Visiting National Mall in Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C.'s center is the National Mall Washington, DC - At Washington, D.C.'s center is the National Mall - an impressive 2-mile expanse of open space dotted with iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and Washington Monument; pedestrian-friendly lawns and walkways, as well as majestic vistas for civic celebrations and demonstrations.


Visiting National Mall in Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C.'s Center Is The National Mall

Historically this two-mile expanse represents George Washington's 1791 L'Enfant Plan and McMillan Plan of 1901-02 for our nation's capital and provides stunning vistas as a unique setting for civic celebrations and demonstrations.

Trips to the National Mall can be rewarding experiences, yet it can be daunting with all there is to see and do. Make the most of your visit, whether it lasts just an afternoon or a week, by planning and using all available activities.



Discovering the National Mall offers many different experiences, from self-guided tours of monuments and museum ranger-led experiences to buying tickets separately for individual sites. Some activities are included with your admission ticket; you may also visit individual sites if desired.

The National Mall has numerous famous attractions, including the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Public transit such as Metro is usually best, though if traffic gets in your way, there are bike and scooter rentals and Uber and Lyft options nearby. Furthermore, The Wharf and InterContinental Washington - The Wharf (IHG Hotels) can provide accommodation nearby.