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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

9 Tips For Experiencing The National Mall In Washington, D.C.

• Destinations
• United States
• Washington, D.C.

The National Mall is an amazing two-mile green strip of land in Washington, D.C., that stretches from the Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial. Filled with monuments, memorials, museums, and a world-famous art gallery, the Mall is a great place to explore. You can fill a day (or several days) visiting the attractions. it’s incredible just to be here where so much of American history has taken place.

The Mall is sometimes described as reaching only from the Capitol to the Washington Monument. But in common usage, the “Washington Mall” encompasses the official Mall and the lawns and walkways to the west, including the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial. Sometimes people include the Tidal Basin, but I will leave that rich, worthy area for another article.

There’s so much packed into this plot of land, you will want to look at maps and do some planning before you go. Here are highlights starting at one end near the Capitol and going to the other end to the Lincoln Memorial. 

Download The Free National Park Service App 

Before your trip, download the NPS National Mall app. This will help you plan and navigate so you don’t miss what you would most enjoy. Save yourself from backtracking or overlooking anything. Look at the layout and see how far apart the memorials and monuments are. And read up on the many museums. You’ll also find listings of seasonal programming. 

This app includes the Mall proper and the Tidal Basin, which is home to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. 

Get Your Cultural Fix At The National Gallery Of Art 

The National Gallery of Art is a cultural gift to America. At the northeast end of the Mall, the National Gallery houses more than 150,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, and drawings. These span the history of Western art. European and American paintings and sculptures date from the Renaissance to the present. And admission is free. 

Given as a gift to the country by financier Andrew W. Mellon in 1937, the gallery first displayed Mellon’s art collection. Since then, donations have allowed the gallery to grow to its vast present size. 

Be sure to visit the 6-acre sculpture garden that’s now part of the National Gallery. 

Gaze Up At The Washington Monument 

The iconic Washington Monument rises 555 feet into the sky and is visible from anywhere on the mall. The obelisk is the tallest freestanding stone structure in the world, built to honor the country’s first president, George Washington. Not only is it an imposing monument, but it also serves as a symbol of Washington, D.C. 

Construction began in 1848 but came to a halt due to war and political disagreements. When you are up close, you can see a clear line where the color of the stone changes partway up. This marks the place where the first installment stalled and when construction resumed, builders brought in stone from a different quarry. 

The monument opened in 1885. An original steam-driven elevator, which took about 10 minutes to reach the top of the monument, was replaced in 1901 with an electric elevator. Now closed for renovation, the elevator will likely not be running. But be sure to plan time to gaze up at the monument from the grass area at its base. 

Pay Your Respects At The World War II Memorial  

Walking west from the Washington Monument, you will come to the World War II Memorial . This honors the 16 million Americans who served in uniform in the war. With its graceful fountains and blue pool of water, this is one beautiful memorial. 

The granite columns lined up around the pool represent each U.S. state and territory at the time of World War II. Quotes, references to theaters, campaigns, battles, and two massive victory pavilions chronicle Americans’ efforts to win the war. 

Most impressive to me is the curving wall of 4,048 gold stars. Each twinkling star stands for 100 Americans who paid the ultimate price to help win the war. A granite sign in this field of stars notes: “Here We Mark the Price of Freedom.” 

While you’re there, look for a hard-to-find detail in this memorial. An etching of “Kilroy Was Here” is hidden behind the Delaware state column. This is a popular WWII graphic that indicated American soldiers were present. 

Between the WWII Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool lies peacefully in the middle of wide paths lined with elm trees. This promenade is one of the most photographed sights in Washington, D.C. 

You may want to walk alongside the Reflecting Pool in the daytime, at sunset, and after dark to take in the different kinds of light on the water. 

Spend Time At The Lincoln Memorial 

The stately Lincoln Memorial anchors the west end of the Mall and is one place you will want to take your time exploring. You’ve likely seen photos of this marble memorial, but once you are there, the massive size may make you feel small. It’s quite an experience to stand under the sculpture of Lincoln and look out at the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol building as the Mall spreads out before you. 

Distinctive large columns rise from the top of the stone steps and reach more than 40 feet high. These 36 columns each represent a state in the Union when Lincoln died. Lincoln sits in contemplation behind these columns. Surrounding walls are engraved with words he spoke. 

The Lincoln Memorial is modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The architect, Henry Bacon, stated that Lincoln defended democracy, so his memorial should hark back to the birthplace of democracy. 

The steps of the Lincoln Memorial and the landscape of the Reflecting Pool have been the scene of rallies, concerts, and parties. Most well known is likely the day when Martin Luther King Jr. stood on these steps and delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. An etching at the top of the steps marks the exact spot where Dr. King stood. 

Visit The Somber Vietnam Veterans Memorial  

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial spreads along the north end of the Mall just east of the Lincoln Memorial. This elegant dark wall is inscribed with the names of those lost in this war. The listing of the 53,318 Americans is in chronological order. 

You can locate a name or simply walk along and think about the cost of the war in human lives. It’s moving to see someone reach out to a name or leave flowers at the base of the wall. While the war was controversial, it’s appropriate to honor those who gave their lives. 

Seek Out The Lesser-Known Korean War Veterans Memorial 

On the south side of the Lincoln Memorial, you’ll find the Korean War Veterans Memorial . This somewhat eerie depiction of life-sized soldiers is worth a visit. This monument honors those who were called on to defend a country far from home. 

Take In As Many Fabulous Museums As You Can 

The Smithsonian Institute runs many museums lining both the north and south sides of the Mall. Check the website for a full listing and maps. All of these are free to the public. Only time limits your explorations. 

Two of the most popular are the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History.  

The National Air and Space Museum is a treasure trove of aircraft. The museum focuses on the story of flight. Displays include Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis and John Glenn’s Friendship 7 capsule. Visitors can also see the space suit astronaut Neil Armstrong wore during his mission to the moon and touch a sample of a lunar rock brought back from the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. 

This museum is undergoing reconstruction which will be ongoing into 2025. It will be open during this time but some exhibits may be closed. 

The National Museum of American History preserves an extraordinary national collection of intriguing objects ranging from Abraham Lincoln’s top hat to Dizzy Gillespie’s trumpet to Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz . Collections include a remarkable array of documents, photographs, and music. Whatever your interests, you are sure to find an exhibit you’ll want to see. 

Other notable museums are the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History & Culture.  

All of the museums are free and unticketed, so you can go back on different days if you didn’t get your fill of a particular museum. I went to the National Air and Space Museum two times on my last trip and still didn’t see as much as I wanted to. I hope to return!  

Check Out The Options For Fascinating Tours 

What you see as you stroll along the Mall is just the surface of American history. Why not go on a tour to learn more about the monuments, memorials, and museums? 

One great choice is to take a tour with DC by Foot . This company offers daily tours of the National Mall, as well as other Washington, D.C., sights. You can extend the tour to cover the Tidal Basin. At the end of your tour, you pay what you want. 

In your travels, you may have discovered that some cities must be seen at night as well as in the day. Washington, D.C., is certainly one of these. Most museums close at nightfall, but the monuments and memorials light up and are even more stunning than in daylight. 

I enjoyed a fantastic bike tour with Bike and Roll DC that took me around the lighted monuments and gave the group time to sit on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a stunning view of the Mall in lights. It’s a magical sight I will always remember. 

You are in the heart of Washington, D.C., when you are strolling through the Mall. And not only is the Mall filled with historical sights but it is also lovely. The pools, fountains, lawns, and leafy trees invite you to relax in this peaceful place. You may find yourself contemplating, as Lincoln is in his oversized stone chair, the mysteries and joys of life.

Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital, is filled with amazing sights and activities:

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As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

What to See and Do on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

A Visitor’s Guide to the Major Attractions in the Nation's Capital

Victoria Chamberlain / TripSavvy 

The National Mall is the center of most sightseeing visits to Washington, D.C. The tree-lined open space between Constitution and Independence Avenues extends from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol Building. Ten of the museums of the Smithsonian Institution are located within the heart of the nation's capital, offering a variety of exhibits ranging from art to space exploration. West Potomac Park and the Tidal Basin are adjacent to the National Mall and home to the national monuments and memorials.

The National Mall is also a gathering place where people picnic and attend outdoor festivals. The expansive lawn has served as a site for protests and rallies. The impressive architecture and natural beauty of the Mall make it a unique place that celebrates our nation’s history and democracy.

These National Mall facts may surprise you:

• 25 million people visit the National Mall each year.
• More than 3,000 annual events are held on the National Mall.
• Every weekday, more than 440,000 vehicles travel along the National Mall.
• The National Mall has more than 26 miles of pedestrian sidewalks and 8 miles of bike trails.
• 10 tons of grass seed and nearly 3,000 yards of sod and turf are installed and planted on over 300 acres on the National Mall.
• Over 9,000 trees are located on the National Mall; nearly 2,300 are American elm trees.
• More than 25,000 local sports enthusiasts use the 15 softball fields, eight volleyball courts, two rugby fields, two multi-purpose fields, and the Washington Monument grounds for a variety of different recreation activities.
• Three to four tons of trash are collected and removed from the National Mall each day.

