My Photography & Travel Guide to WASHINGTON DC
MY PHOTOGRAPHY & Travel Guide to WASHINGTON DC
Updated March 2024
Washington, DC (aka DC) is my favorite city in the United States. I am, of course, biased because I was born and raised in Washington, DC. But seriously, it is one of the best cities in the US for tourism and photography. The city has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, seeing beautiful monuments and museums, walking through the parks, or eating in really excellent restaurants.
A Map of Washington DC
While most people only think of politics when thinking of DC, there is much more to Washington than politics. It's similar to going to Rome and thinking that the city focuses only on religion because of the Vatican. Yet, both cities offer so much more.
In this blog post, I will provide a few hotel and food recommendations and list my 54 favorite places to photograph in DC. Like most cities, DC includes iconic locations like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, but I have included many other locations you may have never heard of or been to.
For photographers, there is so much to photograph, from the classic landmarks and architecture to incredible graffiti, food, parks, street photography, and historic neighborhoods like Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria.
Here is a good guide to Washington, DC, that you might find helpful.
The Best Times to Visit
The best time to visit Washington, D.C., is between April and June and September and October when temperatures are moderately warm and lots of events take place. For example, during the Spring, the Cherry Blossoms festival is a must-see. The Fall is also an excellent time to visit. In October, you will experience the Fall Foliage, where the leaves transform into yellow, orange, and red hues which dramatically changes the look of the city.
Cherry Blossoms
Where to Stay? Hotel Recommendations
Since I live in Washington, I have stayed in only a few hotels in the city. I listed below a list of hotels in every budget range. Of course, there are many more good hotels to choose from, but these hotels are in my neighborhood.
I recommend staying in the West End, which is right between Dupont Circle and Georgetown. The area has lots of restaurants, and it is very centrally located. Here are a few hotel recommendations:
Hilton Garden Inn (Georgetown 2201 M Street NW)
Ritz Carlton Hotel (West End 1150 22nd Street, N.W)
Four Seasons Hotel (Georgetown 2800 Penn Avenue NW)
Park Hyatt DC (1201 24th Street, NW)
Hyatt Place (2121 M St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20037)
The United States Institute of Peace
Restaurants, Cafes, & Bakeries Recommendations
Washington is a very international city since it is where all the embassies and many international organizations like the World Bank, IMF, and PAHO are based. This has attracted people from all over the world to move to Washington.
One of the benefits of having people from all over the world living in the city is that you can find every kind of international food you can imagine in the city. Do you want to eat Lebanese, Afghan, Peruvian, Italian, or French food? You will find it all!! The diversity of people living in the city has made it a much better place to live.
Some of my favorite restaurants and cafes are:
Also, remember to visit the farmers' markets located all over the city. My favorite one is the Sunday Dupont Circle Market.
Photography Tips, Gear & Advice
If you spend a few days in Washington, DC, you will undoubtedly come back with some great photos. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Go out early in the morning to avoid crowds and when it is easier to use a tripod.
While Washington is generally safe, keeping an eye on your surroundings is important.
It is easy to use the Metro or Capital Bikeshare to move around the city.
Many of the monuments are just a few minutes walk from each other.
Camera Gear
In terms of photography gear, my recommendation is 1 body ( i.e., Canon EOR R5, R6, R7, Nikon Z6, 7), and a 24-105 mm or a 24-240mm or something equivalent. I usually use 2 lenses (a very wide lens like a 15-35 mm and a medium telephoto i.e, 70-200mm) but it is not necessary to bring 2 lenses. Sometimes it is much better to have a lighter kit so you can jump on a scooter or bike. I would also bring a Tripod and ND filters (3,6, 10).
Night Photography
DC is one of those cities that is really good for night photography. So make sure to bring a Tripod and ND filters. Most of the monuments are well lit so you can get incredible reflections during the blue hour or later.
Blue Hour at the Reflecting Pool
During the holidays, you can even get reflections with a Christmas Tree.
The Reflecting Pool in front of the US Capitol
My List of the Best Places to Photograph In Washington DC
These are my favorite locations (in no particular order) for photography in Washington DC. I have written a few other blogs about DC which I will link here and here. If you enjoy Murals and Graffiti click on the link to see my DC Mural Guide.
