5 Must-See Sites at the National Mall in Washington, DC

There's nothing like your feet touching the grounds of the National Mall for the very first time. Kindly note that we are not referring to a mall where you go and shop, but the National Mall, a landscaped park in Washington, DC. It is an incredible experience to actually see the majestic monuments and memorials, as well as the historic buildings that make up the past, present, and future of America's culture. Although it's not possible to thoroughly tour the nation's capital in one day, we highly recommend you visit at least one of these 5 sites below. The great thing about these locations is that they are only a walking distance apart, so with adequate planning and timing, it'll be possible to cover most, if not all in a day.

1. National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), which opened on September 24, 2016, is a place where all can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience. Located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue North West on the National Mall, admission to the museum is free, although time passes may be required during the peak season (March-August) and on weekends.

Inside the museum, visitors can learn about the pain and the resiliency of the people who were enslaved. They can stand in awe of the courage of the leaders of the Emancipation and Civil Rights movements. In addition, they can reflect upon the impact of African Americans on science and technology, religion, the arts, athletics, and more. For more information on the NMAAHC, visit their official website on https://nmaahc.si.edu/

Nearest Metro Station: Smithsonian

2. The Washington Monument

Built to honor the first President of the United States, George Washington, the 555-foot marble obelisk towers over Washington, DC. Located on the grounds of the National Mall, almost due east of the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial, the monument was the tallest building in the world upon its completion in 1884.

Planning a visit to the Monument, visit https://www.nps.gov/wamo/planyourvisit/fees.htm for more detailed information.

Nearest Metro Station: Smithsonian

3. National World War II Memorial

The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the United States Armed Forces, the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home.

Located adjacent to the Washington Monument, in the heart of the National mall, the memorial is opened to visitors 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. For more information about visiting the memorial, accessibility, parking, directions, special events and other details, please visit the National Park Service Web site at www.nps.gov/nwwm or call the Park Service at 202-208-3818.

Nearest Metro Station: Smithsonian

4. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

The Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Memorial honors MLK's legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality and justice. Dr. King was a tireless advocate for racial equality, working class, and the oppressed around the world. The inspiration for the memorial design is a line from King's "I Have A Dream" speech: "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope."

Located in West Potomac Park next to the National Mall in Washington, DC, quotes line the walls around the sculpture, which reflect on the life and legacy of MLK.

Nearest Metro Station: Smithsonian

5. The White House

Official residence and workplace of the Commander in Chief of the United States, the White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue North West in Washington, DC. Every President since John Adams has occupied the White House, and aside being the home of the President of the United States and his family, it is also a museum of American history.

A popular go-to attraction site for most tourists, special authorization is actually needed to tour the inside of the White House. Visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/tours-events/ for more information on touring the White House.

Nearest Metro Station: Mcpherson Square

Disclaimer: All images are the sole rights of Educational Connect, although most wordy contents have been taken from the official online pages of these attraction sites.