Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States of America. Unbeknownst to some, the name of this significant city comes from an explorer and the country’s first president. In 1791, the city and district were named to honor two historical figures, Christopher Columbus (District of Columbia) and George Washington, who were significant contributors to the country. This title has since made the cultural significance of the city clear and established Washington D.C. as a foundational destination in the history and development of the nation.
This city is well known for all of its historical monuments, striking government buildings and impressive museums. Some of the most popular sites in this cultural center include The White House, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. All of these sites offer exciting and unique opportunities for travelers to learn more about the history of the United States.
The classic destination also offers travelers one of the best environments for nature lovers. The District of Columbia is home to more than 30 national parks, all of which are maintained by the National Park Service. There is an array of options for travelers that like hiking, nature watching, riverside relaxation and environmental education. The parks of the District of Columbia are great places to unwind or to simply get away from the bustling city.
Despite Washington D.C.’s connections to the federal government and its most cherished monuments it is still a city with crime and safety concerns. For travelers wanting to explore and witness the lively environment of the capital city, there are some things to consider before traveling. Here is our rundown on the safety level of Washington D.C. and what travelers should expect.
Best Travel Advisories
Staying informed is a critical way to ensure safety while traveling to unfamiliar places. This is true even if tourists are traveling domestically. Relying on reputable sources to learn more about a potential travel destination can help travelers avoid uncomfortable or unsafe situations. Here are the top resources that will help travelers stay informed about potential threats to their safety.
There are a few organizations that assess the safety of varying locations for travelers. Washington D.C. is a significant place which is often a topic of discussion on the news. This means travelers will find that detailed information about the destination is easy to find. There are web pages dedicated to informing people about how to stay safe in the greater Washington D.C. area, like the official website Washington.org. On this site travelers can find safety information. This includes details on the police presence in the city, safety guidelines for travel and public transport and local resources for emergency situations.
Health safety is another important consideration for travelers planning to go to the nation’s capital. Although there are offices in D.C. for organizations like The World Health Organization and Project HOPE, the capital city still has some health threats. A comforting factor for travelers is that there are many hospitals in the area so they can rest assured health care is located nearby. DC.gov provides some of the best up to date information on health concerns of the area. The health webpage shares health regulations, local health providers, healthcare facilities and overall health threats in D.C.
Is D.C. Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?
Travelers do not have to worry about their safety while in Washington D.C., since it is a relatively safe place to travel to. Its proximity to important federal buildings and officials makes it a place that is significantly more secure than other cities. While solo and group travelers commonly feel safe during their stay in this destination, there is some crime that occurs there. While violent crime in D.C. has seemingly increased in recent years, there is no clear evidence that tourists are disproportionately impacted.
The general crime rate of the city is above the national average, but crime against or targeting tourists is uncommon. Petty crimes like theft are the most common occurrence that travelers need to be aware of. There are plenty of safety protocols in place to protect both tourists and locals. But, fortunately, popular tourist areas are not heavy with crime. The safety of the tourism community is taken very seriously, so there is plenty of safety information available. For travelers who prefer to have access to breaking news in their potential travel destination, there are platforms available. The DC Alert app is popular and provides notifications for local weather threats, civil situations and even road closures.
How to Stay Safe in D.C.
As long as tourists exercise a baseline amount of personal safety precautions, they should be fine while exploring D.C. Some street smarts include not flaunting expensive things or leaving valuables vulnerable to theft. Cross body purses and fanny packs can help secure valuables like wallets and cash so that travelers can avoid pickpocketing. To avoid muggings, travelers should not walk around at night in poorly lit areas alone, especially not in less safe areas of D.C. Other than those precautions in the metropolitan areas, travelers should be unaffected by crime.
Public transportation is safe and easily accessible in Washington D.C. A large portion of residents and tourists utilize public transportation, so it is important. Washington’s rail and bus system are both dependable modes of transportation. The subway system is an affordable way to get around. There is even a way to buy fare cards online, so it is quite convenient. There are also trains running from the early morning until around midnight. Taxis and biking are also popular options for Washington visitors that want to see all the city has to offer. Surprisingly, bike lanes are quite common on main roads. This means that tourists that want to get some exercise while safely arriving at their destination can bike. As always, travelers using public transportation should stay alert and prioritize their safety.
Where to Stay in D.C.
The safest areas to stay around in Washington D.C. are Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Downtown D.C. and Adams Morgan. These neighborhoods have low violent crime rates and are frequented by tourists. Georgetown is an older town which brings an antique charm and offers travelers green space. One thing to note about Georgetown is that it does not have a metro station, so it is not a very central place to stay. It is a great place for families and luxury travelers to stay. While Dupont Circle still has a historic feel to it, it is much more modern and even has a thriving art community. This area near Capitol Hill is more central and has closer proximity to some popular attractions.
Downtown D.C. of course is the best area for travelers that want to stay in nice accommodations and stay central. It has a swanky and modern ambiance with plenty of bustling buildings and things to do nearby. Adams Morgan, on the other hand, offers travelers the best nightlife and Michelin restaurants. But, unfortunately the closest metro stop is half a mile away, which may impact travelers depending on public transportation.
Best Time to Visit D.C.
The best seasons to visit Washington D.C. are the spring and fall. From September to November travelers will experience the most mild temperatures and picturesque autumn scenes. This is also not the most popular season for travel to D.C. which is a benefit for travelers since the crowds created from swarms of tourists can be avoided. Visiting between March and May is a great time to get ahead of the sweltering heat of summer. The absolute peak months to visit are rumored to be around April and May.
People Also Ask
Is it safe to stay in downtown D.C.? Yes, travelers are completely safe in central areas due to the well-patrolled streets.
What areas should tourists avoid in Washington D.C.? Brentwood and Anacostia are among the most dangerous neighborhoods to stay in.