Washington, D.C. National Mall Maps and Information

These National Mall maps serve as a guide to help you find your way to the heart of Washington, D.C. and to see the layout of the most familiar historic landmarks.

The National Mall encompasses a large geographical area extending from Constitution Avenue to the north, Independence Avenue to the south, Third Street to the east and 14th Street to the west.

The areas in green on the maps are parks and maintained by the National Park Service. The subsequent maps will show areas in more detail.

Parking is very limited in this part of Washington, D.C. The major parking garages are located on the streets surrounding the National Mall. Traffic can be very congested and depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and events going on you may be better off taking public transportation. 

Metro Stations near the National Mall include Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown, Capitol South, L’Enfant Plaza, Federal Center SW, Archives-Navy Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. 

This map shows more detail of the National Mall, including the Washington Monument, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Tidal Basin.

The National Mall is not just a great place to visit the world-class museums and national landmarks, but also a gathering place to picnic and attend outdoor festivals. Americans and visitors from all over the world have used the expansive lawn as a site for protests and rallies.

The impressive architecture and natural beauty of the Mall make it a unique place that celebrates and preserves our nation’s history and democracy.

Washington, D.C. is a city of monuments and memorials honoring the generals, politicians, poets, and statesmen who helped shape the nation. Many memorials are open late into the night and are beautifully lighted making after dark an ideal time to visit. Some of the sightseeing tours visit the monuments and memorials and can take you on a night tour.  

This page shows more detail of the National Mall, including the Capitol Building, Union Station and several of the Smithsonian Museums.

The U.S. Capitol Building, the meeting chambers for the Senate and the House of Representatives, is one of the most recognizable historic buildings in Washington, D.C., located at the opposite end of the National Mall from the Washington Monument.

Union Station is not just for train travelers. The station, built in 1907, houses a shopping mall and serves as a venue for world-class exhibitions and international cultural events. The historic building is considered to be one of the finest examples of the Beaux-Arts style of architecture.

Getting around the Washington, D.C. area can be difficult, especially during rush hour. It's ideal to learn the Metro system or take a sightseeing tour, but if you are driving, here are the best ways to get there. 

Directions from Maryland (Northwest of Washington, D.C. )

1. Follow the Capital Beltway/I-495 South
2. Take the George Washington Memorial Pkwy toward Washington
3. Exit onto I-395 North toward Washington
4. Take the 12th St exit
5. Merge onto 12th St SW
6. Turn right at Constitution Ave NW/US-1
7. The National Mall will be on the right

Directions from Maryland (Northeast of Washington, D.C. )

1. Follow I-295 South towards Washington
2. Exit at New York Ave NE/US-50 W
3. Turn left at 6th St NW/US-1
4. Turn right at Constitution Ave NW/US-1
5. The National Mall will be on the left

Directions From Virginia

1. Take I-495 South to 395 North towards Washington
2. Take the 12th Street Exit
3. Merge onto 12th Street
4. Turn right at Constitution Ave NW/US-1
5. The National Mall will be on the right