Washington, D.C., is a large place. The monuments around the National Mall may appear close on a map but are actually quite a good distance from each other. The Mall itself is more than 2 miles long, stretching east to west from the Lincoln Memorial to the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial just behind the Capitol Building. This does not include the distance to Jefferson Memorial on the south side of Tidal Basin and the Arlington National Cemetery on the west side of the Potomac River, which itself covers more than 600 acres. It is easy to rack up the miles after just a few hours of sightseeing.
Traveling by foot allows for the most freedom but can be slow and many times cause sore feet. Foot travel lets visitors take in the sights and sounds at their own pace without any added safety or time-delay distractions. In addition, foot travel allows for visitors to take short cuts through fields and parks. This is the preferred method of travel around the National Mall for many. This is not recommended when traveling to other sites in the greater area, as distances are too large.
Bike is the swiftest way of viewing the area and allows for greater mobility. Certain laws must be adhered to; for example, all bicyclists younger than 16 must wear a helmet, front and back lights must be used at night, and bike travel is restricted in certain areas and sidewalks. Bicyclists may only lock their bikes to approved racks or risk impoundment. Organized bike tours are available through numerous outfitters, including the city of Washington, D.C., and the National Park Service.
Public transportation offers the comforts of a subway train or bus with air-conditioning and heat but restricts travel to the Metro's schedule. For areas around the Mall, the short distances covered by the bus may not be worth the wait, whereas when traveling to Georgetown or the surrounding area, public transportation offers the quickest means of travel.
Every visitor must see the National Mall. It is where almost every iconic monument is located and many historical events have taken place. Visit the Mall both during the day and at night, particularly during the summer months when the fountains of the World War II monument are flowing and the Mall is beautifully lit up, creating a peaceful yet solemn atmosphere. The Korean War Monument is one of the most powerful monuments in the Mall and one of its least known. Just off of the Mall, the Jefferson Memorial is less visited than most other monuments; this tribute to the man who wrote the two most important documents in American history often goes under appreciated allowing for many times a solitary experience. Georgetown is home to the historic university and many historic homes and buildings as well as many shops and restaurants, and D.C.'s small Chinatown just north of the Mall is always worth a visit.
