Washington DC Neighborhood Guide:
Georgetown
Explore & Learn All About
Georgetown, Washington DC
Georgetown is a historic neighborhood in DC’s Northwest Quadrant. So historical in fact, that it predates the city of DC itself!
Nestled near the Potomac River, the neighborhood features gorgeous rowhouse architecture, shady tree-lined and cobbled streets and walkways, and it’s own commercial district hosting some of the city’s best dining, shopping, and nightlife activity.
The neighborhood is home to a community of working professionals, university students, and government workers. This tight-knit community actively works together to preserve Georgetown’s historical features and better the neighborhood.
Overall, Georgetown offers its residents just about everything they could want or need in a gorgeous, active, and thriving urban community.
Featured Apartments in Georgetown
Georgetown is one of Washington DC’s most beautiful neighborhoods. You’ll find plenty of unique activities and history to look at when you move to this charming neighborhood.
An Overview of Living in Georgetown
Along with its unique, historic character, Georgetown residents enjoy a lifestyle that is unmatched in DC. If you are moving to Georgetown, here are a few things you have to look forward to.
Georgetown is home to over 500 stores, including national chains and independent small businesses. In addition to the abundant shopping, residents enjoy a considerable variety of dining and nightlife options. The neighborhood accommodates just about any tastes or interests you could imagine. Several large parks are within close proximity of the neighborhood as well as the waterfront, satisfying those who yearn for the outdoors.
Georgetown has a Walkscore of 87, meaning that you can complete the majority of daily errands without a vehicle. And with all the incredible historic architecture and sights to see, there’s plenty of reasons you’ll love to walk the neighborhood.
The neighborhood is known for its bike-friendly roads, making shopping, dining, and commuting a breeze for cyclists. Thanks to the Capital Bikeshare program, you don’t even need to own a bicycle to enjoy the convenience of Georgetown cycling.
Student’s attending Georgetown University should look no further than this active and convenient neighborhood. With unparalleled access to the campus by bus, and multiple cafes and coffee shops offering free WiFi, it is the perfect community to achieve excellence in your studies while enjoying a fun and active lifestyle.
Visit Tudor Place Historic House
This family home was built by George Washington in 1805, and today is a National Historic Landmark. You’ll find
Tudor Place on a whopping 5 ½ acres of land, giving it beautiful grounds for you to walk around.
There are hourly tours led in the house, which will take you through the rooms in the house, the slave quarters, the garden, the smokehouse, the grape arbor, and the gazebo. You can even see the 1919 Pierce-Arrow that was driven by one of the Washingtons in later years!
As you peruse the family’s home, you’ll find over 15,000 different works of art and historic items. In fact, this is the second largest Washington Collection after Mount Vernon!
Check Out Dumbarton Oaks
Another gorgeous home in Georgetown is Dumbarton Oaks. Today this spot is a museum, and you can check out a collection of historic artifacts and archives inside the home.
The grounds of Dumbarton Oaks are also extremely extensive, and in the spring and summer months are lit up with blooms. You’ll also find a relaxing place to sit in the organgary, a greenhouse where orange trees are grown. Or, you can check out their beautiful outdoor gardens.
Dumbarton Oaks also hosts frequent music events, so be sure to check their events calendar to find out what’s on!
Listen to Live Blues
For music lovers, a visit to Georgetown wouldn’t be complete without visiting Blues Alley Jazz. This jazz supper club was formed in the 1950s and is styled after the speakeasies of the roaring 20s.
There are all kinds of musicians who stop by the jazz bar, such as duos, trios, and solo artists jamming out on the keys. Look into their schedule to find a show that feels like home, and head over to enjoy the music!
Curl Up With A Good Book
Calling all bookworms! The Georgetown Neighborhood Library is a great place to swing by and dive into a new book. You can enjoy more than just a novel, however. Head into the Peabody room and enjoy books on the history and founding of Georgetown.
There are also lots of events that take place in the library! Gaming nights bring together people who enjoy every kind of video game, and English conversation groups are a great place to meet new friends and learn!
Swing By The Waterfront
What better place to spend time in the summer than by the Georgetown waterfront? This area has a beautiful boardwalk you can stroll along. Enjoy a gelato or stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants lining the pathway. Or, get some shopping in and swing by one of the little boutiques!
