On my visit I chose a random card from deep in the stack and it just so happened to be her birthday.
2. World War II Memorial
The World War II Memorial is one of the largest memorials on the National Mall. It opened to the public on April 29th, 2004 and is dedicated to all of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II (and the 405,399 who died in the process).
The memorial features 56 granite pillars representing each of the 48 states (it was the 1940s remember?), Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
The memorial consists of two parts: Atlantic and Pacific, each featuring quotes, imagery, and important dates relevant to each theater, and features a large pool in the center. The Western side of the memorial features the Freedom Wall, covered in 4,048 gold stars each one representing 100 Americans who died in the war.
If you’re a fan of walking tours, check out this small-group expertly guided walking tour of the National Mall (which includes Washington Monument tickets as well).
The entire memorial showcases famous quotes about the war, sculptures and reliefs, fountains, bronze wreaths, and two huge triumphal arches anchoring the North and South. And that’s just the start of it. Spend some time examining the whole thing… and see if you can find the hidden “Kilroy was here” engraving.
The World War II Memorial is, without a doubt, one of the most striking war memorials you’ll visit, and one of the most memorable of all the WWII sites in Washington DC.
Visiting information for the WWII memorial
- Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Closed: Never ever
- Admission: Totally free
- How long to budget: 30-45 minutes
- Age limit: None, but be mindful of where you are
Please note: The World War II Memorial is not a swimming pool; it’s a war memorial. The National Park Service forbids wading in the fountain of the World War II Memorial but would have a hell-of-a-time enforcing it because so many people ignore this. As a consolation, they do allow you to sit with your feet in the water and nothing more–but while you’re cooling your feet, keep in mind the reason for this in the first place. (see below)
3. Arlington National Cemetery
Though Arlington National Cemetery isn’t entirely dedicated to those who fought in World War II, it’s still incredibly relevant in this case. And, okay fine, being located across the river in Arlington, Virginia, it isn’t technically one of the WWII sites in Washington DC, but it still very much counts.
It’s actually a shorter drive from the Washington Monument to Arlington National Cemetery than it is from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol building. So there.
Arlington National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members. Famous graves include those of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, President William Howard Taft, Robert Todd Lincoln, John Glenn, Abner Doubleday, and so, so many more.
Check out this expertly guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery while you’re there.
World War II sites to visit in Arlington National Cemetery
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
This monument is dedicated to all deceased U.S. service members whose remains were never identified. The internment of the WWII Unknown took place here in 1958 and the Tomb has been guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since July 2, 1937. The Changing of the Guard Ceremony is an absolute must-see.
The Battle of the Bulge Memorial
The Battle of the Bulge, referred to by Winston Churchill as “undoubtedly the greatest American battle” of World War II, has a monument of its own at Arlington National Cemetery. It was dedicated on May 8, 2006 and can be found at the center of the western border, in section 21 on the Arlington National Cemetery map.
The graves of 49 WWII Medal of Honor Recipients
Including Audie Murphy, the most decorated WWII soldier who earned every possible military combat award for valor (including some from Belgium and France as well)
Other sites
The Seabees memorial, the WWII Memorial Tree, the USS Serpens Monument, Chaplains Hill
Visiting information for Arlington National Cemetery
- Hours: Open 365 days a year, 8:00 am – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Never
- Admission: Free, but you’ll have to pay a small per-hour parking fee.
- How long to budget: 1-2 hours… or an entire day, you choose
- Age limit: None, but this is a cemetery–don’t let your kids bring their scooters, you’ll get sent packing.
- Pro tip: I mean it, don’t miss the Changing of the Guard–it’s a must-see.
4. Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center
I’m going to preface this section by letting you know there are two Smithsonian Air and Space museums—there’s the one on the National Mall everyone knows and loves, and then there’s the Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the much more enormous one out by the Dulles airport.
While the Air and Space museum on the National Mall definitely deserves a visit (they do have the 1903 Wright Flyer on display, the world’s first airplane, after all), the Udvar-Hazy Center is a much more thrilling experience for World War II and aviation enthusiasts.
Besides the fact that there are entire wings on World War II aviation and WWII German aviation, it’s also here that you can get up close to the Enola Gay—the B-29 Superfortress that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima—and a Sikorsky JRS-1, the only plane at the museum to have survived the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Additionally, at the Udvar-Hazy Center you’ll also find the Concorde, the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (the fastest jet in history), and, oh, about a million other vessels.
