Parks, Monuments, and Memorials

The largest of Washington's many parks are Potomac Park, the Mall, and Anacostia and Rock Creek parks. Potomac Park extends along the Potomac River and is divided into East Potomac Park and West Potomac Park by the Tidal Basin, around which grow hundreds of Japanese cherry trees. The Cherry Blossom Festival, held at the basin each spring, draws large crowds. Near the Tidal Basin are three of the city's most famous memorials: the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is also located near the Tidal Basin.

The Mall, the oldest park in the city, is a large open area with several reflecting pools and landscaped gardens. It is bounded on the north and south by Constitution and Independence avenues and extends westward from the Capitol. The Korean War Veterans Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial are on the Mall. The U.S. Botanic Garden adjoins the Capitol grounds. Near the Capitol is the Robert A. Taft Memorial, a marble tower with a 27-bell carillon.

Anacostia Park lies along the east bank of the Anacostia River. Like Potomac Park, Anacostia Park was reclaimed from marshy land. The National Arboretum borders on part of the park. In the northern part of the city is Rock Creek Park. Covering 1,750 acres (708 hectares), it is the largest unit in the capital park system. Adjoining it is the National Zoological Park (Washington Zoo), one of the world's largest zoos. The park's Carter Barren Amphitheater is the scene of concerts and ballet during the summer. Southeast of the zoo is the African-American Civil War Memorial.

In Lafayette Square, facing the White House, are statues of Andrew Jackson, Lafayette, Von Steuben, and others. On Theodore Roosevelt Island, in the Potomac River, is a memorial, including a statue, dedicated to Theodore Roosevelt.