National Mall & Monuments

Washington D.C.'s National Mall and park contain the United States' most significant monuments and government sites, connecting the Capitol Building with the White House. The central reflecting pool leads to the famous obelisk of the Washington Monument, and surrounding highlights include the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Smithsonian museums and many important art galleries also encircle the area. Nearby, the Tidal Basin reservoir attracts scores of visitors year-round, but especially during the cherry blossom season in March and April—and here you can also find the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial.

An unforgettable experience for children, history buffs and lovers of architecture and nature walks alike, the National Mall is something every U.S. citizen and visitor to Washington, D.C., should see in their lifetime. Depending on whether it is your first or fifteenth visit, we recommend allocating at least a couple hours to explore, if not a half-day tour—or a full day, if you intend to visit the museums.

To book private, expert-guided tours and other special experiences at the National Mall, contact your Trip Designer or email info@indagare.com to learn more and inquire. A wonderful way to enjoy the National Mall and monuments is to run or walk from Georgetown along the waterfront. The two-mile route will bring you to the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and then the World War II Memorial, which is always humbling.

Indagare Intel: Currently under construction is a $69-million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial, with the addition of a new museum within the caverns that sit underneath it. The new museum will uncover how the famed memorial was built and explore its important role in the civil rights movement—and national celebrations up to present day. It is expected to be unveiled in 2026.