22 Best & Fun Things To Do In Georgetown DC

Home to the prestigious Georgetown University, Georgetown was founded in 1751 and has had a colorful history.

Magnificent architecture, old brick and frame row buildings, cobblestone streets, and stately estates going back to the mid-1700s are all well represented in Georgetown. These historical sites are worth seeing.

Aside from the architecture, Georgetown is rich in entertainment and many other good things, like having a nice meal at the Martin’s Tavern, cupcake tours, and picnics on the beach.

With so many histories, architecture, and pop culture references in this neighborhood, you might be overwhelmed.

We have done the homework and listed the best places you can visit in Georgetown to get the most satisfaction.

1. The Old Stone House, Georgetown

How do you imagine the oldest structure in Georgetown would look?

The old stone house is a neat attraction in Georgetown and the oldest surviving structure which remains in its original foundation list.

This stone house was built in 1765 when the area formed part of the British colony of Maryland.

Here you can see a prime example of early colonial and pre-revolutionary architecture, using blue granite material quarried nearby.

Similarly, on the inside, you will see several rooms with 18th-century furnishing and a small bookstore section.

Exhibits are set up in what used to be the house’s kitchen.

These exhibits provide details on a timeline of significant events in the home and the United States’ history.

In addition, the exhibits also discuss the house’s history, why it was saved, and who lived in and owned it.

There is also a little garden space in the back, which makes for a good place to rest your head after visiting the Old Stone House.

A photo album shows how the house looked when it was last furnished and open to the public.

Even though the building itself is small, its historical significance is excellent. If you need to grab something, there’s a small gift shop in the front to browse.

This house can be found on M St. NW and is open daily for visitations from 11 am to 6 pm.

Overall, if you’re in Georgetown, this is a fun and free attraction to check out. Just remember to leave a $1 or two in their contribution bucket.

Address: 3051 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

2. Georgetown Waterfront

If you’re looking for a chill night out by the water, you want to hang out with friends, or even f you’re feeling romantic, this is an excellent place to visit in Georgetown.

The waterfront is such a nice place to walk around and go sightseeing, with amazing eateries and bars all around.

The Georgetown Waterfront Park was finished in the fall of 2011.

The labyrinth, stunning fountain, and exquisite rain gardens are among the park’s outstanding design aspects.

Visitors come to the park to enjoy calm contemplation or exercise and recreate on the vast, accessible trails.

Moreso, a number of good restaurants to choose from if you get hungry are also available.

If you are up for a picnic, you can bring your sheets and relax on the grass for as long as you like.

In addition, individual boaters, kayakers, and competitive crews, as well as Theodore Roosevelt Island, Key Bridge, and the Potomac River, can be seen from a dedicated (car-free) pathway for cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians.

The sunset and restaurants with a generous portion of people make this place so enjoyable.

In short, this is one of the best places in Georgetown town to go for a morning walk and take some cool pictures

While parking can be a pain sometimes on busy nights, it is worth it.

Address: 3303 Water St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

3. Capital Crescent Trail

If you enjoy discovering new places, admiring the wildlife, and seeing the sights from different vantage points, the Capital Crescent Trail here in Georgetown is for you.

The Capital Crescent Trail runs 11 miles from Georgetown in the District of Columbia to Silver Spring in Montgomery County, following an abandoned railroad right of way.

This fantastic biking trail can be reached easily from Bethesda or Georgetown.

You’ll be biking uphill if you start from Georgetown, so get an excellent exercise first.

The Capital Crescent Trail begins at Fletcher Boathouse on the Potomac River and splits off the C&O Canal towpath in the direction of Bethesda.

The route surface is well-kept and excellent for pedestrians, hikers, bikers, and skaters.

Further, the route is rather popular on weekends, but it is tranquil on weekdays.

Before reaching downtown Silver Spring, the path passes through the Montgomery County communities of Bethesda.

