Looking for cobblestone charm, riverfront views, and upscale shopping? Head to Georgetown! One of D.C.’s most iconic neighborhoods, Georgetown blends historic elegance with trendy boutiques, waterfront dining, and a lively student vibe. Whether you're walking along the C&O Canal or browsing Wisconsin Avenue shops, Georgetown offers an unforgettable city escape.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Georgetown is during the spring and fall (March to May and September to November). Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and fall brings crisp air and golden foliage. Summer is busy but great for waterfront fun, while winter is cozy and festive with seasonal events.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Georgetown is located in northwest Washington, D.C., accessible via the Key Bridge, Rock Creek Parkway, or Whitehurst Freeway. Parking is limited, so public transit or ride-share is recommended.
  • By Metro: While Georgetown has no Metro station, Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) is a 15-minute walk away, and buses or the DC Circulator offer easy access.
  • By Air: Reagan National Airport (DCA) is 15 minutes away by car; Dulles (IAD) and BWI are 40–60 minutes away depending on traffic.

Where to Stay

  • Rosewood Washington, D.C. – Elegant 5-star hotel along the canal with luxe amenities and personalized service.
  • Georgetown Inn – Classic and centrally located, just steps from shops, bars, and dining.
  • Hotel Washington Harbor – Modern riverside stay with rooftop views and easy access to the waterfront trail.

Top Attractions

Stroll and Unwind Along the Scenic Georgetown Waterfront Park

Walk along scenic paths, enjoy peaceful river views and outdoor activities.

Stroll and Unwind Along the Scenic Georgetown Waterfront Park

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Georgetown Waterfront Park stretches along the Potomac River and links together 225 miles of parkland. It is a popular park with locals who appreciate both the unique park design and the views of the Potomac River, Theodore Roosevelt Island, and Key Bridge.

Visitors to the park come for both exercise and contemplation. Key features of Georgetown Waterfront Park include a labyrinth to encourage contemplation, an exquisite fountain that is a fun centerpiece to the park, and the river steps and steel cable pergola that are popular for picnicking and watching the action on the Potomac.

Shop Chic Boutiques and Design Finds at Cady’s Alley

Explore trendy boutiques, admire stylish designs in a charming alleyway.

Shop Chic Boutiques and Design Finds at Cady’s Alley

© Cady’s Alley

Cady's Alley is Georgetown’s trendiest area with numerous small businesses dedicated to hip apparel and home design. It’s the consummate retail experience for in vogue shoppers. Visitors can expect exclusive brands and specialty shops that focus on fashion, design, furnishings, and accessories. It’s only natural that Cady’s Alley ambience reflects the design principles they tout. Surrounding the central courtyard and pedestrian-friendly alleyways, shoppers will find shops with lofted ceilings, exposed brick, and glass and steel elements. This is where the stylish reimagine themselves and their homes. Map

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Browse Galleries and Local Charm in Book Hill

Walk up scenic slopes, enjoy panoramic views of Georgetown’s charm.

Browse Galleries and Local Charm in Book Hill

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Book Hill shopping area in historic Georgetown is named after the neighborhood’s Book Hill Park. It’s located just a few blocks north of Cady’s Alley, another Georgetown shopping district favored by the well-heeled. Book Hill is a collection of independent shops that cater to sophisticated tastes with offerings like the French Apartment home shop, David Bell Antiques, and Sassanova shoes and accessories. Looking as much like a Parisian neighborhood as a boutique shopping avenue, this historic area is known for its fashion apparel, art galleries, and home furnishings and antiques stores. The area is peppered with boutique eateries where visitors lounging between purchases may spot celebrity shoppers like Laura Bush or Gwyneth Paltrow. Map

Walk or Paddle Through History on the C&O Canal

Walk or bike historic towpaths, admire peaceful waterfront views.

Walk or Paddle Through History on the C&O Canal

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The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C & O Canal) broke ground in 1828 when President John Quincy Adams ceremoniously dug the first shovelful of dirt. The canal’s hopes as an important trade route were dashed when railroads made the canal era obsolete. By 1961, the C & O was proclaimed a national monument by President Dwight Eisenhower. Soon, visitors can ride the canal in a historic replica canal boat through Georgetown’s C & O Canal after the completion of its renovation. The Georgetown Canal Plan will surround a one-mile section of the restored canal with a sustainable urban park.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, 1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW, Washington, DC, Phone: 202-653-5190

Savor Sustainable Eats at Farmers, Fishers, Bakers

Savor farm-fresh dishes, enjoy waterfront dining with diverse flavors.

Savor Sustainable Eats at Farmers, Fishers, Bakers

© Farmers, Fishers, Bakers

Located at Georgetown’s bustling Washington Harbor, along the banks of the Potomac River, Farmers, Fishers, Bakers is an urban farmhouse restaurant. The restaurant is famous for serving inspired farm-to-table cuisine using the finest locally sourced produce. The restaurant is a popular meeting place for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner and you are also welcome to just stop by for a cup of artisan coffee and a sweet treat. In addition to indoor seating the restaurant also has great outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. The menu is very extensive with options to suit all tastes including vegan and vegetarian choices.

Farmers, Fishers, Bakers, 3000 K Street NW, Washington Harbor, Washington DC 20007, 202 298 8783

If you are traveling with kids:

Bike or Jog the Leafy Capital Crescent Trail

Bike scenic routes, enjoy a peaceful escape from city life.

