Washington is safe. Despite what you hear from the president, Washington, DC has never been safer. Crime is down, but more importantly, the places tourists visit have always been safe. The National Mall, the memorials, and all the museums are very safe places to be day and night.
Like anywhere, you always want to take the usual precautions: Be aware of your surroundings, walk in well-lit areas, and avoid using your phone or headphones, which can distract you. Most importantly, trust your gut. If something seems off or makes you feel uncomfortable, leave the area.
You don’t need a car. Having a car while touring Washington is more trouble and expense than it’s worth. Parking is very limited near the sites. Downtown parking garages are very expensive. Our Metro (subway) is very easy to use; it’s safe and costs less than parking. Further, Uber and Lyft rides are always available. The biggest reason you don’t need a car is that…
Washington is for walking. Bring comfortable shoes. This is a very walkable city. It only takes an hour to walk the length of the National Mall. And it’s flat! Walking lets you notice details, stop if something interests you, and connect with the city.
Know which sites require tickets. Some of our museums require free timed tickets. Before arriving, get tickets online for African American History and Culture, Air and Space (Mall), the Washington Monument, the Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Holocaust Memorial Museum.
You can’t see it all in one visit. Nothing makes me sadder than seeing an exhausted, unhappy family walking down the National Mall at the end of the day. The kids are tired, and the parents are at the end of their rope. The temptation is to try to do it all, but that seldom results in a quality visit. Better to prioritize what you want to see, see it to the fullest, and then take some time to relax. Washington will always be here waiting for you.