Everyone knows the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol. But the area around the National Mall is full of lesser-known treasures that most tourists walk right past. Here are five of our favorites that we love sharing on our tours.
1. The FDR Memorial’s Hidden Room
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is one of the most expansive on the Mall, stretching across four outdoor “rooms” — one for each of his terms in office. Most visitors rush through, but if you take your time, you’ll discover powerful quotes carved into granite walls, stunning bronze sculptures, and waterfalls that create a meditative atmosphere. The room dedicated to the Great Depression is particularly moving.
2. The Einstein Memorial
Tucked away in a grove of elm trees near the National Academy of Sciences, the Albert Einstein Memorial features a 12-foot bronze statue of Einstein sitting casually on a bench. At his feet is a star map showing the positions of 2,700 stars, planets, and celestial objects on the day the memorial was dedicated. It’s a perfect spot for a unique photo — and kids love climbing on Einstein’s lap.
3. The Japanese American Memorial
Located near the Capitol, this poignant memorial honors Japanese Americans who served in the military during World War II — even as their families were held in internment camps. The bronze sculpture of cranes tangled in barbed wire is one of the most emotionally powerful pieces of art in all of D.C., yet most visitors never find it.
4. The Lockkeeper’s House
At the corner of 17th Street and Constitution Avenue sits a tiny stone building that’s easy to miss. Built in the 1830s, it’s the oldest building on the Mall and once served as a lockkeeper’s house for the Washington City Canal. It’s a fascinating remnant of a time when a canal ran right through what is now the National Mall.
5. The Tidal Basin’s Lesser-Known Memorials
While everyone flocks to the Jefferson Memorial, the Tidal Basin is also home to the George Mason Memorial (a lovely garden setting) and the newly opened additions that most guidebooks haven’t caught up with yet. Walking the full loop of the Tidal Basin is one of the most peaceful experiences in the city, especially at dawn.
Want to Discover More?
These are just a few of the hidden spots we visit on our tours. Our guides know dozens more — from secret viewpoints to little-known historical markers. Book a tour with us and see the side of D.C. that most visitors never experience.