Attractions to Visit on the National Mall

The buildings and monuments of the National Mall can keep the visitor busy for a lengthy vacation. There are museums to visit and places to wander. These are the top places to visit.

• The Washington Monument - The monument honoring our first president, George Washington, is the tallest structure in the nation's capital and towers 555 feet above the National Mall. Visitors ride the elevator to the top to see a spectacular view of the city. However, the monument is closed until spring of 2019 for renovations. Watch the monument website for news of the re-opening.
• The U.S. Capitol Building - Because of increased security, the Capitol Dome is open to the public for guided tours only. Tours are conducted from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visitors must obtain free tickets and begin their tour at the Capitol Visitor Center. Free passes are required to see Congress in action at the Senate and House Galleries.
• Smithsonian Museums - This federal institution has multiple museums scattered throughout Washington, D.C. Ten of the buildings are located on the National Mall from 3rd to 14th Streets between Constitution and Independence Avenues, within a radius of about one mile. There is so much to see at the Smithsonian that you can not see it all in one day. IMAX movies are especially popular, so it is a good idea to plan ahead and buy your tickets a few hours in advance.
• National Monuments and Memorials - These historic landmarks honor our presidents, founding fathers and war veterans. They are wonderful to visit in nice weather and the views from each of them are unique and special. The easiest way to visit the monuments is on a sightseeing tour. The memorials are very spread out and to see all of them on foot involves a lot of walking. The monuments are also spectacular to visit at night when they are illuminated.
• National Gallery of Art - The world-class art museum displays one of the largest collections of masterpieces in the world including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, and decorative arts from the 13th century to the present. Because of its prime location on the National Mall, many people think the National Gallery is a part of the Smithsonian. The museum was created in 1937 by funds donated by art collector Andrew W. Mellon.
• U.S. Botanic Garden – The state-of-the-art indoor garden showcases approximately 4,000 seasonal, tropical and subtropical plants. The property is administered by the Architect of the Capitol and offers special exhibits and educational programs throughout the year.

Restaurants and Dining

The museum cafes are expensive and often crowded but are the most convenient places to dine on the National Mall. There are a variety of restaurants and eateries within walking distance to the museums.

All of the museums and most of the memorials on the National Mall have public restrooms. The National Park Service also maintains a few public facilities. During major events, hundreds of portable restrooms are set up to accommodate the crowds. 

Transportation and Parking

The National Mall area is the busiest part of Washington, D.C. The best way to get around the city is to use public transportation. Several Metro stations are within walking distance so it is important to plan ahead and know where you are going to be visiting. The most convenient metro station will depend on which line you are traveling on and what attraction you'll want to see first.

Parking is very limited near the National Mall. On-street parking in the busiest areas of the city is restricted during morning and evening rush hours (7:00-9:30 a.m. and 4:00-6:30 p.m.). There are many metered parking spaces on the National Mall along Madison and Jefferson Drives in front of the Smithsonian museums, but they usually fill quickly and on-street parking is restricted to two hours.

Hotels and Accommodations

Although a variety of hotels are located near the National Mall, the distance between the Capitol, at one end, to the Lincoln Memorial at the other, is about 2 miles. To reach some popular attractions from anywhere in Washington D.C., you may have to walk a great distance or take public transportation.

Attractions Near the National Mall

• U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum - The Holocaust Memorial Museum is a memorial to the millions who died during the Nazi regime in Germany. The museum offers a very moving and educational experience and reminds visitors of this horrific time in our world's history. Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW, Washington, D.C.
• National Archives - The National Archives and Records Administration stores and provides public access to the original documents that set up the American government as a democracy in 1774. You can view the United States Government's Charters of Freedom, the U. S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. Address: 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Washington, D.C.
• Bureau of Engraving and Printing - On the tour (get your free ticket ahead to reserve a spot) you'll see real money being printed, stacked, cut and examined for defects. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing also prints White House invitations, Treasury securities, identification cards, naturalization certificates, and other special security documents. Address: 14th and C Streets, SW, Washington, D.C.
• Newseum - The museum, devoted to news, is a high-tech, interactive museum that both promotes and explains, as well as defends free expression. Focusing on the five freedoms of the First Amendment—religion, speech, press, assembly, and petitions—the museum's seven levels of interactive exhibits include 15 galleries and 15 theaters. Address: 6th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C.
• The White House – Visitors from around the world come to Washington, D.C. to tour the White House, the home and office of the U.S. President. Built between 1792 and 1800, the White House is one of the oldest public buildings in the nation's capital and serves as a museum of American history. Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C.
• The Supreme Court - The U.S. Supreme Court is an interesting place to visit and many people do not realize that it is open to the public. The Chief Justice and 8 associate justices make up the Supreme Court, the highest judicial authority in the United States. Address: One 1st St., NE Washington, D.C.
• Library of Congress - The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library containing more than 128 million items including books, manuscripts, films, photographs, sheet music, and maps. The Library of Congress is open to the public and offers exhibitions, interactive displays, concerts, films, lectures, and special events. Address: 101 Independence Ave, SE, Washington, D.C.
• Union Station - Union Station is Washington D.C.'s train station and premier shopping mall, which also serves as a venue for world-class exhibitions and international cultural events. The historic building was built in 1907 and is considered to be one of the finest examples of the Beaux-Arts style of architecture. Address: 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE Washington, D.C.

Planning to visit Washington DC for a few days? See a Washington, D.C. Travel Planner for information on the best time to visit, how long to stay, where to stay, what to do, how to get around and more.

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Definitive Guide To The National Mall in Washington D.C.: What To Do and See

Wondering what to see and do on the National Mall in Washington D.C.? Here’s my guide to visiting the National Mall, which is home to some of the most beloved treasures in D.C.

This guide covers all the top monuments, memorials, museums, and historic landmarks on the National Mall. To help you along, I give you must know tips for visiting. I also tell you about other nearby attractions and the famous monuments surrounding the Tidal Basin.

The National Mall is the heart of Washington, D.C. and the center of sightseeing in the city. It’s 2 miles long and sees over 25 million visitors per year.

The Mall is stuffed with historical landmarks honoring the legacy and history of the United States.

I lived in the D.C. area for 20+ years, so I’ve visited the National Mall dozens of times. In fact, I went again just last week on a long weekend visit.

What To See At The National Mall

Here’s my list of the top 25+ attractions to see on or near the National Mall. My list includes all the magnificent monuments, memorials, and world class museums on the National Mall and Tidal Basin.

These National Mall attractions are listed in the order you’ll encounter them, moving from the Lincoln Memorial in the west to the U.S. Capitol in the east.

There’s so much to see and do at the National Mall that visiting could take days. With this National Mall guide in hand, you can pick and choose what you what to see on the National Mall over the course of your Washington D.C. visit.

1. Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is a tribute in marble to our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. The columned memorial was built to resemble a Greek temple, modeled after the Parthenon . There are 36 Doric columns.

A marble staircase leads up to a sculpture of Lincoln by the American sculptor Daniel Chester French . It’s situated in the center of the memorial chamber and is the visual highlight of the monument. A seated Lincoln is deep in contemplation with hands clenched.

On the ceiling is a mural panted by Julies Guercin depicting the angel of truth freeing slaves.

The south wall is inscribed with the words from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The north wall is inscribed with the words from Lincoln’s second inaugural address.

The Lincoln Memorial was the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I have a Dream” speech in 1963. The memorial’s steps are a great place to stop, rest, and enjoy the view

2. Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Dedicated in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a profoundly moving monument. It’s, by far, the most popular memorial on the National Mall. It’s as iconic as the Lincoln Memorial and well-cherished.

The memorial is in three parts: the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, The Three Soldiers Statue, and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.

The solemn Memorial Wall, designed by Maya Kin, is the most moving and powerful section. The minimalist wall, which cuts into the earth’s surface, was shocking when it was unveiled.

Lacking the typical heroic statues, it was initially derided as a “black trench” on the mall. But it built a grassroots following of fans.

The Memorial Wall consists of a long V shaped granite wall. The wall bears the names, in a seemingly never ending account, of over 58,000 of the dead and missing in action from the war of folly.

The wall is reflective. That means you see your own reflection in the wall as you’re reading the names. It’s a way of connecting the living to the lost.

The thing I like about this memorial is that it showcases the warriors, not the war itself. Photos, flowers, and other tributes are often left by visitors.

3. Korean War Memorial

From 1950-53, the US joined the United Nations to fight in the Korean War. Dedicated in 1995, the Korean War Memorial honors the more than 50,000 Americans who fought in that war.

You approach the memorial along a winding path. A triangular garden is supposed to simulate a battlefield.

You’ll see 19 larger-than-life stainless steel sculptures. They depict soldiers clad in ponchos.

The figures gesture, crouch, and spring to action. They stand in a bed of juniper bushes, meant to evoke the rice paddies of Korea.