Similarly, the trail near Bethesda has more pedestrians; however, as you go further away, you’ll notice that it’s largely bikers.

While the path largely passes through parks and ravines, it does pass through downtown Bethesda, where you’ll find your favorite coffee shops and bookstores.

In short, whether you are coming or going through Georgetown or Bethsaida, this is a terrific place for a bike or walking trip.

Address: Washington, DC 20007, United States

4. Tuckernuck, Georgetown

Do you want to go on a shopping spree in Georgetown? Tuckernuck will fulfill your shopping needs without breaking a sweat.

In October 2016, Tuckernuck established its first brick-and-mortar outlet in Georgetown and enticed customers with its unusual and classic gifts and apparel.

Tuckernuck is a store that takes classic American style and gives it a modern twist.

To honor and update the traditional style, Tuckernuck showcases hand-picked products from both established and up-and-coming brands.

In addition, they have friendly staff, and all these come at a reasonable price.

The best part? If you’re unsure what to buy, the store’s pleasant staff is happy to offer advice.

Don’t forget to add Tuckernuck to your things to do in Georgetown today.

Address: 1053 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

5. Martin’s Tavern

Georgetown has a handful of old structures and establishments, and Martin’s Tavern is one of such.

For nearly a century, Martin’s Tavern has been a Georgetown favorite and has been a beloved restaurant for four generations.

In addition, the tavern is the oldest family-run restaurant in Georgetown.

Because it’s a restaurant of choice for Presidents and the powerful, you never know who is sitting by you.

They offer a typical American fair, but it’s tasty.

The restaurant has a cool old-style atmosphere with table cloths, making it feel fancy but also keeping the pub feel to it.

From comfort food to prime rib, whatever you choose will be delicious.

The cocktail menu is quite unique, and drinks are made skillfully. Of course, there are tons of wines and beers to choose from as well.

Finally, make sure to book a reservation as this place gets packed quickly.

With its rich history and good food, this is a must-visit for every tourist.

There’s no guarantee you will get the historic table you are eyeing. With a reservation, you just might.

This tavern might be pricey, but it’s worth a look.

Address: 1264 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

6. Georgetown Running Company

What could you do other than wine and dine in Georgetown? Get fit.

The Georgetown running company is a shoe store, but not just anyhow shoe store.

This shoe store is operated by committed and enthusiastic runners and is on the stylish and popular M Street.

Georgetown Running Company is about more than just shoes and athletic wear but also gives advice on fitness.

This store’s knowledgeable staff can offer expert advice on getting you and your family started in running and fitness.

In addition, the business sponsors family-friendly running events as well as local monthly runs.

Come in and pick up some top-notch running gear and sneakers. Even if you don’t intend to buy a pair, this store will provide you with plenty of advice and recommendations.

Address: 3401 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

7. Tudor Place

If you like history, gardens, and architecture, this is the place for you to go in Georgetown.

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden tells the story of six generations of Martha Washington’s ancestors.

The house so tells about the slaves and free people who lived and worked for nearly two centuries at this Georgetown landmark.

The house itself comes with a great amount of history, and the people who work here really care about the story and try to provide you with as much information as they can.

It comes with two floors, a gorgeous garden, a garage, and a few other spaces on the property.

The rooms are fascinating, especially seeing how they evolved as time went by. The guided tour will point these out throughout the main space.

Historical homes that have been continuously occupied since they were built are reasonably rare, and this home is one of the rare ones

If you love history and architecture, the small price to pay for a tour is definitely worth it.

It is indeed a gem here in Georgetown.

Address: 1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

8. Dumbarton Oaks

Dumbarton Oaks is an institute of Harvard University dedicated to supporting scholarship internationally in Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian studies through fellowships, meetings, exhibitions, and publications.

It welcomes the public to explore its historic building, museum, which houses world-class art collections, and Music Room, which hosts talks and concerts.

This place is like a hidden gem. It is tucked away from the city center and all the monuments and memorials within the estate.

