Share the article
Last updated
Washington, DC may not be the first place you think of when it comes to great travel destinations in the US, but you can’t overlook the nation’s capital for a great solo trip.
DC has become extremely popular as a tourist destination recently, with a record number of the number of visitors in 2023.
There are tons of great things to do in the city, and it’s also a surprisingly excellent destination for solo travelers.
I’ve spent a lot of time exploring DC on my own, and here are the top reasons why I think it’s the perfect place to go as a solo traveler:
Lots of solo-friendly activities
One of the biggest reasons you should visit DC as a solo traveler is because of the abundance of solo-friendly activities and unique things to do in the city.
There are countless museums and monuments around every corner, and as a solo traveler you can choose what you are interested in. With more than 70 museums spread across the city, you can spend several days viewing impressive collections.
Along the National Mall you’ll find some of the best museums, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Air and Space Museum.
Seeing the city’s many monuments and memorials, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the World War II Memorial, is another must while in DC
You can even get a free tour of the White House, which was the coolest thing I did in DC. You just need to arrange this in advance (You can request 21 days to 3 months in advance, and it’s best to have some flexibility on the desired dates and times of your visit.)
Easy to reach
Another reason I would recommend DC for a solo trip is because it is very easy to get around on your own. You don’t need a car as it is a very walkable city that also has good public transport.
All of the museums and monuments mentioned above are within walking distance of each other.
If you want to give your feet a rest, you can also take the DC Metro, which is well connected and a quick way to get around the city.
It’s very safe
If you’re traveling alone, especially as a solo female traveler, safety is likely a factor you consider when choosing your destination.
DC is an extremely safe city, so you don’t have to worry if you travel here alone.
Obviously you should always take safety precautions when traveling alone, but overall DC is a very safe place to visit.
Many different neighborhoods
Washington, DC has much more to offer than just government buildings, museums and monuments. Many of the top tourist attractions in DC are located in Downtown, so I would recommend staying there if you are visiting for the first time.
Another great neighborhood to stay in is Georgetown. This historic district is located a little further away from downtown, but is incredibly picturesque and walkable.
While in DC, be sure to visit Chinatown and Dupont Circle, two other cool and vibrant neighborhoods.
Easy to reach from other cities
Finally, DC is perfect for a solo trip as it is easily accessible from other places in the US. More than 60 US cities have regular nonstop flights to DC
There is also a direct subway line from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Downtown for just $6.
And if you’re already on the East Coast, you can easily take Amtrak to DC. The Acela high-speed train connects Boston, New York and Philadelphia to DC, while other Amtrak train lines connect southern cities along the East Coast to DC
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