Some of my favorite places to photograph in Washington:
1. Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool
The Lincoln Memorial is my favorite memorial. If I could only photograph 1 memorial, it would be the Lincoln Memorial.
Since the memorial is open 24/7 you can get some interesting shots even at night.
The best time to visit is sunrise since there are way fewer people and you can usually use a Tripod. Sunset also has great light but lots and lots of tourists. Pro Tip: Try to find the engraving on the stairs where Martin Luther King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. Most tourists (99.9%) walk over it without noticing.
There are so many great angles to photograph. I love the reflections of the Lincoln in the reflecting pool but also taking photos from inside the Lincoln outward is fantastic.
Keep in mind that the Lincoln, Vietnam Memorial, Korean Memorial, and WWII Memorial are right next to each other, so you can easily photograph all of them in one morning.
Sunset at the Lincoln
2. District of Columbia War Memorial
The District of Columbia War Memorial is located on the National Mall just a few minutes walk from the Lincoln. You will often see people taking wedding photos in this location. I think it is beautiful at night.
““The names of the men and women from the District of Columbia who gave their lives in the World War are here inscribed as a perpetual record of their patriotic service to their country.””
3. Albert Einstein Memorial
The Einstein Memorial is a fun memorial that is located on Constitutional Avenue and 23rd Street. There is also a Capital Bikeshare stand right next to it so you can drop off your bike and walk to other spots in the area like the Lincoln Memorial.
4. The Vietnam Memorial
The Vietnam Memorial is a special monument that pays tribute to the 58,220 members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives during the war. To see all the names of soldiers who lost their lives for our country is truly sobering. Be respectful!!
The names of the soldiers who died in Vietnam are engraved on the wall of the memorial. You will often see families leaving flowers, wreaths, and notes next to the names of their loved ones.
I prefer to photograph the Vietnam Memorial at sunrise when there are fewer tourists. Also, the angle of the sun beautifully lights the monument in the morning.
You will often find that people will leave flowers, flags, medals by their loved ones memorial.
5. Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Korean War Memorial is also another wonderful memorial that people often skip but it's well worth the visit. It is located just to the right of the Lincoln Memorial about 2 minutes away.
6. World War II Memorial
The WWII Memorial is the newest memorial and is located on the opposite side of the reflecting pool from Lincoln. In the summer, you will often see children playing in the fountain. I like photographing this location during sunset.
Since the Lincoln, Vietnam, and Korean Memories are just a few steps away, do not miss photographing the WWII memorial in the morning as well.
7. The Washington Monument
Probably the most iconic monument in Washington DC is the Washington Monument. You cannot come to Washington and miss taking a photo of the Washington Monument!
The Washington Monument was built to honor the United States' first President. Unfortunately, during an earthquake in 2011, the memorial was damaged and has only recently reopened. Did you know you can take an elevator to the top? You can buy tickets here from the National Park Service.
Sunset and Sunrise are Perfect times to take photos of the Washington Monument
The nice thing about the Washington Memorial is the tidal basin and the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial, which provide an excellent opportunity to take photos with reflections.
You can also get some great photos from the opposite side of the Washington Monument closer to the US Capitol.
From the National Mall
Since the memorial is open 24 hours a day, it is wonderful to photograph at sunrise, sunset, and at night.
8. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is located on the tidal basin next to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. The memorial was finalized in August 2011. I love reading the quotes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that are engraved throughout the memorial.
The MLK Jr. Memorial in D.C. symbolizes his legacy and vision of equality and freedom. It is a powerful memorial for a man who had an incredible impact on civil rights.
9. The National Mall
No first-time visit to D.C. would be complete without visiting the 1,000-acre National Mall. Often referred to as "America's Front Yard". The National Mall includes the area from the Lincoln to the Washington Monument. It is a beautiful area to walk. There are plenty of park benches to sit, pause and reflect.
You will not only see tourists strolling the grounds, people exercising, and plenty of wildlife.
10. Tidal Basin & Cherry Blossoms
The tidal basin is one of the best places to take a walk and take photos in DC. This is also the area during the Spring where you can see the Cherry Blossoms. Hundreds of thousands of people will come from all over the world to see this amazing site.
I included a map below because there are many things to see in the Tidal Basin: 1) the Japanese Lantern, 2) the FDR Memorial, 3) the Japanese Pagoda, 4) The MLK Memorial, and 5) the Jefferson Memorial, among a few.
