Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC

Johnson IMAX at the National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History

Constitution Avenue is one of the most famous streets in our nation's capital. This street runs from east to west through the heart of the city and is home to many popular attractions and historical landmarks. In addition, the street is often televised during parades and funeral processions, including those of late Presidents.

From Constitution Avenue, you can access the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which is also popularly known as "The Wall." This touching memorial features the names of over 58,000 US serviceman who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Visitors to the Vietnam Memorial are often seen touching the names of loved ones or making an etching of names with pencil and paper. Also in this area is the Vietnam Women's Memorial and a famous statue of three servicemen located next to the entrance of the memorial.

Constitution Gardens is a 50-acre national park that sits between the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Reflecting Pool and runs length-wise along Constitution Avenue. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial as well as the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial and several other monuments are located on the grounds of the Constitution Gardens. This is also the site of a large naturalization ceremony each year. The Lincoln Memorial features a 19-foot statue of President Abraham Lincoln as well as a carved text of his famous Gettysburg Address. The Washington Monument stands as a symbol of President Washington's power and influence, and is a noticeable landmark on the city's skyline. The monument features 193 memorial stones of states, cities and patriotic societies that have added to the interior since 1848.

Sitting along Constitution Avenue and the National Mall are several of the museums in the Smithsonian Institute. Among the ones you will find in this location are the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Arts and Industries Building, Freer Gallery of Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Natural History, and others. These world-class museums feature a vast collection of artifacts as well as exciting exhibits and display. Admission is free for all of the Smithsonian museums.

With so much to see and do in and around the Constitution Avenue area, it makes sense to choose lodging nearby. There are many fine hotel choices in the vicinity, including the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, the Hotel Monaco Washington DC, the Holiday Inn Capitol, and the Liaison Capitol Hill.

Make plans to enjoy the famous sights and sounds along Constitution Avenue on your trip to Washington DC.