Constitution Gardens is a vast green space at the center of many monuments and memorials on the National Mall along Constitution Avenue. The gardens have access to the Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, Reflecting Pool, JFK Hockey Fields, U.S. Park Police Horse Stables, and Korean War Veterans Memorial. The area is approximately 50 acres. At its center is a pond where you will often find ducks and geese. At the center of the pond is a memorial stone honoring the 56 signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. You can find many willow trees along the pond. There are concession stands located around the pond and food/ice cream trucks to the south closer to the WWII Memorial and Constitution Avenue. During the summer the concession stands are open, however, during the colder months the concessions normally are closed. NOTE: Over the years, the end of the pond near WWII Memorial has been littered with debris, and because the water is stagnant the pond sometimes gives off a horrible smell when the water moves. I've driven by in spring 2026 to see that the pond has been cleared and cleared at this end of the pond (I'm assuming as a part of the 2026 DC Safety and Beautification Initiative). You can often experience swarms of gnats and mosquitoes during the summer. The best time to visit is early spring or fall when these pests are done for the season. Overall, a great grassy area in the heart of downtown with plenty of street parking along Constitution Avenue. read more

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Constitution Gardens are a pleasant park area that feels like a peaceful oasis near the busy National Mall. Water features, greenery, and pathways create a very harmonious environment for walks or a short rest. I especially appreciate the calmer atmosphere and the sense that it is not just a tourist spot, but also a park that locals enjoy using. read more

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I love this park so much. When I visit annually, I like to visit with a group of friends to take in the beauty of it all. As often as I have been here, I still notice something I hadn't before. The trails provide tranquility for a low-key conversation with friends while strolling about, not worrying about having to get to the next meeting, or make a deadline. Just a chance to enjoy the outdoors with people you like, or alone, of course. read more

Beautiful place to have a walk with friends, listening to some music and enjoy the surroundings. read more

Constitution Gardens - Reflecting pool - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Another overlooked attraction. Constitution Gardens is just one of the many things on the National Mall. It seems most people hurry through. Be different and stop for awhile. There's natural beauty to be seen. It seems like there's not much to see in this area. It may not have any museums but there's still something. The highlight of this is the memorial for the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. It's located on a small island in the pond. The pond itself is nice and there's plenty of good areas to sit. Be sure not to feed the ducks and geese. It's not allowed. They can get kind of aggressive so don't get too close or they may bite you. read more

Constitution Gardens - Pond - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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A truly beautiful pond and garden with a view on the memorial. Best picnic spot on the National Mall. See my photos. read more

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This 50 acre area north/northeast of the reflecting pool is not really much to see. I would call it more a park, instead of "gardens". It's just a landscaped area with trees, grass, a pond and an island. On the island is some large chunks of granite etched in gold with the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence from the original 13 states. The gardens have seen better days and the pond surrounding is kinda in a run down condition. What looked to be a plastic trash can was dumped into the water next to the island on the day I came. The Constitution Gardens is also the location where the annual naturalization ceremony is held for new U.S. citizens. read more

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Wake up people. Constitution Gardens exist. I think many people don't realize this and probably think that this area is just an extension of the National Mall. Even with the proximity to the National Mall, this place can stand alone as a destination while in DC. It has the feel of a small community park located within a big city. It is peaceful while walking the trails possibly making you go at a slower pace. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I slowed my pace while walking through here. I even had time to stop and watch the ducklings swim on by. There are some great photo ops available here that give you a great perspective of the area, it almost gives you an effect that looks like an optical illusion to your pictures. The 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial is also located within the Gardens limit. read more

Constitution Gardens - Ducklings swimming on by. - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Beautiful place between the Vietnam and World War II memorials! Plentiful seating, easy-on-the-feet meandering paths, and gorgeous nature views. See flora and fauna, and watch he ducks. Recommend people refrain from playing loud stereo music. It ruins the calming atmosphere. Earbuds are a personal choice if someone wishes to miss sounds via nature's stereo. There is a snack shop near the pond. Restrooms are available along the walking trail. With the Federal Reserve building across the street and past the Vietnam memorials, the quiet of Constitution Gardens surprised and pleased me! read more