On a 164 foot wall flanking the sculptures, you’ll see faces of soldiers sandblasted into black granite. At the top of the memorial is the slogan “Freedom Is Not Free.”

4. Constitution Gardens

Constitution Gardens is a pastoral oasis on the bustling National Mall. There’s a lake in the park with a small island.

On the island, you’ll find a memorial dedicated to the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a semi-circular granite sculpture. It bears the names and signatures of the singers as they appeared on the document.

This is also a place to enjoy a bit of nature. You can also stroll along tree-lined paths and admire the gardens themselves.

5. World War II Memorial

The WWII Memorial sprawls across 7.5 acres not The National Mall. It’s at the top of the reflecting pool. Bronze reliefs show battle scenes.

The Neo-Classical memorial has a fountain in the center. It’s encircled with 56 granite columns and arches. The columns stand for the 50 states and territories.

Two massive arches represent the war from both the Pacific and Atlantic fronts. The Freedom Wall pays tribute to those that died in the conflict.

It’s adorned with over 4,000 gold stars which represent 400,000 Americans who died during the WWII. There are designated sections of the memorial which commemorate important dates of major events like Pearl Harbor and D-Day.

The National Park Service offers daily tours of the WWII Memorial every hour on the hour.

I have to confess this isn’t my favorite memorial on the mall. The architecture is rather bland. The arches have a whiff of imperialism, perhaps glorifying the war.

The memorial also makes me think of a water park, especially when people rather disrespectfully hop into the Rainbow Pool.

6. Washington Monument

The Washington Monument honors the first president of the United States, George Washington.

It’s the tallest structure in the nation’s capital, towering 555 feet above the National Mall.

After design squabbles that latest decades, the obelisk was finally finished in 1885. The monument is the world’s tallest obelisk.

After lengthy off and on closures for the pandemic and renovations, the monument reopened to visitors in July 2021.

With a timed entry ticket , you can ride the elevator to the top for spectacular views of the city. You’ll need to book in advance and go through several layers of security.

One the way down, you can see the changes in the marble from the older and newer parts.

7. World War I Memorial

More than a century after World War I ended, a WWI Memorial dedicated to the global conflict opened to the public in April 2021. The memorial is across from the White House Visitor’s Center.

It honors the 4.7 million Americans who served in World War I, including 116,516 who died in sacrifice.

The memorial is unfinished. The central element of the Memorial will be a 60 foot long bas-relief sculpture titled  A Soldier’s Journey .

This Wall of Remembrance is scheduled to be installed in 2024. For the time being, a canvas with sketches of the future sculpture stands in its place.

The WWI memorial incorporates a statue of General John J. Pershing. There’s also a Peace Fountain and a stone wall bearing an excerpt from Archibald MacLeish’s poem The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak .

8. White House

Take a left and veer north to get a glimpse of the White House.

The presidential estate is bounded by the pedestrian-only Pennsylvania Avenue. This is a great place for an up-close view and to snap photos

White House tours need to be planned far in advance. If you can’t make it inside, the public White House Visitor Center provides an extensive overview of the building and its history.

9. National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the newest addition to the Smithsonian family. It was inaugurated in 2016 by President Barack Obama.

This Smithsonian museum is a revelation. It houses artifacts, photography, and other media reflecting the culture, heritage, and experiences of African Americans.

You’ll find Harriet Tubman’s personal clothing, slave shackles, a bill of a sale for a young slaved girl, Louis Armstrong’s trumpet, and photos of black civil rights activists. A top exhibit is the Emancipation Proclamation.

Even the architecture of the museum is stunning. The entire building is wrapped in an ornamental bronze colored metal lattice. It pays homage to the iron works crafted by American slaves.

The museum is one of the most popular Smithsonian museums. Because of this, the museum requires visitors reserve a timed entry pass online before arriving, which is free.

Here’s my complete guide to the Smithsonian African American Museum . If you’d like a guided tour of the museum during your walking tour of the National Mall, click here to book one.

10. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The Holocaust Memorial Museum is one of the top attractions in Washington D.C. It’s definitely worth visiting. 

The Museum is a living memorial to the Holocaust, one of the world’s most horrific tragedies. It’s a place for somber reflection on man’s inhumanity to man.

Founded in 1993, the Holocaust Memorial Museum is a modern museum that captures the visceral memories of a nightmare. It shines a harrowing light on the insane megalomania and brutality of the Nazi party, who stole not just lives but identities.

With unflinching eye-opening detail, the museum documents the rise of the Nazi party and its atrocities. It reveals the demonic not in a grandiose way, but in the most minute bone chilling details.

Here’s my complete guide to the Holocaust Museum , with tips for visiting. Free timed entry passes are required for the permanent exhibit.

11. National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History collects and preserves significant artifacts from American history and popular culture. There are more than 3 million items in the collection.

The most popular treasures include the original Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz , Jacqueline Kennedy’s yellow silk state dinner dress, and Julia Child’s kitchen.

The museum hosts myriad public programs, including lectures, tours, demonstrations, and live theater experiences. The museum also offers music programs by resident jazz and chamber ensembles.

12. Smithsonian Castle

The Smithsonian Castle houses the Smithsonian Institution’s administrative offices and information center. You could make this a starting point for your National Mall journey.

At the castle, you can get a sense of the scope and scale of the Smithsonian museums. You can also tour the castle and admire its 19th century architecture.

You can see see what exhibits are at the Smithsonian museums. You can also consult with in-house experts about what are the best things for you to see and do on the National Mall.

13. National Museum of Asian Art

The National Museum of Asian Art preserves, exhibits, and interprets Asian art in ways that deepen our understandings of Asia, the United States, and the world.

This museum consists of two separate galleries, the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art. It houses more than 40,000 objects dating from the Neolithic period to the present.

The object and artifacts originate from the ancient Near East to China, Japan, Korea, South and Southeast Asia, and the Islamic world.

Another highlight of the museum are works by American painter James McNeill Whistler, including the famed Peacock Room . It’s a gorgeous harmony of blue and gold, filled with peacocks.

Before the Peacock Room was painted by Whistler, the panels were in the dining room in the London mansion of Frederick Leyland.

Here’s my complete guide to the Museum of Asian Art .

14. Hirshhorn Museum

The Hirshhorn Museum is where you go to experience modern and contemporary art. The museum’s vast collection boasts a comprehensive range of pioneering painting, sculpture, photography, and video from 21st century artists.

The museum has works by artists such as Edward Hopper, Constantine Brancusi, Alberto Giacometti, Wilhem de Kooning, and living artists.

Free tours take place twice a day. You can pop into Dolcezza for an espresso or gelato.

You can also visit the magnificent Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden. It’s an outdoor art park filled with world famous, eye catching sculptures by some of the world’s greatest artists. 

First opened in 1974, the museum’s Sculpture Garden is 197,000 square feet of beauty.

In 1981, the garden was renovated. Landscape architect, Lester Collins, created a small jewel box, a “park within a park.” 

Here’s my guide to Hirshhorn Museum and my guide to the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden .

15. National Museum of Natural History

This massive two story National Museum of Natural History is beloved by children, science lovers, and wannabe paleontologists. It boasts the largest natural history collection in the world. There are over 124 million objects and artifacts.

Highlights are the Hall of Human Origins, Sant Ocean Hall, Live Butterfly Pavilion, Last American Dinosaurs exhibit, and a Live Insect Zoo.

Perhaps the most famous exhibit is the 46 karat Hope Diamond. Its brilliant blue sparkle caught the eyes of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette before disappearing during the French Revolution.

The museum could take all day to visit. Click here if you want a 2 hour guided tour of this fine museum.

16. National Gallery of Art

 The National Gallery of Art is one of the world’s best museums. It’s a preeminent cultural institution with a massive and revered collection of American and European art.

In my opinion, the NGA is the #1 attraction in Washington D.C., especially for art lovers.

The collection includes over 140,000 paintings, drawings, photographs, sculpture, and decorative arts from the 13th century to the present. The art ranges from Byzantine/Medieval altarpieces to Pop and Conceptual art. The museum has the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the Untied States.

The NGA is a two part collection. It’s comprised of a West Wing and an East Wing.

The West Wing is massive. It’s the largest part of the museum.

The main floor alone consists of 90 galleries. They houses European art from the 11th to century to the early 1900s and American art from the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s arranged in chronological order by art periods and national schools.

Opened in 1978, the East Wing was designed by I.M. Pei. It houses the NGA’s modern and contemporary collections. They cover the turn of the 20th century to the present day.

You start in the Picasso era. Then, you’ll work your way through all the different phases of modernism — Dada, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Fauvism, and Pop art.

Here’s my complete guide to the National Gallery Of Art , with 30 masterpieces and tips for visiting. If you’d like a guide tour of this amazing museum, click here to book one.

17. National Air and Space Museum

Founded in 1876, the National Air and Space Museum is one of the most visited museums on the planet. The museum explores the evolution and science of air and space. It houses the world’s largest collection of aviation and space artifacts.

