The National Mall Reviews

The National Mall is an experience everyone must experience at least once in their life! From the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, there is no denying how beautiful it is!

I was lucky that it was a sunny day, with pleasant temperatures, which contributed a lot to the experience.
It is a very interesting walk, with many options and monuments to visit and photograph.
The cherry trees begin to bloom, adding notes of color to the landscape.
Museums and emblematic buildings are also very close.

During my three days in DC I spent at least part of every day on some part of the Mall, which is at the centre of all the major attractions, from monuments to Capitol Hill, museums to the White House. What surprised me most were the distances. From the Capitol Building to Lincoln Memorial takes the best part of an hour to walk, so allow plenty of time if you have timed admission anywhere. There is a shuttle bus, but to be honest the traffic was so bad that walking was faster!

but despite the weather it was still really cool to walk the mall and to see the washington memorial and the lincoln memorial and walk along the reflection pool. I would really like to see it in nicer weather, but I an thankful for the day that I was able to spend in DC and see what I was able to see. Really learned some things to do so that when I go back it makes things run a little better, and make better use of my time and see what I want to see.

Who hasn't seen him countless times in movies. Well, yes, it is worth to tour the mall (we did it in 2 days), from the Capitol to the obelisk in tribute to Washington on the first day, and the second from the obelisk to the statue of Lincoln, passing through the monuments of the world wars and that of Korea and taking advantage to make beautiful panoramas. Note tb the memorial of Roosvelt, a little removed but of the most worked and with more messages.

You will see a row of museums, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument along this landscaped park.

It was loaded with people when we were there. Lots of open space for dogs to chase frisbees. Picnics, jogging. or just sitting around people watching

Beautiful area - so much walking but the views and architecture is completely worth it. Go first thing in the morning and there are no crowds.

We took the time and walked the length of the mall, although punctuated by excursions into some of the museums. Lots of displays spread out on the lawn. A very pleasant (and hot) stroll!

A stunning showcase of American history and culture. With iconic monuments and vast green spaces, it's a must-visit for anyone exploring the nation's capital. Be prepared for long walks and crowds, but the experience is definitely worth it.

Beautiful surroundings with the National Monument and World War 2 Memorial on one side and the Lincoln Memorial on the other.

Especially in summer wonderful to walk around

Everyone should visit Washington DC. Museums, monuments explain the Nation's history. No one knows it all but this is an excellent place to dust off your high school/college US history classes.

There are so many memorials and statues to see. The weather was hot and not much shade. Wear a hat or bring an umbrella to help keep you cool. The National Mall is approximately 2 miles long. There's park rangers there to help and maps. I did not see everything as there were monuments and memorials scattered and lots of tourists. There's a few restrooms available along the mall. You will see food trucks and a few souvenir gift shops too.

Enjoyed walking along next to the water, which unfortunately was very dirty. It was crowded of course, and many people not bothering to wear masks. Very impressive though and the views both ways are amazing.

This is one of the most famous sites in the world so it’s interesting to see it for one self.

We walked over from the Lincoln Memorial which is quite nice as you can get different perspectives!

We were here during graduation week which was insanely busy….!

This is a very fun walk, but be careful at night as there are questionable people roaming about. I was disturbed by the number of homeless people wandering and the tents set up right outside of our hotel and in some parks. Don’t walk alone at night.

The National Mall and Downtown D.C. is a place that must be experienced in person. Everything is larger than life. Of course, during Covid times, it was a little disappointing that most venues were closed. The White House is difficult to see as well due to the extra barriers they've put up. Still well worth a stroll. I will say that it wasn't that busy which I will attribute to Covid. I easily found free on street parking. Wear comfortable shoes!

As we enet in March, the trees weren't in blossom and didn't really have leaves so it all looked a bit sad. None of the ponds and fountains had water so it wasn't the spectacular view we were expecting. I do wish we would have gone in April to see the cherry trees, but maybe another time. It is longer than expected so bike it if you can or take the free shuttle. We were looking for the bike racks for a bit and they weren't as often as we were hoping so we kind of gave up and walked it. Loved the fact that the museums are so close to each other so it's easy to go from one to the other. Also all the major places to see are there so it is all handy. Great for photos as well. We were lucky to have a sunny-ish day so we got some amazing photos of the Tidal Basin at sunset. Depending on what you're there to do, plan ahead as things would take longer than you think they would. We had a day to go from the Capitol to Lincoln Monument via a couple of the museums and a few other monuments on the Mall. Took us all day and we were shattered. Worth it, but wish we had a bit more time to split things up a little and not rush.

The majority of the memorials are on, or near, the Mall, so you can spend a couple of days walking up and down the Mall, taking in the sites. There are bencsh along it if you need a break, and shade if you need it. And plenty of food vans if you're hungry!

Imagine being a witness to Martin Luther King's Speech at the Mall. Walk along the famed Reflective Pond. Lincoln Memorial at one end and The Capitol at the other. Magical...

This is the ultimate launching point.. There's just so much packed around this very walkable rectangle! This is where every first time DC visit should begin. Start here on day one and expand out from there.

It's a beautiful park with iconic monuments and museums that celebrate America's history and culture. You can walk, bike, or take a tour bus to explore the attractions and enjoy the scenery. There's something for everyone at the National Mall!

So different when you see it in person. All the pictures and news shots don't prepare for the size and the majesty of the National Mall. From the Capital building to the Lincoln Memorial, it's home to much history of the United States. There memorials and museums. Food trucks and activists. You can walk, bike, run along it. It's huge and now I can imagine hundreds of thousands of people gathering there. It's quite a place!

We explored the mall and all the memorials during the day time and at night. Each experience was beautiful and amazing. Highly recommend.

National Mall and surrounding area was a disgrace. Parking meters that did not work yet parking tickets issued anyway. Trash overflowing. Homeless individuals lying on sidewalks. Dirty sidewalks. Grassy areas in poorly maintained

It is very nice to get the vibe of DC to walk around the Mall and see the Smithsonian buildings and the government buildings.

Amazing to see this site along with the Washington monument at the Centre. Our family spent a few hours walking through this park and visited areas including the Korean and Vietnam War Memorial. It was a surreal experience.

The National Mall is great to cruse thru, but there is really nothing to do other the a picnic per say. Surround the the mall are some great museum that are must tourist visit, but the mall itself really is only historical grass lawn with no great thrill. It’s cool because of its surrounding museum and constitutional law statue must see. Have fun

We went to DC for a Caps game and be tourists. Wife likes to sleep in. I have a folding bike so I did a morning ride exploration. This was during the week so the only people out were joggers. It was nice and could cover ground leisurely. The 'walkway' is tiny gravels so it's better with a bike with thick tires.

Love this place and the kids love it too. One suggestion - during hot summer days, it’s too hot for a nice walk, so evenings are always better. The night lights and colorful fountains make the place especially magical!

The National Mall is the area in Washington, DC. that stretches from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. Do be aware that this is a park that contains monuments; it is not a shopping mall. It stretches about two miles long and it contains the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, the Vietnam Memorial, the Koran War Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial as well as much green space and many trees. It is a beautiful area especially in the Spring and Summer. A visit to the Mall involves a lot of walking. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. There are some bicycle rental stations around the National Mall if you would prefer to take a bicycle rather than to walk. I have always felt it was worth the walk if you are healthy enough for it. My son and I visited recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend a visit to the National Mall.

We were able to walk the full length of the Mall on a warm Spring day. It's a great way to see this historic part of Washington. Scooters and bicycles can be used also. From the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial there are also detours to museums and the White House, too.

I was waling around as everyone was gathering for the Pro-Life March. It made the National Mall that much more beautiful! Filled with love and life!!!!

PROS
• Inspiring
• Massive and long
• Iconic
• Historic location of famous events
• Famous
• Green and peaceful- at least it can be
• Multi-use, including bikers and joggers
• Adjacent to our nation’s Capitol Building
• Adjacent to tens of famous museums
• Adjacent to tens of famous monuments

CONS
• Always busy
• Always active
• can be crowded
• Often construction somewhere, and yes- that can obstruct the magnificent views
• Often temporary structures/activities
• Unmonitored free-for-all for picnicking and impromptu sports (see my photos)

“I VISITED THIS PLACE”…
… during my visit to the Capitol and so many of the museums and the monuments.

Sure- it can be crowded and congested with multiple recreational and sports activities, and temporary and permanent construction, but I loved it.

