Things to Do in Georgetown, Washington, DC

Georgetown, a historic neighborhood in Washington, DC, suffuses its colonial past with a vibrant, modern-day atmosphere. Its cobblestone streets, elegant row houses, and waterfront setting offer a distinct experience that sets it apart from the monuments and museums of the National Mall. Visitors to Georgetown discover a range of activities that cater to diverse interests, from strolls through scenic gardens to energetic retail explorations along its main thoroughfares.

This guide explores the many things to do in Georgetown, Washington, DC, highlighting the specific features that make each activity a unique part of the Georgetown experience.

The Georgetown Waterfront Park is a ten-acre stretch of green space along the Potomac River, providing a scenic and recreational hub for the neighborhood. This public area offers a serene escape with panoramic views of the river and the Key Bridge, which connects Georgetown to Rosslyn, Virginia.

The park features walking and biking paths, an interactive fountain for summer use, and a labyrinth for meditative moments. From the waterfront, visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards to explore the Potomac River from a different perspective. Several restaurants with outdoor patios line the waterfront at Washington Harbour, providing an opportunity for al fresco dining with stunning river views.

The Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal runs through Georgetown, offering a picturesque and historical pathway for walkers and cyclists. This canal, which operated from 1831 to 1924, once served as a vital waterway for transporting goods. Today, its towpath provides a tranquil route that winds through the neighborhood's urban landscape.

A walk along the C&O Canal Towpath reveals a series of historic locks, bridges, and other structures that testify to the city's industrial past. The path is lined with trees and greenery, creating a peaceful environment that feels removed from the city's hustle and bustle. Visitors can also take a mule-pulled barge ride, which provides a unique and immersive historical experience, offering a glimpse into what life was like on the canal in the 19th century.

Georgetown has several historic house museums and gardens that offer a deep dive into the neighborhood's past. These beautifully preserved properties and their surrounding grounds provide a look at the lives of prominent residents from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden is a neoclassical mansion built in 1815 for descendants of Martha Washington. The house and its five-plus acres of gardens have been carefully preserved, showcasing furnishings and artifacts that chronicle 180 years of American history. Dumbarton Oaks is another notable estate, famous for its gardens designed by landscape architect Beatrix Farrand and its museum collection of pre-Columbian and Byzantine art. The Old Stone House, built in 1765, is the oldest standing structure in Washington, DC, and is administered by the National Park Service as a house museum.

M Street and Wisconsin Avenue are Georgetown's two main thoroughfares, forming a retail hub that is a destination for shoppers. The streets are lined with high-end boutiques, national retailers, and independent shops, creating a vibrant and diverse shopping district.

M Street is known for its fashion retailers, including established brands and independent designers. Wisconsin Avenue, particularly the "Book Hill" section, offers a more eclectic mix of art galleries, home decor stores, and antique shops. A stroll through these streets reveals a blend of historic architecture and modern commerce. Tucked away behind M Street is Cady's Alley, a cobblestone walkway home to a design district with home furnishings and specialty boutiques.

Georgetown's culinary scene is a rich and diverse part of the neighborhood's character. It offers a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The neighborhood is home to long-standing institutions and new, innovative eateries.

For a classic experience, Martin's Tavern is a Georgetown institution where JFK proposed to Jackie in the 1950s. The restaurant maintains its historic charm and is a popular spot for locals and tourists. The neighborhood is also famous for its bakeries and dessert shops, including Georgetown Cupcake and Baked & Wired, which often have lines out the door. The Georgetown Waterfront has several restaurants with patio seating and river views.

Georgetown University, one of the oldest Catholic universities in the United States, is a prominent presence in the neighborhood. Its campus, with its stunning Romanesque and Gothic Revival architecture, provides a beautiful setting for a walk. The university’s Healy Hall, with its ornate spires, is a National Historic Landmark and a focal point of the campus.

Visitors can explore the campus grounds, which are open to the public, and enjoy the collegiate atmosphere. The university's location on a hilltop overlooking the Potomac River provides a different perspective of the area's topography.

For a dose of pop culture history, the Exorcist Steps are a unique and popular site. These 75 steps, located at the corner of M Street and Prospect Street, were featured in a pivotal scene of the classic horror film "The Exorcist." The steps have become a pilgrimage site for film enthusiasts and a challenging workout for locals.

A plaque at the bottom of the stairs commemorates their role in cinematic history. The steps are steep and provide a strenuous climb, rewarding those who reach the top with a sense of accomplishment and a unique photo opportunity. This is a niche but well-known thing to do in Georgetown Washington DC, attracting visitors who appreciate its place in popular culture.

Georgetown offers a range of venues for experiencing arts and live music, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene. These spots provide opportunities for entertainment and engagement with the city's artistic community, offering a different side of the neighborhood's character.

Blues Alley, located in a historic alley, is the country's oldest, continuously operating jazz supper club. It has hosted legends of the genre and continues to feature live jazz performances almost every night of the year. The Georgetown Piano Bar provides a lively atmosphere with dueling pianos and sing-alongs. The neighborhood also has several small art galleries, particularly in the Book Hill area, that showcase the work of local and international artists.

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