Directions

 

National Mall and Memorial Parks preserves federal parkland envisioned in 1791 by Federal City planner Peter L'Enfant and brought to fruition by District Commissioners and L'Enfant's successor Andrew Ellicott. The park encompasses more than one thousand acres and includes the Mall area itself; many of the uptown circles, squares, and triangular parcels of land; and East and West Potomac Parks.

Getting There

Plane

Three major airports link Washington, D.C. with the rest of the country and the world. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport all have limousine, taxi cab, or Metro services available that will connect with the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

Car

Interstate 395 provides access to the National Mall and Memorial Parks from the South. Interstate 495, New York Avenue, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Cabin John Parkway provide access from the North. Interstate 66, U.S. Routes 50 and 29 provide access from the West. U.S. Routes 50, 1, and 4 provide access from the East.

Bicycle

Several major bicycle trails make their ways to and through Washington, D.C. The Nation's Capital area is extremely bicycle friendly and readily accessible to riders of nearly every skill level. For detailed information about bicycle riding in the area, consult the Bicycling Information link.

Public Transportation

There are several Metro train and bus routes from the suburban areas surrounding the city. In addition to Washington, D.C. public transportation, adjacent state and commonwealth transportation authorities offer train service from area cites to the Nation's Capital. Consult the Public Transportation link for additional details.

Parking

General visitor parking is available along Ohio Drive, SW between the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials. Bus parking is available primarily along Ohio Drive, SW near the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials and along Ohio Drive, SW in East Potomac Park. See the Maps section for a detailed understanding of these areas.

There is limited handicapped parking at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt and World War II Memorials and near the Washington Monument and the Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln, Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials; otherwise, parking is extremely scarce in Washington, D.C.

Tour Buses

The National Park Service welcomes visitors to the National Mall and Memorial Parks and provides bus access at each of the major monuments, memorials and sites to the fullest extent possible. Space is limited for all motor vehicles; therefore, some locations are restricted to loading and unloading of passengers only. Key bus access areas are listed here.