Washington, DC can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. The big monuments, art galleries, and famous museums are cool, but don’t miss out on the city’s neighborhoods! Georgetown is where it’s at. With its charming streets, awesome shops, and fun vibes, it’s the perfect place to experience the real DC. If you’re looking for the best things to do in DC, Georgetown should definitely be on your list. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore all the amazing things to do in Georgetown DC!
When you visit Georgetown, this is where you will find multi-million dollar homes residing next to some of the best restaurants and shops in D.C.
Wander the streets on a Saturday morning. You will bump into tourists and locals alike meeting up with friends for brunch, suburban moms treating themselves to some city shopping on M Street NW, and runners getting in their miles along the Potomac River.
Shopping in Georgetown
Take the time to stroll along M Street, the main drag through the neighborhood. Georgetown features shops that can fit any budget. Chain stores like Banana Republic, H&M, Kiehls, and Kate Spade New York line the sidewalks.
Turn left or right onto Wisconsin Avenue NW for the Apple Store, Nine West, Tory Burch, Gap, and Tumi Luggage.
Off Wisconsin Ave NW you will find cobblestone streets and alleyways that surprise you with local shops, or just an unexpected stop at Crumb & Whiskers, a cat café for those in need of a furry hug.
Running trails in Georgetown
Washington, D.C. was made for runners. The relatively flat terrain makes it easy to put in a few miles before brunch. Best of all, you pass some of the city’s greatest sights. Take a 3-mile round-trip jog along the Potomac River from Georgetown to the Lincoln Memorial.
If you want to add in a few more miles, keep running along the Mall until you get to the Washington Monument or the Capital building. Bring your phone with you. Chances are you will want to stop to catch your breath and snap a few photos.
Walk along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
One of my favorite things to do in Georgetown is grab a coffee and cupcake from Baked & Wired, one of our favorite spots for cupcakes in DC, and head down the C&O Canal towpaths that run through the neighborhood. It’s quiet and gets you away from the throngs on M Street NW.
Discover Historic Georgetown
It’s easy to book a walking tour of Historic Georgetown or go on a self-guided tour of the oldest neighborhood in Washington, D.C. There are even biking trails you can tackle that will wander you along Georgetown Waterfront Park, across the canals, and through the heart of the District.
Visit the Old Stone House
Built in 1766, the Old Stone House is the oldest structure on its original foundation in D.C. This home was in the neighborhood before D.C. was even formed and the U.S. was still part of Great Britain.
People once thought that George Washington stayed at the Old Stone House, but in fact, he stayed at Suter’s Tavern, which was owned by the father of the man who owned the Old Stone House location. Naturally, family lure and history confused the two, but the record has since been set straight.
You can spend as much or as little time as you like at this historic home. It’s hard to miss if you are leisurely walking through Georgetown, yet many visitors pass it by not recognizing the significance of the property.
Tour Dumbarton Oaks Museum & Garden
Dumbarton Oaks, once the home of Robert Woods Bliss and his wife Mildred Barnes Bliss (Dumbarton House), was given to Harvard University and turned into a research institute, library, museum, and garden.
The museum houses the Bliss family’s collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian for all to enjoy. Those who enjoy wandering through a beautifully planned garden will want to carve out enough time to tour the grounds as well.
Dumbarton Oaks is renowned for hosting the 1944 meeting where world leaders drafted the United Nations Charter.
Step through time at Tudor Place Historic House & Garden
Meet the descendants of Martha Washington at Tudor Place Historic House and Garden. Bought in 1805 by Martha Washington’s granddaughter (who was born at Mount Vernon!), Martha Custis Peter and Thomas Peter, the Peter family owned and lived in the house from 1805 until 1983. The final owner decided it should be a museum for all to enjoy and learn from the history the property had seen over two centuries.
Visitors are welcome to book tickets to tour the home and garden. Just make sure you get tickets as they do sell out during high season.
More about day trips from D.C. here!
