The National Mall: A Historic Heartbeat of Washington, D.C.
Explore the National Mall, a historic park in Washington, D.C., filled with iconic monuments, museums, and rich American history.
The National Mall is a sprawling park in the heart of Washington, D.C., home to iconic monuments, museums, and lush green spaces, making it a must-visit for tourists. This historic landmark offers a unique glimpse into the nation's heritage and serves as a gathering place for millions.
A brief summary to National Mall
- Washington, District of Columbia, US
- Click to display
- Click to display
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking a lot; the Mall is expansive and best explored on foot.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.
- Take advantage of the free Smithsonian museums located along the Mall for a deeper understanding of American history.
- Check the calendar for special events or festivals that may be happening during your visit for a unique experience.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassy areas, especially during pleasant weather.
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Getting There
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Bus
From Laurel, head to the nearest bus stop, which is located at the Laurel Town Center. Take the Metrobus Route 87 towards Greenbelt Station. After approximately 30 minutes, get off the bus at the Greenbelt Metro Station. From there, transfer to the Washington Metro (Yellow Line) heading towards Gallery Place. Ride the Yellow Line for about 20 minutes until you reach the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station. Exit the station and follow the signs to the National Mall, which is just a short 5-minute walk.
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Train
Make your way to the Laurel Marc Train Station. Board a MARC Train on the Penn Line heading towards Washington, D.C. The journey will take about 30 minutes. Once you arrive at Union Station, follow the signs to exit the station. From there, you can either walk (approximately 20 minutes) or take the Metro Red Line from Union Station to Gallery Place. After arriving at Gallery Place, transfer to the Yellow Line towards Greenbelt and get off at the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station. The National Mall is a short 5-minute walk from there.
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Bicycle
If you enjoy cycling, you can rent a bike from a local bike-share program. Start from downtown Laurel and head towards the Paint Branch Trail. Follow the trail until you reach the junction with the Anacostia River Trail. Continue along the Anacostia River Trail towards Washington, D.C. The ride will take approximately 1 hour, and you will arrive at the National Mall. Be sure to follow the designated bike lanes for safety.
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Walking
For the adventurous, you can also consider walking. Start at the Laurel Town Center and head south on Laurel-Bowie Road (Route 197). Walk towards the intersection with US-1 (Baltimore Avenue). Continue south along US-1 until you reach the Greenbelt Metro Station, which is about 5 miles away. From Greenbelt Station, take the Metro Yellow Line towards Gallery Place, and get off at L'Enfant Plaza. The National Mall is a short 5-minute walk from there.
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