National Mall

This is not Downtown Washington DC but the heart of the capital for tourists.
Basically if you visit DC the National Mall is the place you wanna go for the Washington Monument (the obelisk), the Lincoln Memorial, the White house, Library of Congress, and all the museums. Besides it’s very green. If it’s not too hot this place is perfect to hang out.

Love the National Mall. Walked along this place many times since i was a child with my parents. Today was especially nice with wonderful weather and light crowds. Easy access to everything.

A great place for tourists since it has everything in one area. Consider doing bikeshare and making stops along the mall. I’d recommend planning everything you want to do first as it’s very long and backtracking would waste a lot of time.

It was truly amazing to see all of this in person. We’ve all seen these monuments on TV and in movies, but is was just outstanding to be there taking in the sights.
Bring your camera, take your time, and think about all that you’re seeing!
Keep in mind that the Secret Service and DC Police have no sense of humor and don’t wish to engage in conversation… understandable since they’re on the job!

This is one of the best ways to spend a day in the DMV area, and it is a must visit for everyone! I have been here countless times, most recently during Memorial Day weekend. I prefer seeing the monuments in the evening, as they seem to «glow» against the night sky. However, any time of the day is just perfect based on your schedule. This area is super accessible via Metro, but you can drive if you prefer — there is always parking close by.
The Mall is a national park and it offers a nice opportunity to take a leisurely stroll to take in the majestic monuments. Please be sure to wear comfy shoes and prepare for any weather (umbrellas, sunscreen, etc.) as the mall is lush, green, and open so there isn’t much opportunity to seek refuge except in some shady spots where trees are clustered.
There is nothing like this place — it is a must see!

The long field of grass, trees, stone pathways, reflecting pools, many Monuments, and the rare semi-​open vistas that aren’t typical of urban areas would make this a gem in any City, and it definitely goes beyond that given the significance of the Monuments and the Buildings that border the National Mall.
The Mall itself is form of monument serving as the grounds for many democratic (that is a small «d») gatherings going back at least as far as the Bonus Army protests, with citizens’ «protests» and marches on many sides of the political spectrum and public celebrations of (and oppositions to) Presidential Inaugurals and watching Independence Day’s fireworks.
It is a great «public space» in every sense of those words.
I have to take off a star because there is too frequent (and too slow) construction, and also because the lights for the crosswalks and the speed limits on some bordering streets do not (IMO) serve the pedestrians, but rather favor the speedy movement of the vehicular traffic.

This is America.
Personally I could not fail to think of standing in the same place as Martin Luther King when he broke the bounds of racial divides at the time, when he had a dream to share. This is America right here.
Parking was easy.

The mall is the name for the assortment of major DC sites.
The walk to each site is roughly 3 – 4 miles total. Easy to do since there are sites like every half mile.
You can see the White House, Lincoln, Washington, FDR, US Capitol, Library of Congress. Vietnam Memorial, and so much more.
Great way to spend a day in DC.

This is a perfect outing for a sunny day! Get out in comfortable walking shoes and walk the entire rectangle people watching and monument viewing along the way. Its about 7 miles with the tidal basin and a few diversions. From the outer sidewalks and inner paths you will pass the Smithsonians, monuments, reflecting pool, cherry trees, flower beds in bloom and many locals playing sports or relaxing on the green. Take a picnic and really amplify the experience!

Amazing! An absolute ‘must see’ for every American at least once in life. Been here several times and always enjoyed each visit. During the inauguration it is inspiring to see the entire mall filled with people. Also this is perfect for the touristy DC experience because it is literally in the center of everything. Also a good spot to score great photos with the capital in the background.
The mall is currently under major construction so this visit wasn’t as impressive, but I’m certain once construction concludes, it’ll be better than ever.

Absolutely beautiful park that encloses all the famous and must-​visits landmarks made famous in DC available in one area so tourists and locals can enjoy. The park is full of luscious green grass, well-​kept roads and sidewalks for the millions of people that walk by everyday and additionally, there are signs literally everywhere that point you to the right direction of where you want to go.
Going from place to place involves passing by a majority of all the landmarks from the far end of the Lincoln Memorial to the end where the United States Capital is; you’ll definitely get your steps in so don’t forget that comfortable shoes are a must! The best time to start is obviously early in the day before the sun rises and finish before night-​fall since you won’t be able to see much of the statues and words at night fall.
Still undergoing construction in various places to make the area more user and tourist friendly; expect consistent changes as thousands of people pass through here daily from walking, running, biking or segway-​ing.

