The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is home to numerous famous tourist spots, such as the United States Capitol and the Smithsonian museums.
This time, we have created a model course that focuses on the monuments scattered on the western side of the National Mall, allowing you to efficiently explore them.
When traveling to Washington, D.C., please feel free to use this as a reference.
The Western Half of the National Mall: Condensed American History
The National Mall extends from the Washington Monument, built to commemorate the first president, George Washington, to the west, encompassing numerous memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial.
The Washington Monument, standing majestically at the heart of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is an impressive s...
In particular, the memorials located on the western half of the National Mall, excluding the Lincoln Memorial, are all situated outdoors. The distance from the Washington Monument to the western end at the Lincoln Memorial is approximately 0.9 miles, which takes about 20 minutes to walk.
The optimal starting point for your monument tour is the Washington Monument.
Unlike the eastern side with the museums, where you need to allocate more time, the monuments scattered on the western side of the National Mall can be seen within half a day to a full day. You can easily get an overview of the main locations, so enjoy your visit without feeling rushed.
The western side of the National Mall revolves around a massive rectangular pool called the Reflecting Pool. To the east, you will find the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial, while to the west, there is the Lincoln Memorial. To the north, you’ll see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial, with the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial located on the southern side of the pool.
"the Government of the People, by the People, for the People." ...
In Washington D.C.'s National Mall, there is the Vietnam Veterans Memo...
In the heart of Washington D.C., there is an important monument dedica...
To efficiently explore these monuments, it is best to start at the Washington Monument, where transportation is readily available. You can then proceed in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to complete a full loop.
Enjoy the Passage of Time
The western side of the National Mall offers outdoor sights that change with the passing hours, including the evolving ambiance of the monuments and the surrounding trees. In particular, the steps in front of the Lincoln Memorial become a popular resting spot, where many tourists relax in search of shade during the afternoon.
Additionally, there are two glass-enclosed rest areas designed to blend in with the surroundings. These can be found at the entrance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the northern side of the Lincoln Memorial. You can purchase light snacks and drinks there as well.
If you wish to avoid crowds, the early morning is recommended
The monuments in the National Mall, especially the Lincoln Memorial, attract a large number of tourists throughout the year. As a result, it becomes quite crowded by around 10 a.m. Therefore, if you prefer to explore at your own pace or focus on photography, visiting in the early morning is recommended. Generally, from around 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., it tends to be relatively less crowded.
Washington D.C. is home to numerous attractions such as the White Ho...
There are only two recommended routes
The western side of the National Mall offers a simple route starting from the Washington Monument and completing a full loop. However, how you spend your time at each stop along the way is up to you.
You can choose to visit all of them, spend more time at a particular spot, or simply enjoy your time as you wish.
I hope this information helps you during your visit to Washington, D.C.!