During the Cherry Blossom season, it is essential to arrive very early. The park police will close the streets around the area, so it is nearly almost impossible to find parking. Walking or cycling to the area is easier.
Watching the reaction of visitors to the Cherry Blossoms and Magnolias always makes me happy
It is usually difficult to predict precisely when you will see the Cherry Blossoms. Once the Cherry Blossoms peak, you will have about one week to see them.
11. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president and author of the Declaration of Independence. It is an excellent location at Sunrise/Sunset. It is also located on the Tidal Basin and has just recently completed a renovation.
In the morning, you can take photos of the interior without all the tourists.
Another excellent time to photograph the Jefferson is during the Cherry Blossom Season.
12. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
The FDR Memorial is my favorite Memorial in Washington DC, and the one that most Washingtonians have never heard of. It is usually easy to just park on Ohio Drive SW and walk a few minutes towards the Tidal Basin.
““Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, Freedom from Fear...””
Twenty-two quotations from Roosevelt's presidency are engraved on the granite walls of the memorial. The quotes are not only thought-provoking but so forward-thinking.
It’s a wonderful place to stroll through. There are also a lot of benches to sit on.
A Power Symbol of the Struggles Americans Went Through
The other good tip for this area is that they have good bathrooms, which might be needed after walking around the tidal basin.
13. The White House
The White House needs no introduction. There are usually lots of people in front of the White House so going early in the morning or at night is best.
You can go right up to the gate surrounding the White House and take a photo.
14. The US Capitol
The US Capitol is yet another iconic location in Washington DC. There are two main spots to take photos. The first is from the reflecting pool in front of the Capitol, and the second is from the back side of the Capitol.
From the Back of the Capitol
The US Capitol is a beautiful location at sunset and at night.
I usually shoot the area from the back of the US Capitol at Sunset, and then I walk to the front side and take photos with the reflecting pool. But the reflecting pool is also a great location for sunrise.
If you are lucky, you can take photos of the US Capitol with amazing colors. At night, you can get a beautiful reflection on the reflecting pool.
15. The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is located right next to the US Capitol. The Library of Congress is one of the world's largest libraries, and its architecture is stunning. There are a lot of photography opportunities at the Library of Congress.
The Chamber of the Library of Congress
You can easily spend a few hours in the Library of Congress photographing the main chamber, the hallways, and the exterior of the building.
16. Arlington Cemetery
Arlington Cemetary, the 639-acre grounds honor those who have served our nation. It is a beautiful serene location with its rolling green hills and trees. The impressive landscape serves as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of every individual laid to rest within these hallowed grounds.
17. The National Museum of African American History
The National Museum of African American History is one of the newer museums in Washington. It opened in 2016, and it is very popular, so make sure to buy tickets online if you want to go inside.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum dedicated to documenting African American life, history, and culture.
Photographed on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 with Lights of Commemoration
18. Washington DC Skyline - The Netherlands Carillon
The Netherlands Carillon is a wonderful location for taking a photograph of Washington DC. It is located in Virginia, right next to the IWO Jima Memorial. It was a gift that expressed the gratitude of the Dutch people for the American aid received during and after World War II.
It is one of the few places where you can take a photo of the Lincoln, Washington Monument, and US Capitol all in a line. With a long lens, the compression will make the monuments appear closer than they actually are. You will need to be at least 200 mm from this location.
It is also the best location to photograph the Fourth of July Fireworks.
19. The Iwo Jima Memorial
The Iwo Jima Memorial is located right next to the Netherlands Carillion. The United States Marine Corps War Memorial represents this nation's gratitude to Marines and those who have fought beside them.
This is good location at sunrise
20. US Supreme Court
The US Supreme Court is another iconic location. Unfortunately, there are often protests in front of the court, so it can be challenging to Photograph. I think the best time to photograph this location is at sunset. It is located right across the street from the US Capitol.
21. Washington National Cathedral
The National Cathedral is located on Mass Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue. It took more than 83 years to complete. The Cathedral was also damaged in the 2011 earthquake, and the repairs are ongoing.
Do not miss Bishop Gardens in the back of the Cathedral. These gardens are just beautiful. A perfect place to visit for an afternoon walk.