I love walking and jogging through the mall. It’s beautiful, historic and has lots of shaded areas. I sometimes go here to have lunch and watch the soccer players have a match during lunch time. The sights at night are also very romantic.

It’s under construction and does not have a great view. But I’m sure it will be amazing with blooming cherry blossoms soon.
Parking lot: Street parking. Free in the evening and on Sun.

America’s front yard is timeless, even when half of it is torn up for much needed sod replacement. But on a sunny Saturday afternoon, with the carousel spinning, the joggers and baby strollers, and the Segway tours passing by, and the last mounds of winter snow gently melting into the ground it just does not get any better.

A leisurely stroll in a spacious green environment with plenty of historical spots to see!
The National Mall is a sure win to be here for a whole day’s worth and then some.
Lovely sightseeing and I definitely got my steps in.
Must be at the National Mall when in DC!

A beautiful landmark! Whether you are on a romantic date or a history buff, the National Mall is an excellent destination for sightseeing and events. The National Mall is the spot to visit if you are a tourist and place of inspiration if you are a resident of the DC area.

Absolutely breathtaking monuments and museums that pay tribute to history. People are always here regardless of weather or time of day. This is a great area to explore if you are ever in the DC region. Every American should visit at least once in their life.

From the Washington monument, to the WW2 memorial, to the Lincoln memorial this is one long expanse of a wading pool!
I do remember watching Forrest Gump walk through it.
The Relecting Pool is a pretty nice walk that is in a straight line from the WW2 memorial to the Lincoln memorial, but just be aware that if you walk inside the fences along the water there is no access out until you get to the end. So if you have to take a pee as I did you are stuck holding it in, even as you can see the bathrooms off to the other side half way down. Dumbest parks planning ever to not have an access point out half way through to where the bathrooms are.
It is a picturesque stroll though. Plenty of shade along the way with trees and spots to sit and take in the views.

Bottom Line: An amazing place to admire the history and culture of the United States and perhaps even make history.
A mall was once a place where peopled gathered to play a game with mallets and balls, similar to croquet, called pall mall. Later, the word «mall» referred to a tree lined gathering place. Today many Americans (including myself) probably think of the «mall» as a collection of stores. The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is not only a tree lined gathering place, but it is the United States’ commemorative landscape and cultural center. Visitors to the National Mall will find the following:
— 8 popular monuments and memorials
— 7+ lesser known monuments, memorials and sights
— 12 museums, most of which are part of the Smithsonian Institution
— Many great picnic spots
— A plethora of lovely views and sights
— Various athletic fields (mall pall isn’t played here but softball and kickball are
In addition to that list, I am sure there are plenty of other things to do and see at the Mall. For instance, other events include races, the AIDS quilt, holiday celebrations (Fourth of July and Memorial Day come to mind), and protests and demonstrations. I personally like marveling at the great sights on the monuments and reflecting on the history of this great nation. Also, its not lost on me how fortunate I am to live so close to DC.
For those who may be interested in the lesser known monuments, memorials and sights, here is a brief listing of those:
— DC’s WWI Memorial
— Albert Einstein Memorial
— George Mason Memorial
— John Paul Jones Monument
— Constitution Gardens including a duck/​goose pond
— Cherry Blossom trees including various species of them– Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence
— A trio of monuments on the capital grounds: Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, James A Garfield Memorial and the Peace Monument
Being the hub of the District, although not necessarily the geographical center, the National Mall is easily accessible by all Metro lines; however, there are not any stops on the West end of the Mall (near Lincoln Memorial) probably because its too swampy.
If you want to learn a lot about the Mall but don’t necessarily want to walk approximately four miles to loop around it, I highly recommend a bus tour with Old Town Trolley and particularly the Monuments by Moonlight tour.

I am a HUGE fan of the National Mall. With the US Capitol on one side and the Lincoln Memorial on the other and the Washington Monument in between, there’s plenty to see and do. As you walk the Mall, it’s 1) way longer than you’d think, and 2) there are many, many smaller and some hidden memorials and monuments to enjoy and see. There are museums after museums and enough food stands in case you get hungry. If you’re visiting and are active, go down here and run/​bike a lap. Highly recommend!

