Washington, D.C. / 10 photo spots
10 Instagram spots around Washington, D.C.
The United States capital has monuments, gardens and waterfront neighbourhoods beyond its best-known avenue. These ten ideas combine civic landmarks with quieter details across Washington, D.C.
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Photo spots on the map
7 of 10 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Lincoln MemorialSourced place
- Washington MonumentSourced place
- Jefferson MemorialSourced place
- National Capitol ColumnsSourced place
- Friendship ArchwaySourced place
- Washington National CathedralSourced place
- Georgetown Waterfront ParkApproximate area
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Lincoln Memorial
At the western end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial faces the Reflecting Pool. Build a symmetrical composition around the columns, or place the pool in the foreground to connect the memorial with its setting.
Search Google MapsWashington Monument
The Washington Monument is an obelisk on the National Mall. Use a vertical frame to emphasise its height, then leave more room around the monument in a second image to show the open landscape.
Search Google MapsJefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial stands beside the Tidal Basin with a domed roof and columns. Try a wide view from across the water, using the shoreline to lead the eye towards the pale building.
Search Google MapsMartin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial honours the civil rights leader near the Tidal Basin. Give the stone figure space in the frame and include part of the surrounding memorial to show its setting.
Search Google MapsLibrary of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building
The Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building has a Neptune Fountain in front of its entrance. Use the fountain as a foreground to the façade, then frame one of the busts above the portico more closely.
Search Google MapsNational Capitol Columns
At the U.S. National Arboretum, former Capitol columns stand together in an open landscape. A low viewpoint can emphasise their height, while a wider composition shows the unusual setting away from the Capitol itself.
Search Google MapsFriendship Archway
The Friendship Archway marks an intersection in Washington’s Chinatown. Frame the gateway from a distance to include its painted details and the street around it, rather than cropping the structure too tightly.
Search Google MapsYards Park Bridge
The pedestrian bridge in Yards Park creates a strong architectural line at the Capitol Riverfront. Look along its curved structure, using the bridge itself to guide the eye through a photograph of the waterfront.
Search Google MapsWashington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral stands in the northwest of the capital. Photograph its exterior as a whole, then choose a carved figure or architectural detail to contrast the scale of the building with its ornament.
Search Google MapsGeorgetown Waterfront Park
Georgetown Waterfront Park follows the Potomac towards Key Bridge. Use the path and riverbank as leading lines, leaving room for the bridge in the distance and the water alongside the park.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- Destination DC: Monuments and memorials on the National Mall
- Destination DC: Instagram spots in Washington
- National Park Service: Georgetown Waterfront Park
- National Park Service: Thomas Jefferson Memorial features
- National Park Service: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- Library of Congress: Thomas Jefferson Building exterior