The museum has 23 exhibition galleries. You’ll see aircrafts, spacecrafts, Wright Brother experiments, and Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis .

The museum caters to both children and adults. There are IMAX movies, planetarium shows, and flight simulators.

If you want to visit both the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of American History, great museums for kids, you can book this 2 hour tour .

18. National Museum of the American Indian

This National Museum of the American Indian boasts one of the world’s most expansive collections of Native American objects. The museum is dedicated to bringing Native culture voices to life throughout its contemplative exhibitions.

The museum was designed exclusively by Native American architects. It’s visually striking, with limestone material intended to resemble rock formations formed by wind and water over thousands of years.

The collection spans more than 12,000 years of history across 1,200+ indigenous cultures from the Americas. The objects on display are diverse, with aesthetic religious, and historical significance.

19. Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial

The Eisenhower Memorial is just a short detour off the National Mall. It’s a 4 minute walk south from the American Indian Museum and well worth seeing. The memorial was designed by starchitect Frank Gehry.

It opened to the public on September 18, 2020. It traces the trajectory of Eisenhower’s career — from his coming of age, to his selection as Supreme Allied Commander during World War II, to his tenure as the 34th President of the United States.

Gehry’s memorial design is a mix of large architectural gestures, green space, and large scale figurative sculptural groups. Its key feature is a metal tapestry that’s 60 feet tall and 450 feet wide.

It’s almost three quarters of an acre of woven stainless steel, which is held aloft by piers the height of an eight story building. The screen replicates a freehand sketch by Gehry of a D-Day landing site in Normandy . The tapestry is nearly transparent in the daytime.

READ : One Week Itinerary For Normandy

20. United States Botanical Garden

The U.S. Botanical Garden is a state of the art indoor garden. It showcases approximately 4,000 seasonal, tropical and subtropical plants.

The gardens offers special exhibits and educational programs throughout the year. The goal of the Botanical Garden is to teach visitors about the importance of plants’ interrelationship with humans and a fragile ecosystem.

It was George Washington who wished to include a botanical garden on the National Mall. Established in 1820, this is the oldest operating botanical garden in the United States.

Currently, the outdoor gardens are open and the Conservatory is closed.

21. Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial is a monument honoring the American Civil War general and 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant.

The memorial sits at the base of the U.S. Capitol. It’s the largest equestrian monument in the United States — 252 feet long by 71 feet wide by 44 feet high.

Grant and his horse, Cincinnati, are on a 22 foot marble pedestal. Grant is shown in his customary stillness, without a sword and wearing his wide brimmed army hat.

22. United States Capitol

At the far eastern end of the mall, just over 1 mile from the Washington Monument, sits the grand domed Capitol Building. There’s a reflecting pool in front of the building where you can snap your House of Cards style picture.

The U.S. Capitol was designed by Dr. William Thornton in 1793. It was partially burned by the British in the War of 1812, but fully restored.

Visitors must pre-book free tickets and begin their tour at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center . Because of increased security, the Capitol Dome is open to the public for guided tours only.

Tours are conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They include a look at the magnificent rotunda and the National Statuary Hall.

If you want to see Congress in session, reserve ahead through your local representative’s office.

Tips For Visiting the National Mall

1. where is the national mall.

The National Mall is located just south of downtown and the White House in Washington, D.C. The National Mall is one of the United State’s most prestigious and famous National Parks. 

2. How To Get to The National Mall

The National Mall is the busiest area in Washington, D.C. It’s best to take public transportation because parking is limited and expansive.

Metro Stations near the National Mall include:

• Smithsonian
• Federal Triangle
• Metro Center
• Gallery Place-Chinatown
• Capitol South
• L’Enfant Plaza
• Federal Center SW
• Archives-Navy Memorial
• Arlington National Cemetery.

There are many metered parking spaces on the National Mall along Madison and Jefferson Drives in front of the Smithsonian museums. But they usually fill quickly and on street parking is restricted to two hours.

3. Getting Around The National Mall

The National Mall is completely walkable. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Not up for walking? Happily, you can take a bike tour , Segway tour , or electrical vehicle tour of the National Mall. Another option is to take a night tour , as the monuments are open and beautifully illuminated in the evening. 

If you want a regular guided bus tour, this tour will fit the bill.

4. Where To Stay in Washington D.C.

If you’re not a local, there are plenty fo great hotel options near the National Mall.

If you want a splurge, I’d stay at the St. Regis , the Waldorf Astoria , the Grand Hyatt , or the Willard Intercontinental . On my last visit, I stayed at the Hilton National Mall .

5. When To Go To The National Mall

The National Mall is frequently busy and crowded. The best time to go is the spring or fall. Though you can get sunny days in the winter as well.

In terms of timing, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Morning is also the best time to go paddle boating, as they are rented on a first come first serve basis.

More Time In Washington D.C.?

If you have more time, there are plenty of other must visit attractions right near the National Mall, including the iconic monuments on the Tidal Basin.

1. Tidal Basin

After the mall, your first order of business is to head over to the Tidal Basin. It’s just south of the Reflecting Pool. Or, you could take a detour to the Tidal Basin after seeing the Washington Monument.

The Tidal Basin is a popular place for paddle boating. It’s also a prime place to catch sight of the city’s magnificent spring cherry blossoms.

The Tidal Basin is home to another cluster of important monuments in Washington D.C. You’ll find the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

2. Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial is dedicated to the third president of the Untied States. He was politician, diplomat, architect, and philosopher.

Jefferson played a pivotal role in the American revolution and famously drafted the Declaration of Independence.

The Neo-Classical memorial was designed by John Russel Pope. It’s a round white marble gazebo like structure with a fetching location on an island in the Tidal Basin. It was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome , which Jefferson believed was the perfect building.

The memorial is open air. Inside is a 19 foot tall bronze statue of Jefferson, gazing at the White House. The walls of the memorial are engraved with text from is speeches, including the Declaration of Independence.

3. FDR Memorial

The FDR Memorial is a tribute to the 32nd president, the nation’s only four term president. The memorial is immersive.

It consists of four red granite outdoor alcoves. They represent each of FDR’s terms in office and the historical events that occurred.

Stone expresses the fracture and upheaval of the times. You’ll find bronze sculptures of Roosevelt, the First Lady, other citizens, and even a dog.

The sculptures depict images from the Depression and WWII. There are calming waterfalls and pools.

This is a good memorial to visit at night. It’s more peaceful then and you can see the play of the statues in the shimmering water.

4. MLK Memorial

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is dedicated to the legendary civil rights leader. King’s most famous quotes are engraved on a 450 foot curving granite wall, giving you a lot of inspirational reading.

You enter the memorial through the granite Mountain of Despair with craggy contours. It’s a passage symbolizing the struggles of African Americans. There’s also a 30 foot tall (and rather grandiose) statue of King.

It emerges halfway out of the mountain of granite, looking like a mini Mount Rushmore.

With folded arms and grim expression, King looks uncharacteristically fierce or authoritarian. His eyes are fixed in the distance.

King doesn’t exactly look hopeful, though he’s standing on a self-described “stone of hope.” The statue was carved by Lei Yixin and it’s been criticized for having Mao-ist overtones.

5. National Portrait Gallery

With even more time, I’d head to the National Portrait Gallery , just north of the National Mall. The NPG is a beguiling combination of history, biography, and art all in one go. The wonderful museum tells the story of America, from pre-Revolutionary War to the present. 

The NPG houses an amazing collection of portraits of America’s most famous politicians, celebrities, writers, artists, sports figures, and influencers. The museum also has the world’s only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House.

Here’s my complete guide to the National Portrait Gallery , with tips for visiting.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to what to see and do on the National Mall. You may enjoy these other U.S. city itineraries:

• 1 day itinerary for Portland Maine
• 2 days in Washington DC itinerary
• 2 day itinerary for Philadelphia
• 3 day itinerary for Boston
• 1 day itinerary for Cambridge
• Top attractions in Salem Massachusetts
• Top attractions in Boulder Colorado
• 1 day itinerary for Denver
• 2 day itinerary for Cleveland Ohio
• Best Things To Do in Pittsburgh
• 1 day itinerary for Providence Rhode Island

If you need a guide to the National Mall in Washington D.C., pin it for later.

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Last Updated on February 11, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

UponArriving

National Mall in Washington DC (1 Day/24hr Itinerary) [2022]

I’ve traveled all around the world and have seen a lot of bucket-list worthy places. And while it’s impossible to rank all of these places, in my opinion, the National Mall in Washington DC is way up there and one of the most interesting sites in the world.

If you only have one day or about 24 hours in Washington DC, I would highly suggest that you make your way to the National Mall.

But because there is so much to see there you definitely need to have a plan so that you make the best use of your time and don’t miss out on some of the more hidden attractions.

We recently spent one day exploring the National Mall and I learned a ton about how to best approach crafting an itinerary for a day tour.

In this article, I’ll break it all down for you and give you some guidance so that you can have the best experience possible at this magnificent site.

