Vietnam Veterans Memorial

American Beach, located on the south end of Amelia Island in Florida, holds significant historical value as a vacation destination for African Americans during the era of segregation. Established as a response to restrictive Jim Crow laws, it became a vibrant locale featuring motels, restaurants, and entertainment specifically catering to African American visitors. Today, American Beach continues to reflect its rich heritage, with ongoing rehabilitation work supported by the African American Civil Rights Grant Program, aimed at preserving its legacy. Though the area has seen development, the National Park Service owns a portion of the historic sand dune, while private landholders reside on most of the surrounding properties. Generated from the website

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) memorial is unlike any other monument in Washington D.C. The memorial is situated along the Tidal Basin, and is made up of a path winding its way through trees, water features, brass statues, and memorable quotes carved into stone walls. It is a fittingly complex tribute to a man who was Assistant Secretary to the Navy, the longest-serving U.S. president, creator of the New Deal, and president during World War II.Parking and public transportation at the FDR MemorialFor those driving, there is parking along both Ohio Drive and West Basin Drive, but be warned, spaces fill fast. Those taking the subway should get off at the Smithsonian Metro station on the orange, blue, and silver lines. The walk to the FDR Memorial is about a mile long, but it is around the Tidal Basin, and very pretty. Those using the Capital Bikeshare program will find docks right outside the entrance to the memorial on Ohio Drive, at the Jefferson Memorial, or at the Lincoln Memorial.Best and worst time to go to the FDR MemorialThe best time to visit the FDR Memorial is during cherry blossom season. The trees in bloom around the Tidal Basin are an incredible sight. However, Washington D.C. gets extremely crowded during this time, so visit on weekdays or in the early morning to avoid the worst of the crush.Admission to the FDR MemorialAdmission to the memorial is free, and the memorial is open 24 hours a day. Rangers are there to answer questions between 9:30am and 11:30 pm.Must see/do at the FDR MemorialTake a second to stand in front of the statue of FDR in his wheelchair. Initially, the park wasn't going to include this statue, but after heavy lobbying, they changed their mind. It serves as a powerful reminder that we shouldn't underestimate or judge people based on their physical abilities or disabilities.Other places to visit near the FDR MemorialThe Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the George Mason Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial are all located within walking distance around the Tidal Basin. The full walk around the Tidal Basin through these monuments takes about an hour.Insider tip for visitors to the FDR MemorialRenting out a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin is a great way to get a different perspective on the memorials. Choose a day that is not too hot, when there's no chance of rain, and make sure to bring along a companion with strong legs.Author's bio: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins has been living in DC since she was born, with the exception of a few brief residential stints in Malawi, South Africa, and the UK. When not writing, she spends her time working on aerial acrobatics and fostering kittens, both of which are really fun facts to bring up at D.C. cocktail parties.