Bike or Jog the Leafy Capital Crescent Trail

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The Capital Crescent Trail is a paved, shared use hiking and biking trail. It follows the former 11-mile B & O Railroad bed, in use from 1910 to 1985, from Georgetown to Silver Spring, Maryland. It is part of the C & O Canal National Historic Park. Along the trail, users will encounter seven bridges and two tunnels, all with easy gradients. The Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail has been instrumental in the trail design and in coordinating government and National Park Service funding for its completion. Their ultimate goal is to pave the entire length of the trail with a two-foot wide stone-dust edging for jogging and to offer offer first-class trail amenities like water fountains, benches, kiosks, and other useful features.

Capital Crescent Trail, 1400 16th Street NW, Washington, DC, Phone: 202-234-4874

Step Back in Time at the Federal-Style Dumbarton House

Explore Federal-era history, admire period furnishings and architecture.

Step Back in Time at the Federal-Style Dumbarton House

© Dumbarton House

The Federal-style Dumbarton House built in 1800 tells visitors the story of what life was like in the early years of the nation’s capital. The Dumbarton collection includes over 1,000 paintings, ceramics, silver, textiles, and furnishings from the Federal Period, plus a collection of original documents describing nearly 300 years of history in the house and the area. The stately house sits on 1.5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and terraces. Visitors will also want to tour East Park on the east side of Dumbarton House and the Herb Garden featuring over 40 plants that help tell the story of early America.

Dumbarton House, 2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC, Phone: 202-337-2288

Explore Art, Gardens, and History at Dumbarton Oaks

Discover historic art, explore lush gardens and fascinating exhibits.

Explore Art, Gardens, and History at Dumbarton Oaks

© Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection

Dumbarton Oaks, once the home of Robert and Mildred Bliss, is a historic estate turned research library and museum in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC. It is open to researchers who are welcome to study its documents, images, objects, and books. It is also open to the public as a museum and has world class art collections. Visitors can expect to see permanent Byzantine, textile, and pre-Columbian galleries, a Renaissance-inspired Music Room, a gallery for temporary exhibitions, and a rare book gallery and reading room. Dumbarton Oaks also hosts lectures and concerts in the estate’s Music Room.

Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, 1703 32nd Street NW, Washington, DC, Phone: 202-339-6401

Top Attractions

  • C&O Canal Towpath – Scenic trails for jogging, biking, and quiet strolls through historic Georgetown.
  • Georgetown University – Tour the historic campus with Gothic architecture and great views of the city.
  • Old Stone House – D.C.’s oldest unchanged structure, offering a glimpse into colonial life.
  • Tudor Place Historic House & Garden – Explore Federal-period architecture, antiques, and five acres of lush gardens.

More Places to Eat

  • Martin’s Tavern – A Georgetown institution where JFK proposed to Jackie; cozy, historic atmosphere and classic American fare.
  • Sequoia – Upscale waterfront dining with bold modern décor and stunning views of the Potomac River.
  • Baked & Wired – Beloved local bakery and coffee shop known for oversized cupcakes and artsy vibes.
  • Filomena Ristorante – Family-style Italian dining with homemade pasta and over-the-top seasonal decor.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Georgetown French Market (April) – Open-air market with pastries, fashion deals, sidewalk cafés, and live music.
  • Georgetown GLOW (Winter) – Art installation festival that lights up the neighborhood with outdoor exhibits and projections.
  • Taste of Georgetown (Fall) – Sample gourmet offerings from top local restaurants along K Street.
  • Annual Holiday Window Competition (December) – Shop windows dazzle with themed displays during the festive season.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes to 1 Hour of Georgetown, Washington, D.C.:

  • Old Town Alexandria, VA (20 min) – Stroll cobblestone streets, dine along the Potomac, and visit historic museums.
  • Arlington National Cemetery (15 min) – Witness the Changing of the Guard and pay respects at JFK’s eternal flame.
  • National Mall (15–20 min) – Explore Smithsonian museums, the U.S. Capitol, and iconic monuments just across the city.
  • Great Falls Park (30 min) – Hike and view dramatic waterfalls and rapids along the Potomac River.
  • Mount Vernon (1 hr) – Visit George Washington’s estate and gardens overlooking the Potomac in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What is Georgetown known for?
    • When people say Georgetown, it’s usually Georgetown University that comes to mind.
  • What is the character of Georgetown?
    • And while it’s true that this is a lively college town, its roots are grounded in wealth and gentility.
  • What historical attractions are there in Georgetown?
    • History buffs will appreciate the historical significance of attractions like Old Stone House and the Historic Georgetown Walking Tour that bring history to life.
  • What shopping areas are popular in Georgetown?
    • Others may be more impressed with the shopping opportunities of Book Hill and Cady’s Alley.
  • What draws people to Georgetown’s culinary scene?
    • Still others will find the culinary scene to be the most compelling draw.
  • What outdoor activities can nature lovers enjoy in Georgetown?
    • Nature lovers will enjoy Georgetown’s many outdoor activities.
  • What is the overall appeal of Georgetown?
    • No matter what the allure is, visitors will find an activity to love.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant weather and cherry blossoms in full bloom, perfect for walking along the waterfront. The Graham Georgetown – A stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and easy access to historic sites. Visit the Georgetown Waterfront Park – Enjoy scenic views of the Potomac River and take a relaxing stroll.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, great for shopping, dining, and exploring the historic district. Georgetown Inn – A charming and classic stay in the heart of Georgetown. Kayak on the Potomac River – Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a fun summer experience.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and colorful foliage make it a great time for scenic walks and cultural events. Rosewood Washington, D.C. – A luxury hotel with elegant rooms and a rooftop infinity pool. Explore Dumbarton Oaks – Walk through historic gardens and enjoy the fall scenery.
Winter (December-February) – A festive atmosphere with holiday lights and cozy cafés. Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. – A top-tier stay with excellent service and spa facilities. Shop on M Street – Browse high-end boutiques and holiday markets for unique gifts.

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