See all
5,401 photos

National Mall

Plaza and National Park

Northwest Washington, Washington

Save

National Mall

9.4^/10

2,512

ratings

Ranked #6 for picnics in Washington
The experts at Washington Post and Michelin Travel & Lifestyle recommend this place
"Great spot for kickball!"(5 Tips)
"... Memorial and the Washington Monument - It's the Declaration of Independence..."(6 Tips)
"Beautiful views, many museums to visit as you make your way"(16 Tips)
"One of my fav DC things to do - walk, bike or run along the mall."(8 Tips)

243 Tips and reviews

Filter:

monuments
kickball
scenic views
biking
picnics
concerts
museums
tours
books
gardens
malls
architecture
TVs
people watching
quiet
spacious
fireworks
festivities
hot dogs
tourism
(15 more)

Sort:

Popular
Recent

Samuel CroftAugust 12, 2015
I live 3 blocks from the Capitol Bldg & I consider the Mall my back yard so, I invite you to come and enjoy my yard. Many things go on during the year so, there is usually something for everyone.
Upvoted Mar 12
ℳ𝒶𝓎♍June 21, 2015
One of the best places in DC for a stroll, bike ride or to attend an event! Be sure to check whether there is anything going on before planning your walk. Great to visit during cherry blossom time🌸🏵
Upvoted 3 weeks ago
Jeffrey ZeldmanAugust 10, 2013
The heart of visitors' DC is a grand, inspiring brochure for America, bounded by historic sights that take your breath away, and ringed by great galleries and museums. Go for a photo walk!
Upvoted Jan 24
AliApril 17, 2018
A land mark worth visiting, exploring, and sight seeing
Upvoted Mar 12
Michelin Travel & LifestyleAugust 13, 2012
The U.S. Capitol is open to the public- guided tours only. Get your free tickets on the day of your visit, first-come, first-served. At the Capitol Guide Service Kiosk. -- Green Guide Editor
Ilona LaRueApril 19, 2014
Forget going there for the Cherry Blossom Festival - people are shoulder to shoulder. The Japanese Festival is mostly Animee, punk rock music and long, long lines for expensive fast food.
Upvoted 3 weeks ago
Catherine MasseyJuly 21, 2017
If you need a break from the bigger crowds, try the Hirshhorn or the Native American museums. Both fabulous.
Scope Enterprise LabsAugust 25, 2018
A great place to walk or ride your bike around. There are places that you can stop by and learn more about Washington. We give this place a good rating. Clean for the most part.
Richard RevillaJuly 7, 2022
Been here 5+ times
Great place for a walk or run. One end the Capital the other end the Washington Monument. Museums in between.
Edward DelfinoAugust 27, 2018
The Mall itself is the place around which you will be spending much time if you’re here in DC as a tourist. That’s because everything on the top of most tourists’ lists is on or very near here.
ArmieNovember 2, 2014
Been here 100+ times
#TheConcertForValor on Veterans Day is a first-of-its kind free concert to honor the courage & sacrifice of our veterans & their families on America's front lawn will be televised at 19:00 ET on @HBO
Andrea MooreMarch 18, 2015
Museums are close by and its great because there free of course. When there are events it's somewhat crowded but well worth going. I can't wait to go back
Elisabeth WhiteSeptember 16, 2011
The Mall as locals call it is a must see because a lot of people go there& a lot of the best museums are located there.If you can catch the fireworks for the 4th of July,do it.It's like no place else
Charles TabangcoraMarch 12, 2012
Best way to get here is by the Metro at either L'Enfant stop or Smithsonian. Take in the views and visit all the exhibits in the area. Great way to spend part of the day in DC.
BikaboutOctober 26, 2016
C&O MILE 0- Park space running about 18 blocks from the Lincoln Memorial at one end, past the Washington Monument, to the US Capitol Building, and bordered by the various Smithsonian Museums.
National MallApril 10, 2013
If you're visiting for the #CherryBlossom Festival, consider making a donation to the Trust for the National Mall, which helps protect the cherry trees. Learn more here: http://ow.ly/jVUV9 Read more
N ~August 13, 2015
One of the must-see site. Couples, groups, or family it is a good place to hang out. And in spring, blossoms are beautiful.
Wil JeudyAugust 17, 2014
They did this place right! Well done!! Museums, monuments, refreshments. Nice walking paths, plenty of shade. You could spend 3 days here!
Dwayne KilbourneApril 15, 2013
It's always an enjoyable place to walk - just be sure to have some friends with you just in case!
Washington PostSeptember 26, 2013
The Mall is the site of nearly 3,000 public events annually: marches and rallies, protests and parades, America’s collective comment box to which hundreds of thousands of citizens trek each year. Read more
US National ArchivesJune 17, 2013
Stroll around the National Mall, eat a hot dog, and enjoy all the things the nation's capital has to offer this Fourth of July. Check out this photo of DC's annual fireworks display from 2005! Read more
