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Guide To Visiting The National Mall
Unmoved for over two centuries and spanning some 1,000 acres that stretch from the base of the U.S. Capitol building to the banks of the Potomac River, is the great National Mall. This sprawling mass of manicured lawn is a symbol of the strength and values of the American people not only because it is home to some of DC’s most iconic monuments but because of the massive public events that have taken place here over the past 200 years. Presidential inaugurations, mass demonstrations, concerts, public addresses, parades and many more milestone events have taken place on this esteemed piece of real estate. In short, a visit to Washington DC is synonymous with a visit to the National Mall.
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POINTS OF INTEREST
Here’s a list of monuments, museums and other sites found along the National Mall for you to visit while on your trip to Washington DC.
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National Mall
National Mall, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSSmithsonian Castle
1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA GET DIRECTIONSArts and Industries Building
900 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA GET DIRECTIONSNational Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African American History and Culture, Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSArthur M. Sackler Gallery
1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA GET DIRECTIONSSmithsonian National Museum of African Art
950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA GET DIRECTIONSHirshhorn Museum
Hirshhorn Museum, 7th Street Southwest, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSSmithsonian National Air and Space Museum
600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA GET DIRECTIONSNational Museum of the American Indian
National Museum of the American Indian, Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSUnited States Botanic Garden
United States Botanic Garden, Maryland Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSUnited States Capitol
United States Capitol, First Street Southeast, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSNational Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art, Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSSmithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSWashington Monument
Washington Monument, 15th Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSThe White House
The White House, Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSWorld War II Memorial
1750 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA GET DIRECTIONSLincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA GET DIRECTIONSLincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSMartin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSKorean War Veterans Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial, Ohio Drive Southwest, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSVietnam Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Henry Bacon Drive Northwest, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSConstitution Gardens
Constitution Gardens, Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONSUnited States Holocaust Memorial Museum
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Raoul Wallenberg Place Southwest, Washington, DC, USA GET DIRECTIONS-
National Mall
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Main Attractions
THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT
At 555’ tall, this is the single tallest structure in the city. In fact, no building within the city limits is permitted to exceed the height of this giant obelisk, a towering symbol of George Washington, the first President of the United States and its most celebrated revolutionary general. Made of marble, granite and sandstone, the monument is surrounded by 50 American flags representing each of the states. It has sweeping views of DC and an elevator to the structure’s apex, or pyramidion, allowing you to see as far as 30 miles! Or, you can climb 897 steps. We highly recommend the former.
THE U.S. CAPITOL BUILDING
The place that was nearly burned to a crisp by hostile British forces during the War of 1812 and where legislators hash it out and sign bills into law today, the U.S. Capitol was built as a result of a design contest. After winning a cool $500 bucks, architect William Thornton went on to design arguably the most recognizable building in all of DC. (Minus the big dome, which wasn’t built until the 1850s.) Because of increased security, freely roaming the Capitol Building is a no-no, so you’ll have to arrange for a guided tour. Contact the Capitol Visitor Center for more information and for passes to see the wheels of democracy churn with a sit-in on the daily business conducted in the Senate and House galleries.
SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS
View this post on InstagramDinosaur fossils, skeletons and objects of wonder. #smithsonian ##smithsoniannaturalhistorymuseum
This federal institution has multiple museums scattered throughout Washington, DC., 10 of which are located on the National Mall. With 17 museums, several galleries and a zoo, 2-3 days still might not be enough to see it all at a reasonable pace, so be selective. With so many amazing things to see, that’s easier said than done. If machines with wings that go really fast pique your imagination, then head over to the National Air & Space Museum for a chronicle of the history of aviation and space travel. For you art buffs, trace the evolution of American art from the Colonial days to the present with the grandiose retrospective found at the Smithsonian American Art Museum & Renwick Gallery. All of these museums contain national treasures that tell the story of a people and a nation since its inception.
U.S. BOTANIC GARDEN
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Centuries ago, George Washington had a vision for the capital city of the United States that included a botanic garden that would demonstrate and promote the importance of plants to the young nation. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1820, the U.S. Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America that is a living plant museum informing visitors about the importance of plants and their cultivation to the continued well-being of humans coexisting in a fragile ecosystem. This indoor-outdoor research facility has myriad examples of plants and flowers from every conceivable climate and part of the world. From roses to orchids, the rainforest to the Mid-Atlantic, rare and endangered plants to the latest in home gardens, there’s always something beautiful in bloom to admire.
