4 Hidden Gems at the National Mall in Washington DC

Summer is now in full swing and there’s no better place to spend a hot day in the sun than our nation’s capital. With all the monuments, historical charm , and world-class, free museums that they won’t let you into it’s impossible to go wrong with a nice day trip to the National Mall.

The National Mall is a massive park in the middle of Washington DC that includes dozens of historic landmarks, memorials, government buildings, and museums. It is the most widely visited national park in the country, drawing in over 24 million visitors annually. That may seem like an impossible number, but it’s not hard to see why the National Mall is such a popular destination once you go and see it for yourself.

The only problem is that since there’s so many people who want to come and see the sights, especially during the summer, you can easily find yourself drowning in a sea of people. Gross…

While it’s an unfortunate truth that you’ll be resigned to waiting in long lines if you want to see it all, the good news is that there are more than a few places you can go that are just as interesting and, more importantly, much less crowded. Below are 4 of these hidden gems that should be a must-see on any traveler’s itinerary.

National Archives

This one might not be the most “hidden” but it is certainly a gem of incredible value, especially if you come on a Sunday morning to beat the crowd. The National Archives building houses several historically significant documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. It’s also home to dozens of other important texts like the Louisiana Purchase Treaty and the Emancipation Proclamation. They even have an original copy of the Magna Carta, dating all the way back to the year 1297.

Smithsonian Castle

Officially known as the Smithsonian Institution Building, the Smithsonian Castle is a uniquely designed building that serves as the main headquarters of the Smithsonian system. Designed by James Renwick Jr – who also designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York – the Smithsonian Castle features the Enid A. Haupt Garden: a nice little place to have a quick rest between stops.

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

Right across the street from the National Archives lies the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. A cozy place to take a look at some wacky sculptures, the garden also has centrally-located café where sightseers can get ripped off while enjoying a decent meal. The central fountain converts into an ice-skating rink during winter, so there’s always a reason to come hang out at the sculpture garden no matter what time of year it is.

National Museum of the American Indian

Perhaps the coolest-looking building in the entire city, the lesser-known National Museum of the American Indian also serves as one of the most fascinating of the Smithsonian museums. Come to learn about the history and culture of the Native Americans, stay for the impressive art galleries and amazing gift shop.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to see in the National Mall, and although you might not be able to conquer it all in a day you should still have enough time to check out these 4 conveniently-located attractions during your trip.

Do you think there’s somewhere else that should have been included in this list? If so, please let us know what you think!