Constitution Gardens - Nice gardens and reflecting pond. - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Bottom Line: A quiet place on the National Mall amongst the hustle and bustle of government employees and tourists. If you need a break from the sometimes chaotic National Mall, stroll over to Constitution Gardens. This little spot on the Northwest end of the Mall is peaceful and quiet. Here you will find a duck pond surrounded by trees and awesome views of the Washington Monument. Additionally, if you venture over the little wooden bridge you will arrive at the Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Constitution Gardens is not a place you come to because you want to say you've been there and post some pictures on Facebook rather its just a quiet place you come to slow down, unwind and perhaps even if reflect on the history and culture of this great nation. Regarding the duck pond, I was there in December and it was totally overrun by Canadian Geese, ehh. There must have been aboot 200 geese there and long with all of those geese came lots of geese poo. Yuck. I actually only saw a few dozen ducks - all mallards. I suppose some people like to come here to feed the wildlife but I'm not a fan of doing that for several reasons - it screws up their natural behaviors, bread is bad for ducks, geese can be aggressive (ever been goosed?!? ouch!), etc. read more

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Constitution Gardens is a typically overlooked spot on the National Mall. It's located right next to it but somehow (including me) often seem to forget it when passing by! That's just another pro as it is a bit quieter than other parts of the mall. It has a pretty lake, willow trees, and a memorial for the signers of the Constitution. Great place to walk around in the morning or evening if you can avoid the goose poop that seems to be everywhere! Also if you get up close the water is overtaken by algae and the smell can be overbearing. 5 stars for the area but minus 1 for goose poop and smell. read more

Constitution Gardens is a grassy area with one lesser known memorial (in honor of the signers of the Declaration of Independence) and a pond. Often tourists overlook it, but there are advantages to paying it a visit: 1) Respite: Locating just south of the World War II Memorial closer to the Lincoln Memorial and off to the side provides a quiet space for people to reflect and rest. There are benches throughout and the trees offer some shade from the hot summer sun. Since it's off the main Mall walk way, there are never crowds. 2) Location: You get some of the most beautiful views of the Washington Monument from the Constitution Gardens. 3) Food: There's a snack hut with water, chocolate, etc. and there's never a fine! read more

With its weeping willows, serene lake, and flocks of geese, ducks, and other local and migratory birds, Constitution Gardens is one of the most photogenic spots in DC. It's also surprisingly uncrowded, given its location in the middle of the National Mall. In the past, I'd sometimes noticed an odd smell (like stagnant water plus birdpoop). But when I went there last weekend, the air was fresh (except in the port-o-potties). So if you're on your way between the Washington Monument, White House, and Vietnam and Lincoln Memorials, it's worth a stroll through this quiet oasis. read more

Constitution Gardens - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Constitution Gardens are beautiful. It is what some in DC would consider the Central Park of DC. Originally it was the federal buildings from WWI up to the NIxon Administration until former President Richard Nixon said that he wanted to give back to the people of DC by giving them an urban park. They tour down the buildings that once stood on the site, and then surprise! A park appeared. Signer's Island is also within Constitution Gardens. There are 56 commemorative stones with each signer of the Declaration of Independence names' on them. IN this location of the park is the location of the start of many 5Ks occur including the St. Jude Walk that takes place in November. The park is full of ducks and geese. If you have kids, grab some bread and make your way here to feed them. They are always present and seem to be pretty comfortable around people if you don't mind wild life. Come here to get an escape from the city within the city. read more

A nice place to get away from the noise that is the MALL. Feed the Ducks or Geese and rest for a spell. The memorial in the memorial is the "The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence" A nice island on the lake that you walk over a wooden bridge to get to. This all seemed to be the quietest place on the MALL. read more

