Things to do in
National Mall

Located in the city’s heart, America’s most visited national park is a 2-mile-long tree-lined boulevard.

National Mall: Our most recommended tours and activities

From New York City: Washington and Philadelphia 1-Day Tour

From New York City: Washington and Philadelphia 1-Day Tour

Learn about American history on a tour of Washington DC and Philadelphia, both of which played important roles in the development of democracy in the USA. Visit the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, Independence Hall, and more on a guided day trip with roundtrip transfers from NYC. Your day will begin with an early morning departure from Times Square in Manhattan, where you’ll be greeted by your bilingual tour guide for the day. After 4-5 hours, your first destination will be the nation's current capital, Washington, DC. Once there, visit the Iwo Jima Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. During the tour, stop for a classic outside view of the White House, home and office of the U.S. President, and the Capitol Building, home of the U.S. Congress. Your visit to Washington concludes with free time for lunch on your own. Your next destination, after a 3-hour journey, will be the first-ever U.S. capital, Philadelphia, PA. Visit its historic Old City neighborhood and the Independence National Historical Park where your guide will lead you on a brief walking tour. Then, ascend to the top of the Rocky Steps before returning to Times Square in Manhattan.

From NYC: Guided Day Trip to Washington DC by Van or Bus

From NYC: Guided Day Trip to Washington DC by Van or Bus

Journey from NYC to Washington on a full-day trip to see the sights of the nation’s capital with a Spanish-speaking guide. Visit the most important monuments, memorials and buildings like the White House and the Washington Monument. Head down South from NYC in a comfortable air-conditioned bus, passing through New Jersey and Delaware, with a stop in Delaware to stretch your legs and use the restrooms. Continue on past Maryland until Arlington, Virginia. The tour starts properly at Arlington National Ceremony, where the tour guide will take you to Kennedy’s grave and explore with you the lush grounds. Then, head to the Iwo Jima memorial, with time to take photos. During the whole journey, your guide will tell you interesting facts about the city.   Next, head to Washington DC across the Potomac River. Pass along Constitution Avenue where you’ll see the State Department, the Institute of Peace, and the Albert Einstein Memorial. Go to the National Mall and walk with your guide to places that have been featured in movies and TV series. See the Korean War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial. You’ll recognize the Reflecting Pool from Forrest Gump. You’ll also see the most-visited monument in the city, the World War II Memorial.   Back on the bus, you’ll continue to view offices of important organizations such as the Organization of American States, the American Red Cross, and the Treasury Department until you finally reach the White House. Take some time to take pictures in the gardens before continuing on to see the FBI buildings, the National Archives, and more. Your final stop will be the National Mall, where you’ll have some free time to visit the exhibits, have lunch, and take photos of the Capitol Building. On the way back to NYC, you’ll be treated to a night-time panoramic view of NYC from New Jersey. 

DC: Hop-on Hop-off Tour by Open-top Bus with 17 Stops

DC: Hop-on Hop-off Tour by Open-top Bus with 17 Stops

Big Bus is the official preferred tour of the Cherry Blossom Festival. No one gets you closer to the natural beauty of the Nation's Capital. Explore the grandeur of the Nation's capital in style with Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tours. With an entertaining and engaging audio commentary, you can sit back and relax on an open-top double-decker sightseeing bus as you journey through Washington, DC's rich history and daily life. Immerse yourself in the city's most iconic and historic memorials, monuments, and museums. Hop off at any stop to explore at your leisure. Make the most of your day with the flexibility to plan your own itinerary. Choose to do one full loop to see the city or hop off and have your photo taken with Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial. Look out over the Reflecting Pool at the Washington Monument, just as Martin Luther King Jr. did as he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech from that very spot. With buses arriving regularly throughout the day, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Experience all that Washington DC has to offer, from the White House to the US Capitol Building and Capitol Hill to the Korean and WWII War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, and the MLK and FDR monuments along the beautiful Tidal Basin. Big Bus is the official tour operator of the National Mall, giving you the closest access to world-famous, free museums including the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, African-American History Museum, The Holocaust Memorial, National American-Indian History, National Portrait Gallery, and more. Complete your DC experience with the 3-Day ticket and enjoy a scenic Monuments Water Taxi cruise along the Potomac River between The Wharf and Georgetown. Admire breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, including the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, from the comfort of a climate-controlled vessel. Explore Georgetown's historic colonial neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets, charming shops, and unique restaurants. Or take the Water Taxi to the Wharf for its trendy restaurants, boutiques, concert venues, and riverside views, plus easy access to downtown DC and the National Mall. Ticket is valid for a one-way journey in either direction.