22. The National Zoo
The National Zoo is a wonderful place to take a walk and see incredible animals. There are Pandas, Elephants, Giraffes, and so much more. And like all the Smithsonian Museums its’s free.
23. City Center
City Center is a relatively new area in DC. There are more than 40 high-end shops and fantastic restaurants, residences, and offices.
24. The Friendship Arch in Chinatown
Probably the most iconic part of DC’s Chinatown is the Friendship Arch right in front of the Capital One Arena. It is a 48-foot high and 75-foot wide gateway and is the nation’s largest Chinese archway.
It is located in Chinatown on H St NW & 7th Street. This area also has lots of restaurants to explore. This is a good spot for a long exposure shot.
25. National Arboretum
The National Arboretum is a huge park (451 acres with 9.5 miles of winding roadways) located just a few minutes from Washington DC. It was established in 1927 by an Act of Congress.
One of the most interesting things to photograph in the Arboretum are the original US Capitol columns.
26. Union Station
Union Station is the main train station in DC. It has been restored and includes restaurants and shops. There are lots of photography options on the exterior and interior.
27. Smithsonian Castle and the Enid A. Haupt Garden
The Enid A. Haupt Garden is a 4.2-acre public garden in the Smithsonian complex, next to the Smithsonian Institution Building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
It is a fantastic place to go for a walk and take photos of Magnolias in the Spring.
The area is very popular with local photographers. You will often see couples taking engagement photos.
28. James Madison Memorial Building
The James Madison Memorial Building is next to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress. The external columns outside the building are perfect for architectural photos, portraits, or even a background of engagement photos.
The James Madison Memorial Building is one of three United States Capitol Complex buildings that house the Library of Congress. The building was constructed from 1971 to 1976, and serves as the official memorial to United States Founding Father and president James Madison.
29. The National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is a beautiful place for an afternoon walk on a cold day. The architecture is stunning, and there is plenty of art work to admire.
There are lots of fantastic architectural spots to shoot inside the National Gallery.
30. Culture House (formerly Blind Whino)
One of the most colorful buildings in DC is the Culture House (formerly Blind Whino). The building dates back to 1886.
31. DC GRAFFITI & Murals
DC Graffiti & Murals -There are so many amazing Murals in Washington DC. My newest book on DC Murals and Graffiti can be found on Amazon.
The city has definitely embraced the artist and has created a website where you can find more information on the Murals and the Artists. More and more murals are popping up and not all of the murals are found on the DC Website. So I have created my own Google Map with all the murals I have found so far. I am always searching for new pieces and the list keeps growing.
It has become a scavenger hunt to find the murals all over the city. There are always new ones popping up. But it’s a fun to look down alley-ways and discover a beautiful new mural each time I search a new neighborhood.
32. The Gardens of the FRANCISCAN MONASTERY OF THE HOLY LAND IN AMERICA
The gardens of the Franciscan Monastery are magnificent. The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America is a Franciscan complex at 14th and Quincy Streets in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C.
You will need a car to reach this location
33. Naval Merchant
Standing beside the Mount Vernon Trail in Lady Bird Johnson Park is a large sculpture of a crashing wave with seven seagulls flying above. This is the Navy and Marine Memorial, a monument that honors members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Services who lost their lives at sea.
34. The US Botanical Garden
The United States Botanic Garden is a botanical garden on the grounds of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., near the James A. Garfield Monument. Another fun spot to photograph and take a walk.
35. Any Metro Station
Both the interiors and the entrances and exits of the metro stations can provide amazing architectural shots.
36. The Dupont Farmers Market on Sundays
You will find the Dupont Farmers Market by the Dupont Metro Station. This is the largest farmers market in the DC area. There are dozens and dozens of vendors selling fruits & vegetables, meats, cheeses, pastries, bread, coffee and so much more. It is a fun place to get a snack, stroll, people-watch, and take street photos.
37. The Watermelon House
The Watermelon House is a brightly painted watermelon mural that has grown to be a very Instagram attraction. It's fun to photograph! Located at 1112 Q St NW, Washington
38. Roosevelt Island
Theodore Roosevelt Island is an 88.5-acre island and national memorial located in the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. During the Civil War, it was used as a training campsite for what was termed “Colored Troops.”
There are trails that allow you to walk across the entire island and photograph wildlife.
