Where is National Mall, Washington, District of Columbia?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

The National Mall is located in Washington, D.C., USA. It lies between the Lincoln Memorial and the United States Capitol and is situated in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C.. It is famous for its monuments, museums, and large open space for public events.

National Mall Location Map, Washington, District of Columbia

Where is National Mall Located in Washington, District of Columbia
About Map: The map showing location of National Mall in the Washington, District of Columbia in the United States. [an error occurred while processing this directive]

Top Attractions Inside National Mall

  • Lincoln Memorial – Iconic monument honoring President Abraham Lincoln with grand architecture and reflecting pool views.
  • Washington Monument – Tall obelisk offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
  • U.S. Capitol – Historic seat of the U.S. Congress with guided tours and landmark architecture.
  • Smithsonian Museums – Numerous museums including Air & Space, Natural History, and American History with free admission.
  • World War II Memorial – Honoring the service of American military personnel during WWII with fountains and pillars.
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Wall engraved with the names of service members, offering a reflective experience.
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial – Outdoor monument featuring statues and a reflective pool to honor soldiers.

National Mall Facts

Official NameNational Mall
LocationWashington, D.C., USA — Between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial
Latitude & Longitude38.8899° N, 77.0091° W
Total AreaApprox. 146 acres (≈59 hectares) of open parkland with monuments, memorials, and museums
Established / OpenedDesigned as part of the L’Enfant Plan (1791); development continued into the 20th century
Managed ByNational Park Service (NPS), U.S. Department of the Interior
RegionWashington, D.C. / National Mall & Memorial Parks District
AddressNational Mall, Washington, DC 20565, USA
Zip Code20565
Area Code202
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptNational history, monuments, memorials, public gatherings, museums, civic celebrations
Main Sections / AreasU.S. Capitol Grounds, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, Smithsonian Museums, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial
Famous AttractionsLincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian museums (Air & Space, Natural History, American History), Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial
Annual VisitorsApprox. 25 million visitors
Entry Fee TypeFree public access
Ticket Price RangeFree (museum entry free; some special exhibits may charge fees)
Ticket OptionsFree access to monuments and museums; guided tours, audio guides, and special events optional
Best Time to VisitSpring (cherry blossoms), Fall (mild weather); year-round access for monuments and museums
Nearby AirportRonald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – ~4 miles (6 km); Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – ~26 miles (42 km)
TransportationMetrorail (Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, L’Enfant Plaza stations), buses, taxis, rideshare, walking & biking paths
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/nama

Distances from National Mall to Nearby Landmarks

  • Smithsonian National Museum of American History – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – 0.4 km (0.2 mi)
  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
  • United States Capitol – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Washington Monument – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Lincoln Memorial – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Jefferson Memorial – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
  • World War II Memorial – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial – 2.7 km (1.7 mi)
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial – 2.8 km (1.7 mi)
  • White House – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • National Gallery of Art – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • National Gallery Sculpture Garden – 0.4 km (0.2 mi)
  • United States Botanic Garden – 1.8 km (1.1 mi)
  • Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Georgetown Historic District – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Tidal Basin – 2.2 km (1.4 mi)
  • Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
  • National Archives Building – 1 km (0.6 mi)