National Mall

"The National Mall is a public park located in downtown Washington D.C., stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. It is home to many of the nation's most important monuments and memorials, including the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll through the National Mall's beautiful gardens, which include the National Garden and the United States Botanic Garden. The National Mall can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist season, so it's best to visit during weekdays and avoid weekends and holidays. Admission to the park is free, but there may be fees for certain attractions. The National Mall is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Metrorail, and there are plenty of parking garages and metered parking spots nearby. In close proximity to the National Mall, visitors can also explore the Smithsonian museums, such as the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History, as well as other important landmarks such as the White House and the U.S. Capitol Building."

"The National Mall is over 1,000 acres and connects iconic sites such as the Capitol Building on the east end and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. Designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a French-born architect who envisioned Washington, DC, as a "federal city" symbolizing unity and democracy, the Mall embodies his grand vision. Starting in the late 18th century, L’Enfant planned for a grand, open space lined with cultural institutions and monumental architecture. A key feature is the Reflecting Pool, where the reflection of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial creates a photogenic view. In addition, the World War II Memorial honors the sacrifices of soldiers with 56 granite columns and a pair of triumphal arches, accompanied by a tranquil fountain and reflective pools. Though completed in segments, it’s designed to embody unity and democracy. Each site along the Mall honors significant moments in the American history."

"I was once asked by a visitor if the National Mall was a shopping mall. It was originally named the "Mall" as a place where people in the 1700s played pall-mall, a game similar to croquet. The term "Mall" for the National Mall became the accepted term in the 1900s. Source: https://mallhistory.org/explorations/show/whymall#"