39. Kenilworth Gardens
The Kenilworth Gardens is a true gem. Located at 1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC. These gardens are absolutely magnificent. If you can catch the lotus blooms in the summer, you will not be disappointed. Just make sure to wear boots since the trails can get muddy.
40. Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens
Just across Independence Avenue from the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory is a favorite “secret” garden Bartholdi Gardens of many Washingtonians.
41. National Portrait Gallery -Kogod Courtyard
The National Portrait Gallery is a historic art museum between 7th, 9th, F, and G Streets NW in Washington, D.C., in the United States.
The interiors are stunning, and there is an excellent coffee shop.
42. The MLK Library
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library has undergone a major renovation. This historic landmark has been artfully restored and includes numerous unique event spaces that are both modern and versatile.
The main thing to photograph is the incredible staircases.
43. Georgetown
Georgetown is a town within a town. It was founded in 1751 and is the beginning point of the historic C&O Canal, a national park that runs 184.5 miles into Cumberland, MD.
Georgetown is a historic area with cobblestone streets, Georgetown University, shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a charming area to explore.
One of my favorite DC Murals
There are plenty of beautiful homes on cobblestone streets that are wonderful to photograph in Georgetown.
I especially like the way the light hits the buildings during the late afternoon.
The waterfront along the Potomac River, is also a beautiful area to stroll and enjoy a dinner, and take photos of the Kennedy Center.
43. Row Houses in Georgetown, Capitol Hill and Old Town Alexandria
The quiet, tree-lined streets north of M Street on either side of Wisconsin Avenue are filled with homes dating back as early as the 18th century, ranging from modest row houses to large estates.
Located on Kalorama Street in NW DC
You will find also find beautiful row houses in Alexandria, VA, and around Capitol Hill.
44. Museum of the Bible
The Museum of the Bible is a museum in Washington D.C., owned by Museum of the Bible, Inc., a non-profit organization established in 2010 by the Green family. While I am not religious, the architect is fun to photograph.
45. Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle is the place to go for Street Photography. It is another area full of shops and restaurants.
46. Blagden's Alley
Another fun location is Blagden's Alley. Here, you can not only have a fantastic coffee drink at La Colombe or Seylou Bakery, but there is some beautiful graffiti. Blagden Alley and Naylor Court are considered so notable that the National Park Service designated them as a historic district.
The famous Love Mural
There are lots of murals in Blagdens's Alley.
47. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The Kennedy Center is the nation’s busiest performing arts center, hosting upwards of 2,000 events each year. I love to photograph it from the Georgetown waterfront at night. In recent years, they light up the Kennedy Center with different colors.
48. Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is the Central Park of Washington DC. A true gem. This 1,754 acre city park was officially inaugurated in 1890, making it the third national park to be designated by the federal government. While it is in the city, you will feel you have escaped. It a peaceful refuge, with fresh air, majestic trees, horses, wild animals, nature trails, and meticulously bucolic.
49. Arlington Memorial Bridge
Memorial Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in Washington, DC. Memorial Bridge also connects the DC to Arlington National Cemetery.
50. From Virginia to DC Across Memorial Bridge
Another fun photo, especially at night, is to cross Memorial Bridge and take a photo from the Virginia side towards Washington.
51. Key Bridge & Georgetown Waterfront
The Georgetown Waterfront is filled with restaurants. You will also see people on Kayaks and University Rowing teams on the river.
52. Celebration & Events
It is always fun to photograph people celebrating Presidential Elections and other events.
53. The NATIONAL Air and Space Museum (Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia.)
I love the photography options in the Air & Space Museum. You should know that there are 2 museums. The original is in Washington DC by all the Smithsonian Museums, and the other is by Washington Dulles Airport. The newer one, the Udvar-Hazy, is my favorite. It is massive and has so many planes to photograph.
The Udvar Center is massive and has so many planes to photograph.
54. THe National Parks Around DC (Great Falls National Park)
My final suggestion for photography is to get out of the DC and discover one of the national parks. I have previously written about my favorite parks in DC. DC is surrounded by dozens and dozens of beautiful parks. My favorites are Great Falls National Park, Huntley Meadows, and Riverbend State Park.
A Professional Kayaker at Great Falls National Park
I hope you have found this Photography Guide in Washington, DC, helpful. You can find my other 38 Photography & Travel Guides by clicking on this Link