If you are coming to visit Washington, DC, and want to see all of the monuments, this post is for you. Of course, I am a firm believer that the best way to see a new city is in your running shoes. Check out this major monuments run tour and save it for your next visit.
Washington, DC Monuments Run Tour
While I live right outside of the city, I admittedly do not run down by the monuments more than a few times a year. It is easy to take for granted all of the beautiful sites and meaningful monuments to our country’s history right in my own backyard. When blogger friends (Traveling Cari and Pretty lil Mudder) came into town last week, it was fun to go into full on tourist mode with them. Here is a snapshot of our running tour and sites.
The sites of Washington, DC
We began our running tour blocks from the Washington Monument and that was our first stop. From the Constitution Avenue side, you can catch a glimpse of The White House.
From there, we ran over to the World War 2 memorial for the stunning waterfalls and views. Standing there you can view the Washington Monument and see the Lincoln Memorial at the other end of the Reflection Pool. Early on a Sunday morning, it was pretty quiet and uncrowded.
The Korean War Memorial is just a few hundred yards away and has an interesting array of statues.
Next, we had a short run over to the Martin Luther King memorial. It is quite impressive in stature right along the Tidal Basin. A quick jog away is the Franklin D Roosevelt memorial which is a little hidden but worth the stop. There is also a bonus small tribute to Eleanor Roosevelt as well.
Next, head on over to the Jefferson Memorial and climb up the stairs for a closer look. This spot also has stunning views of the Tidal Basin and The Washington Monument.
So much history so far! You may ask, what’s next? Let’s run on over to The National Mall and The Capitol. Early on a weekend morning, it was not too crowded and we were able to get in pretty close. We then ran back down the mall towards the Washington Monument right where we began.
This was a total of around 7 miles. To easily add on some mileage, run up and down the National Mall once again. Save this route for your next visit to Washington, DC, and see all the sites. Special thanks to my navigation expert, Coco.
Route notes: There are a few different places to stop for restrooms and water refills along the route. Being a tourist in your hometown can be lots of fun!
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
How wonderful!!! I loved seeing all those monuments and getting a tour of Washington.
Thanks for all the beautiful photos and the map of the route.
Now, all we need to know is where we can book a tour with you and Coco!
Oh any time! Just come visit DC
I need to get back to DC one of these days! I’ve run down there a few times either in races or on my own. I’m sure I didn’t get to see all the sights since I didn’t really know where I was going!
You really do need to come in for a weekend!
You’re hired.
If I ever get to DC I want to take your tour.
Major FOMO.
We are ready to give you a tour anytime!
Again, I am so jealous I couldn’t be there! I LOVE DC, and seeing it (in the running shoes, none the less) with friends would make it even more significant and special. The 7-mile distance is also a nice length…not too long but long enough 😉
It was a great distance and we packed a lot in
Nice to see you all together! I have run a few races in DC but I’ve never done a run tour around the monuments, it looks like such a fun time! I need to make my way down there soon. 🙂
Yes, you do!
Did you guys plan ahead of time to wear red, white and blue or was it just a coincidence?
This sounds so fun- and maybe it’s good you only do it a few times a year. That keeps it special. If you did it all the time you might end up running past the monuments without really seeing them.
It looks like it was a beautiful day!
Ha no we did not plan ahead.WE had a blast though. You should come visit some day
A lovely tour, thank you! A friend has an internship at the Smithsonian coming up and I’m sending this to her!
Oh great! thanks
It’s been a long time since I’ve run through DC. Looks like you had a beautiful day!
It is fun to do every once in a while