Storage lockers in Mall Area

Question

I have a White House tour booked in a couple of weeks. Are there storage lockers in the area, ie: Mall, museums, etc.?

Answer

Visiting the National Mall and surrounding museums in Washington DC comes with strict security, and it’s important to know that many popular attractions do not offer traditional storage lockers for public use. This is especially true for Smithsonian museums, the White House, and monuments where backpacks, large bags, and certain items are restricted.

Here’s what you need to know:

White House Tours: You cannot bring bags into the White House. Only small personal items like cell phones, cameras, and keys are allowed. There are no public lockers on site, so plan to leave bags at your hotel or use a nearby storage service.
Smithsonian Museums: Most museums do not have public lockers. Backpacks and large bags are either prohibited or must be checked at the coat check. Smaller bags are generally allowed, but security screening is strict.
National Gallery of Art: Offers a coat check where small backpacks and personal items can be left, but these are not large luggage lockers.

If you need to store larger bags or luggage while exploring the Mall, consider the following options:

Luggage storage services: Companies like LuggageHero, Vertoe, and Bounce allow you to store bags at nearby hotels or shops for a few hours or a day. They have multiple locations around the National Mall and downtown DC.
Hotel concierge or day storage: If staying at a hotel nearby, many will allow you to leave bags for a few hours before check-in or after check-out.
Union Station lockers: Amtrak and some nearby stations have coin-operated lockers or staffed luggage storage that can be used as a temporary option before your White House tour.

Plan ahead to drop off any large items before your White House tour. Only carry what is allowed inside (phones, small cameras, wallets), and make sure to use reputable storage services if needed. Arriving light will make your Mall visit and museum stops much smoother.

Storage lockers in Mall Area

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