I was especially thrilled to be there for the 2022 annual folklife festival- ah, how I loved and treasure my memories of my presence at and participation in the 1974, 1975 and 1976 festivals

It was sobering to see that it was more of an ecological. conservational and climate-change tour event, heavily sponsored by the United Arab Emirates, which barely existed then- to say nothing of what’s a foreign country doing sponsoring our national festival on our front yard.

Any exhibits of native or district cultural stuff was absent- I was a woke to that.

TIPS
It’s not a question- go there

The National Mall is what you imagine from the pictures. During the day, the views are Great and you can see what you’re doing, but at night it’s not well lit, you can’tsee the signs of where to go and to me, it’s a waste of time. If you’re planning on visiting at night, try and rework your schedule and visit during the day.

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

You have probably seen the Mall on TV both "real life" and in movies, so you really must do the walk around the lake and visit the numerous well known landmarks around it. Lack of shade can be a problem in the heat of summer.

If you are wanting to see all the sites on the mall the DC Circulator is a great option to hop off & on if you don’t want to fully walk it all! The Metro stops are much farther off the mall in many areas so this is a great very inexpensive option if you don’t want to take some of the professional tour options. So many pieces of history, so much beauty & the heart of DC. Do not miss!

Designed to be impressive, and it is. If you're fit, spend the day using the capital bikes. Best way to see the Mall.

This is a natural walk from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. We were awe struck walking along this historic site since we've seen it in so many films!

See all the monuments , close to each other. There are a Circle bus that you can take for FREE from site to site, fantastic!

I've been on the national mall more times than I can count since I was a little child and now I am over 50. Ever time I am always awe struck with the majesty and beauty. This last time my wife and I sat and enjoyed a sunny afternoon on the newly planted very green lush lawn. I made us feel normal and forget all about the coronavirus.

The National Mall include so many of the "Must See" things that you pretty much have no choice but to go there. There are very few memorials that are not on the mall. There are lots of paths to navigate around most of mall with only one street to cross between the two main sections. My favorite places on the National Mall are the Korean War Veterans' Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the FDR Memorial. I also like the Martin Luther King, Jr., FDR, and Thomas Jefferson Memorials but it is a little off of the main path for most as you have to cross over Independence Avenue.

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.

The mall is a fantastic landmark that represents the USA and is recognised world wide from TV. There are excellent views up and down it of the monuments at either end. Lovely walk way along the sides and open grassy spaces.

The National Mall is a place in DC that just simply needs to be visited—no buts, no questions asked, no fits, period. It forms such a dynamic, crucial part of the US in terms of culture, history, politics, and economics, and it’s referenced to no end in movies, books, and all types of media. Even if you visit DC on a regular basis or intend to, all you have to do is stroll the National Mall once. Just once, to feel its significance and connect with the meaning of DC as a capital city.

I’m genuinely not going to say more. The National Mall ranks alongside the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, and Sydney Opera House (and others) as attractions you simply need to do at least once in life. Check it out!

I had a vision of what I expected the National Mall to be and the reality didn't live up to it. It's a large area, thats mostly fenced off. Also, the fence is terrible shape and just looks bad. The walkway is gravel and is in very bad need of a fresh layer. Grass was also in bad shape given that it's fenced off and no one is walking on it. I just expected it to be in much better shape.

So much to see along here. Food trucks available to grab a snack, unfortunately many people using scooters and bikes on the sidewalks so you have to be careful walking.

We walked from the JW Marriott to National Monument which was a short. Beautiful day in DC to experience all our history has to offer. There are restrooms, refreshments, and memorials you can walk from there.

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.

I love walking and this is the place to enjoy walking and seeing the sites up close. I suggest walking the entire perimeter, either in one day or split into two days depending on your energy level. The National Mall is clean, spacious, easy to walk, and truly awesome. You will feel safe with the many police everywhere keeping people safe. Thank you DC.

It is an amazing place and worth taking the walk or circulator bus. It gives much to what we, as Americans have to be proud of and cherish.

We've been on the Mall many times, but this time we decided to try a walking tour. We're so glad we did. It was so informative. We learned so much!
Bob, our guide, was GREAT. He knew so much history and had great informative facts and stories that we never would have gotten by just walking the Mall by ourselves.
Thanks, BOB!

There is a trememdous amount of things to see for free here. Our only disappointment was that the Air and Space Museum was closed for renovations.

Could easily spend a month here. Get a good guide if you can find one (highly recommend Elena Tsoy for a Russian-language guide).

Loved it. Bring an umbrella unexpectedly rains frequently. Plan ahead for going up in the Washington Monument has a timed entry and is worth it.

The National Mall is a wonderful place to walk about to view the museums & memorials. If you want to get from one side to the other faster, rent a Bird scooter!

It was nice to stroll along the National Mall without the normal hoards of tourists. The buildings and monuments are all architecturally inspiring. None of the buildings were open due to Covid-19. It was a nice way to spend a few hours before heading to the airport.

We enjoyed our walk around the mall as we went from one monument to another. There were a ton of duck families all over, so we had a lot of fun just watching them. I always felt safe. It’s a nice area for a bit of a walk.

No prices listed on the food truck, so we ordered three bubble teas for $30 without checking. Lesson learned: always check prices before ordering from food trucks without listed prices. Maybe they'll start listing prices one day.

The Mall is where you start your exploration of DC. The mall is huge. Be ready to Walk. Come in by Metro. Have comfortable shoes. It's hot in the summer and cold in winter. Bring a snack for the kids unless you want to pay high prices at food trucks. Bring plenty of water, again unless you want to pay. There are generally vendors around. Be prepared to walk. Plan your day and the museums you want to hit. We went on a fall day after school was back in session and it was not crazy busy except at Air and Space. Embrace it!

There is a lot to see so plan accordingly. A lot of walking - almost 3 miles if you see everything. Food vendors nearby and close to most museums.

great for a quick drive through
Had only a few hours, so we just drove, dropped of a parent with kids for pictures and to the next stop
Had lots of fun, especially my 12 year old son

I'm just going to say one thing. Washington DC must regulate those generic, ubiquitous food and ice cream trucks lining the mall end to end. We had learned some difficult news earlier in the week and were vulnerable, so we got easily snared in their trap paying nearly $30 for a frozen non-alcoholic drink and a soft serve ice cream cone. Criminals! And we saw young kids with little money trying to haggle with these crooks. No prices to be found anywhere so they probably just make 'em up as they go along. Please go to the museums or the official concession stands for your official snacks: your paychecks will go a little further.

This public park is a two-mile area graced with museums, monuments, and green spaces made for strolling and picnicking. Do your feet a favor by buying a ticket for a hop-on, hop-off bus. This allows you to get on and off at the more popular stops.

I love walking the loop from the Lincoln memorial to the capitol building. There are food trucks in the middle of the walk and there is so much to see. Just walking to the middle from the Lincoln Memorial was over 10,000 steps, and that allowed for seeing many different sites and memorials. I highly recommend this for a family to see the various memorials.

Tons of walking so wear comfortable shoes. But there is lots to see. We parked once and walked it all on foot. Definitely took many hours to do.

For the sheer significance of this place, you should take a min or two to come see it. You get a beautiful view on the obelisk as well.

This place is a must when in Washington.

The Smithsonian museums, government buildings, white house, culture, arts, great food and great communication with Metro and busses both inside and around.

We visited museums and watched a march going on. Lengthy walk, so use bus or Uber if needed between thing’s.

With a Metro card you can use both Circulator buses, Metro bus and Metro rail.

After seeing the national Mall I witnessed the pool which appears in the movie Forrest Gump when Forrest returns from Nam he suddenly see his ex girlfriend n step into the pool surrounded by hundreds op people n shout Jenny, Jenny. N finally can look into her eyes again n see the sunshine through her blonde beautiful hair. I have been there it was amazing.

This place is one of national discourse. On any given weekend one can find cultural experiences that you would not have anywhere else. This might range from an Sikh or Japanese festival or just a weekend where everyone flies their kites. That’s just March by the way! One can run the sidewalk, play frisbee or other sport on the expansive lawns, or just people watch those coming to and fro amongst some of the worlds best museums. This is an amazing place!

The government buildings and monuments are enormous and endless, befitting a great country. Near everything you heard and read about is located on or near, and it’s walkable.

So many museums, so much history, so little time. I really want to spend a month in this area to see everything. There are still so many places that I have not toured yet.

Saw many sites from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. Saw many beautiful and historical sites in between. Everyone should visit Washington DC at least once but given all there is to see you will want to return.