The Vision CouncilMarch 12, 2014
While you're strolling from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, don't miss the spectacular views! Wear sunglasses to keep the harmful UV rays away and to get the best view possible.
Dewana ManaOctober 29, 2017
Some parts on the lawn were blocked off. Great views of the Capitol & Lincoln Memorial from here.
Michelin Travel & LifestyleAugust 13, 2012
Visiting all those museums, memorials and historic sights can get exhausting. Why not take a break at the US Botanic Garden? A plant conservatory across from the Capitol? Sure! -- Green Guide Editor
John RichardsJune 30, 2018
Great walk! Great history! Lots of special events on weekends!
Michelin Travel & LifestyleAugust 13, 2012
During the summer, the National Mall serves as the backdrop to some classic films. Usually on Mondays, Screen on the Green shows movies beginning at dusk (around 8.30-9pm). -- Green Guide Editor
ChadMay 27, 2016
Come at night. Much less crowded, the monuments are all lit nicely, and in the Summer it's a lot cooler.
Luke CardyDecember 27, 2015
Best view of the mall is without a doubt from the top of the monument.
Joel PirroneApril 23, 2010
Walk to all the museums via the Mall or just stroll from the Capitol to Lincoln Memorial - its the quintessential walk in DC (WH,Cap,Smithsonian,Wash Mem,Lincoln Mem,WW2 Mem,Vietnam Mem,Korea Mem,etc)
Charles EdgeJanuary 14, 2012
Park on the street and go for one of the best strolls in the country. Don't leave your car on the street too late though, or you'll end up gettin' towed!
Mary NamestnikNovember 28, 2015
Wear some comfortable shoes! A pretty walk and there are so many museums and food trucks!
TruthorDare.usMay 14, 2011
We dare you to take the Tidal Basin paddle boats during Cherry Blossom season and try to catch as many cherry blossom petals as you can. After that take the kids to become junior rangers!
Trust for the National MallNovember 19, 2013
We hope you enjoy your visit to the National Mall. Please join the Trust for the National Mall as we preserve this iconic park for future generations. Read more
Trust for the National MallJanuary 18, 2013
Hundreds of thousands of visitors will be here for Inauguration Day 2013. We need your help to restore the National Mall – not only after high-traffic events, but every day. Learn how you can help. Read more
The Liaison Capitol HillAugust 30, 2012
No DC trip is complete without a stop at the National Mall. It’s perfect for a mellow picnic, and you never know what events might be going on there, too!
Kimmie OhhMay 2, 2022
Plenty of scenic views. Great place to walk and take pictures of the monuments.
Foursquare City GuideJune 8, 2018
October 14, 1979 - The first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights takes place. It draws an estimated 75,000 to 125,000 individuals marching for LGBT rights.
Affinia Hotel CollectionAugust 30, 2012
No DC trip is complete without a stop at the National Mall. It’s perfect for a mellow picnic, and you never know what events might be going on there, too!
jeyoDecember 14, 2015
Spend a day walking all through the mall, enjoying all the monuments and sights. Try not to get hit by a tourist on a segway.
The Ritz-CarltonMarch 1, 2013
Along the National Mall you’ll find iconic monuments and memorials including the Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
Cherylyn TompkinsDecember 12, 2015
What's good to see on The National Mall? Everything AND the Museums & Monuments are FREE!! Enjoy!!! ♡♡♡
Lucie MelahnNovember 7, 2011
Go to the Carousel if weather is nice. In winter go ice skating. If there's a fresh snowfall, this is a great place to go cross country skiing (and appear on national TV news).
Serhii LutskoAugust 19, 2017
It's long, about 3 mi but pretty good place to have a walk from one monument to another
Murad GürmeriçMarch 7, 2017
Everything is amazing here. Wonderful idea to take a peaceful walk for leisure or for reflection.
Anna FaderNovember 28, 2015
The closest thing America has to Paris. A wonderful public and cultural space.
Umman KhawajaMay 5, 2013
Best place to park, by the botanical gardens near the Capitol. Always find a spot and it's free on weekends.
HarjitApril 30, 2013
Been here 10+ times
Definitely a very public venue. Lots of people walking, jogging, playing, sunbathing, relaxing, and taking photos.
allisonAugust 10, 2015
Monuments galore! They are amazing to see during both the day and at night.
@BaltimoreTomAugust 2, 2013
Visit the fountain on the mall side of the National Archives. The sign says no wading but security didn't mind us putting our feet in.
Kirill KukuruzaMarch 18, 2016
Amazing place among the numerous monuments in Washington DC

1 2 3 4 5

5,401 Photos

Planning a trip to Washington?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

National Mall

Related Searches

Places inside National Mall

You might also like

Places people like to go after National Mall

Appears on 1,618 lists

Other National Park Service locations