Nearby cities: Arlington, Fort Myer, Mount Rainier
Take a few moments to explore the wealth of small businesses that give Washington its character. Review your favorite (or least favorite) business and get directions around town.
Washington, D.C., the iconic capital of the United States, boasts a vibrant population of approximately 702,250 residents as of the latest 2024 estimates, reflecting a post-pandemic resurgence that has pushed numbers above 700,000 for the first time since 2019. As a distinctive federal district independent of any state, it functions as the epicenter of American governance, housing key institutions like the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court. The city supports 82,666 small businesses—representing 98.2% of all firms and employing nearly half the workforce—fueling economic growth with a net job increase of 2,678 in the latest reporting period. Washington, D.C., is renowned for its world-class museums such as the Smithsonian Institution, historic monuments including the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, seasonal cherry blossom festivals, and a dynamic cultural scene featuring top-tier events, making it the best city to visit in 2025 according to travel experts.