Table of Contents

What is the National Mall?

The National Mall is not a shopping mall (sorry shoppers). Instead, it’s an expansive area consisting of open park grounds, world-class museums, war memorials, famous historical monuments, and some of the most important US government buildings.

People visit the National Mall to check out what is essentially the headquarters of US government, explore the renown museums, and perhaps most importantly, honor and reflect on all of the sacrifices made by those in the past that allow us to enjoy the freedoms we have today.

Note: Some people define the National Mall proper as consisting of a smaller area but for purposes of this article, I’m lumping all of the major attractions that border the National Mall into one area since they are all easily accessible once you’re in the general vicinity.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

What sites can you see at the National Mall?

When visiting the National Mall you’re going to see a mixture of government buildings, memorials, monuments, and museums.

Here’s a rundown of some of the most interesting sites you’ll likely want to focus on:

Government Buildings

Supreme court.

• Library of Congress
• US Capitol (Congress)
• White House
• Eisenhower Executive Office Building
• US Treasury Department

Memorials and monuments

• Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial

Washington Monument

World war ii memorial, vietnam veterans memorial, lincoln memorial, korean war veterans memorial, thomas jefferson memorial.

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
• Arlington National Cemetery/The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (across the Potomac)
• US Marine Corps War Memorial (across the Potomac)

National Gallery of Art

Smithsonian national museum of natural history, national archives museum.

• National Museum of the American Indian
• Hirshhorn Museum
• Smithsonian National Museum of American History
• Smithsonian Castle
• National Museum of African American History and Culture
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• National Portrait Gallery (few blocks away)

Food and snack huts

You can find a lot of food and snack huts throughout the National Mall. As you would probably guess the prices will be expensive but you can purchase things like water bottles, chips, and hot food items like burgers, pretzels, etc.

One thing that surprised me was the number of bathrooms. There are some permanent bathroom facilities but also rows of portable toilets in case you need to go.

Hotel Review: AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Center

What is the best way to see the National Mall?

Walking + uber.

I would highly recommend you to consider walking throughout the National Mall.

If you are able-bodied this will be the best way to see the National Mall and it’s a beautiful walk to do when the weather permits.

My preferred way of exploring is to walk until you basically are not enjoying the walking anymore and then rely on a ride sharing service like Uber to get you back to your hotel to recharge or simply take you to your next destination.

I saw quite a few bike stations around the National Mall and it seems like a great way to get around. I just don’t like to bother with locating the stations and dealing with a bike so I prefer to just walk via foot.

If you want to rent a bike you can look into services like Capital Bike Share .

Like every other major city that attracts a lot of tourists, you can choose to do a hop on hop off bus tour . These can be a great way to get around but it does mean having to rely on a bus and dealing with certain stops.

Some of these bus tours have audio recordings that can give you more insight into the sites so it’s not a bad way to see the National Mall.

Driving does not seem like a very practical way to see the National Mall because of limited parking and traffic.

However, if you get familiar with the different parking areas and are comfortable driving you might be able to make it work.

Also, if you are driving in the early morning or evening parking will be more readily available and driving is much more doable.

What order should you visit the sites at the National Mall?

The good news. There is no wrong way to explore all of the memorials and museums in the National Mall. You could start at either side or even in the middle.

The bad news. That doesn’t really help your planning at all.

So to help give your visit some structure, here are three major tips:

Don’t worry about planning exact visit times

Unless you are planning on attending some type of specific tour or timed-entry attraction, you don’t have to plan out your visit times to any of the below locations and you can just check them out at your own pace.

Set a practical limit for your sites

If you only have one day you should draw the line somewhere on the number of sites you plan to see because one day is simply not enough time to see it all.

This is especially true with sites like museums that eat up huge chunks of time.

Start from the east side

I would recommend following the path that we did starting on the east side of the National Mall and then work towards the west.

Below, I’ll walk you through the itinerary we did and provide you with more tips to avoid some of the mistakes we made.

Note: For this itinerary to work, you want to get started early – no later than 8am.

National mall sites ( itinerary)

I’m probably a little bit biased because of my lawyer background but I thought stepping on the steps of the Supreme Court was extremely cool .

It’s a beautiful courthouse and it’s a shame that it’s a bit tucked away behind the US Capitol Building, but I guess there was really nowhere else to put it in the National Mall by the time they built it in the 1930s.

If you don’t want to settle for glimpses of the Supreme Court’s exterior, you can head inside to check out more.

The Supreme Court does not offer guided tours of the facility but there are self-guided exhibitions you can check out. They also have lectures that they offer which are available on days that the Court is not in session.

These lectures are available Monday through Friday on a first-come, first-served basis and are free of charge. They usually begin every hour on the half-hour beginning at 9:30 am with the final lecture at 3:30 pm.

Note: Due to coronavirus these tours may not be available.

Right next door to the Supreme Court is the Library of Congress — a beautiful building known for being the largest library in the world.

Also, if you’re a Shakespeare fan you can check out the Folger Shakespeare Library whenever it opens back up.

US Capitol Building

Right next to the Supreme Court is the US Capitol Building.

Construction of the US Capitol Building began in 1793 and in 1800, Congress met in the first completed portion, the north wing.

Something a lot of people don’t know is that there is a huge US Capitol Visitor Center located underneath the US Capitol Building.

In fact, the visitor center is about 3/4 the size of the Capitol!

During normal times you can book tours of the Capitol Building and check out the Visitor Center but due to the pandemic these are currently not available.

When they do open up, advanced reservations will likely still be recommended or even required.

After you make your way past the Capitol Building you are now in close proximity to several of the best museums in Washington DC.

My personal preference is to focus on all of the outdoor sites in the National Mall first.

This is an ideal strategy for a few reasons.

First, this will allow you to stay in a mindset of remembrance when visiting the monuments and war memorials.

It’s also a great plan because if you are visiting when the temperatures can get warm you can check out all of the sites early in the morning when the weather will be cooler.

Then, when things start to heat up you can head indoors to the museums.

And finally, some of these museums don’t open until 10am so if you get started early (around 7am to 8am) you can explore a lot of the National Mall before the museums even open their doors.

Note: If you do choose to hit up the museums at this point, check out the section at the bottom of this article on the National Mall’s museums.

Once you pass the Capitol Building you can make a quick stop to the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial which is just west of the building. Ulysses S. Grant was a U.S. President and Civil War general for the victorious Union Army.

After that, you’ll then be heading west on the National Mall.

I would suggest staying on the south side so that you can make a short side trip to the one of the newest monuments dedicated in 2020: the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial.

If you’re putting off visiting the museums, the next visit will be the Washington Monument.

The Washington Monument — which honors the first president of the US: George Washington — is the most iconic symbol of Washington DC.

Built on July 4, 1848 and dedicated on February 21, 1885, this marble obelisk stands 555 feet tall — ten times the width of the base.

If you look closely at the Washington Monument, you’ll notice the two different colors of the monument.

During the construction they basically ran out of one type of stone and had to use a different type which is why the monument is bi-colored.

The monument has undergone a lot of restoration work through the decades including in 2011-2014 when it sustained damage from an  earthquake ! 

If you want to, you can head to the top of the monument but you need to book tickets ahead of time. Head to recreation.gov and you can try to get tickets the day before your visit.

You’ll take an elevator all the way up to the top which thankfully is not the original steam engine elevator which took 10 to 12 minutes to make its way to the top floor.

After your visit, you can turn north and head to the White House which is only about a 20 minute walk from the Washington National Monument.

But as I discuss below, we decided to save the White House for last and went straight from the Washington National Monument to the World War II Memorial.

The World War II Memorial , dedicated by President George W. Bush on May 29, 2004, is one of the most impressive war memorials in DC.

It honors the “service of 16 million members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America, the support of countless millions on the home front, and the ultimate sacrifice of 405,399 Americans .”

56 Granite columns representing each U.S. state and territory at the time of World War II surround you in the middle as you contemplate the scale of people who were involved in the war.

Seeing the columns for all of the states and territories gave me a sense of the unity required to come out victorious in such a massive war.

For a war memorial, it actually felt a bit uplifting , which was weird considering it was the most costly war in terms of human life.

Ironically, I think that was one of the biggest criticisms of this monument — it was a bit too “celebratory” and “pompous” for some.

As you wander, spend some time locating your state’s column on the perimeter of the memorial while paying respects for those from your home who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Then head to the center of the memorial where you’ll find the pool which I think still goes to the name of Rainbow Pool.

There’s a bit of controversy on whether or not it’s disrespectful to get in the water of Rainbow Pool, which is something visitors do on hot days.

At the time of our visit, signs indicated that putting your feet in the water was okay but wading was not. So use common sense there.

At the back, there’s a wall of 4,048 gold stars which was designed to remind visitors of all of the sacrifices made by over 400,000 Americans. Each star represents 100 US deaths.

Tip: Don’t forget to look for Kilroy

After you make your way past the World War II Memorial, you have a choice to make.