If you’re a fan of WWII transportation, you absolutely must check out my post on the American Heritage Museum. This place is everything when it comes to WWII tanks, planes, vehicles, boats, and more!
information for the Udvar-Hazy Center
- Hours: 7 days a week, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Closed: Christmas
- Admission: Free, but parking is $15 (unless you arrive after 4:00 pm and then it’s free… but you’ll have to rush… it’s up to you)
- How long to budget: 2-3 hours
- Age limit: None, but your children are going to be bored (the Air and Space Museum on the National Mall is more geared towards children)
For fellow aviation geeks, leave the parking lot heading towards DC and pull over on the side of the long, empty road. You’re now in between the Dulles airport’s landing strips. From here you’ll almost be able to touch the landing planes. It’s awesome!
5. Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Speaking of the Smithsonian, you simply can’t miss the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, right there on the National Mall.
This all-encompassing museum features an entire wing on all topics related to World War II in the gallery titled The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. The exhibit covers war in American history from the times of the American Revolution to the present, including a great deal on World War II.
American History Museum’s WWII wing
The exhibit is a basic learning experience on many aspects of WWII including both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, Adolf Hitler and other leaders, crucial battles and pivotal moments in WWII history, what life was like on the home front, politics, and so. much. more.
You’ll see actual physical artifacts like a Willys Jeep used during the war. When I last visited there was a special 75th anniversary exhibition on D-Day that features a grave marker from Normandy American Cemetery and one of only two grappling hooks used at Pointe du Hoc still in existence.
Also, you can watch the 43-minute 3D film D-Day: Normandy 1944 narrated by Tom Brokaw in the museum’s theater.
Visiting information for the American History Museum
- Hours: 7 days a week, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Closed: Christmas
- Admission: Free, but viewing the film will cost extra
- How long to budget: 1-1.5 hours for just the WWII parts, you could actually spend an entire day seeing everything there is to see in this HUGE museum (add 43 minutes more if you’re going to watch the film)
- Age limit: None (the film is somehow rated G)
6. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (whew), established by an act of Congress, opened to the public in late 2016 and is the youngest of all 19 Smithsonian museums. It devotes itself exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture.
In the gallery called Double Victory, you can learn about African American military roles ranging from the Revolution to today, including World War II.
Visiting information for the NMAAHC
- Hours: 7 days a week, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (Except on Mondays when they open at noon.)
- Closed: Christmas
- Admission: Free, but timed-entry tickets are required.
- How long to budget: 2 hours
- Age limit: None
- Pro tip: I’ve heard their Sweet Home Café is delicious.
Also check out my full on guide on how to spend 3 jam-packed days in Washington DC. This complete Washington DC itinerary covers history, dining, awesome tours to take, museums, and so much more!
7. The Pentagon
Also located in Arlington, Virginia is the Pentagon. I’m sure you’ve heard of it—pentagonal shape, top secret-ness, headquarters of all branches of the military, extremely intimidating? Yes, that Pentagon. Now let’s go in!
It’s true—you can visit the Pentagon as a civilian. It will take a few weeks/months of planning, a thorough application process, a few screening methods, but you can take a guided tour. What you can’t do, however, is use their restroom.
Inside the Pentagon they will take you on a guided tour through a few of the spaces they’re okay with you seeing. You’ll get to visit the Visitors Center, the indoor 9/11 memorial (the Pentagon was hit that day too, remember?), the interior courtyard, and a few of the corridors inside—one of them being the MacArthur Corridor.
The MacArthur Corridor
The MacArthur Corridor is dedicated to General Douglas MacArthur, five-star Army general and Field Marshal of the Philippine Army during World War II.
As you walk through it you’ll get to see MacArthur’s Medal of Honor (et al), his uniforms and weapons, and it’s all pretty spectacular. Made even more so by the fact that you can’t take any photos. The only way you’ll ever get to see these artifacts is by touring the Pentagon and it is so worth it.
Information for visiting the Pentagon
When to apply
They must receive your Pentagon tour applications between 90 and 14 days ahead of your planned visit. So no sooner than 90 days, and no later than 14. That makes sense, right?
Tour hours
The Pentagon gives tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Pentagon is closed on federal holidays and weekends.
Admission
Pentagon tours are free, but you’ll have to park across the street at the Pentagon City Mall at a small hourly rate.
How long to budget
2 hours — one hour for the tour, another for finding the entrance + security screening (I’ve marked the exact entrance you need to go into on the map at the top of this page.)
Requirements for touring the Pentagon
As you can imagine, there’s a long list.
