National Mall, Washington DC: Hours, Address, National Mall Reviews: 4.5/5
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.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Top ways to experience National Mall
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Upper Northwest
How to get there
- L'Enfant Plaza • 5 min walk
- Archives • 7 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,008 within 3 miles
The Capital Grille
2,080
0.3 mi$$$$ • Steakhouse • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Fiola
919
0.3 mi$$$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Rasika
2,844
0.4 mi$$$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Penn Quarter Sports Tavern
456
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Pavilion Cafe at the Sculpture Garden
312
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Barmini
277
0.5 mi$$$$ • Bar
Oyamel
2,159
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • Central American
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe
114
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Pitango Gelato
231
0.4 mi$ • Dessert
Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe
994
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Native American
Attractions
603 within 6 miles
Independence Day Festival
5
16 ftCultural Events
National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden
577
0.1 miArt Galleries • Parks
National Air and Space Museum
23,360
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Hirshorn Museum of Art
27
0.1 miArt Museums
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
12,307
0.2 miNatural History Museums
National Gallery of Art
9,255
0.2 miArt Museums
Smithsonian Institution Building
3,542
0.2 miCastles • Government Buildings
The National Archives Museum
3,510
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Mary Livingston Ripley Garden
25
0.1 miGardens
Smithsonian Institution Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
729
0.2 miArt Museums
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,321 reviews
Excellent
6,050
Very good
1,704
Average
430
Poor
103
Terrible
36
RVSVD
Spring Branch, TX299 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.
MPNY
New York City, NY250 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Let’s be straight up. The Smithsonian Museums, the National Gallery, the monuments & memorials on the National Mall are tremendous & mind-boggling. You want to see it all but the heat temperatures and walking expanse slow you down. I started at the original Smithsonian Castle w/ the Enid Haupt gardens. Stunning. Educational. Exotic. Enigmatic. You want to stay and read the label of each plant. You get garden envy and start dreaming of planting succulents, lavender, cacti, lilies & ornamental grass! I stayed longer and took too many photos. The museum exhibits were closed, but the NG West Wing was open w/ timed entry tickets on line.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gautam R
Laurel, MD205 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.
Carlos D
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Family
Bird Scooter
Took my nephew to DC for the weekend for a basketball tournament. We got there pretty late and were a little restless so decided to take scooter rides around the capital to stretch our legs and kill some energy. The 1 hour ride is advertised for $12. The app charged me $30 for my hour ride. When I contacted customer support they were less than helpful and then told me there was nothing they could do. I sat and thought about how many tourists come to DC and either don't notice this charge or are written off like I was. They must make a fortune ripping off customers. I checked my nephews account and he used a different scooter and wasn't over charged. This was my first and last time using these scooters in DC. This was recommended by a friend and the hotel but when they take advantage and have no empathy it leaves a bad taste for tourist.
Took my nephew to DC for the weekend for a basketball tournament. We got there pretty late and were a little restless so decided to take scooter rides around the capital to stretch our legs and kill some energy. The 1 hour ride is advertised for $12. The app charged me $30 for my hour ride. When I contacted customer support they were less than helpful and then told me there was nothing they could do. I sat and thought about how many tourists come to DC and either don't notice this charge or are written off like I was. They must make a fortune ripping off customers. I checked my nephews account and he used a different scooter and wasn't over charged. This was my first and last time using these scooters in DC. This was recommended by a friend and the hotel but when they take advantage and have no empathy it leaves a bad taste for tourist.
Written March 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jinxminx
Takoma Park, MD362 contributions
Oct 2019
I grew up in the Maryland suburbs, so I've been visiting the Mall all my life. The US Capitol is at one end and the Lincoln Memorial is at the other. In between are large rectangles of public lawn and dusty gravely paths. It's transversed by streets (lined with food trucks) and the bulk of the Smithsonian museums are along its edge.