Just an amazing experience to look any direction and see history. It's also a place to lots of people speaking different languages enjoying themselves. We walked from one end to another so give yourself time to truly experience this countries history.

If you are coming to DC in the near future. Pre-book museum's, we found many places closed or booked for the days we were in town.

Our tour of the National Mall in Washington DC by bike was simply amazing. Cycling along this magnificent space allowed us to discover a multitude of iconic monuments and memorials, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Vietnam War Memorial, to name just a few. The cultural aspect and beauty of this place made this experience both enriching and visually stunning. An unforgettable day discovering the history and splendor of Washington DC.

I would usually give it a 5 star, but there were so many white tents, booths, etc. being built up and down the mail for an upcoming event, it was very junky and cluttered looking. You couldn't get the usual beautiful view looking from one end to another. I was very disappointed. The weekend before the 4th of July should be a time for it to look its best.

PROS
* Fantastic
* Large and humongous
* Historical and famous
* Iconic views in both east- west directions
* Incredible works-famous free museums the entire length from the Capitol grounds to the Washington Monument
* Scenic reflecting pool to the Lincoln Memorial
* A grand place for walking, jogging, running and/or bicycling
* A place for picnics and to lounge and rest and play
* Is actually possible to find street parking on our National Mall, but don’t count on that.

CONS
* Always busy
* Always active
* Sometimes crowded and congested
* Often, views are obstructed by temporary structures erected for events
* Often a lot of traffic congestion on the streets of the mall.

“I VISITED THIS PLACE”…
… when I crossed it by walking from the National Museum of Natural History to the newly restored and reopened National Air and Space Museum.

ADVICES
You’ll for sure see and cross this place on your tourist visit to D.C.: enjoy!

it has to be visited and take in the scale of area, from Lincoln's statue to the Capitol Building, the Mall with all it's iconic museums and buildings is fantastic open space

Beautiful place for a stroll in Washington DC. All of the monuments and memorials are beautiful and interesting. A must see destination in DC.

A national treasure for walking or biking. The mall has so much to offer and some great views. You can see a number of the key monuments including a great view of the national monument. Each side is flanked with the Smithsonian and its various museums along with the National Gallery of Art.

We walked the National Mall from the Capital to the Lincoln Memorial. All of the museums, the Capital, the White House & the Smithsonian were closed to the public, but we were told that they should be opening soon. The Air & Space museum is undergoing some construction, so that one will take a little longer.
There are food trucks lined nose to tail at each of the streets between the park sections, so we were able to get water when needed.
There is a lot to see here, so plan accordingly.

great, ive been to DC multiple times but I always check this area out. Why not? You are so close. I really like DC

I remember seeing this in Night at the Museum, so seeing this in person was a special experience. A lot longer than I thought it would be. Nice little stroll along it but would definitely not want to go in that water! There were some very adorable ducklings having a paddle in there when we were there.

Packed full of all sorts of history even if you're not a fan. Reflecting waters make it even more magical, even if it's only 6 inches deep. You can see numerous monuments no matter which direction you turn!

Everyone should take the time to do this walk. The memorials are all so moving. Plenty of food trucks to purchase lunch or an ice cream. Plan to stay a while. Take all day check out the memorials. Very touching and beautiful. All so very done

This really is huge, we walked a lot of it, and it was a great walk! It helped that the weather was perfect lol, but a great place!

The tour is free but it is complicated to book... 2 possibilities:
- book on the app 24 hours before the visit: you must download the recreation.gov app and create an account, then log in the day before just before 10am. There are so many tourists who connect that often it bugg... If you are lucky enough to get tickets it costs $1/ticket.
-appear on the day of the visit, at the foot of the National Mall, just before 8.45am: distribution of 6 free tickets max/person. Get there early (~30 minutes).
Visits every 30 minutes with museum inside and an elevator to the top of the monument. Upstairs the view is beautiful!!! 😍

It is a rectangular green space from the Leenkern Memorial Museum in the heart of Washington, D.C., through the Washington Monument to the Capitol, and is about 3 kilometers long. It has ponds and lawns and is well maintained, but like New York's Central Park, it's too big to walk around. There are many attractions such as the Natural History Museum in this area.

The mall is about 3km long but is a worthwhile walk to honour those who have given their life for freedom. The space is open to the elements so make sure you have hat etc

Much like the Lincoln Memorial TV, movies, pictures, etc. don’t do it justice. Just one of those places you have to see while you’re in the area.

I researched online where to stay in relation to the sites that I wanted to see and I knew I wanted to be near the National Mall so that my husband and I could see all the national monuments and historical places. It was a LOT of walking so be prepared, but we were able to see the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the WWII Memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial. All of these historical places we had only read about or seen in movies or television and it was just an extraordinary experience to be there and be able to see these monuments in person. We walked a little further and visited the White House also. There is so much to see at the National Mall and I am so glad we were able to experience it.

I have never visited DC before. Interesting to see the mall in person. Walked the length of it visiting the Lincoln, Vietnam, World War II and Washington memorials ending up at the capitol. Wonderful to see it all in person. The architecture of the surrounding buildings is beautiful.

Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Wall and Washington Monument all in this area. When we visited last week it was busier than our previous visit. A lot of people peddling souvenirs etc. no issue parking and area is walkable. We came so our nieces could see these iconic sites in DC.

We came down from the other side of the White House to join the National Mall more or less at the junction of 15th St NW and Constitution Avenue. This is close to the Washington Monument. We then walked from there up to the Lincoln Memorial.

The whole of the National Mall covers a good two miles between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. There is a lot of open, airy space devoted to gardens, fountains, trees and monuments. We were there on a week day in early June when it was relatively quiet. We just had to ensure that we avoided those people on bikes, electric scooters and Segways who came by with disregard to those of us on foot.

Well kept and clean. We greatly enjoyed walking the mall from Washington to Lincoln monuments and visiting the various war memorials on site. They are all worth your time to visit.

I covered The Mall over three walks in July 2024. The Mall is a great place to walk. In the first walk, I walked from the Smithsonian Castle to the Lincoln Memorial stopping at various memorials and monuments on the way which I have reviewed separately. In the second walk, I walked from the US Capitol and Supreme Court to the Smithsonian Castle with a stop at the Air and Space Museum. In the third walk, I walked from the Smithsonian Castle to the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial and then all the way back to the Museum of Natural History. I never get tired of long walks on The Mall.

If the weather is nice on your visit to Washington D.C., then a walk on the National Mall is a must-do.

This two-mile walk is one of my favorite parts of the Washington D.C. experience. The mall includes the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, and United States Capitol. The green spaces, reflecting pools, fountains, vendors, and the multi-ethnic visitors all serve to create an experience you can't find anywhere else in the world.

The site / location of so many historic events - you just need to walk around and admire all of it and try to imagine being there for some of them. Safe and enjoyable walk.

Great place to see for anyone that hasn't been to our nation's capital. Plenty to see and do here while enjoying the great outdoors. Have always seen the area in the news, films, pictures, etc. but it was great to see what has been done here and that it is available to everyone in our great country.

NOTE: I travelled in November 2023. I've been here multiple times and let me tell you it isn't a real mall. It is the heart of Washington DC. You can even see the glorious Washington Monument in the distance. Also, a great pathway to great museums.

This is a beautiful historic area with so much history to see. Unfortunately, there are so many scammers trying to hand you flyers and “free” bracelets, flowers, etc.” and then demand money. Just say a firm no or ignore them. I had to yell at one of the fake monks who kept trying to give our child a bracelet before they backed off. Why can’t the NPS regulate these scammers on National Park Land? The presence of these scammers really tarnishes the beauty of the National Mall.

This place was beautiful! There was people everywhere enjoying the day. I enjoyed the view of the Capital and the Washington Monument the most.

Our family which included children walked on different section of the Mall during our Thanksgiving vacation and enjoyed it from all the views.

I think this area is a must see if you are in D.C. We walked from Washington monument to Lincoln Memorial along the reflection pool in the late afternoon. We then visited Vietnam war memorial and Korean War memorial. We wanted to stay there until the light is on, but we were too tired after all the walking, and it was cold, so we didn't get to see it in the dark.

It's amazing that all of the Smithsonian museums are free. I know the Louvre and British Museum aren't. And the monuments are cool too, and free. The Eiffel Tower isn't. But you have to make reservations a day earlier for the Washington Monument :(

Very nice outdoor space to relax, exercise, and view the architecture of DC. I visited with my 10 year old daughter and although the space is very large she was able to handle the walk in a single day without a problem.

