Vietnam Veterans Memorial

This stark, powerful monument offers a pause for reflection on one of America’s most controversial conflicts.

Take some time to contemplate the thousands of U.S. soldiers who gave their lives in the Vietnam War, at this massive black granite wall located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

More than 58,000 names of men and women are inscribed on “The Wall” built in their honor. Those known to be dead are marked with a diamond, while those still considered missing in action are marked with a cross. The overwhelming number of names of those who lost their lives provides visitors with a profound sense of the vast national and personal loss still associated with the Vietnam War.

The memorial is not one single wall, but actually two, 250-foot (76-meter) long walls arranged in a V shape, with one end pointing to the nearby Lincoln Memorial and the other to the Washington Memorial. The split is not just an architectural quirk. It reflects the divide in opinion about the controversial war. Look into the list of names and you will see that the stone into which they are inscribed is highly reflective, a deliberate feature intended to bring together the past and the present.

At any time of year you will find wreaths, cards and presents left at the foot of the memorial from grieving families. There’s a hushed somber tone in the air, as many visitors pay their respects to a loved one they lost in the conflict, and others reflect on the overall tragedy of this war.

Nearby the wall you’ll see other statues: the Three Soldiers and the Vietnam Women’s memorial. More traditional in appearance, these were constructed in part to appease those who felt that the wall was too abstract.

The memorial is open to visitors 24 hours a day. Staff are on site from 8 a.m. to midnight, and interpretive tours are available every hour on the hour.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Epic words, exceptional architecture, and an inspirational view combine in this stirring tribute to America’s 16th president.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Pay tribute to fallen heroes at a thought-provoking monument to those who lost their lives during the three- year Korean War.

Foggy Bottom

You know about this place, even if you’ve never been here: it’s home to the White House, as well as heaps of museums and war memorials.

White House

Explore the home and workplace of the president of the United States. See entertainment areas and state rooms and learn about the history of this famous building.

Washington Monument

Centerpiece of the National Mall, America’s tribute to the country’s founding father stirs the soul while offering superb views from the top.

Hotels near Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Washington Plaza

10 Thomas Circle NW

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Washington D.C., this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Embassy of Australia, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and White House. Capital One Arena and National Mall are also within 1 mi (2 km). McPherson Sq. Station is 7 minutes by foot and 7th St. Convention Center Station is 10 minutes.

The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center

1400 M Street, NW

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Washington D.C., this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of White House, George Washington University, and Capital One Arena. National Mall and National Museum of African American History and Culture are also within 1 mi (2 km). McPherson Sq. Station is 7 minutes by foot and Farragut North Station is 10 minutes.

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

400 New Jersey Ave NW

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of National Postal Museum and United States Capitol. Library of Congress and Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km). Judiciary Square Station is 7 minutes by foot and Washington Union Station is 7 minutes.

Grand Hyatt Washington

1000 H Street NW

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Washington D.C., this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of CityCenterDC and Ford's Theater. White House and Walter E. Washington Convention Center are also within 15 minutes. Center Station is only a 4-minute walk and Gallery Place Chinatown Station is 7 minutes.

Capitol Skyline

10 'I' Street SW

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of United States Capitol, Jefferson Memorial, and Capital One Arena. Ford's Theater and Washington Monument are also within 3 mi (5 km). Navy Yard Station is 9 minutes by foot and Waterfront Station is 11 minutes.

The Ven at Embassy Row, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

2015 Massachusetts Ave NW

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dupont Circle, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Embassy of Australia and George Washington University. White House and George Washington University Hospital are also within 1 mi (2 km). Dupont Circle Station is only a 2-minute walk and Farragut North Station is 12 minutes.

Omni Shoreham Hotel

2500 Calvert St Nw

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Woodley Park, this hotel is 1 mi (1.5 km) from Smithsonian's National Zoo. Woodley Park-Zoo Station is only a 4-minute walk and Cleveland Park Station is 20 minutes.

YOTEL Washington DC

415 New Jersey Ave Nw

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this boutique hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Union Station Shopping Center, National Mall, and United States Capitol. Capital One Arena and National Gallery of Art are also within 15 minutes. Judiciary Square Station is 6 minutes by foot and Washington Union Station is 6 minutes.

The Dupont Circle Hotel

1500 New Hampshire Ave Nw

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dupont Circle, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of White House, Georgetown University, and Ford's Theater. Capital One Arena and Lincoln Memorial are also within 2 mi (3 km). Dupont Circle Station is only a 3-minute walk and Farragut North Station is 10 minutes.