Love it! So many monuments & museums. So much history. Get a pair of comfy shoes & start walking. All the roads lead to the capitol if u get lost.

I love the mall. It is always funny when people visit DC. When we suggest the mall, they say they don’t want to go shopping. Then we explain…
I love taking pictures around the mall. I love the Washington Monument. I love the history of DC. The mall is perfect for picnics, walks, visiting with friends or attending events. The National Park Service has done a great job of taking care of this place.

The National Mall is, at its best, a great public space bridging the vast area from our nation’s capital to the Washington Monument, like a latter day Roman Forum, with the museums of the Smithsonian lining both sides. Unfortunately, it can also be a dusty – and when it rains, muddy, mess. Thus it is (again) under «improvement» and the center section is currently an inaccessible construction zone.

It doesn’t get better than a run around the National Mall. Where else can you be surrounded by our history and national symbols and so close to the most powerful institutions in the world.
I was out before the sun was up. Many runners were already on the trail but it was quiet and tranquil. The air was crisp and cool. As the sun came up the views were awe inspiring.
I wanted to run forever.
It was perfect.

The National Mall is a landmark, unsure if there is any official designation of such. It runs the mile, or so length from the U.S. Capital to the Washington Monument. It offers incredible views and is a must do when in DC.
It is grassy and often has some type of activity, from kids playing football, family picnics to jogging and running. However, at this present time it is closed. The entire stretch of the National Mall is under construction. Drainage improvements appear to be the main reason, but also I can imagine other upgrades like sidewalks. The new turf should be amazing.
I’m at a 5 if it was at present condition not such a pain. With it closed you have to detour around instead of a leisurely walk across. This will continue to be an issue going into late Spring. Nothing ever seems to move fast in DC, but I do think they will get this done before the Summer tourist season.
Can’t wait until this is reopened for public use. Love ya, but not as much right now. This is s HOT mess!

THE REAL MALL OF AMERICA
The National Mall is the real Mall of America. Along a two mile corridor of greenery anchored by the Lincoln Memorial to the west and The Capitol to the east with a spur reaching north to the South Lawn of the White House, education and entertainment are for sale. The average price is zero.
When I think of Washington DC, the National Mall comes to mind. It is the tapestry that holds the landmarks together. When you are in the National Mall you are minutes away from the best points of interest that Washington DC has to offer. In all honesty, Washington DC wouldn’t be as awesome as it is if it wasn’t for the National Mall.
In all honesty, the National Mall is overwhelming. The best way to understand the National Mall is breaking it down to the National Mall West and National Mall East. The Washington Monument and 14^th Avenue are the dividing line. This review breaks down the National Mall in National Mall East and National Mall West.
National Mall East:
The 1 mile segment between 14^th Avenue and the Capitol is the National Mall Proper. This was the original greenery laid out on Le E’fant’s plan for Washington DC. It is a linear park with four parallel boulevards (two non-​motorized vehicle) with lines of historic elm trees. Using a mall anology, this is the museum corridor. This might as well be the Smithsonian Mile. Framing the National Mall Proper are Smithsonian museums that include the Castle, Museum of American History, Air & Space Museum, and others. The National Mall Proper is more than museums. There is a carousal, greenery to play soccer, and benches overlooking the Capitol. This is also a popular place for viewing the Presidential inauguration and concerts.
When we toured Washington DC, we gave the National Mall Proper at least two days. Two of the days included two or three Smithsonians a day with the walk concluding at the Capitol near sundown.
National Mall West:
Depending on the Government Agency, the greenery west of the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial and Potomac River is called the National Mall, Potomac Park, Reflecting Pool, or Constitution Gardens. Regardless, the greenery is wider and the bordering museums are replaced by memorials, monuments, and reflecting pools. Using a mall anology, this would be the monument and memorial wing. It is here where the National Mall reaches it’s highest point at the Washington Monument. The views are stunning. The nicest part of the walk is along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool that concludes at the Lincoln Memorial.
When we toured the National Mall West, we did it in one day with the monuments along the Tidal Basin. We started at the White House, then walked south along the Ellipse until we connected with the National Mall at the Washington Monument.
Conclusion:
The National Mall is the real Mall of America. For nothing, the memorials, museums, monuments, landmarks, and parkland will sell you experiences that will last a lifetime.