You could go ahead and make a loop around the Tidal Basin which is where you find sites like the Jefferson Memorial.

Or you could put that loop off until later and simply keep going west where you will encounter the famous Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

We chose to put off the Jefferson Memorial until later which I think is a good call but you really can’t go wrong with either way.

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Built in the 1920s, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is not only a place where you can catch a beautiful reflection of the monuments, surrounding trees, and sky.

It’s also a place to reflect on all of the people and events that have shaped our nation’s history over the centuries.

When we arrived at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, I was a little bit disappointed to find out the pool was not filled up all the way.

I’m not sure how often that happens and perhaps it was due to some cleaning but it took a little bit away from the beauty of the Reflecting Pool if I’m being honest.

At least we still had the ducks, I guess.

At any rate, we chose to walk along the north side of the Reflecting Pool so that we would arrive at the next location, the: Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

When people talk about war memorials in DC it seems like the most moving of these is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial .

Just how important is this memorial?

At the dedication on November 11, 1982, there was a 56-hour reading at Washington National Cathedral of all the engraved names of the dead.

Undoubtedly, the listed names of 58,318 Americans on the shiny black granite wall will leave you with a lasting impression of the sacrifice that so many people made.

The order of the names is a little confusing but basically they are listed in chronological order of the time of passing.

The earliest death begins in the middle of the memorial (at the high point) and then names follow chronologically to the right until you get to 1968.

At that point, the names resume on the short end of the west panels and then follow chronologically towards the center. This way the first and last deaths meet up with each other in the middle.

There’s also a code of sorts used on the memorial.

As the NPS states:

Those declared dead are marked by a diamond; those MIA are marked by a cross. If the person currently marked as MIA returns alive, a circle is placed around the cross. If his remains are identified, a diamond is superimposed over the cross.

For me, knowing how brutal the tactics were in this war it was very moving to see all of these names. I could only imagine the stories those people could tell.

Other elements to check out include the: The Three Serviceman statue, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, the In Memory plaque, and a flagpole that flies both the U.S. and the MIA-POW flag.

Find a bench near these to rest your legs and plan out your next move, which likely will be the Lincoln Memorial.

Interesting fact : the Salem Witch Memorial was inspired by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

I like that we started at the east end of the National Mall because it built up lots of anticipation for the Lincoln Memorial .

There’s something about the Lincoln Memorial that just feels so uniquely inspiring and powerful.

I think it’s a combination of Lincoln’s tragic assassination and honestly just growing up with the Lincoln Memorial on the back of all our pennies and five dollar bills.

Either way, if we are talking about the monument with the biggest “oooh” factor it is hands-down the Lincoln Memorial.

Modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and dedicated in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial is a masterpiece.

You’ll find 36 fluted Doric columns rising 50 foot high columns and surrounding the temple (one for each of the 36 states in the Union at the time).

The 19-foot sculpture of Lincoln, which took four years to complete, possesses some subtle symbolic meaning if you look closely.

The creator positioned Lincoln’s hands so as to display his two most important qualities.

One hand is clenched, which represents Lincoln’s strength and determination to finish the war.

The other hand rests open representing his compassionate, warm nature.

Even the steps outside are rich with history as this is where Martin Luther King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

You can look for the exact location on the steps where King delivered the speech as there is an inscription. Be prepared for the goosebumps.

Inside the memorial, engraved on the interior walls, you’ll find the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, which he made only 41 days before his assassination.

Above the inscriptions, you can find a 60 foot by twelve foot mural painted by Jules Guerin which is meant to portray the governing principles of Lincoln’s life.

There are also some bathrooms and exhibits underneath the memorial.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is one of the lesser talked about memorials in DC even though it saw 33,686 US deaths.

In fact, the war as a whole has sort of lived in the shadow of Vietnam considering that the Korean War happened before Vietnam but didn’t have a memorial until 1995 (built after the Vietnam Memorial in 1982).

For that reason, I felt a special obligation to spend some time honoring the fallen of “the  Forgotten War .”

That plan was kind of ruined when we arrived because there was a lot of ongoing construction and it was just not the ideal time to visit.

With that said, I would like to go back when the memorial has been renovated.

At this memorial you’ll find 19 stainless steel statues, a wall of remembrance, and I’m sure some impressive new features that will be finished soon.

After you visit the Korean War Memorial you now have another decision to make of whether or not you want to proceed towards the Jefferson Memorial and knock out a few more sites around the Tidal Basin.

Or, you can do what we did and proceed to Arlington National Cemetery.

You could of course do both but that will involve a lot of additional walking and time. If you plan on hitting up some of the museums I would not try to walk to both of these locations as that will eat up a lot of time.

Arlington National Cemetery

We chose to walk from the National Mall to Arlington National Cemetery .

We did not see any other tourists making this walk so I don’t think a lot of people choose to make the way to the National Cemetery by foot.

However, I would recommend making the walk.

For one, it’s a pretty cool walk and you get to cross the Potomac River as well as the state lines for Virginia. (It’s not every day you get to walk across state lines in the US.)

But more importantly the Arlington Memorial Bridge is an incredibly symbolic bridge to America.

Built in 1932, Arlington Memorial Bridge is a symbolic bridge that crosses the Potomac River, a body of water which once divided the Northern and Southern states.

Moreover, it connects the Lincoln Memorial to Robert E Lee’s Memorial as part of an intentional act of symbolism that represents the nation coming back together post Civil War.

To access the cemetery you’ll need to go through security so this is not your ordinary cemetery wide open to the public.

Inside the cemetery, there are tram tours that depart every 30 minutes, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. However, we opted to just walk around on our own.

I’m definitely not a big “cemetery person” but Arlington National Cemetery is quite beautiful and unlike any cemetery I’ve ever visited. It’s vast, historic, and peaceful.

Within the cemetery there are many different sites to see.

The most famous is probably The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier .

Since 1921, it’s been the home to an unidentified World War I service member. Unknown military members were added from later wars in 1958 and 1984.

It’s also just been a sight of mourning and reflection for all of those in the military.

Changing of the guard ceremonies go on throughout the day and you just need to time your visit so that you can witness one of them.

Luckily, this isn’t hard to do.

The ceremonies happen every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30. They are all free to observe .

Every movement from the guards is extremely precise and symbolic like the 21 steps they take and the directions they face, so it’s cool to learn a little bit about the symbolism before you check out the ceremony.

Be extra careful about being noisy or standing in the wrong area and definitely do not trespass to the area where the soldiers are guarding the Tomb.

Another interesting site is the gravesite of John F Kennedy, where you can observe the eternal flame.

If you are into checking out gravesites you can also check out the final resting place of Robert Kennedy, William Howard Taft (former president), and Thurgood Marshall.

There is also the Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial , which has a fascinating and sort of comical history related to the cemetery. Tickets are required to enter the Arlington House.

If you have the extra energy you can also make your way to the US Marine Corps War Memorial , which is a creation modeled after a Pulitzer Prize winning photo taken at Iwo Jima (arguably the most famous war photo of all time).

Dedicated in 1954, it honors all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States since 1775.

After we finished up at Arlington Cemetery, we ended up taking an Uber back to our hotel room to freshen up a little bit and grab lunch which ended up being a fantastic idea and good use of time.

We were able to recharge and then head back out to check out the museums and eventually the White House. (Read more about the museums below.)

If you go this route just keep in mind the museums do not stay open very late (5pm to 5:30pm) so you need to make sure that you get back to the museums with as much time as you think you’ll need to explore.

Consider going back to the Jefferson Memorial in the evening after you have explored the museums and visited the White House.

We carved out some time the next morning for us to visit the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, which is on the Tidal Basin (where people flock to see cherry blossoms in early spring).

We figured that a morning visit would be pretty epic because our visit would coincide with the sunrise and we would probably have the site to ourselves.

Well, we were right — we were able to visit the memorial by ourselves. Just us two and good ole TJ.

But for some reason the lights were off.

This meant that we checked out the large sculpture of Thomas Jefferson in the dark which to be completely honest was a little bit creepy.

Still, I think this is one of the must-see memorials if you only have one day so I would do whatever you can to make time for it.

Nearby to the Jefferson Memorial you can also check out the:

• George Mason Memorial

If you want to hang out in the Tidal Basin a little longer and get a unique vantage point, consider renting Tidal Basin paddle boats.

We didn’t rent paddle boats but I’ve done paddle boats before in the UK and they can be a work out so be ready to get your legs pumping!

The White House

We decided to save the White House until the end of the day.

For one, temperatures would be a lot cooler and I just thought that ending our tour with the White House would be the right way to go.

There’s been a lot of construction around the White House recently as they have been installing a fence that is twice as high as the old fence and also more durable and secure.

Believe it or not, someone was able to successfully jump the fence and even make their way inside a few years ago.

As long as there are no closures I think you can check out the White House from both the north and south side.

For us, we were only able to check it out from the north view which is a really nice view.