MORE ABOUT ATTRACTIONS ON THE MALL
Getting Around
OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS
With 30 years in the biz, Old Town Trolley’s ubiquitous green and orange, state-of-the-art vehicles provide the best vantage point to catch a great many of the important monuments and landmarks in and around the National Mall. Covering over 100 points of interest, this hop-on hop-off, fully-narrated tour will take you places like the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and, as the only tour operator authorized to do so, to the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Furthermore, since the DC area can be rather congested with traffic, parking can become a troublesome issue when you to want to tackle the mall on your own. With this tour, not only will you see the most iconic landmarks but you won’t have to worry about parking your car.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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Riding around the Beltway for over 30 years as DC’s longest-running city tour!
Most Experienced
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All our tours are 100% live in real time - No pre-recorded narration
100% Live
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The finest, most highly-trained and knowledgeable guides
Our Conductors
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Unlimited hop-on & hop-off as often as you like all day long
Tour All Day
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Proudly owned and operated in the United States
American Owned
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State-of-the-art stadium trolleys
Best View!
Trolley Tickets
Old Town Trolley Tours is pleased to take you past the National Mall as part of our tour!
TOUR DURATION
Tour length is 3-4 hours and includes all stops.
BOARDING
Welcome Center at 1001 E St NW
DEPARTURE TIME
Go to Old Town Trolley Schedule.
*Tour length times may vary depending upon road conditions or traffic.
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
Reservations for accessible trolley must be arranged 24 hours in advance. Go to accessibility services for more information.
Dining
View this post on InstagramOver this weather?!? Us too! But it’s nothing a little barbecue can’t fix! #hillcountrybbq
Spending the day walking any mall is sure to bring about a grumbling stomach; but when it happens to be America’s Front Yard, you can be sure that a respite at one of the area’s tasty eating establishments is definitely in order.
SHAKE SHACK
This notch-above-your-average burger joint has been satiating the appetites of burger lovers for years now and there happens to be one right nearby. It’s easy on the wallet. Don’t forget a side of the crinkle fries.
BANTAM KING
When you love a great bowl of ramen and you absolutely must have one now, head to this noodle shop in Chinatown for a deeply satisfying bowl of the good stuff.
HILL COUNTRY BARBECUE MARKET
The best darn smoked meats outside of Central Texas. This place is modeled after one of the meccas of Texas-style BBQ so the brisket is out of this world; but be sure to try some of their homegrown, out-of-the-box offerings as well.
OLD EBBITT GRILL
For a taste of old Washington DC, pay this mahogany wood-accented eating house a visit. Enjoy classic, well-prepared American fare with half off oysters during happy hour.
Shopping
When we go on vacation, we buy things. Whether it’s because there’s an item you can only find at a certain place or whether you want a keepsake of your trip, we love to shop in new and different places. When you’re ready to put that credit card through its paces and grab some new merch, here are the best places to do it around the National Mall.
WHITE HOUSE GIFTS
For things unapologetically patriotic, this store is the whole red, white and blue! T-shirts, jerseys, hats, commemorative coins, novelties and more can all be found right here and, with a purchase of over $50, you get a free picture posing in a replica of the oval office!
CityCenterDC
This mammoth, mixed-use complex is your go-to for luxury shopping, dining and condo living if you’ve got the means and, in the Fall of 2019, they’ll be opening up a modern, grand hotel.
L’ENFANT PLAZA
The new L’Enfant Plaza showcases a stunning three-story glass gateway entrance, 40+ restaurants and shops, an outdoor square, more retail, and enhanced office space to enliven this popular destination just two blocks from the National Mall.
Major Events Throughout the Year
Here are the annual events that get folks flocking to the Nation’s Capital:
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
Celebrated on the third Monday every January, the Freedom Choir performs a free concert at the Kennedy Center. The African American Civil War Museum also hosts an annual wreath laying ceremony at the African American Civil War Memorial in the U Street Corridor.
NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE
This event usually runs from late March to mid-April. The parade route runs 10 blocks along Constitution Avenue showcasing bands, floats, dancers, singers and celebrities, many decked out in pink, the theme color in honor of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
H STREET FESTIVAL
This festival in September is a high-energy block party with live bands and beer tents; but it’s best known for the dozens of ethnic eateries that participate in this friendly gathering. Neighborhood artists sell their DC-centric merchandise as well.
NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
The tree lighting is hosted by the National Park Service in President’s Park on the grounds of the White House. The switch is flipped for the first time in early December, followed by an opening concert. The tree is lit each night after that, with performances each evening.
#OLDTOWNTROLLEY