National Mall
National Mall
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Open area of gardens, fountains, trees and monuments stretching nearly two miles between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Cleveland Park
How to get there
- L'Enfant Plaza • 5 min walk
- Archives • 7 min walk
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Best nearby
Restaurants
2,598 within 3 miles
Attractions
880 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- TiffanyjimMarion, Iowa1,667 contributionsA must visit when in DCLincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Wall and Washington Monument all in this area. When we visited last week it was busier than our previous visit. A lot of people peddling souvenirs etc. no issue parking and area is walkable. We came so our nieces could see these iconic sites in DC.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 17, 2023
- LisaMNUSASaint Paul, Minnesota1,095 contributionsMust seeI think this area is a must see if you are in D.C. We walked from Washington monument to Lincoln Memorial along the reflection pool in the late afternoon. We then visited Vietnam war memorial and Korean War memorial. We wanted to stay there until the light is on, but we were too tired after all the walking, and it was cold, so we didn't get to see it in the dark.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 27, 2023
- Conny WylieOttawa, Canada997 contributionsA Place Of Solemnity And Feelings.Like a human magnet, the National Mall, which is bookended at one extremity by the US Capital Building and at the other end by the Lincoln Memorial, attracts people in volumes, yearly. It's an awe inspiring atmosphere of Monuments and Memorials. I was quite humbled by the solemnity of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and inspired by the kinetics of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Many Memorials and Monuments dot the grassy expanse of the National Mall.........each one I visited evoked a unique emotion in me..............a place of solemnity and feelings.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten November 11, 2023
- stayc1714High Springs, Florida270 contributionsWhat an interesting placePacked full of all sorts of history even if you're not a fan. Reflecting waters make it even more magical, even if it's only 6 inches deep. You can see numerous monuments no matter which direction you turn!Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 11, 2023
- Boyd JMaleny, Australia1,754 contributionsStroll Along and Soak It UpThe feature that ties together the impressive buildings, memorials and monuments at the center of Washington DC. Best seen by strolling along it from one end to the other, and taking in and visiting the memorials along the way. In late fall it had a stark beauty and feeling that changed depending upon the time of day and amount of light.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 18, 2024
- Ashley D3 contributionsWhere History and Beauty ConvergeA stunning showcase of American history and culture. With iconic monuments and vast green spaces, it's a must-visit for anyone exploring the nation's capital. Be prepared for long walks and crowds, but the experience is definitely worth it.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 19, 2024
- Rodolfo B906 contributionsExcelent!Very impressive, I have been there in 2014 (in January, the cold was everywhere), then, after 10 years, I have returned to visit National Mall. It is an amazing place, there is no doubt why there are lots of people visiting it. I'm sharing some pictures to try to express the feeling of being there.Visited May 2024Traveled on businessWritten June 2, 2024
- I WLeicestershire, United Kingdom352 contributionsGreat start point for seeing the sitesThe majority of the memorials are on, or near, the Mall, so you can spend a couple of days walking up and down the Mall, taking in the sites. There are bencsh along it if you need a break, and shade if you need it. And plenty of food vans if you're hungry!Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 19, 2024
- Natalie1204Kolkata (Calcutta), India7,928 contributionsDefinite must visit. Memorials of former presidents, war veterans, Washington Monument etcThe area comprises the memorials of former president Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Roosevelt, the Washington Monument and the memorials of the Korean and Vietnam and World War 2 Veterans. It’s a considerable walk from the parking and with the construction work going on, you may need to walk slightly more and navigate slightly detours but it’s worth the effort. This area is an absolute must do when in the DMV. Carry an umbrella (it will also provide protection from the sun and there are large portions which are uncovered. In season, you’ll see trees covered in cherry blossoms. It’s quite pretty. There are plenty of rest rooms and some water fountains through the areaVisited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 21, 2024
- JackOld Bethpage, New York3,377 contributionsIconic and FREEThe National Mall is the most important and most iconic thing to see in Washington DC. The National Mall is home to many monuments on a 2 mile stretch of land from the Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial. Some of these monuments and memorials include the Washington Monument, World War 2 Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. There are also the many Smithsonian museums that are free and available in the National Mall.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,436 reviews
Excellent
6,137
Very good
1,725
Average
433
Poor
106
Terrible
36
Anthony C
Guisborough, UK77 contributions
Mar 2020
We walked from the Lincoln memorial to Capitol Hill a distance of 2.5 miles. From the Washington Memorial to Capitol Hill the Mall is lined on both sides by museums and buildings of interest, the museums and buildings we visited were free but you have a security check to go through which had different times depending on the amount in the queues.There is bound to be a meuseum or building that will take your fancy
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ccarlson2022
Niles, MI209 contributions
Oct 2022
Very nice outdoor space to relax, exercise, and view the architecture of DC. I visited with my 10 year old daughter and although the space is very large she was able to handle the walk in a single day without a problem.