Washington DC: Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour

Washington DC: Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour

See the most popular monuments of the U. S. capital illuminated at night on a guided trolley tour. The route follows streets that have been traveled by presidents and makes three stops for you to get off the trolley and explore the memorials on your own and take photos. Enjoy entertaining commentary from a professional tour guide who will entertain you with stories about the Capitol’s colorful past. The three stops on the tour are: 1. The Martin Luther King Memorial & the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial 2. The Iwo Jima Memorial (aka US Marine Corps War Memorial) 3. The Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Besides stops at the major memorials, you will also get spectacular views of the Washington Memorial the White House, the National Mall, the Capitol Buildings, the Jefferson Memorial, the Smithsonian Museums and Castle, the FBI & Dept of Justice Buildings, and the World War II Memorial.

Washington DC: National Mall Tour by Electric Vehicle

Washington DC: National Mall Tour by Electric Vehicle

After climbing aboard a comfortable electric cart, set off towards the Smithsonian complex. Marvel at the size of the largest museum and research complex in the world. Next, discover three of the most well-known statues in Washington DC, those of Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington, arguably the three most beloved presidents of the U.S. From here, take a moment to pause and remember those who lost their lives in battle as you visit various war memorials. Gaze at the World War I, World War II, the Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam War Veterans memorial sites. Then, get your camera ready for one of the most recognizable landmarks in the whole world, the White House, the home of the U.S. President. Finally, feast your eyes on Capitol Hill, home to the United States Congress.

Washington, DC: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour

Washington, DC: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour

Named "Washington's Best Tour" by the Washingtonian Magazine and one of the top 10 hop-on hop-off tours in the world by Forbes, the Old Town Trolley offers the most comprehensive tour of the nation's capital. Relax while expert tour guides help you discover the beauty and majesty of Washington, D.C. This popular tour covers Washington's major attractions such as the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, and Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. Expert guides share colorful anecdotes, humorous stories and well-researched historical information. Upgrade to include a trolley tour of Arlington National Cemetery, an enduring tribute to those who’ve dedicated their lives to defending the nation. You’ll be transported to some of the most notable graves and memorials. DC City Tour Trolley stops: 1. 1001 E. St. NW: Washington Welcome Center/Ford's Theatre/Peterson House 2. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave: The White House/The White House Visitor Center/WWI Memorial 3. 701 Constitution Ave NW: National Archives (West/East Gallery of the NGA, Navy Memorial) 4. 400 New Jersey Ave NW: Japanese American Memorial/Hyatt Regency 5. 50 Massachusetts Ave NE: Union Station and the Smithsonian Postal Museum 6. 1st St. NE: US Capitol (Botanic Gardens, Supreme Court and Library of Congress) 7. 600 Independence Ave SW: Air/Space Museum, Museum of the American Indian/Eisenhower Memorial 8. Maine Ave SW at 9th St. SW: The Wharf 9. 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW: International Spy Museum 10. 1398 Independence Ave SW: Washington Monument, Smithsonian Museums and Castle, Holocaust Memorial Museum 11. 16 E Basin Dr SW: Jefferson Memorial/George Mason Memorial 12. 1964 Independence Ave SW: Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial/Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial 13. 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir. NW: Lincoln Memorial/Vietnam Veterans Memorial/Korean War Veterans Memorial/World War II Memorial 14. 1400 Constitution Ave NW: National Museum of American History/National Museum of African American History & Culture/National Museum of Natural History 15. 800 F St. NW: National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum (temp closed for Holiday Market) Arlington Cemetery Trolley stops: • Arlington National Cemetery • President John F. Kennedy Gravesite • US Coast Guard Memorial • John J. Pershing • The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier • Arlington House • US Marine Corps War Memorial Iwo Jima • Arlington Niche Wall Columbarium Courts