Museums and monuments line the Mall area and all are free to enter. The Washington Monument does charge a fee to go to the top and tickets are normally sold out for the day of so buy them online before you go.

The most important item for families is that I have never felt unsafe here with my kids. I don't stay much past dark but I imagine that doesn;t change at all or until very late in the night.

The feature that ties together the impressive buildings, memorials and monuments at the center of Washington DC. Best seen by strolling along it from one end to the other, and taking in and visiting the memorials along the way. In late fall it had a stark beauty and feeling that changed depending upon the time of day and amount of light.

On a beautiful, clear, cold days in DC, I had this place almost to myself. Apparently late February is a good time to visit. Just walking around the memorials and monuments was a moving experience, and visiting the museums that ring the mall was both interesting and awe-inspiring.

If its not too crowded. We covered an 11 km loop in about an hour starting by the Jefferson Memorial and up to the Capitol. So much to see. Wish we had more time to stop.

Everything is great. But asked for prices before you order from an ice cream truck. I got charged 21 dollars for 2 ice coffees. Can't find any warning about this scam online

The National Mall has good access to the Smithsonian Museums and views of the Washington Monument and Capitol.

Since Washington was designed by L’Enfant, his vision was not fully realised. His vision was for diplomatic residences alongside but actually the openness is more effective I think

Great park to see both history and nature. Always worth spending the day there. A must see while in D.C.

It’s a beautiful walk that you absolutely must do if you’re in Washington. It is also a park very popular with locals during weekends. On one side, the Lincoln Memorial and on the other the Capitol, and in the middle the Washington Monument.

Fun -- but make sure that you have an advance reservation for the Air & Space museum. You can pretty much walk into all other Smithsonians. Entering the Capital, White House or FBI building pretty much requires advance reservation from your Congressman.

Can’t really critique the National Mall on it’s own because there are so many individual sites to see. But on a nice day, its great to walk around the Tidal Basin and take in all the free memorials and monuments, let alone museums.

In the midst of winter on a lovely sunny day in December we walked the National Mall. Quite a distance to cover, but well worth it. We started at Capital Hill walked down and saw the WW2 memorial, reflection pool right down to the Lincoln Memorial. All these buildings were oddly familiar due to TV show coverage and it felt like I had been there before.

My wife had never been to D.C. and we had a 'free day' to look around. I arranged for a limo and driver and we got a great tour. The Mall is one of the feature items in D.C. so we made sure to view it and take in what it represents.

No real stores...just a bunch of old buildings. They should probably rename it. Was a bit disappointed, was hoping for winter sales. Too much walking.

This is just a peaceful place. Love all of the grass and the views. We rode bicycles at night along the mall to all of the monuments. It was a great experience.

Exceptional place. It's clean, well-kept, and very monumental. It's a must-see when you're voting in Washington, DC. I strongly recommend this place.

The National Mall is waaayyyy better at night. The monuments are all light up and it becomes tranquil in comparison to the day time. For me, it became a time of reflection. Walking between the illuminated Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument under the stars felt surreal.

The Reflecting Pool mirrors the lights perfectly. The sounds of the city fade, replaced by the sound of the fountains. I just strolled along and occasionally looked up remembering that the sky is one of the only things all of us for centuries will have in common.

The National Mall at night is a must-see. Take a walk after dinner.

This was a lovely trip starting with arriving by Amtrak train from Florida. Great views, great food, great fellow travelers. Consider if you have the time. We preplanned by having reservations from our Congressperson to have tour of Capital building. We made it a point to have lunch at each museum or building we toured, wonderful. Especially at the Native American Museum which served native inspired meals. We traveled by ferry from the Wharf to Mount Vernon, by hop on and hop off bus, dined at the Willard. Arlington it rained, but the ceremony was just as fabulous. 8th and I Marine Barracks Friday Nite parade was the highlight of the trip (need advance tickets). My Daughter never having been to D.C. was most impressed by this event.
My trip was by 6th and still had new sights to see. Every citizen should consider this trip. It makes our government more alive than just being on TV>

Lined by the world class museums of the Smithsonian and filled with iconic monuments and landmarks, the National Mall in Washington DC is truly a special place. The National Mall spans from the Lincoln Memorial on the west to the US Capitol on the east with the Washington Monument in the center. All of the Smithsonian Museums are free to enter. They all offer something unique and are worthy of a visit, but the National Air and Space Museum is the most popular and arguably the best. Other monuments not to miss include the impressive World War II Memorial and the powerful Viet Nam Veterans Memorial. The view from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial of the Reflecting Pool is exceptional. Most visitors are here during the daytime but try to return to see the monuments after dark as they are beautiful when illuminated.

This was my first time visiting DC. I was visiting my son who was recovering from an injury during deployment. We took advantage of this opportunity and explored DC. National Mall was nothing like you see on TV and in movies. What an experience to see it up close. Stunning. The reflecting pools are stunning, everything was well-maintained. Expect it to be busy, but everyone was super courteous even all the kids on a field trip. This is a must.

Incredible area with incredible things to see. At one end is the Capitol and at the other Lincoln. From the beginning it was thought that it was not such a long distance, but it is huge. There are good buses that you can take around to all important things. Truly a must to discover the area while in Washington!

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.

A worthwhile visit. A really iconic space with lots going on. The view is fascinating as is the people watching! Get ready for crowds.

So much to see. You’ll need multiple days. Prepare for the weather to be very hot in the summer months. Bring a hat. Definitely want a metro pass.

This is where all of the lovely museums are so it's a great place to break for touring and have a picnic or let little ones run. The carousel is a nice highlight for families. Some great food trucks can be found for a quick bite. Grab a scooter to get around. So much is happening in this area.

Nn-yes... I didn’t expect, I didn’t expect this....((even to plan lawns normally, the gentlemen leaders of the planet cannot even plan lawns without bumps and holes ((( Disgrace!!! I haven’t seen such unkempt lawns with bald spots for a long time ....Everything is very pretentiously done, with a pretense of greatness((But the pathos is cheap, and the greatness is somehow exaggerated, as if taken on credit....And, hence, there is no soul and comfort(((Once I took a walk and no longer pulls at all.

Wonderful experience to be in a place so many times seen on TV or at the movies. A place of gratitude to the American warriors who fell during the various wars. Place filled with history and emotion

its been closed many times for repairs but on the 4th of july the grass is a great spot to sit and feel partriotic

Beautiful! A national treasure, for sure. We enjoyed our time walking up and down the Mall during our stay in DC, and the views are stunning from every direction. What a lovely public space right in the middle of the city. Only negative are the food trucks, which are necessary, I suppose, since there aren't any good food options nearby. But the trucks are ridiculously expensive for the generally lousy food they serve.

It was very pretty and clean, thanks for giving all those people a wonderful day, thanks to the crew responsible.

The first place to visit while in Washington. There's monuments, museum, memorials and attractions everywhere. You won't have enough time to see everything this place has to offer unless you visit this city a couple of times. I had a wonderful time exploring this part of the city and will be back to discover more.

I always enjoy coming to Washington DC and walking the National Mall. As a outdoors person, I love being able to walk for miles. The National Mall is quite extensive, so be prepared to get your steps in. They also have scooters and bikes available to rent. I suggest looking at a map on your phone to make sure you get in all the different memorials. The capitol, Washington monument, and Lincoln Memorial are the highlights, but there is more than that.

So cool to see in person! you see it on TV all the time, but to see it in person just wow, very cool.

A really great area , that runs in between almost all of the famous sights in Washington DC, you cannot really avoid spending some time walking along the park. do visit the Washington Monument for a wonderful view of the Mall , Though there is no admission fee for the Washington Monument, there is a $1.00 service charge per ticket to cover reservation service.

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.

We really enjoyed this National Mall. It was very nice to explore all the memorials while walking. Especially during the cherry blossom season. We walked from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol. The fact that all the major museums are close together here, including the Botanical Garden, and are also free, is a huge plus and unique. It gives you a lot of flexibility. When the weather is nice, the people of Washington enjoy this park just as much as many tourists, it's simply wonderful.

Large park located in the heart of Washington. The national monument is the star of the show, worth checking out if you are in the area.

