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Constitution Gardens
Constitution Gardens occupies roughly 50 acres on the National Mall, situated between the Washington Monument to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west, with Constitution Avenue along its northern edge and the Reflecting Pool to the south.
In 1971, the last of the temporary Navy and Munitions buildings that had stood on the site were torn down. The following year, President Richard Nixon announced the creation of a formal park to commemorate events related to the American Revolution and the founding of the Republic. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with landscape architect Dan Kiley, the gardens were dedicated in May 1976 in honor of the American Revolution Bicentennial.
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation formally dedicating the gardens to the legacy of the Constitution, in honor of the document's bicentennial.
In July 1982, the Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence was dedicated on a small island at the center of the gardens' six-acre lake, with stones bearing the names and signatures of each signer.
The gardens became their own National Park unit in 1984 and are managed by the National Mall and Memorial Parks. In 1999, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the East and West Potomac Park Historic District.
Over the following decades, the gardens fell into disrepair and became largely a pass-through site. A national design competition in 2011-12, sponsored by the Trust for the National Mall, selected PWP Landscape Architecture and Rogers Partners Architects to lead a three-phase revitalization.
Phase one relocated the historic Lockkeeper's House, the oldest structure on the National Mall, converting it into a visitor center. Phase two, approved by the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, will redesign the 6.75-acre lake and add 2.5 acres of meadows and woodlands.
The concrete-lined lake will be replaced with a natural clay bottom to support aquatic plants, fish, frogs, and birds, while also functioning as stormwater infrastructure. The gardens are open year-round, 24 hours a day.
What To Know Before Your Visit to Constitution Gardens
Constitution Gardens Entrance Fee
Constitution Gardens does not charge an entrance fee! You may need to pay for parking, a shuttle, or for other transportation while visiting the park.
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Practical Information
Time Zone - Eastern Time Zone
Pets - You can certainly bring your furry friends along when visiting the parks, including Constitution Gardens. However, it's essential to
- Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times
- Pick up after your pet
- Must wear a collar with current tags at all times
- Allowed in grassy areas
- Parking areas and along paved roads
Cell Service -There is strong cellular service all around Washington DC
Park Hours - Constitution Gardens is open 24 hours a day.
Wi-Fi - Constitution Gardens does not offer WiFi but there is strong cellular service in Washington DC
Insect Repellent
Insect repellent is always a great idea when outdoors, especially if you are around any body of water.
We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips.
Water Bottle
Make sure to bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.
Parking
Parking can be difficult to find.
There are 1,200 metered parking spaces through the National Mall area provided by the National Park Service.
These parking pay stations accept debit and credit cards. They do not accept cash or coins.
Payment can also be made via the Parkmobile app or website.
Metered parking can be found:
- Constitution Avenue NW between 15th Street NW and 23rd Street NW
- Parkway Drive SW
- Ohio Drive SW in West Potomac Park (between Independence Ave and Inlet Bridge)
- West Basin Drive SW (entire length, between Ohio Drive and Independence Avenue)
- Tidal Basin parking lot (paddle boats)
- Madison Drive NW
- Jefferson Drive SW
- Lots A, B, and C on Ohio Drive SW (East Potomac Park)
- Lot on Buckeye Drive (adjacent to tennis courts)
There are 300 free parking spaces at Hains Point within East Potomac Park.
Accessible parking spaces are available for vehicles displaying disability parking permits, placards, and vehicle tags. In the areas where a parking fee is being charged visitors will need to pay for the accessible parking spaces.
Motorcycles can park in lots A, B, C areas off of Ohio Drive.
Drones - Drones are not permitted within National Park Sites.
National Park Passport Stamps
National Park Passport stamps can be found in the visitor center.
Make sure to bring your National Park Passport Book with you or we like to pack these circle stickers so we don't have to bring our entire book with us.
Electric Vehicle Charging - There are 500 public EV Charging Stations in Washington DC (Level 2 and Level 3)
Details about Constitution Gardens
Size- 50 acres
Check out how the park compares to other National Parks by Size.
Date Established - Constitution Gardens was established in 1976 to commemorate the American Revolution Bicentennial.
National Park Address
1100 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20242
National Park Map
Where Constitution Gardensis Located on The National Mall
The park runs along Constitution Avenue NW between 17th and 23rd Streets. It is easily walkable from the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Washington Monument. The Foggy Bottom Metro station is the closest stop.
Estimated distance from major cities nearby
- Baltimore, MD - 41 miles
- Philadelphia, PA - 142 miles
- Norfolk, VA - 107 miles
- Virginia Beach, VA - 64 miles
- Pittsburgh, PA - 245 miles
- Newark, NJ - 219 miles
- Jersey City, NJ - 224 miles
- New York, NY - 227 miles
Estimated Distance from nearby National Park
- Shenandoah National Park - 70 miles
- New River Gorge National Park - 155 miles
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 375 miles
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park - 350 miles
- Mammoth Cave National Park - 662 miles
- Congaree National Park - 482 miles
Does Constitution Gardens Have a Visitor Center?
Constitution Gardens does not have a dedicated visitor center. Constitution Gardens is anopen-air park.
How To Get to Constitution Gardens
Closest Airports
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
- Washington Dulles International Airport
- Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Public Transportation
The DC Metro system, known as the Metro, offers easy access. From the Blue, Orange, or Silver lines, exit at the Federal Triangle station. If you're on the Red line, use Metro Center. Both stations are near the World War I Memorial.
Alternatively, for a more active route, use the Capital Bikeshare service. It offers over 4,500 bikes across the region with several stations near the National Mall. One such station is at 15th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, directly across from the World War I Memorial.
On Off-Bus Tour
One of our favorite ways to explore Washington DC is on an On Off Bus Tour.
