Closures for 2025: Dec 11, 25. Closures for 2026: Jan 8, Feb 3, Mar 4, Apr 6, May 7, Jun 2, July 8, Aug 3, Sep 10, Oct 5, Nov 11,26, Dec 25. The monument is also closed for the Holidays on July 4 and Dec 25 each year.
National Mall and Memorial Parks
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
Located in DC, National Mall and Memorial Parks preserves a remarkably unique landscape. Unlike typical tourist hubs, this park unit is cherished by locals and outdoor enthusiasts for its quiet trails, scenic views, and raw natural beauty.
About National Mall and Memorial Parks
National Mall and Memorial Parks is a located in Washington D.C.. Washington, DC has all four seasons. Humidity will make the temps feel hotter in summer and colder in winter. Spring (March - May) Temp: Average high is 65.5 degrees with a low of 46.5 degrees Summer (June - August) Temp: Average high is 86 degrees with a low of 68.5 degrees. Can get into the 100s. Fall (September - November) Temp: Average high is 68 degrees with a low of 51.5 degrees Winter (December - February) Temp: Average high is 45 degrees with a low of 30 degrees (Source: www.usclimatedata.com)
National Mall and Memorial Parks preserves more than one thousand acres of federal parkland in Washington, DC, including: the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, DC War Memorial, and East and West Potomac Parks; Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to National Mall and Memorial Parks is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
National Mall and Memorial Parks offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Live Music, Biking, and 14 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at National Mall and Memorial Parks
🥾 Activity-Specific Gear
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for National Mall and Memorial Parks
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of National Mall and Memorial Parks before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for National Mall and Memorial Parks. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of National Mall and Memorial Parks. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
This is where the nation comes to remember and where history is made. As “America’s Front Yard,” the National Mall and Memorial Parks is home to many of our country’s most iconic memorials telling the story of people and events that shaped us as a nation. Each year, millions of people come to recreate, commemorate presidential legacies, honor our veterans, and make their voices heard.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about National Mall and Memorial Parks
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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