The Mall, which connects the Capitol to the Washington Monument and subsequently to the Lincoln Memorial, is truly a wonder for the eyes, flanked by imposing buildings of absolute importance for the history of the USA but also by artificial lakes and nature that make the route a must essential for anyone visiting the city of Washington. To be enjoyed in absolute tranquility and peace, also mindful of the historical events that have taken place here over time.

We visited the area to see the monuments and peak season of the Cherry Blossoms. It was beautiful! Parking can be hectic but there is a red shuttle bus that you can take for $1 per ride between monuments and major areas. Area was very safe and clean. This was definitely the highlight of our trip and we also visited NYC and Philadelphia during the same time. I definitely recommend using public transit and staying a little outside the downtown area.

The National Mall is America in miniature, at least in the official version. It contains important memorials, comprehensive museums and of course, key offices of the US government. Whether be newcomers or longtime natives, a visit to the Mall brings new observations.

I really enjoy walking and running around new places every time I visit A Greeting City. On this occasion, leaving my hotel, I went around The White House, where I greeted some surprised secret service guards, went down to the National Mall and walked it from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol, past the obelisk of the Washington Memorial before returning to the hotel. In total, my 10 most beautiful kilometers I've run in a long time. Beautiful sunrise views from the Lincoln Monument, pleasant temperature even though it was 6 AM and drizzling. Said a pleasure for the senses

It is a place that you will never get tired of seeing. The great thing is that it is free to visit and open all the time.

Loved walking here at night after a visit to the museums. The buildings all lit up frame the mall magnificently.

Been here many times and it just never gets old. Love this amazing iconic spot in Nations Capital. Good place to reflect and be proud.

Scooters were fun to rent (Lime scooters were the most economical and user friendly). Less crowded and cooler in the evening. Lights are really pretty at night.

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.

We spent Friday afternoon and most of the day Saturday touring the mall and visiting a few museums. The mall is a true gem that does not exist anywhere in the world. So much history and information completely free for all to visit. This was our first experience at the African American Museum and we were really in awe of the entire place. The exhibits were very informative with top notch execution. Highly recommend all visitors to the Mall make time to see this museum.

Must visit attraction when you in Washington DC. You can walk from the National Monument, WW II Monument and Lincoln Memorial. Take your time enjoying the Garden especially on Fall session.

Too many things to see, too little time and a lot of walking. Beware when you go to be able to do all you should.

There is nothing like arriving on the National Mall for the first time. It is breathtaking seeing the majestic monuments and memorials, where the past, present and future come together.

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!

It is such a great place for walking with all the monuments and old buildings. I try to do the walk whenever I am in town. Walking from the Lincoln monument to the Capitol Building takes me about 40 minutes. It's a great walk.

With so many great memorials and monuments, wide open green spaces and food trucks this is a great place to experience the heart of DC. Beautiful by day or night we make sure to make time to walk the mall every time. Metro stops and bus stops and Circulator stops are available at different points of the mall. Great views of the Washington Monument, Capitol etc

This is a truly amazing app inspiring walk from the Washington monuments to the Lincoln memorial. It is an experience that everyone should really enjoy at least once in their lifetime. Its no wonder it has been featured in so many movies over the years. There is no place like it anywhere. It is historic and really beautiful.

Walked through the National Mall at Washington DC while I was on a road trip. As I planned to be in DC on 4th July, its full festival/holiday mood in and around here. The National Mall spans from the Lincoln Memorial on the west to the US Capitol on the east with the Washington Monument in the center.

People (I guess some quarter of million) were enjoying themselves outdoors having fun with the friends & family and waiting the extravagant fireworks. Though it was very crowded and hot, but also extremely special to be there for the fireworks. Due to huge crowd everywhere it was wise to park vehicles around station and take the metro to the Mall and vice-versa.

The area comprises the memorials of former president Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Roosevelt, the Washington Monument and the memorials of the Korean and Vietnam and World War 2 Veterans. It’s a considerable walk from the parking and with the construction work going on, you may need to walk slightly more and navigate slightly detours but it’s worth the effort. This area is an absolute must do when in the DMV. Carry an umbrella (it will also provide protection from the sun and there are large portions which are uncovered. In season, you’ll see trees covered in cherry blossoms. It’s quite pretty.
There are plenty of rest rooms and some water fountains through the area

Well, prepare to walk a lot, but you will enjoy the panorama and the attractions. I didn't have time for the museums, but if you have, you have a lot of choices. I walked from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial. I also will recommend the Moonlight Monuments tour and if you can have a guide with you, you will learn a lot and enjoy it very much. Even at night, this place was crowded especially the Lincoln Memorial.

Beautiful place to walk (or take a break from walking), bike, picnic, or people watch. Spent a lot of time here while I was in D.C. It's one of the cleanest parks I've seen, and definitely has the best views.

While The National Mall is amazing, these white BIRD scooters are a scam! They claim to “start at $1, plus $0.39 per minute”; however, they charge you for “refill packages” in $10 or $20 bundles. The app then offers no option to contact customer support or cancel a purchase. Beware 5min of fun = $20/ person.

I always love attending events (political and non-political) here. It's a place for everyone to stretch out together and walk around to the various museums. Catch a meal or snack at the food trucks lined up around the Mall.

We went during the evening and wish we would’ve gone during the day- the pool is not really lit up and there were tons of people there.

I was in DC for work and one afternoon they told us to go out and enjoy the mall. A colleague and I walked almost 10 miles just exploring and taking it all in. It was cherry blossom season and it was gorgeous! The changes from day to evening are also amazing, all lit up at night, the mall is incredible!

It’s a fantastic place to spend a few hours.

The reflective pool wasn’t very full that day. Lincoln Memorial is tranquil and peaceful.

The national World War II memorial.

It’s a memorial park more than a mall.

You might even get lucky and get entertained by a country line dance by the mall.

Museums, galleries, outside art and nute, all together in one place, you can walk and go in and out of the many places to visit, there is something for everyone you can start from the National monument or the Capitolio or even from Lincoln memorial, any direction you take will be fun and cultural.

Everyone should experience the National Mall in person. It's living history. Breathtaking to see at night.

There is so much to see. A visit is of course a must when you are in Washington. You can stroll from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. There are countless museums (free of charge). You should bring enough time with you; unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were unable to visit any museums.

One of the most iconic places in the country looking from one end and the capitol to the other and the Lincoln Memorial always amazes me. There is a ton of construction right now and parking is always difficult. If you find a spot it is only good for 3 hours.

We went to the mall several times as it is where most of the main memorials and museums are. In the middle is the Washington monument which stands loud and proud! At one end is the Capitol building and the other end the Lincoln memorial. It is longer than you think - apparently approx 2 miles end to end. You can rent a scooter or a bike through Uber which will help getting round!

Any visit to DC wouldn't be complete without visiting the national mall...you can see so many tourists around and take pictures...fun thing to do...

I severely, SEVERELY underestimated how long the National mall is (really, it’s just 2 miles). I suggest hiking or taking a scooter as you go across it, as waking is long and it is HOT outside. There’s plenty of benches to sit and vendors to get drinks from. It is very peaceful and beautiful to look at

We walked up and down and across the street all the way to the Jefferson Memorial. We did it once during the day; and once at night. Be ready to walk 30 000 steps. ensure to have wifi. Its all free, but there is barely no contextual information by each memorial. You need to research it online to understand the full breath of the monument's creation and of the individual legacy it was made to recognize. The Roosevelt one is the one with more information, including about his wife and dog which deserved their own memorial as well.

Of course, the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials and statues are to be seen and reflected upon when you read their magnifient speeches. My favorite memorial was the Martin Luther King one, still so relevant today. It really make one think about peace and how we treat each other.

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.

You can't go to DC without going here. It houses many iconic memorials and is so beautiful at night. In fact, I encourage everyone to go at night when the memorials are lit up. Breathtaking.

There is so much to see. The museums are amazing, just be prepared to do a lot of walking. The museums stay open from 10: to about 5:30. The museums are free, but you have to reserve a time for the more popular ones. There are also plenty of food tucks if you need a snack. Some of the museums also offer a dining area.

Fantastic area with lots of attractions, historical sites, museums etc. Expect at least one full day - even more if you are visiting all the museums. A given starting point in downtown Washington D.C.

This is the centralized location for all memorials. Great photo ops and you can see several of the big 5 memorials here. Highly recommend

We had an enjoyable walk on the National Mall. It wasn't crowded at all. My husband & I had been here years ago but we don't remember there being any food trucks at that time. Now the street was full of them.

