The National Mall

This beautiful stretch of land in the nation’s capital was intricately designed to showcase the monuments and memorials on it and to be an extended lawn and garden anchored by the magnificent Capitol.

Capitol Hill borders the National mall on the east. It’s the home of our Senate and House of Representatives, plus a showcase for historical statuaries, paintings, a beautiful fresco in the famous rotunda, and lavish interior décor. It houses historical chambers as well, tributes to the former Senate and Supreme Court. Viewing galleries are available for the both the Senate and the House. A statue of Ulysses S. Grant stands outside the front of the building and is a popular gathering place and a good spot for photo ops of your group.

The Washington Monument stands tall in the midst of two reflecting pools. In its shadow you’ll find the beautiful World War II Memorial with its fountains, its wall of heroes, and its tribute to every state.

The Lincoln Memorial anchors the National Mall on the west. This is one of the most beautiful and moving of the memorials with the magnificent statue of Lincoln and his words inscribed throughout the memorial.

Other memorials included as part of the Mall include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which you’ll recognize by its reflective black wall, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial with larger than life figures representing each branch of our military and a cross-section of ethnicity. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is a tribute to each of this popular president’s four terms in office. The Jefferson Memorial, though not technically part of the Mall, stands very nearby and is included in this tourist section of the city.

For a spectacular view of the Mall, consider an Illuminations Tour after dark when each monument and memorial is brightly lit.

Several museums flank the area and are considered a part of the Mall as well, including many Smithsonian facilities.