It’s long and you walk a lot. I wish we figured out beforehand how the local transit works. I had no idea that this was available! So yeah, if you want to do minimal walking, get that figured out. I can’t remember the name of it though. Otherwise, enjoy the stroll. It’ll take you all day … and then some! You can get some pretty nice photos though!

Bring water. They sell water at $ 3 a bottle. With all the sites to see the walk does not seem very long. It is though. Make sure to hydrate.
We went during the off season so there was not that many people. Go during the last week of August or first week of September.

The national mall at this time is a construction site with a few large mounds of dug up dirt, fences, barricades, and machines all over the place. I believe it’s set to be completed in 2017. I can’t wait to take the kids down when it reopens. #GONATS

The National Mall is nothing short of a national treasure. With so many wide open places to enjoy that outdoors and memorials/​museums lining this stretch of land, I dare you to say that you don’t have anything to do while here. If that is the case, you are either lazy or lying.
It’s a great place to take in the sun while reading a book, or just to mosey on down a pathway with nowhere in mind. Heck, you don’t even need to stick to the pathways, walk wherever you please, no one is going to mind. Sit under a tree, take a nap, people watch, ride your bike, walk the dog… the list could go on forever here on things to do.
It is just a great place altogether. If I lived in this city, I’m sure I would be a frequent visitor to this area.

So much to do and not enough time to do it all…
Our 1^st day in DC, we started from the Smithsonian Castle, while debating whether we should rent a Captial City Bike Share… since we were just beginning our day, I suggested that we walk then resort to the bikes.
Stop#1 — US Capitol:
In front of the US Capitol, we observed a memorial ceremony, although it was beautifully choreographed it was quite somber. On our walk to the US Capitol steps, we observe 3 choppers… we snapped photos and wondered if it could be Marine 1 or enroute for him??? Unfortunately, the US Capitol was getting some work done to it’s exterior so it was partially covered with scaffolding –regardless, I had to capture a pic of our visit.
Stop#2 — White House:
I was bit disappointed that I did not successfully obtain passes for the White House Tour. I can say the process and anticipation of awaiting an answer for my White House Tour Request was quite exciting.
* Tiff Tip: If you know in advance the dates you are visiting DC, write your Congressman requesting for the tour. I submitted my request early April for mid-​May and I wished I knew sooner of the specific dates we were visiting… but there’s always next visit.
Needless to say, we capture a pic of our visit… DC has to be one of those places that is busy all year long. There were definitely lots of people… and it was a sunny Thursday.
Stop#3 — Washington Monument:
As I walked by those awaiting to enter the Washington Monument, I realized that I neglected to see other options if the White House Tour Request fell through (I guess my request was money and it was somewhat hard being that White House Tour Request responses are provided two-​weeks prior to your visit dates). We capture a quick pic of us… but finding the Captial City Bike Share was a priority after walking 4 miles already… and wanting to see more in National Mall.
* Tiff Tip: It is a lot of walking… so don’t hesitate to rent a bike. We were going to to the segway tours, but didn’t want to get confined to the tour… and this is a great option for non-​tours. The only thing is if you plan to eat somewhere there may not be a place to lock up your bike. We got our bikes mid-day…so biking in the morning may be best because there are less pedestrians.
Stop#4 — Lincoln Memorial:
Walking up the steps to see Lincoln felt pretty powerful and crowded with people. Thank goodness for selfie-​sticks. I even captured a pic of the Washington Monument and did not realize the Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool until I viewed the pic I captured later that evening.
* Tiff Tip: To avoid the business, visiting here in the early morning hours may be best.
Stop#5 — Martin Luther King Jr Memorial:
This memorial was quite peaceful, maybe because it overlooks the water… it is beautiful that our US Capitol continues to add pieces of our history to remind us of legacies left behind… and to only hope those of today follow suit for civil gestures for their cause.
Stop#6 — Vietnam Veterans Memorial:
Walking by and seeing thoughful notes left by loved ones. A Vietnam War Veteran was in his wheelchair as he whept reading a card from his grandson… my heart was heavy walking through the memorial.
Stop#7 — Albert Einstein Memorial:
This one is a good uplifting memorial to visit. You are able to capture a pic while sitting on his lap.
After seeing pics of friends visiting DC and watching shows like House of Cards, Scandal, etc. that capture our US Captiol, it was definitely nice to visit and see the monuments in-​person. One day, we’ll definitely be back for more…

One of the best places in DC for a stroll, bike ride, or to attend an event! Before planning a leisurely walk here, be sure to check whether there is anything going on here.
I recommend getting a bike with Capital Bikeshare and exploring the mall. Otherwise, it gets big really fast!