The water fountain is turned on in the summer months and is a great way for kids and adults alike to cool down on a hot summer day. You can also catch a break on one of the benches, and watch the boats go by.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, more commonly known as the C&O Canal, runs right through the middle of Georgetown! Its beautiful walking trail runs right along the bank and is a great way to spend an afternoon.
The trail stretches all the way from DC to Cumberland, Maryland so bring your walking shoes! You can stop by the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center in Potomac, Maryland, and learn more about the history of the canal on your way.
Would you rather see the canal from the water itself? You can take boat rides on the canal and experience the lock system on the water too!
More Information on the Neighborhood of Georgetown:
Area Culture & Community
Georgetown is home to an active and welcoming community. The neighborhood’s rich historical identity lends itself to a unique sense of neighborhood pride among its inhabitants. Residents feel passionate to preserve, protect, and grow the community.
The neighborhood frequently hosts social events, festivals, and celebrations for a variety of groups and interests, giving residents plenty of opportunities to participate in the community activities and form personal connections with their neighbors.
Local Transportation
Though there isn’t a Metro Station in Georgetown, there’s no lack of available transit for those needing to access the rest of the city.
Roughly ten bus routes serve the area at any given time, including the DC Circulator which provides transport between Georgetown and Union Station, the 38B bus on the Orange Line connecting to Farragut Square and Ballston, the G2 to Georgetown University, and the D2 and D6 buses to downtown DC.
For those who need even further reach, the Georgetown Metro Connection is a shuttle that provides residents access to the Metro stations in Dupont Circle and Rosslyn.
The neighborhood itself is very pedestrian and bike-friendly as well, making transportation anywhere in or out of Georgetown convenient and straightforward.
Grocery Stores in Georgetown
Safeway – Supermarket located on Wisconsin Ave.
Dean and DeLuca – Grocery offering specialty foods and housewares.
Georgetown Shopping
Georgetown Park – Shopping mall with a bowling alley and several retailers.
Relish – Clothing retailer featuring top-level labels.
Bluemercury – Beauty and cosmetics retailer.
Ella-Rue – Women’s fashion boutique.
Hill & Dale – Indie Vinyl record store.
Arts & Education
Dumbarton Oaks Research Library – Museum open to researchers at all career stages.
Dumbarton House – A museum featuring Federal period art, decor, and architecture.
Tudor Place – Museum featuring beautiful gardens and collections.
Old Stone House – Georgetown’s oldest standing structure.
Nightlife in Georgetown
Georgetown Piano Bar – Sing along to your favorite tunes played lived at this popular late night spot.
Gypsy Sally’s – Music club featuring American roots acts.
The Sovereign – Belgian pub with a generous beer selection.
Health and Fitness
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital – Non-profit healthcare facility, cancer center, emergency room, and pharmacy.
CVS – Pharmacy and drug store on Wisconsin Ave.
Fitness Together – Gym with personal training.
Washington Sports Club – Health club offering classes and personal training.
Urban Athletic Club – Health club and fitness center located on Q St.
GNC – Vitamin and nutritional supplement retailer.
Sports & Outdoors
Rose Park – Public park featuring tennis, playgrounds, and sitting and picnic areas.
Montrose Park – Pet-friendly park with tennis courts and playgrounds.
Georgetown Waterfront Park – Public park featuring greenery and views of the Potomac River.
Key Bridge Boathouse – Kayak and canoe rentals offering paddling lessons and fitness classes.
Dining in Georgetown
1789 Restaurant – Formal American dining housed in a historical townhome.
Clyde’s of Georgetown – Classic American Cuisine and Cocktails.
Pizzeria Paradiso – A cosmopolitan pizzeria on M Street.
Kafe Leopold – European Cuisine and popular brunch spot.
Falafel Inc – Fast-casual falafel restaurant that donates a portion of their proceeds to refugee relief.
Cafe Milano – Neighborhood favorite for Italian cuisine.
Fiola Mare – Upscale Italian dining on the waterfront.
Chez Billy Sud – Classic Gallic cuisine with an extensive wine list.
Gas & Convenience
Shell – Gas and convenience on Wisconsin Ave.
Sunoco – Gas and convenience on Wisconsin Ave.