The gardens are pretty big, with so many aspects to it, from mossy stairs to breathing greenhouses.

There are also vibrant flowers with rabbits scurrying away and fruit growing from the trees.

There’s so much to see in this museum, including the Byzantine collection and Renaissance-style music room.

Similarly, there is also the Pre-Columbian collection, which is also a sight to behold.

The setting is just magnificent and enhances the enjoyment of the objects on display.

The museum is free, although there is a charge to tour the gardens.

Address: 1703 32nd Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

9. Georgetown University

This historic school was founded in 1789 as the United States’ first Catholic/Jesuit school and is located on the Potomac River’s banks.

Old North, the oldest building on campus still intact, is where George Washington and many succeeding presidents stood to address the student body.

Healy Hall, the most recognizable structure, stands at the main gate.

Take a tour of the campus and be fascinated by the beautiful gardens and architecture. Tours of the campus usually begin in the Dean’s Office at Georgetown College and end at the Georgetown University McDonogh School of Business.

You will also see the hostels where freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are required to live on campus, and there are multiple classic residence halls.

Address: 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, United States

10. Francis Scott Key Memorial Park

In Georgetown, you will learn some of America’s history, and this park is a notable part of United States history.

This modest Park is dedicated to Francis Scott Key, the author and composer of the United States National Anthem.

This individual is commemorated by a tiny statue and various inscriptions that detail his historical contributions.

Two split colonnades with vines and greenery create a good bit of shade here.

A small amount of public land was also designated as a city park in 1993. You can stroll through everything in about 2-3 minutes.

One block away is the well-known Georgetown (D.C.) Cupcakes. This could be a fantastic place to put your feet up and eat a cupcake.

The park is full of pink rose bushes which bloom, not every day, so you might want to time your coming.

Finally, there are several benches where you can relax and take in the scenery.

Address: 1198 34th and, M St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

Are you in Georgetown and looking for a restaurant to eat at? Check out the list of our best restaurants in Georgetown!

11. Dog Tag Bakery

Dog tag bakery is a wonderful place to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a delicious dessert or sandwich in Georgetown.

What’s unique about this bakery is that it’s also a nonprofit that supports and helps disabled veterans to get their MBAs and start their own small businesses

Dog Tag is named after the identification tag worn by all military members.

The bakery gives veterans, military spouses, and caregivers the tools they need to rediscover their purpose after serving the country and reintegrate back smoothly into their communities.

They not only provide amazing coffee and pastries, but they also have one of the tastiest cheese and ham sandwiches in town.

Asides from the great coffee, the bread and cakes are also super yummy.

In addition, their decor is lovely, and the place has a bright and cheerful vibe and is perfect for studying or reading.

They even have signs for laptop-free tables. What a hidden gem near the Georgetown waterfront!

12. The Exorcist Steps, Georgetown

If you are a fan of horror movies or cinema, this is one place you should miss in Georgetown.

This seemingly innocuous staircase served as a filming site for the 1973 horror thriller The Exorcist.

This is where everything happened, and it’s right here in Georgetown.

The steps connect Prospect Street and Canal Road.

For the best impact, go late at night during a light rain. At 3600 Prospect, the Exorcist’s house is immediately next door.

Note that the stairwell is tiny, and the steps are steep.

They’re a lot more serious than they appear in the movie.

Take precautions and keep a close eye on your surroundings.

You don’t want to wind yourself at the bottom.

Address: Washington, DC 20007, United States

13. Down Dog Yoga Georgetown

Do you know what’s better than running? Have a hot Yoga.

You feel right at home the moment you step in, whether you’re new to yoga or just to the studio.

The spacious studio (2,700 square feet) boasts magnificent wood floors, wide windows, and exposed brick.

There are 8 curtained changing spaces and two restrooms for a quick change of clothes.

You are in for great, hot, sweaty flow and amazing instruction at Down dog yoga in Georgetown.