Be prepared and fit for a lot of walking along this beautifully kept centre piece of Washington. Blessed with sunny weather ( a must) you can spend days discovering all the gems of history and other attractions all branching off this splendid centre piece.
Be aware though that one of the main quirks are the plethora of food vans which are the only option for refreshments are not cheap!

So much to see & do along here - memorials & museums. The best views of the Mall are from the Washington Monument.

You can see the Capitol building in the background at one end, the Washington Monument at the other, the African-American Museum, etc. etc. Lots of benches from which to enjoy the scenery. virtually no restaurants close by unless you eat inside a museum cafe.

This is a huge park which contains many memorials to famous Americans including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and others. One end of the mall is the Lincoln Memorial and the other end is the U.S. Capitol. In the middle is the Washington Monument and to either side of that, the White House and Jefferson Memorial. On our visit, we walked completely around the mall from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial. I don't think we missed a single monument on the Mall. Don't forget often overlooked memorials such as the DC Veterans Memorial and the George Mason Memorial, as well as the Albert Einstein Memorial located just across the street from the mall. It was the start and probably the highlight of our DC trip and we returned the night before we left to experience the Lincoln Memorial at night. Don't forget to see the memorials at night as well as during the daytime.

Open 24/7
Use the Circulator bus to see all.
Great food trucks.
Wonderful at night.
Water bottle re-fill stations abundant.
Most of the Smithsonian Museums are located here. (Free to enter.)
Not crowded.
Friendly people.

A wonderful place to stroll and take in the sights on a fresh, winters day. So much light and space, thanks to the low rise buildings and broad avenues.

The National Mall is so powerful. To stand in the center of such amazing symbols of democracy is powerful to say the least and definitely something you should do at least once in your life. Eat an ice cream from a food truck while you are there!

You must visit this if enjoying Washington. It is well maintained and looked after. You get a true sense of the historical importance of this location.

This area is such a great reminder that great things have happened in our country. It is easy to lose sight of that, but we have had some exceptional people in our country and the challenges they faced are often forgotten. This area is here to remind us.

Overall, this is such a great part of our country and an area everyone should visit at some point in their lives.

You can't imagine it until you are there in person.Surrounded by people from all over the world, immersed in culture and American history it's fantastic

It’s a very nice and busy walking area, starting and Lincoln Memorial and going though a lot of the Smithsonian’s and museums and ending right before Capital hill. Great way to knock out a bunch of sights all at once. But also know that it’s very hot unless under the tress.

It was pleasant walking along the National Mall. I liked the gravel on the walkways. It discouraged skateboarders and those who might wish to run fast. The signs, which were well placed, helped to locate various monuments. The grass was well restored. The lawns were beautiful. It was nice to see people using the area to playing kickball without destroying the area.

It is the heart of the city and a wonderful to get a feel of the grandeur of Washington. I think that it is a bit moving to experience it and reflect the great country we live in and it's history.

A very easy walkable route along the monuments and memorials from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. I found the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Memorials to be especially interesting.

We had a great time walking around here for hours. The photo opportunities are fabulous, and we were fortunate to have great weather. We have been here several times, and it never gets old.

In spite of the cloud of insurrection and construction still hovering over the Capital, I was so inspired by the curious citizenry exploring the galleries, monuments, and museums. Everyone a different view of the world, accessible to all, and inviting!

Every time I come to DC I have to at least make a quick stop by the national mall. It was a cloudy cool day but still a refreshing walk and visit to the old Smithsonian castle.
It’s always great seeing school classes visit as well.

The mall is huge and you will walk a long way. The different memorials and the reflecting pond in one place is amazing and makes the mall one of the best places to visit in America. We started at the Jefferson Memorial and made the loop thru the FDR memorial over to the Korean War Memorial then on to all the other memorials. Then go to the Capitol end. So much to see.

Good exercise and a way to see the historical monuments. June 2021 - food trucks galore so don't stress over finding food - nothing healthy I'm sure but it's food. From the Lincoln Memorial you can see all the way to the other end. A must do for a DC trip. Be prepared to walk. We walked from the hotel from one end of the mall to the other, then to the Jefferson Memorial around a bit more of the mall area and back to the hotel for a total of 10 miles... but it was worth it.

Beautiful city--visited the National Mall many times, and never tire of all there is to see and experience. Rich history full of beauty, charm, culture and character.

It was a cold, but sunny late fall day when we decided to walk the Mall. So glad we did! Photography moments abound here. With the pandemic cutting crowds to a minimum we all but had the area to ourselves. Great time for an unusual moment in history.

The National Mall (also known as the Backyard of America) is the most visited national park in America. The monuments and memorials in this park honor the color who sacrificed for the nation. The park is centrally located in Washington, and extends over 2 miles from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol.

so iconic . i truly believe that everyone should go at least once in their lifetime. as a tip... the distances are farther than they look so I would recommend downloading an app to connect to one of dc's famous scooters to use to ride around!! trust me it makes the tremendous distances much shorter!

This is a worthwhile place for every American to walk through. It's this gigantic pathway that connects to a lot of national museums and memorials. It's attractively kept. Do be prepared for a lot of walking - this area is much bigger than you might expect.

These sights were amazing to see in person. We had a flight delay and had limited time in the area but managed to see a lot. We did walk the entire time and would highly recommend a hop on/off tour to get you from place to place as the area is widely spread.

Walking the National Mall gives you such a sense of pride as an American. It is kept very clean and is well maintained. I always enjoy visiting it when in DC.

we came in for the the peak weekend of the cherry blossoms. what a great call. we walked around and seen everything at the mall. seen the monuments, statues, wall. memorials. we had never been there and was awesome. we walked around and see. found free public parking. took our time walking around. after we went to Arlington cemetry. this was also awesome. took the trolley to get the ride thru the cemetery and history of it and who is there. this is a must see trip to do.
there are other ways to get around and see the sights as well.
you can spent as much time as you want or little. totally go at your own pace.

Located between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall is the location for all the excellent Smithsonian museums as well as numerous monuments. it is the primary place to go when touring Washington. I lived in DC for more than a year and have visited numerous times since. Still haven't seen everything. You will need to set some priorities.

Absolutely impressive! The entire complex is very extensive and there is a lot to see. You can easily plan two days so that you can see everything at your leisure.

If you go to Washington DC you can't stop visiting it, walk next to the reflecting pool, see the Washington Monument, the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the White House.

Nice place to walk at night. I walked after the heat of the day and walked to all the monuments which were nicer to see without as many people and with lights.

National Mall is the most appropriate word for the landscaped garden near downtown Washington DC. It encompasses several National Monuments, such as Lincoln Memorial, George Washington Memorial, Vietnam war heroes memorial, world war II memorial etc. Centrally located, the National Mall in fact comprises of several beautifully laid gardens and many picnic spots and sculptures erected in the memory of America's war veterans also. Capitol Hill, where Senate and House of representatives are situated is also on another end of the National Mall. Opposite the Lincoln Memorial on the West side is the George Washington Memorial on the east side. Walking ahead one would also reach the White House and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural history is also situated in this place. National Mall is one of the most visited place of USA. George Washington Memorial is in fact the tallest structure in the city and park. It rises nearly 170 meter. It is in the form of an obelisk and has steps inside. Due to shortage of time we did not go inside and just took a snap from the steps of Lincoln Memorial. Of course, we visited the Vietnam War veterans memorials, Pacific Archway Entrance of the WWII memorial. We also visited the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History but due to paucity of time we could not see much though this museum is probably the best museum of its kind and houses a large number of collections and specimens in a huge area spread over several floors. it also has a very good canteen where snacks are available to the visitors.

Went there for a rally- was very nice to walk around, and was very pleasant-Right by the wahington Monument

Walked through the National Mall while I was on a business trip with a coworker. It was beautiful and a nice way to get some exercise and see some historical monuments.

The National Mall extends about 2 miles from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. Flanking the Mall are scores of memorials, monuments, statues, fountains, and museums. The Mall is where it's at in DC!

We've been to 30 countries around the world and DC's monuments, museums and parks are by far the nicest. Definitely not the oldest, but very beautiful and impressive. Would highly recommend.

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

Amazing sights and a pretty good walk! Bathrooms are in the vicinity and water fountains are available. Lots of people walking, scooting, and doing their morning run while enjoying the captivating sights of amazing monuments seeped in history!

Plenty of space and openness to have a lunch with your family or throw the frisbee around in the midst of our nation's capital.

I know I am repeating myself, but I can't help it. I was so moved to actually be in Washington DC and to visit these famous sites.

