Explore the National Mall

In 1791, President George Washington commissioned French engineer, Pierre L’Enfant, to design the new seat of power for the nascent government. His idea for the Mall was to create a massive, public, tree-lined space that would provide a lively area in the heart of the capital. Fast-forward to the present day, and the essence of L’Enfant’s concept is largely intact. Considered a National Park, the National Mall should be your first stop during your first time in Washington, D.C. The Lincoln Memorial sits to the west, the U.S. Capitol to the east, with the Washington Memorial dividing the area slightly. Within its borders, you’ll also find some of D.C.’s finest museums, art galleries, sculptures and statues