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North America United States Washington, D.C. Do & See National Mall

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National Mall

The guide was updated: 2024-06-11

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See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour

The National Mall, also known as The Mall, comprises the main stretch of significant sights in Washington. Among these are the National Gallery and Sculpture Garden in addition to an abundance of Smithsonian institutions, including the National Museum of American History. Monuments include memorials to Presidents Lincoln and Roosevelt, as well as those remembering veterans of the Vietnam and Korean wars.

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Address: The National Mall, Washington, D.C.

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

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The White House

The White House

A trip to Washington would not be complete without visiting the world’s most recognizable residence. Witness the comings and goings, and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the man himself, the President of the United States. Due to heightened security, internal tours are not possible, although there is a visitor center that offers a virtual tour.

National Mall

National Mall

The National Mall, also known as The Mall, comprises the main stretch of significant sights in Washington. Among these are the National Gallery and Sculpture Garden in addition to an abundance of Smithsonian institutions, including the National Museum of American History. Monuments include memorials to Presidents Lincoln and Roosevelt, as well as those remembering veterans of the Vietnam and Korean wars.

United States Capitol

United States Capitol

Rising up from the Mall, this impressive monument symbolizes steadfast American democracy. The Capitol is regarded as an important museum and bears a testament to America’s governmental prowess. The Capitol with its own collection of art is open for tourists and attracts millions every year. The Capitol Visitor Center makes the Capitol even more accessible for visitors and offers an educational environment with an insight into the history and development of the building.

Georgetown

Georgetown

Unique Georgetown has a reputation for great shops, the trendiest restaurants, and quaint cobblestone streets. It’s the place to be in DC and is a haven for the city’s students. If you visit Georgetown, you end up in a beautiful historic place, which offers over 450 shops, including dining and entertainment possibilities. A trip to this charming part of Washington is a must.

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

The Lincoln Memorial is located at the west end of the National Mall, in the heart of Washington. Walk up the stairs — the same steps where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous speech called "I Have a Dream" — and get a close look at the 19-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln.

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

Head out after dark to see the iconic monuments of Washington D.C. all lit up and crowd-free on this guided sightseeing night tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and enjoy fun anecdotes and historical information about the United States capital while traveling past each point of interest. See the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and many other landmarks.

National Air and Space Museum

National Air and Space Museum

Children will be in their element here. Airplanes and spaceships from Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed to World War II spitfires are on display along with re-enactments of the first moon landing and educational workshops. It also contains an IMAX cinema, simulators, and a Planetarium.

The National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery is home to one of the most expansive art collections in the world. Both the Neo-Classical West building and the more modernistic East building reflect the range and quality of the works within. Educational programs are offered for visitors, not only in person but virtually as well. The Sculpture Garden, a huge outdoor space with monumental sculptures, is attached to the National Gallery.

National Museum of American History

National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History is Washington’s patriotic tribute to American history, detailing events in U.S. history from The Civil War to the assassination of JFK. There are different programs for the public, such as demonstrations, tours, lectures, music, and filming programs.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Not many cemeteries would be listed among a city’s top 10 sights, but Arlington is an exception. Catch the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where soldiers keep a 24-hour watch in honor of the unidentified dead from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

Library of Congress

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress, with its collection, is the largest one in the world. The three buildings — the Thomas Jefferson Building, James Madison Memorial Building, and the John Adams Building — are beautiful historical buildings that even offer a free tour. Exhibitions, gallery talks, guided tours, concerts, lectures, and other events are offered for the visitors in the library.

Supreme Court

Supreme Court

The building of the Supreme Court was built in just 4 years, between 1931 and 1935. As a visitor, you can tour the building on your own, watch educational movies, and take part in different programs. While the exhibitions about the history of the Supreme Court are located on the Ground Floor, you can find the Courtroom on the First Floor.

Jefferson Memorial

Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial is located in the city's heart, just a few minutes walk from the White House. The monument has white Georgia marble steps and if you step inside, a Thomas Jefferson statue — by sculptor Rudulph Evans — unfolds in the middle.

The Washington Monument

The Washington Monument

One of the most well-known structures of Washington is the Washington Monument, which is almost 555 feet in height. The tallest building in Washington D.C. is visible from all parts of the city. If you take the elevator to the top, you will have a picturesque sight of the capital of the United States.

The U.S. National Archives

The U.S. National Archives

The U.S. National Archives is located close to the National Mall. The original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are exhibited to the public in the main chamber of the building. When entering the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom — the main chamber — you can take a look at the most important documents of the United States of America.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States of America. This building is a beautiful structure that offers free guided tours for visitors. Among all the churches in the world, this basilica is one of the largest.

United States Botanic Garden

United States Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden is a small but lovely and calm place with beautiful plants in Washington DC, close to the Capitol. Exhibitions, programs are offered for all ages in the garden. It has plenty of outdoor and indoor spaces where the visitors can find some peace in the busy city and enjoy walking around the gardens.

Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral

Learn the history of this massive and gorgeous cathedral by taking a guided tour, led by friendly and knowledgeable staff. A national treasure with a peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful stained glass, and the architecture is just amazing–well worth the time to visit. There is even a café and gift shop inside the cathedral.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is located close to the Lincoln Memorial in the capital of the United States. The arts center brings the world closer to those who visit. There is a lot to see here; there are different performances, such as ballet, jazz, contemporary dance, festivals, and a lot more.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has a permanent exhibition but is also a host of several other special exhibitions. They also offer different educational programs and films for their visitors. After wandering around the museum, you can stop by the museum café to grab something to eat.

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park

In 2020, Rock Creek Park celebrated its 130th Anniversary. It is the right place for you to be if you want to enjoy the real beauty of nature, breathe in some fresh air, and wander around surrounded by friendly wild animals even though you are in a big city.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Visiting the National Zoological Park is fun for everyone and provides an unforgettable experience for every member of the family. If you stop by and spend some hours at the park, you can meet wild animals, go on a carousel, and have your own personal guide.

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