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.

 Directions 

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.

Car - Interstate 395 provides 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 limited handicapped parking at the Lincoln and FDR memorials, otherwise parking is extremely scarce in Washington, D.C.

General visitor parking is available along Ohio Drive between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Bus parking is primarily available along Ohio Drive near the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials.

Public Transportation - There are several metro