The Henley Park Hotel

926 Massachusetts Ave NW

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Washington D.C., this historic hotel is within a 10-minute walk of CityCenterDC and Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Capital One Arena and White House are also within 1 mi (2 km). 7th St. Convention Center Station is 8 minutes by foot and Center Station is 9 minutes.

Melrose Georgetown Hotel

2430 Pennsylvania Ave Nw

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Foggy Bottom, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of George Washington University and George Washington University Hospital. Georgetown Waterfront Park and Dupont Circle are also within 1 mi (2 km). Foggy Bottom Station is 6 minutes by foot and Farragut North Station is 14 minutes.

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall, an IHG Hotel

550 C St SW

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and National Mall. Capital One Arena and Washington Monument are also within 1 mi (2 km). L'Enfant Plaza Station is only a 4-minute walk and Federal Center Station is 6 minutes.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center

900 10th St NW

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Washington D.C., this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of CityCenterDC, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and Capital One Arena. White House and National Museum of Natural History are also within 15 minutes. Center Station is 7 minutes by foot and McPherson Sq. Station is 7 minutes.

State Plaza Hotel

2116 E Street NW

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Foggy Bottom, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of George Washington University and National Mall. Lincoln Memorial and White House are also within 15 minutes. Foggy Bottom Station is 8 minutes by foot and Farragut West Station is 15 minutes.

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

806 15th Street NW

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Washington hotel is located near the airport, within a 15-minute walk of White House, National Mall, and National Museum of African American History and Culture. Capital One Arena and Washington Monument are also within 1 mi (2 km). McPherson Sq. Station is only a 3-minute walk and Farragut West Station is 7 minutes.

JW Marriott Washington DC

1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Washington D.C., this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Freedom Plaza, National Mall, and National Museum of African American History and Culture. White House and National Museum of American History are also within 10 minutes. McPherson Sq. Station is 7 minutes by foot and Center Station is 7 minutes.

The Madison Washington DC, A Hilton Hotel

1177 15th Street NW

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Washington D.C., this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of White House and Walter E. Washington Convention Center. National Mall and National Museum of African American History and Culture are also within 1 mi (2 km). McPherson Sq. Station is 8 minutes by foot and Farragut North Station is 8 minutes.

Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill

525 New Jersey Ave Nw

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of United States Capitol, National Mall, and Capital One Arena. Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km). Judiciary Square Station is 7 minutes by foot and Washington Union Station is 7 minutes.

The Fairfax at Embassy Row, Washington, D.C.

2100 Massachusetts Avenue NW

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dupont Circle, this luxury hotel is steps from Anderson House Museum and Phillips Collection. Dupont Circle and George Washington University are also within 15 minutes. Dupont Circle Station is only a 3-minute walk and Farragut North Station is 13 minutes.

Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House, an IHG Hotel

1501 Rhode Island Ave Nw

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Washington D.C., this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Embassy of Australia, White House, and Walter E. Washington Convention Center. George Washington University and National Mall are also within 1 mi (2 km). Farragut North Station is 10 minutes by foot and McPherson Sq. Station is 11 minutes.

The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection

1127 Connecticut Ave NW

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Washington D.C., this historic hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Embassy of Australia, George Washington University, and White House. National Mall and Walter E. Washington Convention Center are also within 1 mi (2 km). Farragut North Station is only a 2-minute walk and Farragut West Station is 5 minutes.

The St. Gregory Hotel

2033 M St Nw

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dupont Circle, this romantic hotel is within a 10-minute walk of George Washington University and George Washington University Hospital. White House and National Mall are also within 1 mi (2 km). Dupont Circle Station is 8 minutes by foot and Farragut North Station is 8 minutes.

Hotel Lombardy

2019 Pennsylvania Ave Nw

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Foggy Bottom, this romantic hotel is within a 10-minute walk of George Washington University and George Washington University Hospital. White House and National Mall are also within 15 minutes. Foggy Bottom Station is 5 minutes by foot and Farragut West Station is 7 minutes.

Washington Hilton

1919 Connecticut Ave Nw

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dupont Circle, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of George Washington University, Smithsonian's National Zoo, and White House. National Mall and National Theatre are also within 3 mi (5 km). Dupont Circle Station is 7 minutes by foot and Woodley Park-Zoo Station is 16 minutes.