The classes are fast-paced, and the room is humid and heated.

Baptiste Power Yoga, which they teach at Down Dog Yoga, is a dynamic practice that combines sweat, power, and spirituality in a transforming way.

It will push you to a healthy limit, and you will feel more powerful and alive as a result.

Each instructor is well trained and brings great energy to the classes and the community.

Sign up for classes online to make sure you get a spot. Get ready for a great workout and to leave feeling spectacular.

Even while you wine and dine here in Georgetown, you can still be healthy and in great shape.

Address: 1229 34th St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

14. Cady’s Alley

This is a great spot to socialize in the DC area and the alley is a fashionista’s dream come true.

This short alley is lined with nice stores on both sides, which makes for a fun shopping experience.

30+ design shops and boutiques, ranging from contemporary to traditional home furnishings and décor, are located in DC’s first design destination.

Cady’s Alley, a collection of historic industrial buildings, anchors the Georgetown Design District, with more than 20 home furnishing businesses, fashion and specialty retailers.

There is an especially lovely eatery with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Billed as Georgetown’s trendiest section, with specialist stores and premium companies focusing on design and fashion, you will love it here.

As a tip, parking is expensive here so you can utilize bus service or just get an Uber.

Address: 3318 M St NW #3316, Washington, DC 20007, United States

15. Book Hill

Book Hill Park is the location of the original Georgetown Reservoir and the Georgetown Public Library.

This historic district focused on Wisconsin Avenue from O Street to Reservoir Road and is known for its antique stores, art galleries, independent boutiques, and buttery croissants.

It has a beautiful European flair that attracts residents and visitors alike to shop and stroll around.

It’s also where the Georgetown BID’s annual meeting takes place.

Visit some of the best art galleries in the district and grab a sandwich at the Simply Bahn-Mi’s. You can even visit an old-school ice cream for some ice cream or soft frozen yogurt.

Address: Washington, DC 20007, United States

16. Calloway Fine Art & Consulting

If you love contemporary arts. Then this place is for you, and it’s located in Book Hill here in Georgetown.

Calloway Fine Art & Consulting, established in 1993, specializes in contemporary art by local, regional, and international artists.

In fact, this is one of the true gems of Georgetown and Washington, DC.

A great gallery with an ever-changing selection of prints, older paintings, and contemporary paintings.

It also includes representational and abstract paintings and prints, as well as photography and sculpture.

In addition, the gallery offers broad art consultancy services for both residential and business clients, including on-site visits.

From antique botanical prints to abstract painting and sculpture, there’s always something to see and love.

Address: 1643 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

17. Fiola Mare

If you love seafood and luxury, then this is a place you will adore. It’s a beautiful venue in Georgetown, and each dish is a work of art.

Fiola Mare is nothing short of great fine dining.

It is an upscale seafood restaurant on a trendy Georgetown waterfront that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions and also for a lunch date.

Inside is a trendy marble bar and elegant table seating. Outside, there are plenty of tables on two levels overlooking the waterfront.

While expensive, Fiola Mare has consistently shown excellent service in its staff.

Furthermore, the foods are amazing, though you will find some dishes to be better than other.

The soups, salads, burrata, and bread are just really delectable.

Weekend brunches are a terrific time to visit! Their brunch menu is also delicious, and the price is great for bottomless mimosas/champagne.

They serve you several courses of delicious food and all the bubbles you desire!!

Overall, this is a nice departure from the more casual and rowdy Harbour in Georgetown.

With great dining spots where you have a great meal or date in a good ambiance, this is a go-to place if you are Georgetown.

Address: 3100 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

18. Georgetown Cupcake

Nothing stops you from satisfying your sweet tooth even while in Georgetown.

Opened by two sisters in 2008, Georgetown cupcake is a cupcakery in Georgetown, with branches in six other areas in the nation.

Georgetown cupcakes always have fun-themed cupcakes and great decoration.

The delivery and gifting ordering is very easy, and the presentation is great.

