The National Mall050

This lovely green rectangle, which stretches for one and a half miles between the Washington Monument and the Capitol, is positively humming with activity once warm weather begins.

Mimes, jugglers, street performers, the magnificent Carousel in front of the Arts and Industries building, the barrage of Smithsonian museums to visit, picnicking, kite flying... you practically never have to go anywhere else!

At the east end, you'll find the US Capitol. As you travel west, you'll pass the United States Botanic Garden, the museums, the two Sculpture Gardens (which face each other), and then the Washington Monument and the outdoor Sylvan Theater (near the corner of 15th Street and Independence Avenue).

On the west side of the Monument, you'll find first the National World War II Memorial and then the Constitution Gardens, with the famous reflecting pool, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial, all leading up to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

The National Park Service website has a good, detailed map.