This place is one of a kind in our entire country, the National Mall. Standing here, you are surrounded by our government hard at work ensuring you can live the lifestyle you so desire, our treasured monuments, some excellent museums and cultural events, most within walking distance.
But don’t think of this place as just for tourist. People come here to picnic, read, listen to music, and even exercise. Some of the best jogging can be done on these surrounding shaded pathways. Let’s not forget bikes, bring your own or get one of the rentals from the stations located around the area.
Now own foot, don’t forget your walking shoes cause if you’re hoofing it, you’re going to cover a lot of ground. And yes Americans, this ground is for you!
And if you’re a visitor to the country, as virtual ambassador, I welcomed you also.

Die National Mall zwischen Lincoln Memorial und Kapitol, umrahmt von grossen Museen, hier ist die Wiege der amerikanischen Kultur so dachte ich und es sollte etwas länger brauchen, bis ich es auch verstand. Mein erster Eindruck war, dass dies ein gar nicht einmal sehr gepflegtes Stück Wiese mit verschiedenen Schotterwegen in der prallen Sonne war. Schulklassen spielen unter den Bäumen im Schatten Fussball und Jogger erlebt man in höherer Frequenz, als irgendwo sonst auf diesem Planeten. Das architektonische Durcheinander der teils klassizistischen, teils modernen, teils viktorianischen Gebäuden macht den Ordnungssinn auch nicht zufriedener. Nein, ich kann nicht zustimmen, dass dies das schönste Fleckchen Erde sei, das ich je besucht hätte.
ABER: Nach Information, Besinnung und ein wenig Überlegen machte aber fast alles Sinn. Das Kapitol überwacht die Mall vom Hügel die NATIONal Mall. Das Konstrukt der Freiheit steht am höchsten, so muss es in den USA ja auch sein. Die Mall und besonders die angrenzenden Gebäude sind dann ein Spiegel der verschiedenen Jahrhunderte der USA, eine Galerie der Ereignisse. Und so macht das moderne Air und Space Museum Sinn, denn die Raumfahrt inklusive der Mondbegehung und das alles mit JFKs Ansage ist ein Zeichen dafür, was ein Volk erreichen kann und was dann stolz machen darf. Und so versteht man dann auch, dass diese Mall nicht fertig ist, nicht fertig sein kann, hoffentlich auch niemals fertig werden wird. Es ist ein Open Air Geschichtsmuseum mit teilweise sehr gelungenen Exponaten und teilweise zeitgeistlichen Fehltreffern, die aber alle ein Aushängeschild eben ihrer Zeit sind. Und so verarbeitet die USA auch alle die Kriege, in die sich das Land berechtigter, oder unberechtigterweise– eingemischt hat. Etwa die War Memorials zum Korea– oder Vietnamkrieg und das WWII-​Memorial, für mich mit etwas zuviel Pathos, aber doch eindrucksvoll.
So gesehen macht alles wieder Sinn auch der kritische Blick von Lincoln auf das Alles, der zu mahnen scheint mit den in der Luft stehenden Worten: Macht mir das jetzt aber nicht alles kaputt, was wir uns so aufgebaut haben ! Auch das macht Sinn und er schaut zum Kapitol, nicht zum Weissen Haus. Am Tag, als ich dort war hatten alle Museen übrigens geschlossen, Haushaltsstreit in den USA. Aber vielleicht half mir genau dieser traurige Umstand die Mall besser zu verstehen.

Having a good time with wife and family. This is our second time here so we decided to take a tour of Botanical a Gardens.
We all had a good time and enjoyed looking at the different plants and their names and history. It amazed me on how certain plants affect our everyday life and how we depend on certain plants from medical advances to how plants and trees help our environment.
This is defiantly a tour I will be revisiting again because it is impossible to see everything in one day.

How can you not give the National Mall five stars? When the weather is great this is an awesome place to hike to all the various attractions: Lincoln memorial, Washington Memorial, WW2 memorial, Vietnam vet memorial, etc… you could spend all day here.
Tip: If you can come during cherry blossom time in april. AHMAZING

Dios les bendiga los Estados Unidos…