This is the perfect way to let someone else do the driving. Plus, you can sit on the top deck and get epic pictures while riding around the city.
Best time to visit
Choosing the perfect time to explore Constitution Gardens can enhance your experience. Generally, the most favorable time to visit Washington D.C. is in June or between mid-August and early October.
During these periods, the weather is typically pleasant - not too hot, not too cold, and less humid. It's the perfect climate for leisurely strolls.
Whether you're capturing photographs, going for a walk, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, these periods promise comfortable weather for a memorable visit to Constitution Gardens.
Weather and Seasons
Summers are warm and muggy in Washington DC while winters are super cold and snowy.
The hottest weather is from May 30 to September 16th when the average daily temperature is above 79 degrees.
The coldest weather is from December 1st to March 4th with an average temperature below 52 degrees.
The coldest month is January. May gets the most rain with an average of 3.5 inches.
February gets the most snow with an average of 5.4 inches.
Top Things to do at Constitution Gardens
🚶Stroll the shaded walking paths around the lake
🦆 Watch ducks and wildlife on the peaceful 7-acre pond
📜 Visit the Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial on the island
📸 Photograph views of the Washington Monument reflected in the water
🌳 Relax on the open lawns under mature trees
🏛️ Use the park as a central base for visiting nearby memorials including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial
🎭 Attend occasional outdoor events and concerts held on the grounds
🧭 Walk the entire western end of the National Mall as part of a monuments tour
Tips
- It is one of the calmer spots on the Mall, great for a midday break during a busy sightseeing day
- The island memorial is a short walk across a footbridge and is easy to miss if you are not looking for it
- Benches around the lake are plentiful and shaded, making it a good spot to rest
- Early morning visits offer lovely light and almost no crowds
Washington D.C. Guided Tours
Taking an organized tour is the perfect way to learn more about the sites without the worry of driving and finding parking in town.
VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry
⭐️ Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours and 30 minutes| 🚌Check Rates and Availability
Begin with a tour of the United States Capitol Building; admission tickets are prebooked for a seamless visit. Then, see the city's most famous landmarks and monuments aboard a comfortable coach, including the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and more. Then, end your tour with a visit to the National Archives Museum.
Washington D.C. Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
⭐️ Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours and 30 minutes| 🚌Check Rates and Availability
Experience the sights of Washington D.C. by night on a guided trolley tour of the city's most popular monuments. Along the way, learn about the fascinating history of the nation's capital.
Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.1 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 hour and 30 minutes| 🚌Check Rates and Availability
Take a hop-on hop-off Washington DC trolley tour to explore the nation's capital at your own pace. The route encompasses the city's top attractions, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and more. Just hop off at any stop when you want to explore, and then hop back on the trolley to continue around the city. You can also upgrade to include Arlington National Cemetery entry.
There are tons of tours available in Washington, DC! From food tours to ghost tours, you can find an amazing tour to enhance your visit.
Where to Stay Near Constitution Gardens in Washington DC
⭐️ 4.7 of 5 Stars - Hotel AKA Washington Circle - Click here for Rates and Availability.
A boutique luxury retreat right on Washington Circle, directly across from the Foggy Bottom Metro station! Rooms and suites are generously sized with many featuring full kitchens or kitchenettes and private terraces, making this ideal for both short trips and extended stays. Amenities include a Technogym fitness center, a private on-site cinema, an executive conference room, free WiFi, in-room Nespresso machines, free bottled water, and the acclaimed a.kitchen and bar restaurant by James Beard Award winning chef Ellen Yin. Constitution Gardens, the Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center, and Georgetown are all within easy walking distance.
⭐️ 4.5 of 5 Stars - Hotel Hive - Click here for Rates and Availability.
D.C.'s first micro-hotel, built for travelers who want to spend less on the room and more on the city! Rooms are compact and cleverly designed at 125 to 250 square feet with a fun honeycomb-inspired style, free WiFi, premium bedding, and private bathrooms. The hotel features a rooftop terrace and bar with great views, an on-site pizza restaurant, and is just two blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro. The Lincoln Memorial is less than a mile away and Constitution Gardens is a short stroll down the National Mall. Pet friendly!
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - State Plaza Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.
An Art Deco boutique hotel in Foggy Bottom, sitting less than a mile from Constitution Gardens! This property is a great value pick for families and extended stay travelers, as most rooms are apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living and dining areas. Amenities include free WiFi, a fitness center, a business center, nightly turndown service, the on-site Garden Cafe restaurant with outdoor patio, and valet parking. Steps from the Foggy Bottom Metro and a short walk to the Kennedy Center, White House, and National Mall.
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - The Watergate Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Stay at one of the most iconic and storied hotels in American history, right on the banks of the Potomac River! This 5-star luxury property features 336 beautifully appointed rooms with private balconies, Potomac River views, and all-marble bathrooms. The Argentta Spa is a full-service luxury spa with a 50-foot heated indoor saltwater pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub. Additional amenities include 3 bars and lounges, the rooftop Top of the Gate bar with panoramic city views, the Kingbird restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, free WiFi, concierge, valet parking, and complimentary hotel bikes. The Kennedy Center is a 7-minute walk and Constitution Gardens is just over a mile away.
https://www.stay22.com/embed/69e915d9fc63716c65ef6c21Camping
There are no National Park Campgrounds at Constitution Gardens.
National Mall Memorials and Parks Near Constitution Gardens
- World War I Memorial
- World War II Memorial
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
- Washington Monument
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial
- Arlington House, Robert E Lee Memorial
- Theodore Roosevelt Island
Check out all of the National Parks in Washington DC, along with neighboring Maryland National Parks, Virginia National Parks, Pennsylvania National Parks, Delaware National Parks, and National Parks in West Virginia.
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