Pro tip for visiting the Pentagon
Give yourself plenty of time before your scheduled tour. First you need to find the entrance, then you have to walk through the property to find the Visitor Center (and it’s a long way), give yourself time to stop everyone in a military uniform you come into contact with to ask for directions, then you have to go through a bunch of checkpoints and a security screening.
Plus, you’ll need to use the bathroom in the Visitor Center before your tour because I wasn’t kidding about the restroom thing. We’re not worthy!
For everything you need to know about how to get to the Pentagon for your tour, click that link.
8. U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
After your Pentagon tour, head over to the nearby Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial.
The Marine Corps War Memorial is the larger than life sculpture depicting the famous photo taken by photographer Joe Rosenthal. Trust me, you’ve seen it. This memorial, while depicting only the flag raising on Iwo Jima, is actually dedicated to the memory of all members of the United States Marine Corps who have lost their lives in battle since November 10, 1775.
All battles in which members of the Marine Corps have given their lives in service of their country are depicted on the sides of the memorial.
It was sculpted by Felix W. de Weldon shortly after the war using funds donated by US Marines and others. He used three of the survivors from the famous flag raising as models to create the memorial. It was dedicated on November 10, 1954.
To visit this memorial is to enter a state of complete awe. The size of the memorial complemented by reading about the events that led up the famous image is striking. There are informational placards circling the memorial area covering the Battle of Iwo Jima, the flag raising, the sculpture, and the Marine Corps.
Iwo Jima statue visiting information
- Hours: The park the statue is in is open from 6:00 am to Midnight
- Closed: Open daily
- Admission: Free to visit, free to park (but parking is limited)
- How long to budget: 30-45 minutes
- Age limit: None
9. The Netherlands Carillon
A 5-minute walk from the Marine Corps War Memorial is the Netherlands Carillon which is just a fancy way to say bell tower. It’s a 131-foot tower that contains 50 bells and makes pretty music.
It was a gift from the people of the Netherlands to say Thanks for all the help they received from the United States during and after World War II. The Carillon was officially dedicated on May 5, 1960.
The Carillon today
When I last visited in 2019, the carillon was in a sad state. It was covered in graffiti and rust and didn’t look so much as functional. After undergoing a multi-million dollar restoration, it was rededicated on May 5, 2022.
The bells were removed and clean, and three more bells were added which elevated its status to “grand carillon,” whatever that means. One of these bells is dedicated to General George C. Marshall (who helped rebuild Europe after WWII courtesy of the Marshall Plan).
The Netherlands Carillon is a quick and beautiful walk over from the Iwo Jima Memorial and is a good opportunity to think about our friends among the windmills.
In the spring, there’s a beautiful tulip garden at its base and, when restoration is complete, you’ll once again be able to climb up to the observation decks for amazing views over Arlington and all the way to downtown DC.
Visiting information for the Netherlands Carillon
- Hours: The park the carillon is in is open from 6:00 am to Midnight
- Closed: Open daily
- Admission: Free to visit, free to park
- How long to budget: Maybe 5 minutes
- Age limit: Old enough to know better than to scribble their name on a war memorial
10. National Guard Memorial Museum
A few blocks from Washington DC’s Union Station is the National Guard Memorial Museum. Its mission is to tell the story of the National Guard and it does so through informative exhibits that start with the American Revolution and continue on to the present.
These exhibits boast authentic historical artifacts while explaining the National Guard’s role in each of the wars.
You’ll see everything from Revolutionary muskets and Civil War swords to physical pieces of the World Trade Center in the 9/11 gallery and everything in between. And, obviously, there’s much to learn about the National Guard’s role in World War II.
Visiting information for the National Guard Memorial Museum
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Closed: Weekends and holidays
- Admission: Free, but street parking most likely won’t be
- How long to budget: 1-2 hours to see it all
- Age limit: None
- Pro tip: Don’t miss the pistol Felix Sparks shot into the air during the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp.
11. National Museum of the U.S. Navy
Located in Washington DC’s Navy Yard (obviously) is the National Museum of the U.S. Navy–opened to the public in 1963. It’s one of 14 Navy museums around the country but is the only one that presents an all-encompassing overview of Naval history.
The National Museum of the U.S. Navy is one of the top WWII sites in Washington DC because they have three separate World War II-focused wings dedicated to the Navy’s role in the Atlantic, the Pacific, and on the home front. And holy artifacts is this place packing or what?
HOWEVER, while you can visit this museum as a civilian, there are some things you need to know in order to do so. Consult this page before you show up at the gate like you belong there. Like I did.
