Vietnam Veterans Memorial
National Mall—sample rating
Sarah Stierch, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, designed by Maya Lin and dedicated in 1982, consists of two 246-foot-long black granite walls set into the earth, inscribed with the names of over 58,000 American service members killed or missing in the Vietnam War, listed chronologically by date of casualty. The minimalist, reflective design was controversial when unveiled but is now regarded as one of the most powerful war memorials in the world. Nearby additions include the Three Servicemen Statue and the Vietnam Women's Memorial, both added in the late 1980s and early 1990s to broaden the memorial's representation of those who served. Visitors often make pencil rubbings of specific names, and National Park Service volunteers help locate names using directories at the site. The memorial is free, unticketed, and open around the clock.
Why visit
It's one of the most emotionally powerful memorials in the country, honoring individual service members by name.
Best time to visit
Visit in the early morning or evening for a quieter, more reflective experience; bring paper for a name rubbing.
Recommended duration
Allow about 0.5 hours (30 minutes).
Opening hours
- Every day
- 00:00-23:59
Open 24 hours; staffed by rangers roughly 9:30am-11:30pm. No tickets required.
Information may change — verify details before visiting.
Location
5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20037
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Nearby attractions
National Mall
A vast open-air national park stretching between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, lined with iconic monuments and Smithsonian museums.
Washington Monument
A 555-foot marble obelisk honoring George Washington, offering sweeping views of DC from its observation level.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
A domed neoclassical monument on the Tidal Basin honoring Thomas Jefferson, surrounded by famous cherry blossom trees.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
A granite memorial on the Tidal Basin featuring a colossal carved likeness of Dr. King emerging from a 'Stone of Hope.'
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
A sprawling outdoor memorial along the Tidal Basin divided into four outdoor 'rooms' representing FDR's four terms in office.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
A memorial featuring 19 stainless steel soldier statues advancing through juniper bushes, honoring those who served in the Korean War.
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