Where Is Washington, D.C., Located on a Map?

Many people confuse Washington, D.C., and Washington State, especially when specifying. However, the two places are extremely different. In fact, each is located on the opposite end of the United States map. So, where is Washington, D.C., located on a map?

Washington, D.C., is located in the central-eastern part of the United States. It’s located on the Potomac River and borders both the states of Virginia and Maryland. Washington, D.C., is not a state but a United States territory.

If you want to know more, then continue reading. We will discuss where Washington, D.C., is located on a map and the best suburbs.

What Is Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C., also known as the District of Columbia, is the capital of the United States of America. It’s a federal territory and is home to the U.S. government. Federal territories are controlled and under the jurisdiction of a federation’s national government. In this case, the federal jurisdiction is to the United States.

Inside the jurisdiction are three federal houses, the Capitol, White House, and Supreme Court. Because of the United States government, it’s actually that Washington, D.C. is a jurisdiction and not its own state. The U.S. Constitution states a need for a federal district under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress. 

Is Washington, D.C., a State?

One misconception is that Washington, D.C., is its own state. However, that is not true. It’s not a U.S. state, even though it has its own borders. Instead, it’s a jurisdiction inside the government’s control. 

That doesn’t mean that the province doesn’t have amenities other neighborhoods have. Washington, D.C., streets have museums, housing, restaurants, and more. The only difference is that the governing jurisdiction is the United States government.

Where Is Washington, D.C., Located?

Washington, D.C., territory spans 68.35 square miles and is in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States’s eastern coast. The city is small yet compact and is located directly on the east bank of the Potomac River. To the north and east is the state of Maryland, while to the south and west is Virginia.

Points of Interest on the Washington, D.C., Map

Washington, D.C., has many interesting places to visit in the territory and surrounding it. If you’re looking for points of interest, then you’ll be happy to know that there is plenty to do. Below, we’ve gathered a handful of must-see points of interest when visiting the District of Columbia.

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is a well-known tribute to the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. It’s most notable for a giant statue of Abraham Lincoln that towers 99 inches. The statue is carved from marble by the Piccirilli brothers but was designed by a French artist named Daniel Chester. The memorial contains murals and epitaphs, which Jules Guerin and Royal Cortissoz made. 

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is a memorial to George Washington in downtown D.C. The structure was designed by Robert Mills and completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Today, many people come from all over the world to visit the monument, as it’s also been featured in movies.

White House

The White House is a popular tourist location, as its the heart of the United States. Here, the president resides alongside other important figures. It can take weeks to months to get on a slot for a tour, and it is worth the wait. Previously, the capitol was located in Philadelphia. However, it was moved to Washington, D.C. in 1800.

National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art is worth checking out for those who enjoy art history. The Sculpture Garden is Attached to the building, which holds various sculptures. The gallery was established in 1937 but later became available to the public. Over the years, many artists have donated their works, and the gallery is constantly rotating its showcases.

Best Suburbs Around Washington DC

The District of Columbia has plenty of suburbs inside and surrounding its borders. There are good neighborhoods and bad ones, just like any other state. If you plan to move there or visit, you’ll want to know about the best suburbs around Washington, D.C.

1. Alexandria, VA

Alexandria’s suburb is only 23 minutes away from downtown Washington, D.C. It’s known as the historic suburb in Virginia, as it’s the hometown of George Washington. Many attractions here were known for being frequented by America’s founding fathers. Besides residential areas, it includes the Christ Church and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum.

2. Bethesda, MD

Bethesda is a small suburb that is known for its charming town-like vibe. Unlike D.C., the area doesn’t have tall buildings or skyscrapers. Instead, the area is known to be residential, with plenty of excellent schools. 

3. Chevy Chase, MD

Chevy Chase is about 19 minutes away from downtown D.C. and is known for the Chevy Chase Club and the Columbia Country Club. It is located next to the Friendship Heights shopping district and is home to many private clubs. 

4. Potomac, MD

The suburb of Potomac is located 33 minutes out from downtown D.C. It’s a small area and much more homey than Washington, D.C. There are residential and commercial districts in this area. Potomac is favored for its outdoor scene, which includes hiking trails, parks, and other recreational opportunities.

5. Annadale, VA

Annadale is around the same distance as Potomac, but it’s mainly known for its residential charm. The largest Korean population is in Annadale, with plenty of cuisine and shops you won’t find in many other places. Some historic sites include the Barcroft Community House, Cherry Hill, and Calvert Manor.

6. Silver Spring, MD

Silver Springs is a medium to upper-class suburb 25 minutes from downtown D.C. The place is both residential but also includes some commercial buildings. It’s known for housing the headquarters of the National Association of the Deaf, the Forest Glen Annex, and then the National Capital Trolley Museum. 

7. Fairfax, VA

Fairfax is just 34 minutes from D.C. and is often very busy. It’s a historic district and has been around for over 200 years. The streets and city are designed with that in mind but also have modern twists. It’s home to some of the best schools in the country. Unlike other suburbs, Fairfax is one of the more pricier places to live, especially when owning property.

8. Rockville, MD

Rockville is located in Maryland and is a 41-minute drive away from D.C. The city is often known for its mix of residential and commercial vibe. Many historical places exist, including the Stonestreet Museum of 19th-Century Medicine. If you’re a fan of being outdoors, Rockville offers a Civic Center Park perfect for hiking or a picnic.

9. Gaithersburg, MD

Gaithersburg is a moderate drive away from Washington, D.C., being around 38 minutes in total. The area is known for being family-friendly and is perfect for young professionals. The suburb has plenty to do, especially geared towards the outdoors. Some residents enjoy the skate parks, mini gold courses, and Old Towne district.

10. Hyattsville, MD

Hyattsville is about 20 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C., and is the perfect place for young professionals. It’s the home to a 25-acre Arts District and Price George’s Community College. Aside from that, it’s a short distance away from the University of Maryland.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Orhan Cam/Shutterstock.com