Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial (MLK Memorial) is part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. It is located on the northwest corner of the Tidal Basin at the intersection of Independence Avenue and West Basin Drive SW in Washington, D.C. The MLK Memorial was dedicated on August 28, 2011 -- the 48th anniversary of the historic March on Washington organized by Dr. King. The centerpiece is a solid granite carving of King, and it is the first major memorial along the National Mall dedicated to an African-American and a non-president.

Parking and public transportation at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Metrorail or biking is the best way to get to the MLK Memorial. Street parking is limited, and parking restrictions are enforced. Street parking requires payment at a meter for limited hours or you can spend at least $12 for a garage. The nearest station is Smithsonian (orange/silver/blue), and the closest Capital Bikeshare stand is at 14th Street and Jefferson Drive NW.

Best time and worst time to go to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
For a combination of good weather and beautiful landscape, visit the memorial in the spring or fall, and if you want to avoid the tourist crowd, visit in September and October. Peak tourist season and the summer months are the worst times to visit. Summer in D.C. comes with high humidity and temperature that can hit above 100 degrees, and coupled with huge tourist crowd, you might want to save your trip for later.

Admission to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Admission is free, and it is open 24 hours and seven days a week.

Must see/do at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
An endearing aspect of the MLK Memorial, in addition to the solid granite carving of Dr. King, are his quotes carved into the solid granite and on the wall around the memorial. Walk the full length of the wall, and be inspired by the great words of a great man.

Other places to visit near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Visit the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and World War II memorials and the museums of the Smithsonian Institution -- all part of the National Mall. If you are in the area on a summer evening on Friday, visit the Sculpture Garden for Jazz in the Park. It is an evening of lounging around in the garden enjoying a jazz band while sipping sangria, hanging with friends and meeting new people

Insider tip for visitors to Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
MLK memorial and its surrounding memorials is best viewed at night. The monument, along with the other memorials on the Mall, is illuminated at night and offers a fabulous view of the city. In addition, early spring is a good time to catch the Cherry Blossom, and you'll be glad you saw this stunning view of Washington, D.C.

Author's bio: AdeOla Fadumiye moved to Washington D.C. from Minneapolis in 2007, and fell in love with its beautiful scenery, history and vibrant restaurant and night life. She graduated with a Mass Communication Degree from Winona State University, and is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of JostWrite. She loves reading, dancing, working out, and traveling. She is currently working on her first book.