You can see this memorial from the Mall. To visit it though, it's easier to drive to a nearby parking lot off Ohio Drive and to walk to it from there. I did not see any handicapped parking near the memorial itself, but I don't need handicapped parking, so I did not scope it out first. If it's something you need, check in advance. The nearest parking lot I mentioned is a bit of a walk to the Jefferson Memorial. There was construction going on when I visited, but the memorial was still accessible, via stairs surrounding the entrance. I think there is a ramp nearby, but I am not sure. At the top of the stairs, Jefferson's Memorial consists of a rotunda with a bigger than life statue of him in the center. As you enter, on the left is a small, but interesting gift shop. The restrooms are in trailers in a lot on the other side of the building, and although they are in trailers, they have ramps, are kept spotless by a dedicated cleaning crew, and have flush toilets. There is a sidewalk that follows I-395. As you get to the top of the small hill, there are steps going down to the sidewalk that takes you back under I-395, and to the parking lot off Ohio Drive. If you want to also see George Mason's Memorial, then take the long way around, from Basin Drive to the junction of Ohio Drive. His memorial is set back from the sidewalk on that "corner."

Beautifully situated on the riverfront and majestic when you approach it. It was surprising to me that this memorial was only erected in 1943. Jefferson’s quotations adorn the walls and his statue looms over you. It is undoubtedly one of the more stately memorials. I believe the current construction works are in order to provide a step-free entrance. There is also a small gift shop.

If you’re looking for public transportation options don’t do what I did and try to walk from L’Enfant metro station. Inconvenient and not lovely. Gave up. Walkway was not clear. The next day, my bus ride and metro ride into the city dropped me at the Smithsonian Metro station. I got off the metro and took the DC circulator bus towards the Lincoln Memorial by the Smithsonian museums. That bus took me straight to the Jefferson Memorial. Because my ride to the Jefferson Memorial and my pick up back to that same location was all within the two hours of when I first tapped my smart trip card on my first bus for the morning, I didn’t have to pay anything extra. It was free because it was all within two hours. Then I spent the rest of my time on foot before taking the metro and bus back to my hotel. I would definitely recommend the DC circulator bus to get to the Jefferson Memorial.

This is one of the most iconic monuments in Washington and it looks over the Tidal Basin and is a beautiful spot to be able to see the cherry blossoms. One can fairly easily walk to the seafood market near the wharf and enjoy fresh seafood out of a bag sitting just outside the monument. There are plenty of places to sit and gaze up at the awe inspiring edifice. Also picnic lunches or dinners are great for this as well. It's nice to go in the evening as the sun goes down and to see the monument in the day and the light. It's location is really special, so if planning to go there see how you can make your trip extra special by enjoying more time with the monument with a packed meal, or smuggling a little wine or champagne 😉

Everything comes together to make this the most moving of all our monuments. The location, the architecture, the layout, statue, and most of all, the great words inscribed into all that beautiful marble. The magnificence can actually be overwhelming. I recommend going at night as reading the great quotes unlight gives the whole experience a little extra glow. If anyone says they have limited time and asks me which sights they should narrow down to, I always say the Jefferson Memorial is the one you absolutely must not miss.

The Jefferson memorial features a 19 ft statue of Thomas Jefferson, centered in a large open-air rotunda situated on the edge of the Tidal Basin. There are quotes on the walls from the Declaration of Independence and other writings. It is in a beautiful setting, with great views of the tidal basin and various other locations in DC. I especially liked the views of the Washington Monument, across the Tidal Basin. This was one of my favorite memorials in DC.

The Jefferson Memorial is one of the most beautiful memorials (in my opinion) in DC. It is perched high next to Tidal Basin with great views of the basin, the Washington Monument, and a direct shot of the a White House. When I went there in April, it was beautiful (even without the cherry blossoms, since there was no cherry blossoms when I went). I highly recommend visiting the Jefferson Memorial.

At the opposite end of the Tidal Basin from Martin Luther King Jr's Memorial is the Jefferson Memorial. The steps were a great place to rest after walking around the basin. During our time of visit, there was a renovation going on, and it did not impact the memorial itself visually, so it's still nice to take pictures of it.

I have been to DC a number of times over the years, but Jefferson doesn't always make it on the return list every time due to being out of the way from the others on the mall. We had electric scooters this time and were touring with my 13 y.o. son and made the short trip out there on the scooters. The place is truly beautiful with the tidal pond and the quiet (other than tour groups). At night, it is even better.