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National Mall

The National Mall's origins are as old as the capital city itself. The open space and parklands envisioned by Pierre L'Enfant's plan, which was commissioned by George Washington, created an ideal stage for national expressions of remembrance, observance and protest.

The National Mall resources include the 2,000 American elms which line the Mall and the 3,000 internationally renowned Japanese cherry trees which grace the Tidal Basin. Gardens that are
botanical showplaces display thousands of tulips, pansies and annuals in over 170 flower beds, and 35 ornamental pools and fountains range from
the simple to the sublime. This impressive mingling of natural and cultural resources has made our Nation's Capital one of the most heavily visited and photographed places in the world.


Contact Information

The National Mall
900 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20024-2000
202.485.9880 - Headquarters
202.485.9880 - Visitor Information


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Getting There

By Plane
Three major airports link Washington, D.C. with the rest of the country and the world. Ronald
Reagan National Airport, Washingotn Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore-Washington
Airport all have limo, cab, or Metro services available that will connect with the National Mall.

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, U.S. Route 50 and 29 provide access from the West. U.S. Routes 50, 1, and 4 provide access from the East. There is Handicapped parking at the memorial, otherwise parking is extremely scarce in
Washington, D.C.

There are small parking lots at the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial that provide two hour parking. Parking is available for longer periods along Ohio Drive between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Bus parking is primarily available along Ohio Drive near the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. A brochure concerning Bus parking and loading and unloading areas is available by calling (202)426-6841.

By Plane
There are several Metro train routes from the suburban areas surrounding the city. The Smithsonian Metro stop comes out on the National Mall.

Getting Around
Bicycles and inline skates are allowed along paved roads and walkways in the park. They are not
allowed in the memorial or monument areas such as in the chambers of the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, or along the walls at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials.

Activities

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.
thebackpacker.com If you want more information about backpacking and hiking, give thebackpacker.com a try. From backpacking gear reviews, hiking trail reviews and much more, it covers all aspects of wilderness travel.
  • Biking
  • Educational Programs

Recommended Activities
Tourmobile Shuttle Tour


 

The National Park System includes all US States and even extends to some US Territories. To explore the parks, you may either browse the parks by State or by Name.

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Find Hiking and Biking Trails
If you like to go hiking or biking, then don't forget to get a map and guidebook. Trails.com offers a great service that allows unlimited downloads of trail guides for a small monthly fee. They even have a 14 day free trial. Whether you are looking for day hikes, backpacking trails, mountain bike routes or just short nature stroll, they cover it all. So let Trails.com help plan your next outing.
RV Information
Are you planning on traveling with your RV? If you are, you should check out the Good Sam Club. The Good Sam Club offers discounts on camping, a free magazine subscription and great tips on traveling with your RV. You can also get a free no-obligation RV Insurance quote . Give them a look and enjoy your trip.
Gear Up For Your Trip
Once you have finished deciding where to go, it will be time to gear up. A great place for adventure travel gear is The National Geographic Store. They have all types of maps and guides to help finalize your vacation plans.