Vietnam Memorial Opening Hours
The Vietnam Memorial opening hours are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The public is always welcome.
Fees at the Vietnam Memorial
The Vietnam Memorial is always free to the visiting public.
Restrooms at the Vietnam Memorial
There are no restrooms at the Vietnam Memorial. The nearest restrooms are at the Lincoln Memorial. If you are facing the steps at the Lincoln Memorial, the restroom is through the doorway to your left. A large visitors center for the Vietnam Memorial is planned for the grassy area across Henry Bacon Drive. It will surely have attached restrooms. As of October, 2018, work has not yet begun on the visitors center.
Food Availability at the Vietnam Memorial
There is a National Park Service food concession stand right across Henry Bacon Drive. Across Constitution Avenue at 21st Street, there is a truck that sells hot dogs and ice cream and drinks.
Handicapped Facilities at the Vietnam Memorial
There are no stairs to climb. A National Park Service information kiosk on the south side (far side) of the Lincoln Memorial on Daniel French Drive can arrange the free use of a wheelchair to visit three memorials — the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial. You must leave your ID with them in order to get the wheelchair. Handicapped parking is available on Daniel French Drive.
National Park Service Rangers Walking Tours
Rangers and volunteers are available throughout the day and into the evening from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM to assist visitors. The visitor information station is between the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Lincoln Memorial.
Finding the Name of the Fallen at the Vietnam Memorial
On either end of the Vietnam Wall, you will find a large waterproof book with every name on the Wall. Find the name in the book, and it will give you information on where to find the name on the Wall.
Tours to the Vietnam Memorial
One of the best ways to see the Vietnam Memorial is to visit it as part of a tour of the monuments. Nonpartisan Pedicab offers tours that take approximately 2-3 hours. Many guests say that this is the highlight of their trip to Washington DC.
Parking at the Vietnam Memorial
Parking is always difficult. There is metered on street parking on Constitution Avenue. Do NOT park here during rush hour (afternoons 4:00-6:30). You are guaranteed an expensive ticket if you do. There is also metered parking near the Potomac River on Ohio Drive. This parking does not have rush hour restrictions.
On-street parking on the National Mall is no longer free of charge. Three hour parking is available at $2 per hour. Parking meters only accept credit cards.
More information
You can visit the National Park Service website for more information. There is also a good website for the National Mall in general.