The Best Places to Photograph Sunrise in Washington, DC
A cold morning at the Capitol Reflecting Pool
1// The West Side of the Capitol
The west side of the US Capitol offers something in almost every season. When the weather is nice, the reflecting pool has some of the most amazing reflections of the capitol. When its cold and blustery, break out the ND filters and the tripod to catch some amazing long exposures. There is also a great spot at the statue of Ulysses S. Grant with some great foreground interest for wide lenses. This spot was featured on the opening credits of House of Cards.
Parking here is available on the weekends on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 1st and 3rd Streets. During the week those spaces are reserved for those with passes working on the Hill. Pay attention to all parking signs for hours and days with restrictions.
The Jefferson Memorial from the north side of the Tidal Basin
2// The Tidal Basin
The tidal basin offers just about anything you could want at sunrise. Great views in every direction. Multiple monuments and memorials. And there is almost always some sort of wildlife to help make your shot complete. Arrive near the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on West Basin drive to get your morning started off right. Some of the trees down along the south east side bend out over the water for some spectacular compositions.
You’ll find this area very busy during Cherry Blossom season in late March and early April, but its views are worth the crowds.
Parking is available at the Lot on the east side of the Tidal Basin near the paddle boats or along Ohio Drive SW. It fills up early in the busy times around the Cherry Blossom Festival and is clearly signed for its hours.
3// The Georgetown Waterfront & Key Bridge
This one is a little different. it doesn’t have the same dramatic views of the monuments, but it offers sweeping views and multiple vantage points at various heights to fit the conditions on any given morning. In all but the worst of weather, you can count on catching those getting in their morning row from many of the boathouses that flank the ends of the waterfront. You can also take a walk west along the C&O Canal towpath for some more intimate views.
Parking is available along K Street (metered) underneath the Whitehurst Freeway and there is a steep improvised stair near the boathouses that will take you up to the Key Bridge. Make sure to pay attention to the hours you’re required to pay the meter.
The view from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial
4// Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is your safest bet for sunrise. You can always capture an epic view here in almost any weather. The view made famous by Wedding Crashers comes from the top of the steps. Beware the large number of people trying to get this exact same view. You can always capture a wonderful view off to one side or the other with the strong stone columns framing the view down the mall to the Washington Monument and US Capitol. When the ducks are active or the wind is calm, head down to the edge of the reflecting pool to capture serene reflections of the Monument and the Capitol
Parking here is available along Ohio Drive SW and Parkway Drive NW near the Sand Volleyball courts. Parking rules vary at each location, so make sure to pay attention to any signs to avoid any tickets.
The view from the Netherlands Carillon
5// Netherlands Carillon
The Netherlands Carillon was a gift from the Dutch people to the people of the United States for all the aid received during and after World War II. The views from here are simply perfection. Bring your long lens and tripod to zoom in and layer the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol right against each other. This isn’t too far from the Marine Corps Memorial (the official name of Iwo Jima) but offers better views down the mall as the three buildings are more precisely aligned and not obscured by any trees. A special bonus here is being right next to an entry point into Arlington National Cemetery when the gates open later in the morning.
Parking here is available at the Marine Corps Memorial. Remember to always check the status of any memorial before you head out to make sure the parking is actually open.
The view down Pennsylvania Avenue from Freedom Plaza
6// Freedom Plaza
Freedom plaza has some great views that feel more like you’re really in the city. Looking straight down Pennsylvania Avenue at the Capitol, bring your tripod and lenses as the ideal focal length depends on the sky. 35-70mm when the sky goes off and 70-200mm when the color stays close to the horizon. Keep your eyes peeled for buses and moving cars to give some great foreground interest with longer exposures.
Parking on the weekends is pretty easy on the surrounding streets, but pay careful attention to the signs during the week as many of the streets may have towing enforced restrictions.
7// The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is a beautiful and contemplative spot to spend a sunrise in remembrance of those who we lost. The reflections of sunrise in the black granite panels make for somber images. Please be respectful of the monument and the items left in memory of those listed on the wall. This is a place to honor and respect the fallen.
Parking here is located in the same places as the Lincoln Memorial.
8// Constitution Gardens
Just a short walk from the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, Constitution Gardens is a wonderful place to see a sunrise. The least visited of the places on this list, you’ll probably only be joined by runners and the ducks. The wonderful willow tress on the island make for beautiful images when framed against the Washington Monument. You’re also sure to catch Ducks and Geese doing their thing in the early morning hours.
Parking here is location along Parkway Drive NW near the Volleyball Courts. Pay attention to the signs for timing restrictions.
9// Great Falls
Great falls is one of the best spots just a short drive from the National Mall. 35 Minutes by car gets you to this National Park Service run scenic locale. The various viewpoints require you to scramble up the rocks on the Virginia side to capture the best views of the falls. There are a multitude of hiking trails on both sides of the river with the rock-scramble Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland Side.
Parking here is subject to the National Park Service fees and is not accessible by public transit.
10// Jones Point Park
Jones Point Park sits underneath the dramatic Woodrow Wilson bridge that cuts across the Potomac River connecting Alexandria and National Harbor. The myriad of views with the dramatically curving piers of the bridge make for a great opportunity for views as well as dramatic shadows.
Parking is available at the park, but getting there can be a bit of a challenge. Make sure to look up the entry points to the parking lot before you go.