If you want a tour of the inside of the White House that’s possible but you have to plan that well in advance and write to your local Congress representative .

When you’re viewing the White House from the north entrance, it’s hard to see the corridors for the “45 second” commute leading to the East Wing and West Wing, so the White House complex looks a lot smaller than it actually is.

For those that don’t know, the West Wing is where most of the “stuff” happens as that is where you’ll find the Oval Office, the Situation Room, the Cabinet Room, the Press Room, etc.

As you admire the White House you’ll probably see Secret Service members scoping out people from the top of the building and even making patrols through the lawn.

Don’t climb on the fence but feel free to stick your arm through the fence to get a good shot with your camera/phone.

The White House is nearby a couple of additional big-time attractions.

Just next-door is the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB), which is located next to the West Wing, and houses a majority of offices for White House staff.

Just a few blocks away there is the Ford’s Theatre which of course is where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

It has a museum now with lots of exhibits from the tragic assassination and you can still view the balcony Lincoln sat on when everything happened.

Museums at the National Mall

We spent about two hours checking out the museums which is not nearly enough time to fully explore them but if you only have one day, it’s enough time to see and appreciate some of the major highlights.

There are a ton of museums in the National Mall and surrounding area and some of them are 100% free .

Tip: None of the museums were super crowded when we visited but if they do get crowded consider going through the back entrances which might be quicker.

Below, I’ll highlight four of the most interesting museums to check out (in my opinion) and then also provide you with a list of additional museums you might be interested in.

Highlights: Artwork by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Johannes Vermeer, and other legendary artists.

Highlights: Dinosaurs, cool interactive exhibits, all-around good time.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Highlights: Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia, model of the starship Enterprise, Wright brothers’ Wright Flyer airplane

Highlights: Viewing of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

Additional museums you may find worthwhile:

• National Portrait Gallery

You could easily spend 2 to 3 hours at a few of these museums and eat up your entire day.

So if you only have one day my suggestion is to choose two of the museums are the most interesting to you and plan on visiting those. Try to give yourself up to three hours between the two museums if you can. Typically, this will mean reserving museum time between 2:30pm and 5:30pm.

Visiting the National Mall is an experience that you will never forget. Even if you only have 24 hours, you can still see some monuments, museums, and government buildings that will blow your mind. If you follow the itinerary above and get started around 7am you should have a jam-packed day full of amazing experiences.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in National Mall, Washington DC

Top things to do in national mall.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Upper Northwest
• Dupont Circle
• National Mall
• Capitol Hill
• Federal Triangle
• Southwest Waterfront
• Adams Morgan
• Mount Vernon Square
• Columbia Heights
• Foggy Bottom - GWU - West End
• Connecticut Ave/ K Street
• Logan Circle/ Shaw
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

2. National Air and Space Museum

3. National Gallery of Art

4. Library of Congress

5. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

6. Vietnam Veterans Memorial

7. Korean War Veterans Memorial

8. National Mall

9. National World War II Memorial

10. Washington Monument

11. Jefferson Memorial

12. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

13. White House

14. Capitol Hill

15. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

16. Smithsonian Institution Building

17. Supreme Court

18. Renwick Gallery

19. Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

20. U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

21. Vietnam Women's Memorial

22. National Museum of the American Indian

23. Albert Einstein Memorial

24. DAR Museum

25. Potomac River

26. The Kreeger Museum

27. Senate and House Office Buildings

28. Dupont Circle

29. Adams Morgan

30. Eisenhower Executive Office Building

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Beyond the Monuments: 7 Intriguing National Mall Facts

In this Article

The National Mall is a large, tree-lined green space that connects the US Capitol and  Lincoln Monument before ending at the Potomac River. Here are 7 fun facts about the National Mall in Washington DC.

As a kid living in the Washington DC metro area, I remember being awfully disappointed that a day at the National Mall was about historical monuments and gigantic museums rather than new clothes and a trip to the food court.

So why is it called the National Mall, confusing kids from coast to coast? 

Long before you got your ears pierced at Claire’s, built a stuffed bear, or consumed your calories for the day with a single Cinnabon, a mall was a tree-lined park where people went to walk and socialize. Since public parks were commonly called malls in the 1700s, the Commissioners of the District of Columbia used the term when referring to the green space that Pierre L’Enfant created in his plans for the Federal City.

But the National Mall as we know (and love) it today didn’t start to take shape until the early 1900s. Thanks to the McMillan Plan, old-fashioned Victorian landscaping was replaced with a long stretch of green grass and railroad tracks were relocated, paving the way for world-class museums and national memorials. 

To help offset the costs of running EverydayWanderer.com, you’ll find affiliate links lightly sprinkled throughout the site.   If you choose to make a purchase via   one of these links , there’s no additional cost to you, but I’ll earn a teeny tiny commission.   You can read all of the legal blah blah blah (as my little niece says) on the   full disclosure page .

Have You Visited the National Mall?

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Here are 7 fun facts about the National Mall in Washington DC.

1. The National Mall in Washington Attracts a LOT of Visitors

Each year, more than 25 million people visit the National Mall. To put that number in perspective, it’s more than the number of visitors to Yellowstone , Yosemite , and Grand Canyon national parks combined! 

What do visitors do at the National Mall? Popular activities include touring the Smithsonian museums , visiting the monuments and memorials, and ascending the Washington Monument for the best views of DC.

2. The National Mall Includes More Memorials Than You Might Think

You probably know the National Mall is home to the Washington, Lincoln, and World War II memorials. But did you know that there are more than 65 other monuments and memorials on the National Mall in Washington DC? 

Don’t miss:

• Vietnam Women’s Memorial   —   the first monument on the National Mall to honor American military women
• American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial   — dedicated in October 2014 to honor disabled veterans

Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial – the National Mall’s newest memorial dedicated to the five-star general turned president who masterminded D-Day.

3. And is Home to Most of the Smithsonian Museums

For more than 150 years, the Smithsonian Institution’s collection of world-class museums has attracted millions of visitors from around the world. While there are other Smithsonian museums, galleries, and a zoo elsewhere in Washington DC , the majority of museums encircle the National Mall. 

Exploring the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, you’ll see:

• The tattered garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry, inspiring Francis Scott Key to pen the Star-Spangled Banner
• The plane Charles Lindbergh piloted as the first person to fly nonstop from New York to Paris
• A fireside chat microphone used by Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II
• The long-sleeved, shawl-collar floral print dress that Rosa Parks was stitching when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama
• A first-generation Apple Macintosh computer
• Julia Child’s kitchen from her television show, The French Chef

Sage Advice: This guide details all of the galleries and museums on the National Mall so you don’t miss anything!

4. The National Mall Is Buzzing with Activity

Delivering on its original concept, the National Mall remains a place where people can walk and socialize. More than 26 miles of pedestrian sidewalks and eight miles of bike trails wind their way through the National Mall. You’ll also find a variety of recreational fields, from volleyball courts to softball fields, at the National Mall. And, there are 47 drinking fountains on the National Mall, so it’s easy to stay hydrated as you explore or exercise.

Sage Advice: If you choose to visit the memorials by bike , be sure to dismount and walk your ride once you arrive to show your respect for the men and women being honored.

5. And the National Mall is Filled with Trees

There are more than 9,000 trees on the National Mall, including 2,300 American elms that line the length of the Mall and help frame the views between the Washington Monument and the US Capitol. But it’s the cherry trees that draw big crowds in the spring.

Most of the cherry trees in Washington DC line the shoreline of East Potomac Park, but small clusters of them add puffs of delicate pink flowers just northwest of the Lincoln Memorial and around the Washington Monument . 

The trees on the National Mall do more than provide color and shade. When the National Mall was originally designed, horse manure was the main cause of transportation-related pollution. In the 21st century, 440,000 cars and trucks zip through and around the Mall each weekday. And the trees standing tall in the National Park help remove hundreds of tons of pollution from the air.

6. The National Mall is the Site of Festivals

While the National Cherry Blossom Festival may be the most famous annual festival on the National Mall, it’s not the only one. Colorful kites dot the skies above the National Mall during the Blossom Kite Festival and parades and performances celebrate the nation’s birthday on the Fourth of July .

Related Article: 11 Fantastic Spots for Viewing DC Cherry Blossoms

7. And Many Historical Protests

From suffragettes to civil rights, the National Mall has been used for protests since the late 1800s. You may know that Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech was delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, but did you know about these other historical protests?

• March 1913 – More than 5,000 women (and a few men) marched down Pennsylvania Avenue demanding equal voting rights 
• October 1943 – As World War II raged in Europe and millions of Jews were being killed in concentration camps, 400 rabbis asked the United States to take action
• May 1957 – Known as the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom, 25,000 people gathered on the mall urging the Eisenhower Administration to force states to comply with the Brown v. Board of Education decision to desegregate public schools. At the time, it was the largest civil rights demonstration in US history.  

Frequently Asked Questions About the National Mall in Washington DC

What is the national mall.

The National Mall is a landscaped park that stretches over two miles from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial in the heart of Washington DC.

