National Mall

National Mall featuring heritage architecture, a city and an administrative building
Jefferson Memorial which includes interior views and a memorial
National Mall
National Mall which includes a city, a park and heritage architecture
National Mall


Washington’s famous strip is teeming with American history in each and every monument and museum that you’ll see.

With its iconic monuments, such as the memorials dedicated to Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln, as well as its beautiful gardens and its richly packed museums, the National Mall is DC’s historic centrepiece. You can lose yourself exploring this area of the city for days on end.

At the stunning alabaster monuments to early American presidents Lincoln and Jefferson, you can join many Americans and visitors from around the globe visiting and taking a moment to admire the architecture and the impact made by the men honoured. You’ll spot the Washington Monument rising up in an obelisk shape to a height of 169 metres, the world’s tallest stone structure. When illuminated by night, the needle-like monument is a dazzling sight.

They are not the only great Americans whose role in shaping the nation is honoured here. See the tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. whose famous “I have a dream” speech was made here. Or see the monument to President Ulysses S. Grant who won the American Civil War.

As well as these great monuments and memorials that line the landscape of DC, you can explore the excellent museums to be found here. Among them are the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the National Air and Space Museum.

All through the year, festivals are held here. If you’re in the city during the spring, check out the Blossom Kite Festival and Earth Day. Independence Day and Labour Day celebrations held here include amazing parades and dazzling firework displays that light up the skies above Washington.

After all the time you spend exploring the monuments and museums, there is no better place than the National Mall to relax and unwind. You can go for a jog along the paths and through the gardens, take a paddle boat ride on the water, or play Frisbee on the open space across this remarkable patch right in the heart of DC.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Popular places to visit


Top National Mall Hotel Deals

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
Washington Plaza Hotel
citizenM Washington DC Capitol

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

4 out of 5
550 School St SW, Washington, DC
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

3 out of 5
550 C St SW, Washington, DC
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Washington DC Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Washington DC Downtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
317 K St NW, Washington, DC
Holiday Inn Express Washington DC Downtown by IHG
YOTEL Washington DC

YOTEL Washington DC

4 out of 5
415 New Jersey Ave Nw, Washington, DC
YOTEL Washington DC
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

3.5 out of 5
627 H Street NW, Washington, DC
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
Hotel Washington

Hotel Washington

5 out of 5
515 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
Hotel Washington
Salamander Washington DC

Salamander Washington DC

5 out of 5
1330 Maryland Ave, SW, Washington, DC
Salamander Washington DC
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near National Mall

The National Mall in Washington, D.C. offers an array of activities, including engaging art exhibits, unique shopping experiences, and vibrant theatre performances. Visitors can enjoy unmissable attractions such as the iconic monuments and museums. Outdoor experiences abound, and sports events often take place nearby. To make the most of your visit, consider taking an informative hour-long tour that highlights the rich history and significance of this monumental area.

Shopping

Visit Union Station Shopping Center, just 1.6km from the National Mall, offering a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment and shopping. Cady's Alley, 4.8km away, features unique boutiques. If you're up for a drive, Ballston Quarter, located 8.0km away, combines family-friendly fun with a bustling shopping scene.

Recreation

At Nationals Park, immerse yourself in the excitement of live sports events, just 3.2km from the National Mall. For family-friendly outdoor fun, visit Amidon-Greenleaf Playground, located 1.3km away, where children can play and families can relax. RFK Stadium, 4.8km away, offers thrilling sporting experiences.

Adventure

At the East Potomac Tennis Center, located 1.4km from the National Mall, experience exhilarating matches in a vibrant atmosphere. For a scenic hike, explore the Battery Kemble Trailhead, situated 8.0km away, where you can enjoy stunning outdoor vistas. Alternatively, the Rock Creek Tennis Center, 6.4km from the Mall, offers thrilling tennis experiences.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Kennedy Center, just 3.2km from the National Mall, offering a blend of culture and romance. For a cinematic escape, visit Regal Gallery Place, 966m away, or enjoy live performances at The Anthem, located 1.1km from the Mall.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near National Mall

The National Mall in Washington, D.C. boasts an array of attractions, including iconic memorials, historic government buildings, and renowned museums. It offers a rich cultural experience for families and city explorers alike. While visiting, don’t miss the U.S. Capitol and consider nearby discount hotels for accommodation. The Mall's surroundings also feature various attractions, making it a must-visit destination for any traveller.

  • White House: A symbol of American democracy, the White House is a historic civic building where the President resides. Located 1.3km from the National Mall, it offers a unique glimpse into the heart of American politics and rich cultural history.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Situated 1.6km away, this modern event venue hosts conferences and exhibitions. Its vibrant atmosphere is ideal for business networking and offers a taste of the bustling Washington D.C. professional scene.
  • Smithsonian Institution: Just 1.6km from the National Mall, this renowned natural history museum is perfect for families. Explore vast collections that celebrate culture and history, making it an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to National Mall

The best time to visit National Mall can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around National Mall falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around National Mall falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Mall

When planning your visit to the National Mall, consider travelling during the off-peak season of December to February for lower accommodation rates. Fridays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to refine your search for budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels, and take advantage of package deals by combining flights and accommodation. Additionally, explore the free attractions around the Mall and utilise public transport to save on travel costs while enjoying this iconic area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Mall are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around National Mall is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around National Mall is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation options currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation for the National Mall with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.