National Mall (The Mall)

Reaching from the U.S. Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall is a tree- and museum-lined grassy expanse that becomes the focal point of many tourists' D.C. sightseeing. And although it might look like an easy jaunt from one end to the other, roundtrip — from tip to tip — it's an about five-mile venture, so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring some water. Recent travelers say the National Mall — either toured by day and popping in museums and around memorials or toured by night and enjoying the sights by lamplight — is an indispensable D.C. experience.