Washington, DC: Monuments & Memorials Tour in a Vintage Car

Washington, DC: Monuments & Memorials Tour in a Vintage Car

Head to the meeting point and hop into a luxury vintage car powered by an eco-friendly electric motor. Then, set out on your guided tour of Washington's famous monuments and memorials. As you travel, listen to the fascinating backstories of the sights you pass, making stops along the way to capture the perfect photos. See the United States Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and more. There will be plenty of opportunities to get off and take a closer look and take pictures. End your tour with a deeper understanding of the U.S. capital's monuments and memorials and gain insight into the historical context to some of DC's most renowned sites.

DC: Washington Monument Direct Entry with Guidebook

DC: Washington Monument Direct Entry with Guidebook

Arrive at the Washington Monument and present your ticket to a ranger, who will direct you to the appropriate area. Go through a brief security check before ascending on the elevator. Upon reaching the top of the monument, take in the incredible views of Washington DC and its important landmarks like the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Capitol, and the White House Use your guidebook and its layouts to see what is where, read about historical insight, and discover key details to further enhance your visit. Enjoy the unique vantage point for an unparalleled perspective of the capital's layout and history before heading back down to ground level.

Washington DC: Bus Tour to the Highlights of the Capital

Washington DC: Bus Tour to the Highlights of the Capital

Capitalize on your time in the capital with this whistle-stop city tour of Washington DC. Board one of the luxury buses at the U.S. Navy Memorial before cruising past the National Archives to the U.S. Capitol Building. Let your guide give you the lowdown, from the original Declaration of Independence to the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Take in incredible views of the two-mile-long Smithsonian Museum and imposing Washington Monument, which is the tallest freestanding stone structure in the world. You’ll have the chance to stretch your legs with stops at the White House and Lincoln Memorial, where you can climb the stairs to see the famous statue of America’s 16th President. Then, take an informative guided walk around the beautiful WW2 Memorial. The tour takes a loop from the United States Navy Memorial, stopping at memorable sites, such as the Vietnam Memorial, US Capitol Building and Lincoln Memorial. An experienced guide will explain every significant detail of each monument and memorial, and give you the most comprehensive and intimate tour experience DC has to offer. Marvel at the many Smithsonian museums, National Mall, Freedom Plaza, and much more from onboard the bus. Then, learn the history of the White House, Capitol Building, FDR Memorial, and Martin Luther King Memorial during short guided walks.

Washington DC: Arlington Nat. Cemetery Ticket & Tram Tour

Washington DC: Arlington Nat. Cemetery Ticket & Tram Tour

Discover the enduring tribute to the men and women that have dedicated their lives to defending the ideals of the United States of America with a tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Explore more than 600 acres of hallowed ground that once belonged to George Washington's adopted son, George Washington Parke Custis. In 1857, Custis left the property to his daughter Mary Anna Randolph Custis, when it became the family home for her and her husband Robert E. Lee. Throughout its history, the grounds have been used for various purposes, including serving as a camp and headquarters for Federal Troops during the Civil War, and as a safe haven for slaves transitioning to freedom after abolition. Arlington National Cemetery held its first military burial on 13 May 1864, and is now the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans, and their families. Honor the men and women who gave their lives in service at 3 stops which include the JFK Gravesite, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and The Arlington House.

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What people are saying about National Mall

Overall rating

4.5
(5,204 reviews)

My tour guide was Toby and he was excellent! Very friendly and knowledgeable. The tour took 2 hours and we all had time to get off at the main stops and take photos. The weather was great on the day of the tour and it was a fantastic feeling to be driving through the Washington DC roads and seeing the milestone monuments. Good and affordable way to see the city highlights. Thank you very much, Toby :)

I always wanted to see the DC, i didn't have plenty of time but thanks to this tour, I was able to see all memorials, and all important mumuseums.

Excellent experience, Jacinto was very attentive and gave us good explanations

It was a nice tour and Donte has been a great guide.

Tour was perfect. Interesting, knowledgeful and fun.