Washington, D.C. and its surrounding metropolitan areas have so many locations to take amazing photographs. Whether taking them with your phone or via a professional photographer, here are 5 easy-to-find locations in the DC area that I recommend.

Do you have favorite places to take photos in the D.C. metropolitan area? Share the love and list them in the comments below!

Photograph by Dang Nguyen— copyright//all rights reserved

1) Lady Bird Johnson Park/Columbia Island Marina
According to Wikipedia, Lady Bird Johnson Park is formerly known as Columbia Island until in 1968. It is an island located in the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. and was formed naturally as an extension of Analostan Island in the latter part of the 1800s. Over time, erosion and flooding severed it from Analostan, now known as Theodore Roosevelt Island. Located within the park are the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove, Navy – Merchant Marine Memorial, and the Columbia Island Marina. The island, park, memorials, and marina are part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and administered by the National Park Service.

Photo by Ivvor Rocha Photography— copyright//all rights reserved

2) The Lincoln Memorial
This US national memorial was built to honor Abraham Lincoln and is located on the western end of the National Mall across from the Washington Monument. It is in the form of a neoclassical temple. It is a major tourist attraction. Many people visit daily at all hours, but I highly recommend coming at the wee hours of the morning to ensure a shot with the least amount of people in your background as possible. I’m lucky that my photographers are so talented and were able to remove all of the tourists from the background!

Nearby are the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and –World War II Memorial, so you can walk to these other beauteous memorials to visit, pay hommage, and take additional photos.

3) The Kennedy Center (John F. Kennedy for the Performing Arts)
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the United States National Cultural Center located on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. It was named in 1964 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, serves as a vibrant campus of theaters and other artistic spaces, and is a must-see tourist stop in DC. Both the interior and the exterior hold many gorgeous places to take photos—- columns, sky views, lush greenery surrounding fountains, a 600‐foot‐long x 60‐foot‐high grand foyer with grandiose chandeliers, red carpet as far as the eyes can see, polished marbled walls, et al. The Kennedy Center does not disappoint— rain or shine.

Photography by Pablo Raya— copyright//all rights reserved

4) The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress Building and is located on First Street SE, between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street. The Beaux-Arts-style building is known for its classicizing facade and stunning interior. It is named as a National Historic Landmark in 1965 and is known as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Special permissions are needed to visit the Grand Reading Room, but visitors may easily enter the grand foyer where a grand marbled staircase awaits to inspire. The ceilings are high, tremendously vaulted, and elaborately decorated. Behind closed doors— often off-limits— are hallways made with gold, tiling, and marble. The exterior of the building showcases tall, beautiful, white marble, rectangular columns.

5) Most of DC…
It’s no secret that the architecture in Washington, D.C. is beautiful. You’ll find many buildings with tall columns, symmetrical shapes, triangular pediments, domed buildings, art-filled gardens, et al—- all paying homage to presidents, artists, fallen warriors, stars, activists, international leaders, and more. From embassies in/around Kalorama, museums and monuments off of Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue, bridges at Yards Park, urban scenery in/around Union Market, to breathtaking views of the Potomac River— you’ll find many places to enjoy and take photos. Walk around, look around you, and enjoy!

5 Beautiful Places to take Photos in Washington D.C.