Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Thomas Jefferson Memorial adventure.
The Jefferson Memorial pays homage to Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of America. The stone building sits on the southeast side of the Tidal Basin in view of the Washington Monument. The classic Roman architecture, filled with columns make this memorial stand out from other monuments in this part of the nation's capital.
At the center of the memorial stands a 19-foot bronze statue depicting America's third president holding the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson helped write the document. An excerpt from the Declaration is etched in stone on one of the walls of the rotunda. Three other Jefferson quotes adorn three other walls as a testament to the man's prowess as an orator and debater.
Look up to see a quote from Jefferson along the frieze that goes around the lower part of the dome. Try out your voice to see how well the memorial works as an echo chamber. You might be surprised how well sound travels inside.
Sit on the top steps of the memorial to get the lay of the land or take a break. The surrounding park is filled with trees. In the springtime, the Japanese cherry blossoms bloom in a riot of light pink flowers. It's the most picture-perfect time to visit the memorial. The Tidal Basin reflects the trees and the surrounding monuments for another Instagram-worthy moment. The Jefferson Memorial is the perfect vantage point to get a photo of the Washington Monument.