The Logan Circle neighborhood has flown fairly under the radar in terms of places to visit in Washington D.C., but that is changing.
Real Estate development in this residential neighborhood has boomed since Whole Foods opened its doors on P Street in December of 2000, and the intervening two decades have brought trendy condo developments, great bars and restaurants, and an assortment of new shopping to the area – along with a mind boggling rise in housing prices.
Why Visit Logan Circle?
While Logan Circle has changed significantly over the years, its 14th Street and Logan Circle Historic Districts still offer visitors an authentic taste of local DC history and neighborhood life – with the added plus of good food, nightlife, and shopping all within easy walking distance from many downtown hotels.
How to get to Logan Circle
Just like visiting U Street, Logan Circle is best enjoyed on foot, but to get there you can drive, bike or take the Metro.
- Metro Stops: two stops are about a 10-15 minute walk to Logan Circle
- Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center (walk west on M Street NW and then north on 13th Street NW)
- U St/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (walk south 14th Street NW or 13th Street NW)
- Bus Stop: Logan Circle & P St (Bus 63 and G2 make stops here)
Logan Circle Hotels
You don’t have to stay downtown if when you want to be close to the vibrant neighborhood of Logan Circle. There are several vacation rentals and Airbnbs in Logan Circle, along with some of our favorite Logan Circle hotels.
- Viceroy Washington DC: pet-friendly hotel with a pool.
- National at Thomas Circle: Executive apartment with plenty of room plus outdoor pool and private parking.
- Dupont Circle Embassy Inn by FOUND: Boutique hotel with private rooms and dorm rooms available.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington, D.C. Downtown: All-suite hotel with kitchens + pet-friendly.
- Cambria Hotel Washington, D.C. Convention Center: Suites and queen rooms + an indoor pool.
Logan Circle History
A Fitting Tribute: The Logan Circle Heritage Trail
Learn all there is to know on this two-hour, self-guided walking tour of Logan Circle’s historic homes and sites.
From 14th Street’s “Automobile Row,” to the site of the historic Whitman-Walker Clinic, the trail’s 14 marked signs will guide you through the neighborhood and its incredible history.
Logan Circle Guided Tour
If a guided tour is more your speed, you can’t go wrong with Washington Walks. Their Logan Circle tour takes a deep dive into the area’s remarkable Victorian architecture and is an excellent introduction to the history and evolution of the neighborhood.
Franklin Square Park
A bucolic square of land sitting on the edge of the Logan Circle area, Franklin Square was purchased by the federal government in 1832 to protect a freshwater spring that fed the White House.
Logan Circle
The traffic circle encompassing the circle park the neighborhood is named for is as impressive as the grand 19th century Victorian and Richardsonian homes surrounding the circle.
A wide stretch of lawn and trees makes it a popular spot for neighborhood gatherings and dog walkers.
Statue of General John A. Logan
Sitting smack dab in the center of the Circle, the statue of General John A. Logan was completed in 1901 to commemorate the life of this Congressman, Senator, and Union officer in the Civil War.
Notably, Memorial Day is now celebrated as a national holiday largely due to Logan’s efforts.
Statue of Major General George Henry Thomas
Sitting at the intersection of 14th Street NW and M Street NW, George Henry Thomas’ equestrian statue stands at the center of the circle named for him– Thomas Circle Park.
Thomas was a much-celebrated Union general during the Civil War and came to be known as “The Rock of Chickamauga.”
Logan Circle Nightlife and Culture
Black Cat
A neighborhood institution, the Black Cat is known for its eclectic musical line-ups and DJ’d themed dance parties.
Check out the handwritten list in the window for the current schedule.
Washington Improv at the Source Theatre
D.C.’s answer to Second City for more than 20 years, Washington Improv’s students have gone on to work for The Daily Show and Saturday Night Live.
Stop by the box office or check online for the show schedule.
Studio Theatre
Studio’s opening at the corner of 14th and P Streets in 1987 marked somewhat of a turning point in the evolution of the Logan Circle neighborhood. Now in business for more than 40 years, it is D.C.’s home to contemporary, cutting-edge theatre.
Logan Circle Restaurants and Coffee Shops
Cork Wine Bar and Market
Grab some cheese and bread – or a bucket of chicken – to enjoy on a bench in the Circle, or sit down and nosh (and drink) your way through a few of Cork’s signature dishes and pours.
Hint: They are the OG of DC avocado toast (they’ve served 70,000 of them in eight years), and their fried chicken wins awards.
Logan Tavern
The perfect spot for a dinner before the theatre, or a pre-shopping brunch.
Commissary
Billing itself as “Your Neighborhood Place,” Commissary is just that: no frills, decent prices, and breakfast – not always an easy find in the neighborhood – starts at eight.
Colada Shop
Grab an iced café con leche or cocktail and a basket of croquetas, pull up a stool on the sun-soaked patio and transport yourself beachside at this lively T Street boîte.
PS- Colada has one of the best hot chocolate in Washington D.C.
Le Diplomate
What can be said about Le Diplo that hasn’t already been said? For a big night out or a laid back sidewalk brunch, there is no better destination in D.C. for food and drink.
Ted’s Bulletin
The closest you’ll get to diner-style eating in Logan Circle – and most of D.C., really – Ted’s has quickly become a neighborhood institution for down-home style breakfasts.
Come for the homemade Pop Tarts and stay for the remarkable Deco décor – rescued from a Philly convention center.
Call ahead to get yourself on the list and avoid some of the wait – there are no reservations and lines can be long.
Logan Circle Off the Beaten Track
National City Christian Church
This imposing neo-classical structure at the corner of 14th Street and Thomas Circle was built in 1930, but its congregation dates to 1845 and was home to both President Garfield and President Johnson during their time in office.
LBJ’s state funeral was held here in 1973.
Stop in for one of the church’s famed Friday afternoon concerts and take in the music of the incredible pipe organs the church is known for.
Old Korean Legation Museum
Don’t miss this remarkable house museum right on Logan Circle. The diplomatic home to the Joseon and Korean Empire legations until 1905 when Japan’s control of the Korean government ended the legation’s presence in DC.
More than 100 years later, the house is back under the ownership of the South Korean government and now dedicated to education and the history of Korea-U.S. friendship.
Make reservations online for a guided tour of this restored Victorian house, and don’t miss the enchanting Korean garden next door.
Logan Circle Shopping
Miss Pixies
Home to all manner of vintage furniture, décor, and bric-a-brac, Miss Pixie’s has been topping out D.C. “best of” lists since 1997. Keep an eye on their Instagram for the latest finds at the store.
Salt and Sundry
Championing women-owned, independent, and local brands, a visit to Salt & Sundry’s airy, beautifully designed space is a treat for the senses.
Little Leaf
Sister to Salt and Sundry, plant lovers will swoon the moment they step through the doors of Little Leaf. Even those without a green thumb will feel instantly at peace is this light-filled shop bursting with tropicals and succulents of all shapes and sizes.
Shinola
Whether pricey “Made in Detroit” leather bags and timepieces are on your shopping list or not, stop by Shinola for the experience and a chance to step inside some local history.
The beautifully designed store belies the building’s history as the Central Union Mission – a Christian social service agency and homeless shelter that occupied the space for more than 30 years.
Don’t miss the gargantuan “COME UNTO ME” neon sign that still sits atop the newly minted apartment and retail complex.
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