Restaurants in Georgetown
While Georgetown Washington DC may not have a wildly popular food culture like New York or Seattle, chefs are cooking up some great flavors in this neighborhood. Over 21+ crowd flock to El Centro on Saturday mornings.
Bottomless brunch—an endless supply of mimosas, Bloody Marys, DC tacos, guacamole, and churros– is where it’s at. Another hot spot for couples and families is Founding Farmers Fishers and Bakers. Make sure you get a reservation well in advance. Walk-ins are welcome, but you will avoid the long line if you call ahead for a table.
Thunder Burger & Bar is a meat-lovers paradise, especially on Wild Wednesdays when Chef Ryan Fichter grills up some truly exotic meats (alligator ribs or boar sausage anyone?). The menu regularly features grass-feed beef, elk, bison, and boar, and a particular favorite– the Pig in a Cow Suit (a cheeseburger topped with pulled pork and crispy onions).
Happy Hour in Georgetown
There is no end to places you can grab a drink in Georgetown. A few do stand out as spots to see beautiful people or just grab a bar stool with friends to unwind after a long day.
The Graham on Thomas Jefferson Street NW has two bars—one on the roof and one in the basement called The Alex—that are making cocktails worth sipping. The Strawberry mule at The Alex has the power to warm you up in winter or cool you down in summer.
Eno Wine Bar, next to the Four Seasons, has an extensive white, rose, red, and sparkling wine list. It also has a small food menu. If you can’t decide on your favorite glass, go for a wine flight. Several are on the menu, which allows you to find new wines to love without the cost (or hangover) that comes with multiple glasses.
You can also get a good glimpse of Georgetown’s charm at Martin’s Tavern. Immerse yourself in history while enjoying expertly crafted cocktails and hearty American fare.
Need more happy hour options in the Nation’s Capital?
Check our guide to happy hour in DC.
Georgetown Coffee Shops
Caffeine might as well be labeled as the fourth meal of the day in D.C. Lobbyists, politicians, and consultants have to bring their A-Game 24/7.
Surprisingly, until a few years ago, D.C. didn’t have a great coffee scene. Coffee was merely a vehicle to help you work into the wee hours of the night.
Thankfully that has changed and Georgetown wasn’t left behind.
Disabled vets are being trained in small business practices at Dog Tag Bakery (don’t skimp on the chocolate chip cookies!). Patrons line up on cold winter nights for a warm latte to go with their cupcakes from Baked and Wired.
Italian-gelateria Dolcezza is home to some of D.C.’s best gelato, and with gelato must come fine Italian coffee. If you want to get into the student culture at Georgetown University, pop in for a cup at Uncommon Grounds.
Students work in the shop, display their artwork, and host live performances.
Read more in our guide to the Best Coffee Shops in DC.
Ice Skating near Georgetown Waterfront Park
When it is winter in Washington, D.C., we love to go ice skating. It’s a cheap and easy way to work up a sweat, and Georgetown ice skating has some great views and food to enjoy on and off the ice.
Check out more spots to go Ice Skating in DC
Stay at a Georgetown Hotel
There are plenty of hotels around the sights in D.C., but if you want to get into a neighborhood that is within walking distance of most of those same sights, you need to stay in Georgetown—home to some of the finest Washington DC luxury hotels.
The Graham Georgetown is a luxury boutique hotel that strives to make you feel like family. Although the décor may feel more like a couple or girlfriend getaway retreat, families are welcome.
The Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown is great for any type of travel group looking for a bit of extra care. Club level brings added value through a full breakfast and evening hor d’oeurves.
One of the best spots to watch the Fourth of July Fireworks is on the rooftop lounge and pool at the Rosewood Washington DC. Their Personal Assistants can help you plan your arrival, help you sort out things to do while in town, and give you insider tips on the best places to eat.
The hotel’s location on the C&O Canal keeps the noise of M Street out of your room, but close enough to all of the action the neighborhood can provide.
