The first stop on the mall is the Washington Monument. The Washington Monument is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. from the first Sunday in April through Labor Day and the rest of the year from 9:00 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. It is also closed on Christmas Day.
When you look east from the top of the Washington Monument you will see the U.S. Capital building. When you look west from the top of the Washington Monument you will see the Lincoln Memorial.
Just north of the mall is the White House . You can get a tour pass when you visit the city. However it is best to contact your congressional representative six to eight weeks before you arrive and arrange to have a congressional guided tour.