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The open parkland of the National Mall is a popular place for morning and evening walks and jogs. The distance between the steps of the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial is 1.9 miles.

Pictured: Joggers on the National Mall at sunset

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National Mall

There’s nothing like arriving on the National Mall for the very first time. Seeing the Washington Monument rising majestically to the sky at one end and the stately U.S. Capitol Building at the other, it’s hard not to think of our forefathers. Explore the swath of land that is America’s front yard and you’ll find inspiring monuments, museums and family fun.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Signature landmarks on the National Mall: the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol, all bathed in twilight.
Guide to the National Mall
Your ultimate guide to "the Mall," home of world-famous monuments and memorials, awe-inspiring museums and even more nearby.
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Guide to Visiting the U.S. Capitol
Plan your visit to the U.S. Capitol Building. You might even see Congress in session!
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The Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall provides a doubling vista, and a cooling station for geese.
Explore the Mall's Monuments & Memorials
Read our guide to the majestic monuments and memorials situated around the National Mall.
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DC Travel Inspiration

Trip Ideas

President Lincoln's Washington
A powerful president at a turbulent time, Abraham Lincoln remains a powerful presence in Washington.
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The Inauguration takes place on the U.S. Capitol's west front, allowing for a large number of spectators to gather on the National Mall and witness history.
The 57th Presidential Inauguration
Everything you need to know about the country’s largest political party on the National Mall.
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The Smithsonian Castle was the first of the Smithsonian museums and is a great starting point for newcomers. In addition to artifacts, the Castle features an overview movie (starring Ben Stiller) and a map of the Smithsonians.
Museums on the National Mall
A dozen free museums flank the National Mall between the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument. It’s impossible to pick one highlight in this walkable treasure map of art, science and history. No two visits (and no two visitors) are alike.
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One of the most iconic shots in all of DC, it's not hard to take advantage of this photo op yourself. It was taken from across the Memorial Bridge.
Tours of DC's Monuments & Memorials
No trip to Washington, DC is complete without touring our celebrated monuments and memorials.
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The U.S. Capitol grounds are nearly 60 acres, and thousands of flowers are planted seasonally to spruce up the landscape.
Visiting the U.S. Capitol
Learn how to tour the U.S. Capitol -- you might get to see Congress in session while you're there.
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The Lincoln Memorial seemingly rises from the snow on a winter day in DC.
DC Itinerary: 5 Days in Winter
Stay warm in Washington, DC, during your winter visit by checking out these hot attractions.
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Signature landmarks on the National Mall: the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol, all bathed in twilight.
DC Itinerary: 3 Days in the Nation's Capital
Make these must-dos part of your to-do list and hit the highlights of the nation's capital.
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Aerial view of the Washington Monument
The National Mall
Explore the monuments, memorials and museums of the National Mall, and have fun off the Mall, too.
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The Stone of Hope features a 30-foot sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
The newest memorial on the National Mall is the first to honor a non-president.
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