Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Most people walk past the Reflecting Pool on their way to the Lincoln Memorial and don't stop. Worth pausing.

What it actually is

The pool is 2,000 feet long and runs between the Lincoln Memorial and the WWII Memorial. Early morning, when the light hits right and the water is still, it reflects the Washington Monument cleanly. That's the shot everyone has seen. It's better in person, which isn't always true of famous things.

Midday in summer it's hot, full of tourists, and the vendors are aggressive. Arrive before 8am or after 5pm and you'll have a different experience. Dawn is the best version of this place, especially in autumn when the air is clear.

Practical notes

Free, open all hours. The nearest parking is the Lincoln Memorial lot, which fills early on weekends. Smithsonian Metro puts you about a 20-minute walk away along the Mall. No facilities at the pool itself; the Lincoln Memorial has restrooms.