When people think of Washington DC they are sure to think about the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall.
This long, shallow pool, built in the early 1920s, stretches east from the Lincoln Memorial to the World War II Memorial. It’s one of my favorite places to photograph in DC, especially for sunrise.
From Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech to Forrest Gump reuniting with Jenny in the water, the Reflecting Pool has seen plenty of history. It’s about 2,030 feet long and 167 feet wide, and it was designed by Henry Bacon, the same architect behind the Lincoln Memorial. Looking east across the water from the Lincoln Memorial steps, you’ll see the Washington Monument mirrored in the pool.
The pool you see today is essentially new. Between 2010 and 2012 the entire pool was drained and rebuilt on more than 2,100 timber pilings to keep it from sinking into the old marshland, and it was given a circulation system that draws water from the nearby Tidal Basin. In spring 2026 the basin was drained again and coated with a blue waterproof layer (officials described it as “American flag blue”) before refilling that June. The project was controversial and drew a lawsuit from a preservation group over the federal review process. Algae returned within days of the refill, and the pool was drained again on July 10, 2026 for cleaning and repairs, with no refill date announced yet.
There’s nothing like a good sunrise or sunset at the Reflecting Pool. The still water frames the Lincoln Memorial at one end and the Washington Monument at the other, and early mornings are quiet enough to have the steps almost to yourself (more on timing below).
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I’ve photographed the Reflecting Pool countless times over the years, in every season and at just about every hour.
Reflecting Pool on Google MapsLincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Pictures
Here are some of my favorite photos of the Reflecting Pool, from sunrise reflections to the monuments lit up at night.
Best Time to Photograph the Reflecting Pool
The Reflecting Pool is one of my favorite spots in DC, and the time of day makes all the difference:
- Sunrise: my top pick. The water is calm, the steps are nearly empty, and soft light hits the Lincoln Memorial while the Washington Monument catches first light across the pool.
- Sunset: warm light on the Washington Monument with the obelisk mirrored in the water. Stick around for blue hour, when the sky deepens behind the monument.
- At night: both the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument are lit after dark and reflect beautifully in the still water. Bring a tripod for long exposures and read up on night photography to make the most of it.
One planning note: the pool is drained for about a week once a year, usually in winter or early spring, for cleaning. If reflections are the whole reason for your trip, it’s worth checking before you go.
Getting to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
If you’re planning a trip to the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, there are a few ways to get there.
Metro: Taking the Metro is typically the best way to get around DC. The closest station to the Lincoln Memorial end of the pool is Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines), about a 15-minute walk. Smithsonian station sits near the Washington Monument end of the Mall, and Arlington Cemetery station is just across Memorial Bridge.
Parking: If you’re driving, parking can be tight, especially at peak times. There’s public street parking along Constitution Avenue, Pkwy Dr NW and Ohio Dr SW. Just be sure to read the signs since some of these areas are restricted parking during rush hour.
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool?
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is a long, shallow rectangular pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It sits directly east of the Lincoln Memorial and was designed by Henry Bacon, the same architect who designed the Lincoln Memorial itself. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the city.
When was the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool built?
The pool was built between 1922 and 1923 as part of a major renovation of the National Mall.
How deep is the Reflecting Pool?
The Reflecting Pool is surprisingly shallow, about 30 inches deep in the middle and roughly 18 inches at the edges. Since it’s so shallow you might be tempted to wade in, but entering the pool isn’t allowed. Since the 2012 rebuild it circulates water from the Tidal Basin, though it can still turn green with algae in the summer heat.
How long is the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool?
The Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial is about 2,030 feet long and 167 feet wide, making it one of the largest reflecting pools in the world.
Why was the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool built?
It was built as part of the McMillan Plan, the early-1900s redesign of the National Mall, to create a long, calm surface that mirrors the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument along the Mall’s central axis.
Can people swim in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool?
No, swimming and wading aren’t allowed in the Reflecting Pool. It’s a decorative water feature, not a swimming pool, and the water isn’t treated for contact.
Is the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool open year-round?
Yes, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is open to the public year-round. However, during the winter months, it may be drained and undergo maintenance.
Are there any events held at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool?
Yes, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been the site of various historic events and gatherings, including the famous “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963.
Is the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool illuminated at night?
The pool itself isn’t directly lit, but the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument are both illuminated after dark and reflect in the water. That makes it one of the best night photography spots on the National Mall.
Is the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool (and Lincoln Memorial) has accessibility features, including ramps and designated parking spaces for individuals with disabilities.
Is the Reflection Pool part of the Lincoln Memorial?
The Reflecting Pool sits directly in front of the Lincoln Memorial and stretches east toward the World War II Memorial. While it’s closely tied to the Lincoln Memorial and named for it, the pool is its own feature on the National Mall, maintained by the National Park Service.
How often is the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool drained?
The Reflecting Pool is drained about once a year for cleaning, usually for about a week in winter or early spring. It’s worth keeping in mind if you’re planning a trip around the reflections.
What happened to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in 2026?
In spring 2026 the pool was drained and its basin was coated with a blue waterproof layer (officials described the color as “American flag blue”), then refilled in June 2026. The project was controversial and drew a lawsuit from a preservation group over the federal review process. Algae bloomed within days of the refill, and the Park Service drained the pool again on July 10, 2026 for cleaning and repairs. No refill date has been announced, so it is worth checking before you go if reflections are the reason for your trip.
Why does the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool turn green?
In warm months the pool can turn green from algae, since it’s shallow and sits in full sun. The 2012 reconstruction added a circulation system that pulls water from the Tidal Basin to help, but algae blooms can still happen in summer. The Park Service periodically treats and cleans the water.
The Reflecting Pool is one of those DC spots that rewards an early alarm. The soft light, the calm water, and the empty steps make sunrise worth it. You can find official visitor info on the NPS site, and for more ideas check out my full list of Washington DC photo spots.
What an amazing collection of reflections and lighting. Thanks for sharing. Just love the morning and evening lighting. Just starting to sort collections with nature, trees, mountains and lake and colors. So beautiful, Andy.