Georgetown Neighborhood Snapshot

Top Experiences

  • C&O Canal: Walk or bike along the canal-side path, which offers bucolic scenery from the heart of Georgetown across Maryland.
  • Dumbarton Oaks: Stroll through the 10 acres of formal gardens—Washington's loveliest oasis.
  • M Street: Indulge in some serious designer retail therapy (or just window-shopping). Finish at Georgetown University by the base of the famously steep staircase that appeared in the film The Exorcist—and climb it, if you dare.
  • Tudor Place: Step into Georgetown's past with a visit to the grand home of the Custis-Peter family. On view are antiques from George and Martha Washington's home at Mount Vernon and a 1919 Pierce-Arrow roadster.
  • Washington Harbour and Waterfront Park: Come on a warm evening to enjoy sunset drinks and fine dining while overlooking the Watergate, Kennedy Center, and Potomac River. Board a sightseeing cruise at the dock.

Getting Here

There's no Metro stop in Georgetown, so you have to take a bus or taxi or walk to this part of Washington. It's about a 20-minute walk from Dupont Circle and the Foggy Bottom Metro stations. Perhaps the best transportation deal in Georgetown is the Circulator (www.dccirculator.com). For a buck you can ride daily from Union Station, Dupont Circle, or the Rosslyn Metro to the heart of Georgetown.

Planning Your Time

Georgetown is known for its shopping, but you can also spend a pleasant day here enjoying the sights. Main attractions (C&O Canal, Georgetown University, Tudor Place, Dumbarton Oaks, Oak Hill Cemetery, and Dumbarton House) are somewhat removed from one another, and the street scene, with its shops and people-watching, invites you to linger.

Quick Bites

Chaia Tacos. The artful creations here are locally sourced, vegetarian (think: kale and potatoes), and served on a grilled corn tortilla. 3207 Grace St. NW www.chaiatacos.com.

Ching Ching Cha. You’ll feel like you’ve entered another world at this cozy tea shop with friendly service and artisanal brewed teas. 1063 Wisconsin Ave. NW www.chingchingcha.com.

Georgetown Cupcake. Satisfy a sweet tooth at the shop made famous on TLC’s DC Cupcakes. The line is long but moves quickly. 3301 M St. NW www.georgetowncupcake.com.

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Guidebooks

Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon and Alexandria

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