National Mall
National Mall
The National Mall has gained its fame as a large park area in the heart of Washington, D.C. Stretching from 3rd Street near the Capitol to 14th Street, the National Mall is host to many popular American landmarks. When you visit Washington, D.C. you will most likely end up in the Mall whether you mean to or not. Whether you choose to relax among the grassy areas or just walk to and from other attractions, be certain to take in the beauty of the formation of the National Mall.
Touring the National Mall may sound like an unattainable feat. However, although the Mall is rather large in area the landmarks and attractions are but short walks from each other. You may want to begin by touring the attractions that are closest together and then expand outward.
On the outer perimeter of the National Mall is a line of museums. The National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History are right next to each other. A little farther past the Natural History museum is the National Sculpture Garden, followed by the National Gallery of Art. The Ulysses S. Grant memorial lies behind the Capitol Reflecting Pool, just in front of the U.S. Capitol building. Make sure you walk up the Capitol steps just so you can say you did it! Continuing down the other side of the Mall, you will find the U.S. Botanic Garden. Crossing over 3rd Street, you will reach the National Museum of the American Indian, followed by the National Air and Space Museum. Don't forget to check out on of the many presentations at the planetarium! Farther down Jefferson Drive, you will find the Smithsonian Institution as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture building.
On the outskirts of the National Mall are the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, Constitution Gardens, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. Of course, the famous Reflecting Pool sits in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Just don't bring your bathing suit. Contrary to the movies, it is illegal to swim in the Reflecting Pool!
Visiting Washington, D.C. will give you a great idea and sense of American pride, whether you are native or foreign. The National Mall will certainly strengthen that sense and will allow you to relive American history at its worst and best.