Why is it called the National Mall?

In the late 1700s, a mall was a tree-lined greenspace where people went to walk and socialize. So when a large public park was included in Pierre L’Enfant ’s original designs for the district, it was referred to by the common name of the time. 

How long is the National Mall?

The Mall is about two miles long and 0.3 miles wide. It’s anchored by the US Capitol on the east and the Lincoln Memorial on the west. Constitution Avenue marks the northern boundary, and Independence Avenue marks the southern.

What monuments are on the National Mall?

The National Mall and Memorial Parks include more than 100 unique monuments and memorials. The most renowned monuments and memorials on the Mall include the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Roosevelt Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, King Memorial, and World War II Memorial. 

What museums are on the National Mall?

In addition to several Smithsonian galleries and museums on the National Mall — like the National Air & Space, Natural History, and American History museums — you’ll also find the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum on the National Mall in Washington DC.

How far is the White House from the National Mall?

The White House is located directly north of the Washington Monument. It’s about a 15-minute, 0.6-mile walk from the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to this part of the National Mall.

What kind of trees line the National Mall?

American elms line the National Mall, and Japanese Yoshino cherry trees line the Tidal Basin.

Is the National Mall open at night?

Yes, the National Mall is open 24 hours a day. And, viewing the monuments by moonlight is especially awe-inspiring.

While Washington DC is a big city and you should always be aware of your surroundings, there are almost always people on the National Mall, and I’ve never felt unsafe visiting at night.

What are the best places to stay near the National Mall in Washington DC?

Foggy Bottom, Penn Quarter, and Capitol Hill are all good neighborhoods to stay in for easy access to the National Mall. This detailed guide can help you find the best places to stay in Washington, DC , based on your itinerary.

To Visit the National Mall in DC

Anchored by the US Capitol on the east and the Lincoln Memorial on the west, the National Mall lies predominantly between Constitution Ave NW and Independence Ave SW. 

The Mall is open 24 hours a day and is generally safe to visit at night.

Because parking is difficult in the District of Columbia, it’s best to visit the National Mall via public transportation .

Have You Visited the National Mall in Washington DC?

What did you do and see at the National Mall? What did you enjoy most? Any additional tips and tricks to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

Looking for more information to plan your Washington DC vacation? Check out my additional recommendations to help you plan your trip to Washington, DC , including what to see and do in Washington DC, the best places to stay in Washington DC, where to eat in Washington DC, and more!

Ready to Go? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

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• Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
• Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!

Thank you for sharing!

2 thoughts on “Beyond the Monuments: 7 Intriguing National Mall Facts”

I’ve only been here once when I visited a friend and we had a wonderful time walking around. I’d love to go again and check out the whole place, especially the Smithsonian galleries!

Oh, you’ll definitely have to go back!

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To help offset the costs of running EverydayWanderer.com, you’ll find affiliate links lightly sprinkled throughout the site.   If you choose to make a purchase via   one of these links , there’s no additional cost to you, but I’ll earn a teeny tiny commission.   You can read all of the legal blah blah blah (as my little niece says) on the   full disclosure page .

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Hundreds visit National Mall for Solar Eclipse Festival

W ASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — Hundred gathered on the National Mall to watch the 2024 solar eclipse on Monday. Cheers erupted as a slight shadow fell across the District.

The moon covered about 85% of the sun in D.C. around 3 p.m. on Monday as crowds in the District watched on.

The Smithsonian hosted the National Mall’s watch party, which featured booths with activities and information. Organizations such as NASA and NOAA made appearances as well.

The last eclipse that was visible from the region was in 2017 — the next eclipse visible from this part of the U.S. won’t happen until 2044.

“We’re getting about 89% [coverage], so that’s the best I can get without having to spend $1,000 to travel to the middle of nowhere in some places,” said D.C. resident Crispin Burke.

Burke set up on the National Mall with his phone set up, complete with a tripod and solar filter over the camera lens. He said he wanted to capture a timelapse of the eclipse.

Workers at tables giving out free eclipse glasses said that the glasses went fast. They started giving out the glasses around noon, but people were lined up as early as 11.

Workers said that they had around 5,000 glasses and cards for safe eclipse viewing. The glasses were all gone by the time the eclipse started around 2:04 p.m.

Dozens stood in line at the National Mall on Monday waiting for a chance to grab a pair of solar-filtered glasses in anticipation of the solar eclipse expected in the afternoon.

The eclipse reached its peak around 3 p.m. and ended around 4:30 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.

What to Know About the Japanese Prime Minister’s Visit to Washington

President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are expected to discuss everything from increased military cooperation to Japan’s participation in a NASA mission.

Japanese PM Comes to Washington

DREW ANGERER | AFP via Getty Images

Japanese Prime Minsiter Fumio Kishida arrives for a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on April 9, 2024.

This week marks a historic moment as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida makes his first official visit to the White House – the first state visit of a Japanese leader since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe came to the nation’s capital in 2015.

Talks between Biden and Kishida come at a crucial time, as both men look to shore up the alliance while they face their own political threats: in Biden's case, a close reelection campaign, and in Kishida’s, a political corruption scandal that has dampened his public support .

Did You Know?

Kishida, the fifth world leader honored by Biden with a state dinner since he took office in 2021, will dine at the White House on Wednesday. The two men are expected to discuss everything from increased military cooperation to Japan’s participation in NASA’s Artemis moon program. Kishida has also been invited to address the U.S. Congress on Thursday.

Here’s what to know about the visit:

Who Is Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida?

Kishida is head of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party and became the country’s prime minister in 2021, but spent part of his childhood attending elementary school in New York. Kishida has shifted Japan’s traditional approach to foreign policy by increasing the country’s military spending in 2023 from 6.8 trillion yen ($45 billion) to a record 7.7 trillion yen ( $51 billion). Several scandals have brought down his popularity, with a poll from last December indicating a record low approval rating of just 17%, according to reports .

What Is the Significance of the Japanese Prime Minister’s State Visit to the U.S.?

Relations between Japan and the United States are vital to ensuring both economic and military stability within the Pacific region at a time when concerns have been rising over China’s desire to expand its presence there, says Jeffrey Hornung, Japan lead for the National Security Research Division at RAND Corp., a global research organization. China for years has expressed a desire to take over control of Taiwan, Hornung says, and has more recently been in a territorial dispute with the Philippines over control of much of the South China Sea.

Hornung says the meeting between Biden and Kishida will help to highlight the strong alliance between the two countries in the face of heightened tensions with China as well as North Korea.

“It’s messaging, as well as an opportunity to just make sure the two countries are on the same page in moving forward in the various fields that they’re likely to discuss,” Hornung says.

What Is Likely to Be Discussed During Fumio Kishida’s State Visit to the U.S.?

One of the leading topics of discussion will be strategies for defense of the Pacific region moving forward, with a focus on strengthening the military industrial supply chain between Japan and the U.S., says Mireya Solis, director of the Center for Asia Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank.

Solis says new efforts are underway to restructure U.S military command in Japan in order to better coordinate joint military exercises as well as a defense response if Japan is attacked.

Also likely to be discussed is a potential invitation for Japan to become a member of AUKUS, a security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the U.S. launched in 2021 to provide Australia with nuclear-powered and conventionally-armed submarines.

On Thursday, the White House will hold a trilateral summit in which Kishida and Biden will be joined by Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to highlight their commitment to cooperation.

“The United States, with Japan at its side, is developing networks for a coalition of the like-minded to address some of the most significant challenges,” Solis says.

The two men are also likely to discuss cooperation in space exploration. Biden and Kishida are “expected to confirm Japan’s participation in NASA’s Artemis moon program as well as its contribution of a moon rover developed by Toyota Motor Corp.,” according to the Associated Press.

What Are Areas of Tension Between Japan and the U.S.?

Hornung says the only potential issue of contention between Japan and the U.S. lies not with their policies, but with an impending purchase of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel of Japan, which Biden has publicly opposed . Both Hornung and Solis however say it is very unlikely either Kishida or Biden will bring up the sale during their talks due to the politically sensitive nature of the issue both in the U.S. and in Japan.

“I think the position has been that they’re going to let the process work itself out,” Solis says.

What Is the Relationship Between the U.S. and Japan?

Hornung says the relationship between the U.S. and Japan currently is probably the strongest it has ever been, with the two countries fully aligned in their policies toward China, Russia and North Korea.

Solis agrees the current relationship is solid, adding that Japan’s more active role in recent years in trade and diplomacy with other countries has mostly aligned with the U.S. and elevated its presence in places like Africa and South America.

But uncertainty hangs over the meeting, with questions over whose hands will be controlling American foreign policy after the November 2024 U.S. presidential election. Former President Donald Trump – the presumptive Republican presidential nominee – has previously embraced a more transactional type of relationship regarding its alliance with countries like Japan, which still sees the U.S. as key to its security, Solis says.

“If the United States were to pull back being fully committed to its alliances that would obviously change things in a very profound way,” Solis says.

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