You can't see everything in one day. You can hit all the monuments and memorials in a day, including the little walk to the TIdal Basin, where you can see the Jefferson Memorial and the MLK and FDR Memorials. There are too many museums to see in a day - Air and Space, African American History Museum, National History, National Gallery of Art, the Freer-Sackler, the Hirschhorn, American History, the Smithsonian Castle, Museum of the American Indian, the Holocaust Museum, the US Botanic Garden. They are all free. There is also the Washington Monument, which you can go up - even as a local, I've never felt like waiting in line to do so.
Weather permitting, people will be picnicking, playing sports, flying kites, and hanging out on the grass. To the sides towards the museums are trees providing shade and more places to relax, and the walking paths are lined with benches. The Mall is almost two miles long, so you'll probably need them. There is also a carousel that operates in the warmer months. There are lots of plantings and little gardens on the museum grounds, particularly behind and around the Smithsonian Castle, and the Hirschhorn also has a sunken sculpture garden. Oh, and a little ice rink in the winter.
The most convenient Metro stop is Smithsonian, on the blue and orange lines. Basically, if you are visiting DC as a tourist, this will be your major hub. Pretty much all the must sees are here or close by.
You can't see everything in one day. You can hit all the monuments and memorials in a day, including the little walk to the TIdal Basin, where you can see the Jefferson Memorial and the MLK and FDR Memorials. There are too many museums to see in a day - Air and Space, African American History Museum, National History, National Gallery of Art, the Freer-Sackler, the Hirschhorn, American History, the Smithsonian Castle, Museum of the American Indian, the Holocaust Museum, the US Botanic Garden. They are all free. There is also the Washington Monument, which you can go up - even as a local, I've never felt like waiting in line to do so.
Weather permitting, people will be picnicking, playing sports, flying kites, and hanging out on the grass. To the sides towards the museums are trees providing shade and more places to relax, and the walking paths are lined with benches. The Mall is almost two miles long, so you'll probably need them. There is also a carousel that operates in the warmer months. There are lots of plantings and little gardens on the museum grounds, particularly behind and around the Smithsonian Castle, and the Hirschhorn also has a sunken sculpture garden. Oh, and a little ice rink in the winter.
The most convenient Metro stop is Smithsonian, on the blue and orange lines. Basically, if you are visiting DC as a tourist, this will be your major hub. Pretty much all the must sees are here or close by.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chris D
Athens, GA45 contributions
Apr 2022
The Mall is a great place for so many types of activities. Whether a stroll, taking the dog for a walk, relaxing on the grass, tossing a frisbee, or using your first amendment right to protest your government. During most any trip to the Mall, you will see it all.
Be cautious of those trying to sell things in the area. While some are legit, some are not. The prices are also generally higher here than in some other areas, which is common for a lot of high traffic areas. Avoid the food trucks that sometimes line the roadways, unless you have no other options or just want an ice cream or a drink.
Be cautious of those trying to sell things in the area. While some are legit, some are not. The prices are also generally higher here than in some other areas, which is common for a lot of high traffic areas. Avoid the food trucks that sometimes line the roadways, unless you have no other options or just want an ice cream or a drink.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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.
Anna M
Encinitas, CA567 contributions
Apr 2021
We visited in the last week of April. NONE of the museums were open. So disappointing, however, the Mall was not crowded at all which made it very nice. It was easy and pleasant to walk from Lincoln Memorial all the way to the Capitol Building. We discovered a free shuttle that took us back to where we started in the morning! The shuttle was called the Circulator. It might have a minimal cost as the museums open up.
The Mall is well tended and security keeps it safe. I walked many mornings around 6:30. Many walkers, bikers, and joggers used the pathways.
There are open sculpture gardens to enjoy and the pool in front of the Capital building is open.
The Mall is well tended and security keeps it safe. I walked many mornings around 6:30. Many walkers, bikers, and joggers used the pathways.
There are open sculpture gardens to enjoy and the pool in front of the Capital building is open.
