The National Mall is larger than many first-time visitors expect. Where you should shop for souvenirs depends on which side of the Mall you are exploring.
Abe’s Gifts DC has two convenient stores nearby: one at L’Enfant Plaza and another on 13th Street near the White House and Metro Center. Here is the easiest way to decide which location fits your day.
Which Store Is Closest to Your Route?
Choose our L’Enfant Plaza store if you are visiting the National Air and Space Museum, Hirshhorn Museum, International Spy Museum, U.S. Capitol or The Wharf.
Choose our Downtown 13th Street store if your route includes the White House, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Archives or Metro Center.
The best choice is usually the store closest to your final attraction. This prevents you from crossing downtown or carrying shopping bags throughout the day.
How Do You Get There?
Our L’Enfant Plaza store is located at:
429 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Suite 440
Washington, DC 20024
The store is inside the L’Enfant Plaza food court. From the International Spy Museum, take the stairs or elevator down to the food court and turn right.
You can also take the Blue, Orange, Silver, Green or Yellow Metro line to L’Enfant Plaza. Follow signs toward the L’Enfant Plaza concourse or food court.
Our Downtown store is located at:
733 13th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
It is near Metro Center and approximately half a mile from the White House. Metro Center is served by the Red, Blue, Orange and Silver lines.
What Souvenirs Can You Buy?
Both stores carry Washington DC gifts at different prices. You can shop for:
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Mugs and travel cups
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T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts
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Baseball caps and other hats
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Pins, patches, coins and ornaments
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Cherry blossom and patriotic souvenirs
Small items such as magnets, keychains and pins are easy to pack or buy for several people. A hoodie, mug or miniature landmark can be a more personal reminder of your own visit.
When Should You Shop?
For most visitors, shopping near the end of the day is easier. You will not have to carry bags through museums, security checks or several miles of sightseeing.
It also gives you time to decide which landmark or experience you want to remember. A Lincoln Memorial magnet or Washington Monument mug often feels more meaningful after you have actually visited that place.
Try to leave yourself 20 to 30 minutes to shop so you do not have to rush.
What If You Have Already Left Washington DC?
If sightseeing took longer than expected or you forgot someone on your gift list, you can still shop for Washington DC souvenirs online and have them delivered. It is also helpful when you wish you had purchased one more item after returning home.
Need help planning the rest of the day? Follow our One-Day Washington DC Itinerary for a realistic route covering monuments, a Smithsonian museum, food and souvenir shopping.
