Constitution Gardens

Washington, DC


Constitution Gardens is a bit of a locals’ secret. Quiet, shady and serene, it’s a reminder of the size of the Mall – how can such isolation exist amid so many tourists? Here’s the simple layout: a copse of trees set off by a small kidney-shaped pool, punctuated by a tiny island holding the Signers’ Memorial, a stone platform honoring those who signed the Declaration of Independence.

If you’re in need of a romantic getaway, the ‘kiss me’ vibes don’t get much better than this spot at sunset. The gardens are undergoing renovations to add a cafe, ice-skating facilities and more amenities, to be completed over the next few years.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Washington, DC attractions

1. Signers' Memorial

0.06 MILES

Honoring those 56 visionary men who signed the Declaration of Independence, this memorial in Constitution Garden shows how diverse this group of signers…

2. Reflecting Pool

0.1 MILES

Henry Bacon, who designed the Lincoln Memorial, also conceived the iconic Reflecting Pool, modeling it after the canals at Versailles and Fontainebleau…

3. National WWII Memorial

0.18 MILES

Dedicated in 2004, this grandiose memorial honors the 16 million US soldiers who served in WWII. Groups of veterans regularly come here to pay their…

4. District of Columbia War Memorial

0.18 MILES

This small Greek-Revival bandstand and monument was constructed in 1931. It commemorates local soldiers killed in WWI, making it the only local District…

5. C&O Canal Lockkeeper's House

0.2 MILES

At the northeast corner of Constitution Gardens, this 1835 stone gatehouse is a remnant of the days when the Washington City Canal flowed through this…

6. Art Museum of the Americas

0.21 MILES

The Organization of American States operates this small art museum in a separate building on its property. It features changing exhibits of modern and…

7. Vietnam Women's Memorial

0.23 MILES

The tree-ringed Vietnam Women's Memorial, showing female soldiers aiding a fallen combatant, was added to complement the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1993.

8. Organization of American States

0.23 MILES

A forerunner to the UN, the OAS was founded in 1890 to promote cooperation among North and South American nations. Its main building on the corner of…