The National Mall
National Mall Homepage
ADDRESS:
National Capital Parks-Central
The National Mall
900 Ohio Drive, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20242
TELEPHONE:
(202) 426-6841 INFORMATION
OPERATING HOURS:
The memorials and monuments on the National Mall are opened daily from 8:00 AM
until 11:45 PM, every day except Christmas Day. The Washington Monument is open
daily from 8:00 AM until 11:45 PM from the first Sunday in April through Labor Day
and the rest of the year from 9:00 AM until 4:45 PM. It is also closed on Christmas
Day.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
The climate in Washington D.C. is seasonal. Summers can be very hot and humid
with an average temperature of 82. Winters are variable and can be very mild to very
cold. The average winter temperature is 35. Clothing should be in accordance with
the season.
DIRECTIONS:
BY CAR:
Interstates 66 and 395 provide access to the Mall from the south. Interstate
495, New York Avenue, Rock Creek Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway,
and the Cabin John Parkway provide access from the North. Interstate 66, Route 50
and 29 provide access from the West. Routes 50, 1, and 4 provide access from the
East.
METRO:
There are several metro train routes from the suburban areas surrounding
the city. The Smithsonian Metro stop comes out on the National Mall.
BY AIR:
Three major airports link Washington, D.C. with the rest of the country and the world. National Airport, Dulles Airport, and Baltimore-Washington Airport all have limo, cab, or Metro services available that will connect with the National Mall.
BY SHUTTLE TOUR:
PARKING:
CARS:
Parking is extremely scarce in Washington, D.C. Parking is available on city streets
during non-rush hour times (9:00 AM until 4:00 PM) during the week. There are
parking lots at the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial that provide two
hour parking. Parking is available for longer periods along Ohio Drive near the Lincoln
and Jefferson Memorials.
BUSSES:
Bus parking is primarily available along Ohio Drive near the Lincoln and Jefferson
Memorials. A brochure concerning Bus parking and loading and un-loading areas is
available by calling the park at (202)426-6841.
IN PARK:
Bicycles and inline skates are allowed along paved roads and walkways in the park. Neither are allowed in the memorial or monument areas such as in the chambers of the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, or along the walls at the Vietnam and Korean
FEES:
There are no fees to visit any of the monuments or memorials on the National Mall.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES:
Park Rangers present several interpretive programs and
talks throughout the year. They provide 10 and 30 minute talks at each of the sites
and during the summer months provide 2 hour walking tours about the History of the
National Mall and other related themes.
LODGING AND CAMPING FACILITIES:
There are hundreds of hotels and motels in
both downtown Washington, D.C and the surrounding areas. Camping is available in
the surrounding areas.
FOOD:
There are numerous restaurants, fast-food chains, and grocery stores in and
around the Washington, D.C. area.
OTHER CONCESSIONS, NPS MANAGED VISITOR FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
BOOKSTORE:
There are bookstores located in the Lincoln Memorial the Washington Monument, and
the Jefferson Memorial. All of the bookstores are operated by
Parks & History Association.
SHUTTLE TOUR:
Tourmobile Sightseeing offers daily narrated shuttle tours to 18 major sites on the National Mall and in Arlington National Cemetery. One ticket allows unlimited free reboarding throughout the day. You will find boarding locations throughout the National Mall, at the major monuments and memorials, and at the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor Center. Advance arrangements available through TicketMaster 1-800-551-SEAT (outside DC, Maryland and Virginia). The local number is 202-432-SEAT.
FOOD AND DRINK:
Guest Services Management, a concessioner, has five locations on the Mall that provide food and drink.
ACCESSIBILITY:
All areas of the National Mall are wheelchair accessible. Each site
on the Mall has one wheelchair that can be used by visitors.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES, PARK USE:
Ranger interpretive programs and talks,
sight-seeing.
RESERVATION, PERMITS:
Advance reservations can be made to the Washington
Monument can be made by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-505-5040. They will
provide a free timed reservation for a minimal service charge. Free timed tickets are
available, through November and December 1995, at a ticket kiosk on 15th street at the base of the Washington Monument. This is a two month trial period for the ticketing system
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
In order to see and appreciate all that the
National Mall has to offer, a full day or more is recommended.
SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
There are numerous special events that take place
on the National Mall. For more information about special events, contact the Office
of Public Affairs at (202)619-7222. Ranger programs are offered daily at all of the
sites. For more information regarding ranger programs, contact the park at (202)426-
6841.
VISITOR IMPACT:
Information concerning closing of the sites due to weather
conditions or other factors can be obtained by calling the Office of Public Affairs
(202)619-7222 or the park (202)426-6841.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
There are a number of other National Park
Service sites nearby. Ford's Theater National Historic Site, Arlington House,The
White House, the Old Post Office, the Frederick Douglas House, Rock Creek Park,
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Prince William Forest Park, and the George
Washington Memorial Parkway are all very close to the National Mall.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write to the park headquarters for moe information at:
National Capital parks-Central
The National Mall
900 Ohio Drive, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20042