Museums and monuments line the Mall area and all are free to enter. The Washington Monument does charge a fee to go to the top and tickets are normally sold out for the day of so buy them online before you go.
The most important item for families is that I have never felt unsafe here with my kids. I don't stay much past dark but I imagine that doesn;t change at all or until very late in the night.
Museums and monuments line the Mall area and all are free to enter. The Washington Monument does charge a fee to go to the top and tickets are normally sold out for the day of so buy them online before you go.
The most important item for families is that I have never felt unsafe here with my kids. I don't stay much past dark but I imagine that doesn;t change at all or until very late in the night.
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tor Elias T
9 contributions
Jan 2020
This place is a must when in Washington.
The Smithsonian museums, government buildings, white house, culture, arts, great food and great communication with Metro and busses both inside and around.
We visited museums and watched a march going on. Lengthy walk, so use bus or Uber if needed between thing’s.
With a Metro card you can use both Circulator buses, Metro bus and Metro rail.
The Smithsonian museums, government buildings, white house, culture, arts, great food and great communication with Metro and busses both inside and around.
We visited museums and watched a march going on. Lengthy walk, so use bus or Uber if needed between thing’s.
With a Metro card you can use both Circulator buses, Metro bus and Metro rail.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gautam R
Laurel, MD239 contributions
Mar 2021
Despite living in Maryland, it has been a few years since we had visited the Mall. It was a cool, sunny, 60 degree day, and the Cherry Blossoms had not yet bloomed. Despite all the Smithsonian museums being closed, we thought this would be a fun outing, and we were not disappointed.
We arrived at the Lincoln Memorial around 10:30, and parked on 17th street. We had 2 hours of parking. We walked to the Lincoln Memorial, and then walked down to the Korean memorial, Martin Luther King, and then FDR. Each one is peaceful, beautiful, and powerful in its own way. We then walked around the tidal basin to the Jefferson Memorial, which was under construction. Bathrooms were open at MLK and Jefferson. We walked quickly back and retraced our steps before our parking expired.
We then drove to 21st street (around F street) and parked again. We had lunch at one of the food trucks across from the Washington Monument. We walked to the Washington Monument, then WWII, and then walked back to our car (2:45). The total distance walked was around 6.5 miles, and it was a wonderful visit of almost all the monuments (we missed Vietnam).
Our children (11&13) were old enough to appreciate the powerful history of these monuments, and had the energy for the walking.
A great way to spend a day outside.
We arrived at the Lincoln Memorial around 10:30, and parked on 17th street. We had 2 hours of parking. We walked to the Lincoln Memorial, and then walked down to the Korean memorial, Martin Luther King, and then FDR. Each one is peaceful, beautiful, and powerful in its own way. We then walked around the tidal basin to the Jefferson Memorial, which was under construction. Bathrooms were open at MLK and Jefferson. We walked quickly back and retraced our steps before our parking expired.
We then drove to 21st street (around F street) and parked again. We had lunch at one of the food trucks across from the Washington Monument. We walked to the Washington Monument, then WWII, and then walked back to our car (2:45). The total distance walked was around 6.5 miles, and it was a wonderful visit of almost all the monuments (we missed Vietnam).
Our children (11&13) were old enough to appreciate the powerful history of these monuments, and had the energy for the walking.
A great way to spend a day outside.
Written March 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
itaAlbania
Tirana, Albania50 contributions
Jul 2019
Well, prepare to walk a lot, but you will enjoy the panorama and the attractions. I didn't have time for the museums, but if you have, you have a lot of choices. I walked from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial. I also will recommend the Moonlight Monuments tour and if you can have a guide with you, you will learn a lot and enjoy it very much. Even at night, this place was crowded especially the Lincoln Memorial.
Written April 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
erbyjones
Northern Virginia, VA20 contributions
Mar 2020
If you are going in the spring I recommend you wear warm clothing because the usual windy area makes the temps feel colder. Also a hat. I always the design and layout that include multiple memorials. The view from the Lincoln Memorial is amazing. Great place to walk and jog.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RVSVD
Spring Branch, TX282 contributions
Jun 2022
Be sure to take sunscreen and an umbrella and plenty of water. The city is currently installing some new water refilling stations, but there are only a few around that work. Very expensive, so plan on spending a lot of money unless you take snacks and drinks in a backpack with you.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solo traveler
Seattle, WA24 contributions
Feb 2020
On a beautiful, clear, cold days in DC, I had this place almost to myself. Apparently late February is a good time to visit. Just walking around the memorials and monuments was a moving experience, and visiting the museums that ring the mall was both interesting and awe-inspiring.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
April
55 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
We visited the area to see the monuments and peak season of the Cherry Blossoms. It was beautiful! Parking can be hectic but there is a red shuttle bus that you can take for $1 per ride between monuments and major areas. Area was very safe and clean. This was definitely the highlight of our trip and we also visited NYC and Philadelphia during the same time. I definitely recommend using public transit and staying a little outside the downtown area.
