Washington D.C. Interactive Map
Explore this detailed Washington D.C. map showing monuments, government districts, and transportation networks. The U.S. capital blends grand monuments with leafy neighborhoods and a region-spanning transit system.
This interactive map of Washington D.C. allows you to explore the capital's geography, including its historic layout designed by Pierre L'Enfant, the Metro system, and iconic government buildings. Click on markers to learn more about specific locations across the Nation's Capital.
About Washington D.C. - The Nation's Capital
The U.S. capital blends grand monuments with leafy neighborhoods and a region-spanning transit system. Founded in 1790, the city covers 68.3 sq mi with a population of 689,545 and serves as the center for federal government, contracting, policy/advocacy, education, tourism, and growing tech sectors.
The Washington D.C. map reveals the city's unique planned design with diagonal avenues intersecting a grid system, all centered around the Capitol building.
Washington D.C. Quick Facts
- Nickname: The Nation's Capital
- State: District of Columbia
- Population: 689,545
- Area: 68.3 sq mi
- Founded: 1790
- Region: Mid-Atlantic
- Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)
Washington D.C. Geography and Districts
L'Enfant's plan creates diagonal avenues over a grid, dividing the city into quadrants centered on the Capitol. The National Mall forms a long east–west axis; Metrorail lines converge in the core.
Major Districts
- National Mall - Museum and monument corridor from Capitol to Lincoln Memorial
- Downtown - Business district with Federal Triangle and Penn Quarter
- Georgetown - Historic waterfront neighborhood with upscale shopping and dining
- Dupont Circle - Vibrant neighborhood known for embassies and cultural attractions
Washington D.C. Transportation Networks
WMATA Metrorail & Metrobus; MARC/VRE commuter rail connect the capital to surrounding regions. The comprehensive Metro system serves both the city and suburban areas.
Major Transportation Hubs
- Airports: Reagan National (DCA), Dulles International (IAD), Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
- Highways: I-395, I-495 (Capital Beltway), US-50, George Washington Parkway
- Public Transit: Metrorail (Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, Green Lines), Metrobus, DC Circulator
- Rail: Union Station serves Amtrak, MARC, and VRE commuter trains
Washington D.C. Landmarks and Attractions
The Washington D.C. map reveals numerous iconic landmarks and monuments that define American history and government.
Iconic Landmarks
- National Mall - Central gathering place with monuments and museums
- U.S. Capitol - Home of Congress and iconic dome visible throughout the city
- Lincoln Memorial - Monument to Abraham Lincoln at the west end of the Mall
- Smithsonian Museums - World's largest museum complex along the National Mall
- Washington Monument - 555-foot obelisk honoring George Washington
Washington D.C. Economy and Industries
Federal government, contracting, policy/advocacy, education, tourism, and growing tech sectors drive the capital's economy. The city serves as the center of American political and policy decision-making.
Key Economic Centers
- Federal Triangle - Government agencies and departments
- K Street Corridor - Lobbying firms and advocacy organizations
- NoMa - Emerging tech and development district
- Crystal City - Defense contractors and government services
Washington D.C. Climate and Geography
Humid subtropical with hot summers, cool winters, and humid springs/falls. The city's location along the Potomac River in the Mid-Atlantic region creates a climate with distinct seasons.
Washington D.C.'s geography is characterized by its position along the Potomac River fall line, with the city built on both sides of the river and connected by numerous bridges that are integral to regional transportation.
How to Use This Washington D.C. Map
This interactive Washington D.C. map provides multiple ways to explore the Nation's Capital. Use the zoom controls to focus on specific monuments or neighborhoods, and click on markers to access information about government buildings, museums, and historic sites.
Whether you're planning a visit to Washington D.C., studying American government, or researching the city's role as the national capital, this map serves as your comprehensive guide. The map includes Metro lines, major monuments, and highlights both federal buildings and local neighborhoods that define the capital's character.
For educational purposes, this Washington D.C. map helps students understand how planned city design influences urban development, showing how L'Enfant's original plan continues to shape modern Washington and its role as the seat of American government.