Museum of the U.S. Navy visiting information
- Hours: Open only on Saturdays from 10:00 to 4:00 pm
- Closed: Every other day, and holidays
- Admission: Free
- How long to budget: 2 hours, or more if you want to see the entire place
- Age limit: None
Seriously, read this page. Unfortunately, I didn’t read it close enough and just showed up. (FYI: I am not military.) The guard at the gate asked if I had proper identification to which I asked, “Does a Massachusetts drivers license count?” Turns out he thought I said “Master Chief” and, needless to say, I was not allowed into the museum when he discovered I was, indeed, not one. Apparently, being “Master Chief” of a travel blog doesn’t have quite the same pull.
12. National Museum of American Jewish Military History
Included in the long list of military museums in Washington DC is the National Museum of American Jewish Military History. It was chartered by an act of Congress in 1958 and documents and preserves Jewish Americans’ contributions to our freedom.
Here, you can learn about the roles Jewish Americans in the military have played throughout history… including in World War II.
Visiting information for the NMAJMH
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturdays sometimes, and Sundays by appointment
- Closed: Weekends (and maybe holidays? But their site doesn’t say. If you plan to visit over a holiday, check with them to make sure they’re open.)
- Admission: Free
- How long to budget: 1-1.5 hours
- Age limit: None
13. International Spy Museum
Now, I haven’t personally visited the International Spy Museum yet, but man does this place look intriguing! The International Spy Museum recently re-opened in its brand new building–a 140,000 square foot facility built just for this purpose.
It’s just off the National Mall and this place is huge. Still, I’ve heard great things about the Spy Museum and, yes, there’s a gallery focused on “Spying in WWII” which I’m sure is super fascinating.
The museum aims to educate you on how espionage and intelligence have played an important role in our history. There is also a long list of artifacts to check out like an Enigma machine and an M-209 cipher machine, for instance. (So many cool toys at this one!)
Spy Museum visiting information
- Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday-Sunday: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Closed: They don’t say, but double check if you plan to visit on a holiday
- Admission: The highest general adult admission is $31.95, and it goes down from there for many different criteria. Note that they have fluctuating pricing (which I hate) so busier days/times cost more. View their ticket calendar to check your specific days.
- How long to budget: 1-2 hours
- Age limit: None, but those under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult.
- Pro tip: You can save up to 30% on admission if you pre-purchase your tickets online. Get more info on their “plan-ahead pricing” here.
Also check out my guide to all the WWII sites in Massachusetts or all the Boston WWII sites specifically if you’ve got a trip to New England planned. It covers museums, memorials, forts, and more!
14. The Anne Frank Tree
Among the plethora of trees on the lawn of the United States Capitol building is a small sapling referred to as the Anne Frank Tree.
This little baby was grown from the chestnut tree outside Anne Frank’s secret annex in Amsterdam. She often wrote about this tree in her diary as it was one of the few things she could see while in hiding, and she loved it.
That original tree survived until 2010 when it was blown down by strong winds. However, 11 saplings of her tree were grown and have been distributed to various locations. And in 2014 one of those was here to the Capitol Lawn. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a quick walk-by.
It’s a quaint little stop on the list of WWII sites in Washington DC, but it’s much bigger when you put it into context.
Visiting information for the Anne Frank Tree
- Hours: None
- Closed: Never, it’s a tree
- Admission: Free
- How long to budget: 2 whole minutes
- Age limit: None
- Pro tip: I’ve marked the exact location on the map above, otherwise it’s pretty tough to find.
And while you’re there, check out this excellent guided tour of the US Capitol (with skip-the-line privileges included).
15. Japanese American Memorial
Officially named the Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II, this memorial is dedicated to, obviously, Japanese Americans who patriotically supported the U.S. during the war despite their unjust treatment.
It’s only a couple of blocks away from Union Station and was completed in June of 2001. It was pouring down rain both times I was here so I don’t have any photos of it – go see it for yourself!
Visiting information for the Japanese American Memorial
- Hours: None
- Closed: Never
- Admission: Free
- How long to budget: 10 minutes
- Age limit: None
16. Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial is the newest (massive) memorial on the National Mall. It opened in September of 2020 and features many statues, inscriptions, and a “first of its kind tapestry that spans the length of the memorial and features and image of the Normandy coastline.”
There’s a lot to see (and learn about) here, and you can even take an audio tour at the memorial. Get all the visitor for the new Eisenhower memorial here.
And a few more
Besides this long list of WWII sites in Washington DC (and Arlington, Virginia), you can find World War II history all over the area. At the top of the Washington Monument you can compare photos from the area during the war to the scenes you’ll see today.
Inside the White House Visitors Center you can view the desk at which President Franklin D. Roosevelt sat when giving his “fireside chats.”