Written March 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George Matthews
4 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
I’ve been going to the National Mall for years and I love it! I’m always so impressed with the beauty and impressiveness of the museums and monuments, and how easy it is to get lost and spend a whole afternoon there.
I listened to a great episode of a podcast when I went this time, which detailed the entire history of the Mall and many of the monuments there. There was apparently so much I didn’t know! It was called The Educator Podcast: Walking History, for anyone who might be interested.
Hope you enjoy your time there like I did!
I listened to a great episode of a podcast when I went this time, which detailed the entire history of the Mall and many of the monuments there. There was apparently so much I didn’t know! It was called The Educator Podcast: Walking History, for anyone who might be interested.
Hope you enjoy your time there like I did!
Written April 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are a family of 18 (2 families of 6, 1 of 4 and my husband and I. Mid March, we will be near Arlington National Cemetery and needing transportation over to the National Mall so we can walk or use the DC Connecter system. Other than a long subway ride, is there a faster way to get over there?
Help!!!
Written January 24, 2024
The subway takes all around, and so do buses. The workers are very helpful. You do need to rent a car either. Awesome city.
Written January 25, 2024
Hello!
My children and I will be spending time walking around the National Mall in August. Are there any locker rentals, particularly around the US Capitol Building? I will be carrying a backpack-cooler with bottled waters for my kids, but no liquids - not even sealed water bottles - are allowed inside the US Capitol Building nor it's coat check areas. Thank you!
Written July 25, 2022
I did not see any locker rentals. We did take empty water bottles, but you might not be able to take in a cooler. You can call their visitor center office or check on line for more info.
Written July 26, 2022
They work out at about $1 for 5 minutes but you'll need to buy a minimum of $10 worth of rides. Check the charge before you buy (the app will show this). Also, make sure you have access to internet to unlock the scooters. You'll also need to upload your Driver's licence for identification when you first download the app. We used 'Spin' and they were great but there are plenty of others.
Written December 13, 2019
I recommend catching the red circulator bus $1 across the street from union station. It circles the entire mall making a loop from Union Station to the Lincoln Memorial and back with stops near all the museums. Nice clean buses. $.50 for seniors kids ride free
Written November 12, 2019
I did not see any vendors at the National Mall. Everything is within walking distance so I am sure there is some place nearby.
Written October 20, 2019
Ronald Reagan Bldg has parking garage that is near White House, Washington Monument and nearby museums.
Written December 7, 2018
How many days should I plan my vacation if I only want to explore national mall?
Is 2-3 museums per day to much?
Are the museums walking distance from each other?
Written August 11, 2018
All museums are next and across from each other. You could do 2-3 in day but you might miss some stuff!! They are big and you can do lot of different things in each.
I think the air and space is a must and American history is a must!!
If this is all you are going to do than you can do it all in two days
Written August 13, 2018
Is it true that there are a lot of bugs of the mall? Some reports say to bring lots of bug spray. I am highly allergic to a lot of things so I just want to be prepared. Thanks!
Written July 15, 2018
I run on the Mall 2-3 times a week, from the Capitol to the Lincoln (essentially the entire length) at all different times from morning to late night. Like most places, dawn and dusk are worse than others since that's just naturally when bugs are biting. There are more bugs near the Capitol reflecting pool and the Lincoln reflecting pool but not to the point where you can't be near them (I think they treat the water to limit mosquito breeding but not positive about that). There are some ponds between Constitution Ave and the WWII Memorial, which stretch parallel to the Lincoln reflecting pool (it's technically named Constitution Gardens). I find that area and the paths around the pond to be slightly more buggy, but no more than any other place where you have standing water. I never run with bug spray and rarely get bitten along the mall. When walking in the same area, I've gotten bites occasionally but wouldn't consider it any better/worse than any other part of DC. Remember, DC was built on a swamp so....
Written August 4, 2018
Best place to stay and view fireworks in DC Washington
Written May 31, 2018
1) from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the plaza in front of the Jefferson Memorial – is the best (but busiest)
2) U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial
3) JW Marriott faces the Mall, and the Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C. on the Southwest Waterfront.
Written June 1, 2018
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