It forms the southern boundary of Rizal Park, running east–west from San Marcelino Street to Roxas Boulevard near the city center.

It begins as a four-lane road at the intersection with San Marcelino, widening to an eight-lane divided roadway along the stretch of Rizal Park from Taft Avenue west to Roxas Boulevard.

Kalaw Avenue is the main access to some of Rizal Park's main attractions, such as the National Museum of Natural History (former Department of Tourism Building), Museo Pambata, the National Library of the Philippines, and Manila Ocean Park.

Just across the street from Rizal Park are the Central United Methodist Church, the Luneta Hotel, and the Eton Baypark residential tower.

Also located at this eastern end of Kalaw are the Plaza Salamanca, the Manila Prince Hotel, and the Masagana Superstore (SM Savemore).