Written May 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bexxcx
Northampton, UK922 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had a great day exploring Washington, it's so clean and tidy and spacious. It doesn't feel cramped and chaotic the way New York does.
We walked along the mall and it was so peaceful at sunset. We took in all the beautiful big buildings and walked from the Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, absolutely loved it. There's loads of areas to park along the road and numerous parking garages. We opted for a parking garage as it felt more secure and only cost us around $13 for the whole day
We walked along the mall and it was so peaceful at sunset. We took in all the beautiful big buildings and walked from the Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, absolutely loved it. There's loads of areas to park along the road and numerous parking garages. We opted for a parking garage as it felt more secure and only cost us around $13 for the whole day
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anthony C
Guisborough, UK80 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.
LighteOfLove
Stony Brook, NY1 contribution
How much is the rental of a scooter?
SnowQueen59
Adelaide, Australia11 contributions
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.
How far from Union Station to National Mall?
ljkochanowski
Bostic, NC25 contributions
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
Where can i rent bicycles at national mall?
ellenfam
Boston, MA56 contributions
I did not see any vendors at the National Mall. Everything is within walking distance so I am sure there is some place nearby.
NEILLKLEIN
Delray Beach, FL19 contributions
Who did you rent scooter from
Jan B
Boise, ID367 contributions
We rented one from Lyft and the other from Uber. It was easy an convenient. There are other brands too like Lime and Razor.
pf7
Stafford, VA19 contributions
Where’s a good place to park?
heikkih722
Helsinki, Finland1,348 contributions
Ronald Reagan Bldg has parking garage that is near White House, Washington Monument and nearby museums.
Alclarke96
Los Angeles, CA20 contributions
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?
Carey J
Baldwin, NY689 contributions
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
Daniel O
Massachusetts373 contributions
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!
Andy C
221 contributions
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....
Mark G
Cumming, IA16 contributions
Best place to stay and view fireworks in DC Washington
Sightsee_Eat
Worthington, OH759 contributions
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.
Are there any stroller rental facilities near the Mall?
Pangaea7
Charlotte, NC83 contributions
I am not sure, but by the number of strollers I would bet so. Google national mall stroller rentals
Moab4fun
75 contributions
If renting a bicycle is the terrain pretty flat because I don't mind riding a bike as long as there are not a lot of hills ?
Jeffery H
Columbia, SC44 contributions
MOab4Fun, I will expand on the previous comments to your question and state that not only are there lots of pedestrians, noticing your usermname it appears you are used to sweet singletrack, you will not find this here.
Frequently Asked Questions about National Mall
- National Mall is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking National Mall tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 54 National Mall tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience National Mall:
- Capitol Hill and DC Monuments Tour by Electric Cart (From $62.40)
- Half-Day Grand Sightseeing Tour of Washington DC with Stops at 8 Top Sites (From $59.00)
- Washington DC Sightseeing Trolley Tour with 1 Stop (From $49.00)
- Big Bus Washington DC Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (From $48.60)
- Washington DC Moonlit Tour of the National Mall & Stops at 10 Sites (From $66.00)
- Hotels near National Mall:
- (0.42 mi) Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
- (0.53 mi) Riggs Washington DC
- (0.32 mi) Holiday Inn Washington-Capitol
- (0.44 mi) citizenM Washington DC Capitol
- (0.72 mi) Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
- Restaurants near National Mall:
- (0.12 mi) Pavilion Cafe at the Sculpture Garden
- (0.13 mi) National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe
- (0.28 mi) The Capital Grille
- (0.32 mi) Fiola
- (0.20 mi) Garden Cafe
- Attractions near National Mall:
- (0.07 mi) Washington DC Tour Hub
- (0.12 mi) National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden
- (0.18 mi) National Air and Space Museum
- (0.10 mi) Hirshorn Museum of Art
- (0.17 mi) Trip Hacks DC