Summary:
I have always greatly admired Thomas Jefferson. A statesman, a farmer, and an inventor among many other characteristics, he was a thinker.

Okay, I might admire the fact that he brought wine to the east coast the most. An avid viticulturist, he planted vineyards both in France and at his famous home Monticello.

He is of course more famous as the author of the Declaration of Independence, the third president of the United States, the author of the Bill of Rights, the Louisiana Purchase, and for founding the University of Virginia.

Thomas Jefferson was a native born American. He inherited land and good social standing from his parents. He attended Univeristy at William & Mary.

As a politician he was a opposed a strong centralized Government and championed the rights of states. I wonder what he'd think of the affairs of state today with deep national debt and a gigantic federal government structure.

After his two terms he retired to Monticello, passing away on July 4, 1826 at 83.

Features:

There's the rotunda at the top of the stairs with the statue of Thomas Jefferson. There are different quotes and writings engraved along the wall.

Underneath the Memorial there is a museum, a book store, and restrooms. This area is heated and air conditioned, which can be a refuse in the sever weather along the Potomac River.

During the National Cherry Blossom Festival there are performances in front of the Memorial.

History:
A memorial to Thomas Jefferson endeavor from the beginning. Unfortunately the revered cherry trees famous during the Cherry Blossom Festival were already occupying the site proposed for the memorial.

Activities:
While there's not much more to do than view the pantheon and the underground musuem, rangers do offer a variety of programs during the busier seasons.

Area Attractions:
See our City Attractions page for more.

Food & Sundries:
There's nothing at the Memorial. I've noticed that the book stores sell water. During the warmer months ice cream vendors seem to pop up everywhere.

The closest restaurants are probably across the Outlet Bridge and East down Water Ave. The Maine Avenue Fish Market is a great place to catch a bite if you don't mind that there's no seating area.

Directions:
Interstates 66 and 395 provide access to the Mall from the south. Interstate 495, New York Avenue, Rock Creek Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Cabin John Parkway provide access from the North. Interstate 66, Route 50 and 29 provide access from the West. Routes 50, 1, and 4 provide access from the East.

The park is in the East Potomac Park. There's limited parking along Ohio Drive and at the Memorial. The easiest way to get there is to park in an outlying state and take the metro to the 12th st or L'Enfant Plaza stations. Then take a taxi or Tour Trolley to the Memorial.

Alexandria ,  Arlington ,  Centreville ,  Chantilly ,  Dulles ,  Dumfries ,  Fairfax ,  Falls Church ,  Herndon ,  Lorton ,  Manassas ,  Mclean ,  Reston ,  Rosslyn ,  Springfield ,  Sterling ,  Triangle ,  Vienna ,  Woodbridge

Camping & RV:
Burke Lake Park, Greenbelt National Park, Lake Fairfax Park

Commercial:

Notes:
Open Daily
8 a.m. to midnight - Closed on Christmas.