Google USS liberty incident. This place is a stark reminder of who rules over us. I felt very much a subject in an orwellian society.

Everyone should time seeing the memorials around the entire National Mall. It's an incredibly beautiful, well-executed, and symbolic representation of our historical leaders. Our favorite parts were on the Roosevelt and MLK side; hardly anyone there and a lovely stroll. While we were there, USAA had a huge Poppy memorial set up showing ALL the conflicts that American service men and women were in and the total losses. Well worth seeing.

Wear comfortable shoes, get a walking map, and go nuts! This area is built for tourists and is very inviting.

Our family had a picnic on the grass, played tag, and turned cartwheels along our walking tour of the Washington monuments. There was a ton of people, but plenty of green space for everyone. Very well kept up!

Incredibly beautifull park that is something every tourist should visit when going to Washington.

White House is a cool thing to have seen. But the park area is prettier and worth a trip to Eashington by itself.

We missed the cherry blossoms but got to see the trees all leafed out. Stop occasionally and look around to see what you are walking past.

Fantastic National Mall, we really enjoyed our walk round, very easy route passing through all of the monuments and memorials.
In the winter they are doing a lot of maintenance work so don’t be put off if you see scaffolding, you can still explore.

We enjoyed walking along the Mall. There are plenty of benches to rest and people watch. It's an easy walk, although we saw joggers, cyclists and scooters. Plenty of space for everyone. Easy to walk to all the museums and more.

There's lots to see and do here. The walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial can be long. But there are lots of places and things to distract you.

My first visit to Washington DC and the walk from Columbus Circle to Supreme Court and through the green lawns of the United States Capitol Grounds lead me to this Urban Grandeur with a notion of displacement due to the scale of this promenade. The lack of the presence further exasperated the Sense of Placement as I walked from the Capitol towards Washington Memorial

If you are going in the spring I recommend you wear warm clothing because the usual windy area makes the temps feel colder. Also a hat. I always the design and layout that include multiple memorials. The view from the Lincoln Memorial is amazing. Great place to walk and jog.

Take time to walk the length of the Mall, pausing at the many monuments and memorials. You'll be inspired and moved, as you reflect on many notable people and events in our nation's history.

Spent 4 days and walked to the mall to visit different attractions everyday. There was a folk festival going on this week, very interesting!

With the museums lining the National Mall, it makes a very pleasant experience going from one to the other. This was my kids first trip since they were young back in 2011 - the memories it brought back to them made it all worth it. Great area!

It's an amazing place! Prepare to walk a lot, but you have to visit. If it is too hot it is good to take an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun. Don't forget the hat.

Washington DC is well constructed. I walked around the National Mall for three days from April 4th to 6th 2022. I saw beautiful sakura cherry flowers. I visited the best season.

I walked 3 or 4 miles every day. I am not kidding. You may use a bus or other transportation if you are not able to walk. Please check all the monuments and museums on the website that you are going to visit.

This city looks like an outdoor museum. Please learn history.

Distressing experience. The Mall is filled with illegal activity and no law enforcement presence. National Park Service seems to have abandoned all regulations even at our most revered memorials. Manipulators exploiting visitors for cash. Aggressive vendors heckling the tourists and blocking walkways. Trash and grocery carts adorn the main plazas.
The free for all seems to have accelerated during quarantine and no effort is being made to manage the space in regard to tourism. For many this is a once in a lifetime trip. It will leave an impression and it will not be positive.

The National Mall seems to go on forever, but there are so many interesting things to see and visit along the way whatever the weather.
Early morning is a good time to visit when it is tourist free.

I visited DC for an afternoon before heading to the airport. The National Mall was our only stop and I’m glad we chose to come here because we were able to see multiple monuments in less than 2 hours time. How cool!

The trip was awesome and our guide Kevin was great. The cherry blossoms where awesome. Wear good walking shoes there is a lor of walking.

Truly spectacular and iconic area spanning a couple of miles of amazing memorials and museums and structures. If you've got the time split the walking into a few days and do various chunks on each day. Lots and lots of walking involved so bring good shoes

The National Mall is not a Shopping Mall, but a wide, long, green open space where one can walk and visit a lot of attractions of Washington, DC.

It is also the PERFECT location to take pictures of the Capitol Building and Washington Monument. There are several Museums, Sculptures, Gardens, Monuments, etc as you walk along this Mall. Enjoy your visit!

I spent 4 full days in DC. I saw all the monuments along the mall. In regards to Washington monument , dont try to book online , just show up at 8 , I believe and they will pass out tickets there. I was thrilled to get the tickets, also if capitol tours are fully booked, you can show up and there are extra tickets that they give out . A tourist told me this. I got tickets. The Lincoln and Jefferson memorials I saw at day/night, majestic sights. I saw both facade and back of white house, went to georgetown for good clothes shopping. I visited American and natural history smithsonian, these are a must see. I, myself visiting this city made me more proud to be an American. I love DC.

The National Mall is often confused with a shopping mall, but while you don't "shop" like a normal store = you can "shop around" from museum to museum for FREE and witness history's greatest gifts (art, documentation, nature, monuments). To walk the National Mall is to walk the RIGHT PATH to all that is FREE. As the Beatles once said, LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED.

Whenever I visit DC, I always take time to walk the mall for a while. Now my teenage daughters are continuing the tradition. We have visited in different seasons and it is always a joy (though in summer go early to beat the heat and try for a dry day). My personal favorite is the Jefferson and the FDR Memorials but all of them are a pleasure. Parking, surprisingly, has not been an issue but be prepared to walk to enjoy the experience.

The photos do not do this place justice. We came to celebrate Granddaughters birthday by seeing all the sights in DC. The Mall is the place we will remember forever. All the museums, all the people we met, riding the scooters and the food we had made for a perfect visit.

Walking from the Capitol to the Washington Monument [and on to the Lincoln Memorial] is a great experience. Fun and free. Many free museums to stop in along the way.

We try and Walk the National Mall as often as possible. Always something new going on - displays, activities, etc. and lots of people-watching as tourists and locals mingle on the grassy areas between the Capitol and the Washington Monument.
Do not miss this area when you visit -- especially nice in Spring.

Beautiful and Historical. Bring plenty of water on a hot day. Good walking shoes. There are a lot of vendors that sell waters and popsicles that can be a little aggressive, but it wasn't too bad.

There is so much to see and experience. This is a truly amazing place to be. It’s best to have a map to help you navigate. Details of each monument will be worth of your time

We chose to do this on our own. We took the Orange Metro line from Viena Virginia to the Smithsonian stop. It only cost $2 each way. The walk around the mall is about 5 miles. We started with the Washington monument and finished with The Jefferson Memorial. Just follow the signs. They are one after the other. No need to pay someone to tour.

Roaming along the mall on a hot July day is maybe not the smartest thing to do, but it does give you the opportunity to enjoy the water so much more. Impressive views from the Lincoln monument and lots of things to explore. And if you don,t want to walk so much, you can rent one of the many scooters around.

Historic, from the base of the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument, to think of all the events held here that have shaped our history.

I recommend walking the entire mall.

I was saddened by all the trash. Park Service workers were doing their best to deal with it but tourists and visitors overfilled trashcans with no regard for what would happen when it started to fall out.

There aren't many choices for food on the Mall and there are plenty of food trucks. Be prepared to pay a premium price for below average food truck stuff.

Crowd on here have no respect to the place, the historicity. They seem to throw plastics everywhere along this.

Literally SO much to see on the National Mall. I highly recommend a bike tour. This will allow you to learn all the fun details and facts about the memorials, buildings, and city.

A place to go see! So much more impressive than seeing it on TV or in pictures! They had a ton of food trucks there and decided to eat lunch in the mall. It was a wonderful place to eat and just enjoy the view.

This could be a relaxing place, a big park with lots of lawn, a reflection pond, unusual vistas. However, there are tons of people and lots of them on electric scooters and bikes. It's an OK place to walk around, but watch your back as the wheeled travelers sneak up on you quickly. Lots of benches in the area for resting and taking in the ambiance.

Expect a lot of walking. We visited here in December and the place was deserted. Plan what you want to see and when, as there can be a lot of walking. The place was very clean, and I felt very safe walking around.

Having only one day to devote to Washington, we followed the Recommendation to visit the National Mall by bike, even better if with pedal assistance. The distances between the various monuments are not very short, and on a hot summer day, tackling them on foot would exhaust even the most motivated vacationer.

