On the National Mall in Washington, DC

The National Mall is the central point of most sightseeing visits to Washington, DC. The tree-lined open space between Constitution and Independence Avenues extends from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol Building. Ten of the museums of the Smithsonian Institution are located on the National Mall, offering a variety of exhibits ranging from art to space exploration. West Potomac Park and the Tidal Basin are adjacent to the National Mall and home to the national monuments and memorials.

The National Mall is not just a great place to visit our world class museums and national landmarks, but also a gathering place to picnic and attend outdoor festivals. Americans and visitors from all over the world have used the expansive lawn as a site for protests and rallies. The impressive architecture and natural beauty of the National Mall make it a unique place that celebrates and preserves our nation’s history and democracy.

See Photos of the National Mall

Major Attractions on the National Mall

• The Washington Monument - The monument honoring our first president, George Washington, is the tallest structure in the nation's capital and towers 555 feet above the National Mall. Ride the elevator to the top to see a spectacular view of the city. The monument is open from 8 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week, April through Labor Day. The remainder of the year, the hours are from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
  
  
• The U.S. Capitol Building - Because of increased security the Capitol Dome is open to the public for guided tours only. Tours are conducted from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visitors must obtain free tickets and begin their tour at the Capitol Visitor Center. Free passes are required to see Congress in action at the Senate and House Galleries.
  
  
• Smithsonian Museums - The federal institution has multiple museums scattered throughout Washington, DC. Ten of the buildings are located on the National Mall from 3rd to 14th Streets between Constitution and Independence Avenues, within a radius of about one mile. There is so much to see at the Smithsonian that you can not see it all in one day. IMAX movies are especially popular, so it is a good idea to plan ahead and buy your tickets a few hours in advance. For a complete list of the museums, see A Guide to All of the Smithsonian Museums.
  
  
• National Monuments and Memorials - These historic landmarks honor our presidents, founding fathers and war veterans. They are wonderful to visit in nice weather and the views from each of them are unique and special. The easiest way to visit the monuments is on a sightseeing tour. The memorials are very spread out and to see all of them on foot involves a lot of walking. The monuments are also spectacular to visit at night when they are illuminated. See a Map of the National Memorials.
  
  
• National Gallery of Art - The world-class art museum displays one of the largest collections of masterpieces in the world including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, and decorative arts from the 13th century to the present. Because of its prime location on the National Mall, many people think the National Gallery is a part of the Smithsonian. The museum was created in 1937 by funds donated by art collector Andrew W. Mellon.
  
  
• U.S. Botanic Garden – The state-of-the-art indoor garden showcases approximately 4,000 seasonal, tropical and subtropical plants. The property is administered by the Architect of the Capitol and offers special exhibits and educational programs throughout the year.

Restaurants and Dining Near the National Mall

The museum cafe's are expensive and often crowded, but are the most convenient places to dine on the National Mall. There are a variety of restaurants and eateries within walking distance to the museums. See a guide to restaurants and dining near the National Mall.

Transportation and Parking Near the National Mall

The National Mall area is the busiest part of Washington DC. The best way to get around the city is to use public transportation. Several Metro stations are within walking distance so it is important to plan ahead and know where you are going. Parking is very limited near the National Mall. For suggestions of places to park, see a guide to parking near the National Mall.

See a map and directions to the National Mall.

Other Attractions Near the National Mall

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum - 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW, Washington, DC
National Archives - 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Washington, DC
Bureau of Engraving and Printing - 14th and C Streets, SW, Washington, DC
Newseum - 6th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC
The White House – 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC
The Supreme Court - One 1st St., NE Washington DC
Library of Congress - 101 Independence Ave, SE, Washington, DC
Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE Washington, DC