And that’s just the start of it. You’ll see when you get there, World War II is all over Washington DC.
Washington DC travel information
Where to stay when visiting these WWII sites in Washington DC
History buffs rejoice! There is no shortage of historic hotels in Washington DC — the only problem is narrowing them down. How about:
The Willard InterContinental
Located just across the street from the White House is the city’s most historical hotel. The Willard is the site of so many moments in history: Abraham Lincoln stayed here during his inauguration; Memorial Day was designated a holiday by General John A. Logan while staying at the Willard; Ulysses S. Grant coined the term “lobbyist” in the lobby of the Willard Hotel; MLK made final edits to his “I Have a Dream” speech in the Willard lobby; and so many others. Plus, its location makes it the perfect base for exploring all the WWII sites in Washington DC.
Read reviews here on Tripadvisor then go ahead and book your room here.
The Watergate Hotel
Possibly one of the most famous hotels in America (and certainly in Washington DC). This luxury hotel is located in Georgetown, just a short distance from the WWII Memorial on the National Mall. You can even visit the Scandal Room, the room made famous during the Watergate break-in. It was decorated by the costume designer from the show Scandal and features artifacts from the 1960s and ’70s. You can even have private drinks with the original Washington Police Department arresting officers who discovered the break-in. (You can’t make this stuff up.)
Read reviews here on Tripadvisor then go ahead and book your room here.
Looking for something a little more budget-friendly?
I’ve recently stayed at both the Pod Hotel and Hotel Hive and would highly recommend both.
Pod Hotel DC
If you’re traveling solo, this place is perfect. Its room are small and no-nonsense but offer everything you need. Plus, the hotel restaurant is DELICIOUS for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I would definitely stay here again. Read reviews here on Tripadvisor then go ahead and book your room here.
Hotel Hive
I’ll admit I stayed here because I’m also a beekeeper and couldn’t resist a hive-themed hotel, but this place is AMAZING. It’s location is perfect (just a 20-minute walk to the Washington Monument) and was everything I needed. Fun fact, Tripadvisor recently named Hotel Hive the “best value in America.” Read reviews here on Tripadvisor then go ahead and book your room here.
Tours that cover WWII sites in Washington DC
BigBus Washington DC Night Tour
I LOVE these double-decker, open-air bus tours. You get to see SO MUCH and all with unobstructed views and commentary from engaging tour guides. This tour takes you all around the center of Washington DC, including to the WWII Memorial. Seeing all the monuments and memorials lit up at night is so beautiful. Click here for booking information.
BigBus Washington DC Hop-On/Hop-Off Tours
These tours are great because you can hop-on and hop-off as many times as you like. They cover huge areas (even Arlington, VA) and stop at all the tops sites including many of the WWII sites in Washington DC that this list covers. You’ll save so much money on parking and taxis and get a knowledgable guide at the same time. Click here for booking information.
Guided tours of Arlington National Cemetery
ANC offers guided bus tours to some of the cemeteries most notable sites (these are the only authorized tours of Arlington National Cemetery). Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time or at the Cemetery’s Welcome Center. Click here for booking information.
Monuments and Memorials Architecture Tour
This guided walking tour of the National Mall and its monuments and memorials focuses on the architecture and layout of the area. It has excellent reviews and you’ll get to learn all kinds of interesting insider information. Click here for booking information.
Recommended Reading before visiting these WWII sites in Washington DC
Lonely Planet Washington DC or Fodors Washington DC
Travel guidebooks are great for discovering all you can do in a city/region. Use one of these Washington DC travel guidebooks to supplement the rest of your time in DC (if you think you’ll need a break from WWII sites, that is).
Washington, D.C.: The World War II Years by Paul K. Williams
This book by Images of America gives a lot of background as to what was happening in Washington DC during the years of World War II. It’s also a great resource for visually comparing the WWII sites in Washington DC you’ll see today versus their wartime versions.
Two Flags Over Iwo Jima by Eric Hammel
This book covers both of the flag raisings on Iwo Jima and reveals the full story behind Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photo.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The most famous diary in history–written by 13-year old Anne Frank while in hiding during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. You probably read it a long time ago in school, but read it again now–it’s unreal.
Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O’Reilly
If you want to know more about the Enola Gay and the atomic bomb, this book does a great job of telling the whole story.
The Imitation Game (2014)
Yes, this one is actually a movie, but you should definitely watch it. It stars Keira Knightly and Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, the guy who basically invented the computer. The movie details how Turing and a team of skilled code breakers helped crack the code of the German Enigma machine.
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