The National Mall connects the majority of Washington D.C.'s monuments and museums. Spanning nearly two miles between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial, the Mall includes token tourist destinations from The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to the Vietnam Memorial. If you visit the National Mall, plan on being there for a while because you can knock out visits to the Smithsonian museums, The White House, monuments and memorials all in one day.
Parking at the National Mall
Thinking about driving to the National Mall? Don't. Parking is not easy, and if you are lucky enough to find a spot you will either have to pay a meter or be prepared to shell out at least $15 for garage parking.
Public Transportation at the National Mall
Taking the Metro to the National Mall is the best way to get there. Depending on how much walking you want to do, you can choose from up to 10 stations to get out of. The Mall is a big place, so plan your station stop according to what part of the Mall you are going to visit first. The Smithsonian stop is a popular one for tourists as it lets you out in the middle of everything. Get out at Gallery Place or McPherson Square and take a short walk if you want to avoid crowds.
Best Time to Go to the National Mall
At night. It's less crowded and viewing the monuments and buildings on the National Mall lit up at night is a sight not to be missed.
Worst Time to Go to the National Mall
Summer. D.C. summers are not just hot, they are humid. Humidity + large tourist crowds = very little space to mill about in the Mall's air conditioned museums. If you are in Washington in the summertime, the best time to hit the Mall would be on a weekday. If the weekend is the only time you have, start early in the morning.
Admission to the National Mall
Admission is free. The park is open 24 hours a day except for memorial closures on December 25.
Must see/do at the National Mall
Go to the basement of the National Gallery of Art where an awe-inspiring light-up tunnel/art installation awaits. It connects the East and West buildings of the gallery.
Other places to visit near the National Mall
After all of that walking around the National Mall, you're going to need to refuel. I suggest Astro's Fried Chicken and Doughnuts on G Street, a 15 minute walk from the Mall. There are also several restaurants to choose from in Chinatown form sushi to burgers to Chinese food. Check out the Chinatown bridge over H Street while you're there.
Insider Tip for Visitors of the National Mall
Utilize the National Park maps spread about the Mall. They are a great resource whether you get lost or are looking for what landmark or museum you want to venture to next.
Anna Jacoby was raised in the District of Columbia and has lived there for over 20 years. She graduated from Boston University in 2012 with a degree is journalism. Anna is a freelance writer, music lover, and city buff.