Constitution Gardens - Summer - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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TAKE A BREAK IN THIS RELAXING PARK And it's just a block from all the action along the National Mall. Despite how busy the nearby monuments and memorials were, this place was wonderfully calm. A long pond is at the center with many ducks swimming inside. The sidewalks were clean with several areas to sit and face out into the pond. Overall, this was just a great break from the bustle of viewing the sites with the added bonus of many trees to shield us from the hot, summer sun. DON'T EXPECT OTHER ACTIVITIES Biking, relaxing, and strolling--don't go expecting to play soccer or flag football in this park. I didn't see any picnic tables either (although I saw several picnics and hammocks). This is a strictly relaxing stroll. read more

Constitution Gardens - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I think a lot of people walk through this area and by the signers memorial at the center without really knowing what it is. It is a nice area if you don't mind waterfowl, as there are usually plenty of them. A quiet area to stop and rest, and a welcome introduction of still water into the Mall. read more

A nice, quiet memorial for the signers of Declaration of Independence located on an island on a peaceful pond where you'll find a ton of ducks, geese, and birds. It's probably a lot prettier in sunny and warm spring or summer compared to freezing and gray winter, which is what I experienced. There's a great view of the Washington Monument - I was glad I got to see it reflected in the pond water at least, since the Reflection Pool was closed when I went. read more

Constitution Gardens - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Beautiful, tranquil location smack in the core of DC. Constitution Gardens technically includes a large swath of the National Mall stretching between the World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial, north of the Reflecting Pool. This stretch of the National Mall feels like it's more often passed-by rather than a destination. It's a pathway between the many touristy destinations, but for locals or those looking for a respite in the middle of the city, Constitution Gardens is surprisingly tranquil. The National Park Service describes it as a "quiet, urban oasis," and that seems very fitting. It's DC's Central Park. Those in the know come here to exercise or bring their family for a relaxing day in the sun. Make sure to walk out to the island and sit under the weeping willow tree to watch the ducks and geese, and visit the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial while there. Next time you're headed to the Mall, make Constitution Gardens a stop on the itinerary and catch your breath here. It'll be worth it. read more

Constitution Gardens - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Beautifully maintained grounds! I had to drop by to snap some photos, especially just as the sun was getting ready to set. I was actually headed to the Lincoln Memorial when I was passing by, and I'm glad the route took me past. Overall, definitely a location to see during a first trip to DC! read more

Constitution Gardens - Super gorgeous area! - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Beautiful and lovely place to go for a walk or sit by the pond and glimpse a fantastic view of the Washington Monument. I've visited Constitution Gardens quite a few times this past year and have always loved it since I was a child and visited DC's iconic spots. It's located between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial (Right off Constitution Avenue) and near the Vietnam Memorial. The willow trees silhouetting the pond make for a very scenic and serene view. I will keep visiting when I have an opportunity to. I recommend it to tourists and locals alike. read more

Beautiful area to enjoy nature. It seems for the most part to be pretty unpopulated because it is more of a pathway between the monuments. Not only does it have a great view of the Washington Monument, it also contains the 56 Signers of the Declaration Memorial; a memorial I feel is often overlooked. If you are planning on walking the National Mall and looking at the memorials, I suggest checking out the Constitution Gardens in between the WWII Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial. read more

Constitution Gardens - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Very beautiful place to walk and the good thing is that it is at the very center of the city. read more

Constitution Gardens - Parks Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A nice stop along the National Mall for stopping and taking a breather for those who don't walk much. Pretty and peaceful to boot.

This is a nice hidden gem on the other side of the National Mall. It's so picturesque, especially during Cherry Blossom season. It's the perfect place for a picnic or cheap date. Across the street is a food truck that sells all of the junk food that you can eat. Constitution Gardens is roughly 15 minutes away from the Farragut North Metro station. Just one caveat: Drivers on Constitution Avenue act like they're in the Daytona 500. You have to be VERY careful crossing the street. read more