National Mall

Overview

The National Mall is a two-mile landscaped park stretching from the United States Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, forming the ceremonial core of Washington, D.C. It is flanked by Smithsonian museums and punctuated by presidential memorials.

Highlights

• Museum Row: The Mall is bordered by Smithsonian museums on both sides, all with free admission.
• Reflecting Pool: The 2,028-foot-long pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the WWII Memorial.
• Protest & Celebration Site: Historic venue for the March on Washington (1963), the Million Man March (1995), and presidential inaugurations.

History

Pierre Charles L'Enfant's 1791 plan for the capital envisioned a grand avenue connecting the Capitol and a monument to George Washington. The McMillan Plan of 1901 refined this vision into the Mall as it exists today.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Walking the full Mall from Capitol to Lincoln Memorial is about 2 miles—comfortable shoes are essential.
• Tip 2: The DC Circulator's National Mall route provides hop-on/hop-off bus service along the Mall for $1.
• Duration: 2–4 hours (full walk with stops).