Morning Wellness: Walk & Talk on the National Mall
Prefer to start your day outdoors? Join a small group for an easy 2.5-mile walk (about 50 minutes) past some of Washington’s most iconic sights. Come for the fresh air and stay for the conversation. It’s the perfect way to meet someone new before the day begins. The pace is relaxed and conversational, and we’ll be back in plenty of time for breakfast at AARP.
The route
Judiciary Square (0.5 mi). We’ll head west on G St to 4th St, then south through Judiciary Square past the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and down through John Marshall Park to Pennsylvania Ave.
The National Mall (0.3 mi). We’ll cross onto the Mall at 4th St and follow the gravel path west, past the National Gallery of Art’s West Building to 7th St.
Toward the Capitol (0.5 mi). We’ll turn around and take the Mall’s center path east toward the Capitol dome, ending at the Capitol Reflecting Pool and the Grant Memorial.
Capitol West Front and grounds (0.6 mi). We’ll climb toward the West Front for the sweeping view down the Mall to the Washington Monument, then wander north through the Capitol grounds to the Taft Memorial and Carillon.
Back to the hotel (0.65 mi). We’ll head north on New Jersey Ave NW to G St, then west to 3rd St and the Arlo.
Why this route: We’ll be walking just after sunrise. The sun comes up behind the Capitol, so from the West Front it’s at your back, lighting the whole length of the Mall down to the Washington Monument. It’s one of the best views in the city at that hour.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes and a layer. October mornings in DC can be crisp.
Please RSVP so we know who’s coming!