Washington, D.C., Federal capital on the Potomac River, United States.
The capital spreads across 68 square miles between Maryland and Virginia, containing numerous federal buildings, monuments, and extensive green spaces.
The city became the national capital in 1790 after Congress selected land from Maryland and Virginia to establish a federal district.
The National Mall houses 11 of the Smithsonian Institution museums, providing free access to collections of art, history, and science.
The Metro system connects all four city quadrants through six color-coded lines and 91 stations operating from 5 AM until midnight.
Residents of the District of Columbia pay federal taxes but lack voting representation in the United States Congress.
Location: District of Columbia
Inception: July 16, 1790
Elevation above the sea: 72 m
Part of: contiguous United States, Mid-Atlantic, Arlington–Alexandria–Reston metropolitan division
Shares border with: Arlington County, Alexandria, Prince George's County, Montgomery County, Fairfax County, Bethesda, Silver Spring
Address: Washington, DC, USA 20201–20599 Washington 20201–20599 Washington
Website: https://dc.gov
GPS coordinates: 38.89504,-77.03654
Latest update: May 29, 2025 09:53
Washington DC is the political center of the USA with the White House, Capitol and Lincoln Memorial. The city houses national museums including the Smithsonian Institution, National Gallery of Art and Library of Congress. Historical districts, parks and monuments complete the urban landscape.
Washington D.C is more than just the White House and the presidency of the United States. The city contains a collection of iconic monuments, national museums, and government buildings that represent American history and culture. Here, we suggest stepping off the beaten path and discovering the city from another perspective, away from the noise of American politics.
United States Supreme Court Building
2.8 km
White House
305 m
The Pentagon
3.1 km
United States Capitol
2.4 km
Washington Monument
629 m
Arlington National Cemetery
3.6 km
Library of Congress
2.8 km
Number One Observatory Circle
4 km
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
3.7 km
Lincoln Memorial
1.3 km
Resolute desk
267 m
Oval Office
273 m
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
1.1 km
Washington National Cathedral
4.9 km
National Mall
1.3 km
National Archives and Records Administration
1.2 km
National Air and Space Museum
1.6 km
National Gallery of Art
1.5 km
Sidwell Friends School
5.9 km
Watergate complex
1.6 km
Capitol Hill
3.2 km
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
679 m
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
8.9 km
Executive Residence
308 m
Ford's Theatre
956 m
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
5.3 km
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
361 m
Jefferson Memorial
1.5 kmReviews
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