We will be in DC the first week in July and in all my research for our itenarary, I notice that almost all the War Memorials are open very late at night. These memorials will be very moving and impressive, but can anyone out there tell me if these places are more impressive/moving after dark? Or do we really need to see them during the daylight hours to be able to enjoy them the most?

They are a different experience at night. It's harder to read inscriptions, but they take on a different feel at night, especially the Korean War memorial.

The Korean War Memorial, as mentioned above, is very moving at night. In fact, I thought it was better at night. The Viet Nam Memorial was difficult to appreciate at night: much too dark to read anything.

MY

I agree with the above, but would like to add the the WWII Memorial is beautiful at night. It's a different experience for sure, but seeing the monuments and memorials at night was one of my favorite experiences in DC.

All the monuments are very moving at night and the WWII and Vietnam monuments move me to tears.

Last Sept we did the monuments both in day and night. We took the trolley "Monuments at night" of the Old town trolley firm.You get enough time to see them and at least, since you will probably be carrying expensive camera equipment it's much safer.Paul