This is an incredible bit of urban green space. The grounds are terraced like a hanging garden replete with waterfalls, sandstone terraces and assorted embellishments that feel almost Tuscan. The prettiest bits reside in the park's south end, including DC's only memorial to James Buchanan (the USA's 15th president). Many locals still call this Malcolm X Park from its days of hosting political rallies. The Sunday drum circle (from 3pm to 9pm) has been going on since the 1960s.
© Coast-to-Coast / Getty Images
Meridian Hill Park
Transportation
- metro: Green, Yellow Line to Columbia Heights
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.51 MILES
Since 1800, this is where the legislative branch of American government (ie Congress) has met to write the country's laws.
1.5 MILES
Play image association with the words “Washington, DC,” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the White House. The president’s pad is…
14.83 MILES
One of America's most visited historic sites, Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington.
2.87 MILES
Sprawling across hills above the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for America’s most revered…
2.33 MILES
The legendary exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum include the Wright brothers' flyer, Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St…
2.13 MILES
Two buildings. Hundreds of masterpieces. Infinite enjoyment. It's easy to spend a full day at the National Gallery of Art, which showcases a whole range…
2.21 MILES
Anchoring the National Mall's west end is the hallowed shrine to Abraham Lincoln, who gazes across the Reflecting Pool beneath his neoclassical, Doric…
Nearby attractions
0.19 MILES
This mural of George Washington with a gag over his mouth symbolizes DC's lack of representation in Congress. It was painted by Aniekan Udofia in 2011.
2. District of Columbia Arts Center
0.36 MILES
The grassroots DCAC offers emerging artists a space to showcase their work. The 800-sq-ft gallery features rotating visual-arts exhibits, while plays,…
0.37 MILES
The regional headquarters of the Scottish Rite Freemasons, also known as the House of the Temple, is one of the most eye-catching buildings in the…
0.44 MILES
The Mexican Cultural Institute looks locked up and imposing, but don't be deterred. The gilded beaux-arts mansion is open to the public and hosts…
5. National Museum of American Jewish Military History
0.55 MILES
The museum is a small but fascinating peek into the wartime exploits of American Jews. Displays on Jewish Medal of Honor recipients and the history of…
6. African American Civil War Memorial
0.6 MILES
Standing at the center of a granite plaza, this bronze memorial, Spirit of Freedom, depicting rifle-bearing troops is DC’s first major art piece by black…
7. African American Civil War Museum
0.62 MILES
Set in an old schoolhouse behind the African American Civil War Memorial, the museum makes the point that for some, the Civil War was about secession…
0.71 MILES
A nonprofit member-run organization, this small gallery features a diverse range of super-contemporary art – mediums include painting, sculpture and…
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