Georgetown, famed for its historic beauty and cobblestone streets, is one of Washington D.C.’s best neighborhoods worth visiting. It may be D.C.’s oldest neighborhood, but it has a magical charm that leaves tourists with mind-blowing experiences. Georgetown is walkable, so getting around is effortless for those who want to experience it like a local. Adventures can also rent bikes or use the public transport system with plenty of stops. From discovering historical places and fashionable shops to gorgeous parks, these activities make up for a remarkable Georgetown experience.
10 Relax At Georgetown Waterfront Park
The 10-acre Georgetown Waterfront Park offers expansive views of Theodore Roosevelt Island, the Potomac River, and Key Bridge. The park features a Labyrinth, a fountain, river steps, rain, and pollinator gardens. The river steps offer an ideal place for people, birds, and boat watching while children enjoy splashing and playing with water at the fountain.
For those looking for a quiet place to disconnect from the chaotic world, the labyrinth offers tranquility with geometric turns that stimulate deep reflective thoughts.
9 Marvel At The Famous Homes
Adventurers will love looking at Julia Child’s little jewel house on 2706 Olive Street. The yellow wooded frame house is where Julia taught cooking classes and worked on her cooking book ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking.'
Besides Julia Child’s 1950s home, Georgetown is also home to John F. Kennedy’s red-bricked house at 3307 N Street. John and his wife, Jacqueline Bouvier, lived in this house throughout his presidential campaign. They also went to his inauguration ceremony from this house in 1961.
8 Go On A Tasty Food Tour
Like D.C., where foodies sample meals in classic hotels, Georgetown has a diverse food scene catering to every palate, as it's one of the many American cities known for food and drink. Food lovers enjoy al fresco meals at one of the 20 outdoor eateries, locally known as "streateries". The streateries include George’s King of Falafel, which serves shawarma and Middle Eastern cuisine, and Pizzeria Paradiso for Neopolitan pies.
Meat lovers tempt their taste buds at the Thunder Burger with a menu that includes exotic meats such as boar, beef, and elk. And those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth do that with macarons, cookies, and tarts at the Patisserie Poupon.
7 Get Adventurous On The Potomac River
Water sports enthusiasts head to the Key Bridge Boathouse to rent kayaks, standup paddleboards, and canoes to explore the Potomac River. Kayakers catch sight of the Washington Monument, once the world’s tallest building, and the Georgetown Waterfront as they make the Potomac River their playground. Paddleboarders head out to Theodore Roosevelt Island, which is a famous attraction by itself.
Alternatively, those who want to relax and take in the Instagram-worthy vistas use the cycle boats or a romantic sunset dinner cruise.
6 Enjoy Retail Therapy In Georgetown
Exploring the streets of Georgetown while shopping is one of Washington D.C.'s fun activities that leaves tourists exhausted but in a good way. Shoppers take their time as they stroll along the boutique-lined M Street for all their skincare, clothes, and accessory needs.
Fashionistas update their closets at the two-story Hu’s Wear designer variety store with sophisticated lines such as Proenza Schouler. Additionally, shoppers looking for beauty products go to the Bluemercury for face masks, vegan makeup, Fresh soaps, and skin care products from m-61.
5 Tour The Historic Tudor Place
Constructed in 1816, the Tudor Place is an elegant neoclassical mansion, former home to Martha Washington’s descendants. Visitors marvel at the over 18,000 furnishings and decorative objects as architecture buffs admire its Federal period style.
The North and European-style formal gardens mesmerize visitors with their beauty, especially when the roses, azaleas, forget-me-nots, and tulips bloom. The gardens are ideal for holding a small and intimate wedding. However, visitors should book their tickets early before they sell out in the high season.
4 Visit The Dumbarton Oaks Museum
Washington D.C. has hidden historical gems and landmarks that satisfy the curiosity of history buffs, but Dumbarton Oaks Museum is an art lover’s paradise. It has a world-class array of Pre-Columbian and Byzantine art from the former owners, Robert and Mildred Bliss. The pieces in the galleries date back to the middle ages.
Music lovers will enjoy exploring the Renaissance-inspired music room, which held gatherings, diplomatic conferences, and concerts. But the breathtaking 16-acre garden entices guests with its Juliet-style balconies, fountains, trails, and terraces. The gardens are a perfect photoshoot spot with the backdrop of oak trees and contemporary art installations.
3 Unwind At The Washington Harbour
Whether adventurers want to experience an exquisite outdoor experience or shop to their heart’s content, the Washington Harbour is an all-seasons hub for all things fun. Food lovers choose from great restaurants with stunning waterside views, like Tony & Joe’s Seafood for the freshest seafood and Sequoia Restaurant for American cuisine. Children enjoy feeding ducks and playing at the water fountain as adults socialize or watch the boats during summer. But in winter, the fountain becomes a favorite spot for ice skaters.
2 Catch A Live Jazz Show At Blues Alley Club
Music lovers will enjoy listening to jazz music at the iconic Blues Alley, with a unique ambiance that takes them back to the 1920s and 30s. This club holds live jazz shows every single night of the week. Since its inception in 1965, the club has a history of hosting jazz legends like Eva Cassidy, Ramsey Lewis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Maynard Fergurson. As guests listen to the live shows, the jazz supper club indulges them with seafood dishes, Creole cuisine, and steak.
1 Explore The Old Stone House
Explorers step back in the Revolutionary War time at the Old Stone House. Built in 1766 and renovated in the 1950s, the house has a tavern, brothel, and boarding house history. Old Stone House still stands on its original foundation and is even older than the country. Visitors take a self-guided tour around the house to see how colonials lived in the furnished rooms. The little garden at the back is also worth checking out. Visiting this house is one of the free things to do in Georgetown.