The Ellipse, Washington D.C.

Name: The Ellipse
Address: Washington D.C., United States

#56 among attractions in Washington D.C.

Park, Relax in park

Gallery (8)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / Public Domain • 2. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / APK / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Mutter Erde / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / NPS Photo / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / APK / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / 'Matthew G. Bisanz / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the nation's capital, The Ellipse is a historic park in Washington, D.C., that offers a unique blend of American heritage and serene green space. This iconic park is situated just south of the White House and serves as a multipurpose gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

The Ellipse, officially known as President's Park South, is a roughly oval-shaped expanse that extends over 52 acres. It is bordered by Constitution Avenue to the north, 17th Street to the east, E Street to the south, and 15th Street to the west. The park's manicured lawns and walking paths make it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

One of the most striking features of The Ellipse is its role as a backdrop to a number of significant landmarks and events. It provides a clear view of the south facade of the White House, making it a prime location for photography enthusiasts aiming to capture the essence of American leadership. Moreover, The Ellipse is a traditional site for many public ceremonies and events, including the National Christmas Tree Lighting, which attracts visitors from around the globe during the holiday season.

The park also includes a variety of monuments and memorials that pay tribute to historical figures and events. Among these is the famous First Division Monument, which honors those who served in the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during World War I. Additionally, the Ellipse is home to the National Menorah, which is lit during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

The Ellipse is open to the public year-round and offers a welcoming space for those looking to experience a piece of American history or simply enjoy a day outdoors. Its central location makes it easily accessible from various points in the city, and it is often included in the itineraries of those visiting the National Mall and other nearby attractions.

For tourists planning to visit The Ellipse, it is advisable to check the schedule for any planned events that might affect accessibility. Visitors should also be prepared for security screenings, as the proximity to the White House often requires enhanced security measures.

Alternative names: Area: 51.89 acres (0.0811 mi²)Elevation: 13 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°53'38"N, 77°2'11"W

Address

Northwest Washington (Washington Mall)Washington D.C. United States

ContactAdd

Social media

Facebook

Washington D.C.

Day trips

The Ellipse – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Zero Milestone, German-American Friendship Garden, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, First Division Monument.

~440 ftN
Memorial, Historical place, Monuments and statues
Zero Milestone, Washington D.C.
3 min walk • The Zero Milestone is a lesser-known but historically significant landmark nestled in the heart of Washington D.C. This small monument, positioned just south of the White House in President's Park, serves as a symbolic reference point for distances in the United States.
~770 ftS
Park
German-American Friendship Garden, Washington D.C.
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of the nation's capital, the German-American Friendship Garden stands as a living symbol of the enduring bond between Germany and the United States. Located on the National Mall in Washington D.C., this serene garden is a testament to the shared...
~1160 ftSW
Canal
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, abbreviated as the C&O Canal and occasionally called the "Grand Old Ditch," operated from 1831 until 1924 along the Potomac River between Washington, D.C. and Cumberland, Maryland.
~1040 ftNW
Historical place, Monuments and statues
First Division Monument, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • The First Division Monument is located in President's Park, south of State Place Northwest, between 17th Street Northwest and West Executive Avenue Northwest in Washington, DC, United States. The Monument commemorates those who died while serving in the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army of World War I and subsequent wars.
~1260 ftNE
Memorial
Pershing Park, Washington D.C.
7 min walk • The National World War I Memorial is a national memorial commemorating the service rendered by members of the United States Armed Forces in World War I.
~730 ftN
Historic park offering White House tours
President's Park, Washington D.C.
4 min walk • President's Park, located in Downtown Washington, D.C. encompasses the White House and includes the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the Treasury Building, and grounds; the White House Visitor Center; Lafayette Square; and The Ellipse.
~580 ftNW
Monuments and statues
Butt–Millet Memorial Fountain, Washington D.C.
3 min walk • The Butt–Millet Memorial Fountain is a memorial fountain in President's Park in Washington, D.C. in the United States. Dedicated in October 1913, it commemorates the deaths of Archibald Butt and Francis Davis Millet.
~990 ftW
Museum, History museum, Art museum
DAR Museum, Washington D.C.
5 min walk • The DAR Museum, run by the Daughters of the American Revolution, is an art and history museum in Washington, D.C. The museum is located in Memorial Continental Hall, just down the street from DAR Constitution Hall, where some of the museum's concerts take place.
~1460 ftW
Museum, Art museum, Modern art museum
Art Museum of the Americas, Washington D.C.
8 min walk • Art Museum of the Americas, located in Washington, D.C. is the first art museum in the United States primarily devoted to exhibiting works of modern and contemporary art from Latin America and the Caribbean.
~640 ftSW
Memorial, Sculpture
Second Division Memorial, Washington D.C.
4 min walk • The Second Division Memorial is located in President's Park, between 17th Street Northwest and Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, United States. The Memorial commemorates those who died, while serving in the 2nd Infantry Division of the U. S. Army. The artist was James Earle Fraser.
~1110 ftW
Memorial, Specialty museum, Museum
American Red Cross National Headquarters, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • The American Red Cross National Headquarters is located at 430 17th Street NW in Washington, D.C. Built between 1915 and 1917, it serves both as a memorial to women who served in the American Civil War and as the headquarters building for the American Red Cross. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1965.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to The Ellipse?

Nearby attractions include Zero Milestone, Washington D.C. (3 min walk), Butt–Millet Memorial Fountain, Washington D.C. (3 min walk), Second Division Memorial, Washington D.C. (4 min walk), White House vegetable garden, Washington D.C. (4 min walk).

How to get to The Ellipse by public transport?

The nearest stations to The Ellipse:

Bus

19th St & F St Northwest (12 min walk)
21st St & F St Northwest (16 min walk)

Metro

Federal Triangle • Lines: Bl, Or, Sv (12 min walk)
Metro Center • Lines: Bl, Or, Rd, Sv (14 min walk)

Train

L'Enfant (26 min walk)