When visiting DC, this is a must see. The National Mall is home to iconic monuments including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

We visited Washington DC specifically to tour the monuments on The National Mall. We were not disappointed. The area was clean and safe. The monuments are much more impressive in real life than on TV or in the movies. It’s a large area so be prepared for a lot of walking. You can easily spend more than a day just touring the monuments.

Oh yes, because in this large 3 km monumental tree-lined avenue there is the sum of American symbols, from the Capitol to the Washington Memorial (the obelisk so to speak) up to the Lincoln Memorial along the famous Reflecting Pool. In addition to these undisputed symbols there are also several memorials (Jefferson, WW2, Vietnam War and Korean War) in addition to the monument to M.L. King, lakes and much more. It is so vast and out of scale that one is overwhelmed by so much grandeur. Relaxing and exciting at the same time. If you have to choose, the part from the obelisk towards the Lincoln Memorial is the most memorable one.

Walking the National Mall was something so simple that I was looking forward to on our brief visit to DC. The day started out overcast & drizzly but within an hour, the skies were clear and we were warm.

The walk was very nice with very little garbage or issues. There are whole streets filled with food trucks, all providing pretty much the same types of food, all at the same prices and of average taste, but it's nice to grab something quick to-go so you can continue to walk along.

We saw a lot of joggers in the area so if you live nearby, I'm sure it's a wonderful green space to get some exercise in.

Due to our limited time, we walked kinda fast & admired things only so much so we were only there for around 2-3 hours. We started at the Lincoln Memorial and ended at the Capitol and then caught an uber back to our hotel from there.

It is a big area to walk and we had already walked 10 miles. Rented a bike and it was easy and ideal!

We did a self-guided walking tour of the monuments and a view of the Whi te House. Saved money by not taking a paid tour and were able to fit the experience into our own time frame. We learned a lot from these impressive monuments and the history behind them.

Very impressive, I have been there in 2014 (in January, the cold was everywhere), then, after 10 years, I have returned to visit National Mall. It is an amazing place, there is no doubt why there are lots of people visiting it. I'm sharing some pictures to try to express the feeling of being there.

The National Mall is a great walking area to visit several of the historic sites in D.C. Convenient to several Metro stops. Also, on the day I visited, there were plenty of food trucks if you were thirsty or hungry.

Very nice and cozy stay there, also grand.
You see the line of Lincoln - Washington Monument -Capitol Hill.
Lincoln, even bigger than expected.
Washington Monument, higher than expected.
Capitol Hill, smaller than expected.
In the surrounding area there are memorials for soldiers from Vietnam, Korea and others. Very emotional, especially that of Vietnam.

Like a human magnet, the National Mall, which is bookended at one extremity by the US Capital Building and at the other end by the Lincoln Memorial, attracts people in volumes, yearly. It's an awe inspiring atmosphere of Monuments and Memorials. I was quite humbled by the solemnity of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and inspired by the kinetics of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Many Memorials and Monuments dot the grassy expanse of the National Mall.........each one I visited evoked a unique emotion in me..............a place of solemnity and feelings.

You could spend months going to everything in the national mall. If you park at the Ronald Reagan building that is pretty centrally located and you can walk to everything. (It is still alot of walking though!)

The National Mall is home to iconic monuments including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument with the very memorable WW memorial in between. At the other end from Lincoln Memorial you can find one the U.S. Capitol. This is also where the Vietnam War and Korean War Memorials reside. It's also flanked by Smithsonian museums, and its pathways are ideal for a morning walk or jog.

The National Mall is a must see while visiting DC! It’s so spectacular to be at one end or the other and see the grandeur of this place. The architect of the mall sure knew how to make a statement!!!

Take the time on a beautiful day to walk the entire Mall, and take in the majestic buildings, the memorials, the pools and all the people. This is an iconic American place worth really taking in.

I visited the National Mall several times in July 2021 during my visit to Washington DC. I focused on the memorials and monuments between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. A wonderful place to walk is the Reflecting Pool which I really enjoyed. I walked there in the morning, the afternoon and the evening. It was not overly crowded and many were walking, jogging or riding a bike.

You can't go to Washington DC without going to the National Mall! It is chock full of historical monuments and is also the perfect place to just relaxingly explore.

You can either walk around to all of the places, or you can use the electric scooters they have available within DC to zoom around the Mall.

My experience was made even more memorable by a certain group of African preachers who were doing a public sermon there in the square near the Lincoln Memorial in the Mall. The main man had some amazing quotables like, "When Jesus comes, he comes in you!"

Priceless.

A very iconic view that should not be missed and if you stay nearby the area, something you can see daily and get your workout in the process by walking around it

Easy to walk and appreciate in the daytime. Night by tour bus is beautiful more impressive. I have seen it up close in day and prefer from a distance.

This area is so amazing to see, lined with the tremendous buildings of the Smithsonian surrounding it. The Capitol on one end, Washington Monument in the center and Lincoln Memorial on the other end, with many, memorials in between, A must see while in Washington.

We spent a morning here walking around, taking in all the nearby memorials. It is beautiful and lovely to spend the time walking around.

A lovely long walk from the National Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, taking in the WWII memorial and the Smithsonian Museums along the way.

Two-mile walk with so many museums on the way to the monuments. You can really spend an entire week visiting all of them.

This is a nice walk on a clear day.
School children run in groups around here.
Lots of places to sit, and watch nature.
Nice photo opportunities.

We had a great time exploring and learning here. Many of us had not been there before and it truly is something that must be seen in person to truly appreciate. The Washington Monument was the kids favorite. We walked 7 miles around the monuments and could have done more if our parking pass wasn't running out. Truly a great experience.

DC is the perfect walking city and as such we spent some of each day walking the National Mall. It's huge and spacious and allows you to reflect on the last great monument before reaching the next one.

An interesting area to walk, with free places and paid for places sitting alongside one another. Or you can just walk the two to three miles from the Lincoln memorial to the Capitol.

This is a huge area with lots of museums and things to do. Visited late September on a beautiful day, and I was surprised by the lack of a great number of people especially up but the Capital. More visitors down by the Lincoln Memorial. The pictures are just awesome. The squirrels are almost tame and come right up to you begging for food.

When visiting Washington D.C. a walk around the National Mall should be planned. We walked most of the loop and visited all of the sculptors and memorials. We looped all the way back to the Capitol for a Capitol Hill Tour. The walk was a little over 10 miles. However, it was worth it and we took our time.

I am in my late 70's and have walking issues. But we rode "The DC Circulator" around the mall. They also had other routes but this is the only one we did. Every ten minutes they were at a pick up/drop off spot and you could walk a short distance to what you wanted to see. Very friendly and knowledgeable drivers. Plus it just happened to be free on the days we rode it. It starts at Union Station but you can get on at any stop. It was a GREAT way to see the the memorials around the mall.

This area is steeped in recent history, from the awesome Smithsonian museums to the Vietnam Memorial. Be prepared for plenty of walking.

The National Mall is always a great experience. The Smithsonian museums are free, and the monuments are gorgeous. It definitely takes a few days to get through it all, but it is worth every second!

Don't let the name 'mall' mislead you - this is no ordinary indoor shopping experience. The National Mall is the heart of Washington, DC, with the Washington Memorial at one end, the U.S. Capitol Building at the other end, and several well-known museums bordering each side. In nice weather, you can see people enjoying themselves outdoors playing games, going for a run, or simply sitting and enjoying the nice weather.

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.

A superb walk from the Washington monument to the capitol. Pleasant and well maintained. Beautiful view of the capitol and the monument. Possibility of then taking the bus to the different monuments. We got off at the Jefferson memorial and walked through the parks and along the reflection pool to the WW2 memorial. Also moving to see Americans looking for the names of their ancestors on the wall of veterans of the Vietnam War. Great 🤩

This was our reason for visiting Washington , so many iconic vistas and memorials that we have seen over the years on tv . It is incredible. The monuments to the fallen are superb and fitting . We were left feeling very humble and appreciative of those that have been part of shaping history

The National Mall is the most important and most iconic thing to see in Washington DC. The National Mall is home to many monuments on a 2 mile stretch of land from the Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial. Some of these monuments and memorials include the Washington Monument, World War 2 Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. There are also the many Smithsonian museums that are free and available in the National Mall.

Appreciate the free parking for holidays! Lots of bottled water venders and food trucks available. All Smithsonian museums were still closed due to Covid, but still plenty to see on a walk.