The caramel cheesecake and red velvet are something to die for. Both cakes are true to the flavor but not overpowering and sweet.

The sea salt caramel and chocolate lava are also great.

Vegan cupcakes and gluten-free cupcakes are also available if that’s what you like.

As a tip, before you go to Georgetown Cupcakes, order online in advance as the queues here are much and those that ordered in advance can walk right in and bypass the line.

Address: 3301 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

19. Chaia Georgetown

If you are a vegan in Georgetown, then Chaia should be one place you should miss.

Chaia is a unique taco business that serves incredibly tasty cuisine made almost completely of veggies.

With all-vegetarian tacos, there are different great choices to choose from. Must-tries include the mushroom taco as well as the kale potatoes taco.

The Creamy Kale & Potato Taco is one of the best tacos you will taste; the creama and salsa verde go perfectly with the kale and potato.

You can also try the Brussels Sprouts Quesadilla and chips w/Tahini Black Bean Dip, they taste good.

The line can sometimes be long and finding a table might be harder, but there is an upstairs and an outdoor patio to eat your tacos as well.

All the tacos are amazing. In addition, you can get eggs on the weekend.

This is truly a vegan palace in Georgetown.

Address: 3207 Grace St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

20. Oak Hill Cemetery

Sometimes, unusual places are great places to do some internal reflection and mediation, and this place in Georgetown is one of such.

Oak Hill Cemetery is a lovely little world on its own.

History, architecture, gardens, statues, all the markers with their stories, and, most importantly, beauty are all embedded here.

The cemetery is located on R Street, on Georgetown’s northern outskirts, and contains burials and crypts dating back to the founding of the United States.

In fact, many renowned DC figures are buried here, including Katharine Graham, former publisher of The Washington Post.

The place still accepts burials. However, you can visit to roam among the stones and monuments, ponder the lengthy and often tragically brief lives of those buried there, and find a peaceful area.

There are a few larger burial sites on the premise and benches to sit and enjoy the scenery.

Furthermore, there’s a little garden as well as benches under a stone bridge.

Stop when you come upon a bench, listen to the birds, smell the flowers, and take it all in.

Though there are more strict rules at the cemetery and you can’t take professional photos, bring in pets, bikes, etc; a visit here is worth it.

Address: 3001 R St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

21. Sid Mashburn and Ann Mashburn

If you need to go shopping for some clothes in Georgetown, these stores are one of the best ones you can go to.

Sid Mashburn is the brother store to Ann Mashburn, and they are just beside each other.

Sid sells men’s wear while Ann sells women’s wear.

Even though Mashburn isn’t a name, you’ll immediately connect with Georgetown’s most famous places, like Ralph Lauren and Clyde’s. It shouldn’t stop you from exploring these stores.

Get some cool clothes for yourself and even your spouse.

Ann and Sid Mashburn deliver well with great customer service.

Whether it’s making sure your clothes fit precisely, recommending a record, or making a dinner reservation, they got you.

Address: Washington, DC 20007, United States

22. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, Georgetown

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is part of the historic canal system constructed in early America to move coal from the Allegheny Mountains.

The C&O Canal, which has been in use for nearly a century, provided a lifeline for this port city.

The part in Georgetown is the locks that carried goods into the Potomac River.

This river carried coal, agriculture, and other raw materials, and canal boatmen and their families established a distinct community.

Furthermore, the length of the canal from Washington D.C is about 1.5miles.

However, the Canal in Georgetown is a show of how the canal was operated in the old days.

Although no horse-drawn boat is on show, visitors can still see how the water lock is operated.

Indeed, it’s a nice attraction in the heart of Georgetown and a great place to stroll around for fun and for exercise.

Address: Washington, DC 20007, United States

 

Georgetown should be on your D.C. bucket list if you enjoy learning about American history, strolling down charming streets, eating delectable cuisine, or experiencing new things.

Happy Travels!