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    National Mall & Memorial Parks

    District of Columbia

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Things To Know Before You Come

Park Regulations

Federal laws prohibit smoking, bicycling or skating, eating, drinking, and certain other activities inside memorial spaces. Pets are excluded from most memorials. Feeding wildlife is prohibited.

Parking

Street and lot parking in the National Mall and Memorial Parks is unable to accommodate all the visitors the park receives. Thoughout downtown Washington, D.C., parking is at a premium. Parking garages are available off the National Mall throughout downtown. Limited, free, all-day parking is available along Ohio Drive, SW which is along the Potomac River south of the Lincoln Memorial, and in Lots A, B, and C south of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Public Transportation

A variety of public transportation options including Metro rail and bus are the recommended means to travel to the National Mall and Memorial Parks. For most heavily-trafficked areas of the National Mall, Smithsonian metro station is the nearest, but several other stations are useful. Visit WMATA for information on public transit options, rates, and schedules.

Walking

Many visitors are surprised by the amount of walking they do in the park. Plan to wear appropriate shoes for standing for long periods and walking long distances.

Heat-Related Illness

Heat-related illness, caused by a combination of heat, overexertion, and dehydration, can be a life-threatening condition. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, rest in the shade, protect yourself from the sun, and wear breathable clothing.

Did You Know?

DCWARdyk

There is no national memorial to veterans of World War I in the National Mall and Memorial Parks.  However, the District of Columbia erected the D.C. War Memorial to honor its sons who died in service in World War I.  The memorial and the grounds were restored in 2011.