Welcome to Georgetown
Classic yet modern, chic yet carefree
Picturesque. Historic. Unexpected. All these words can describe Georgetown, Washington DC’s oldest neighborhood. But don’t let its age fool you. Georgetown is still the place to be, now more than ever. Yes, it has its grand, stately homes and cobblestone sidewalks reminiscent of days of yore. The streets are lined with trees, history, fine dining, and shopping. Its waterfront setting opens a variety of water-based or -adjacent activities to delight even the most cautious of landlubbers. Its wide range of contemporary shops satisfies the savviest of shoppers, while the food is world-class and diverse.
Home to Georgetown University, the nightlife is suitable for both the college crowd and the more upscale demographic. The canals are perfect for waterway wandering, and historical sites abound, including some fun ones like the old homes of celebrities and political figures. You can even walk up the famed 75 stairs from the horror movie The Exorcist!
What to Love
Washington Harbour, with restaurants and seasonal activities for all ages
More than 50 luxurious spas and salons
Rich national history and landmarks
Inspiration for your dream home from the Georgetown Design District
Local Lifestyle
Georgetown is a notable example of past meetings present. There is something for everyone here. College students and families can benefit from the vast educational opportunities that abound from living in such a historic province, and singles and couples have their pick of modern adventures, lunch dates, and after-hours activities. It is a welcoming campus community in a thriving, politically relevant big city. Georgetown can be whatever you make it to be.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
One of these premier dining options is Filomena Restaurante, a local favorite where you can actually watch the pasta being made. It is also renowned for its fantastic desserts and Sunday brunches. If you’re looking for something a little more close to home, try the classic Clyde’s, an American restaurant and bar. Described as a “legendary saloon,” it helped transform Georgetown into the happening neighborhood it is today. For a tad more upscale American food, the renovated 1789 Restaurant and Bar is the place to be. It is housed in a classic Washington DC rowhouse and boasts historic decor. Located at the Washington Harbour, Farmers Fishers Bakers is another popular haunt (with a waterfront view) for locals and visitors alike. When it is time to walk off the food, there’s no better place to browse than the designer shops on Wisconsin Avenue.
Things to Do
The Georgetown Waterfront has an abundance of outdoor activities: public cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are available on the river, with biking and hiking trails alongside it at the Georgetown Waterfront Park. With the Potomac Paddle Club, you can combine cruising with boozing and even aquatic fitness (BYOB). Annually, Georgetown hosts an epic array of Halloween festivities. Between haunted tours and houses, hayrides, and costume parties, this time of the year will provide adequate entertainment for both the thrill-seeker and the conservative.
Another yearly treat is the Georgetown GLOW, an outdoor light art experience that often yields plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops. Residents can look forward to these installations in the summer months. Any time of the year is an enjoyable time to visit Dumbarton Oaks, a 27-acre park with enchanting gardens, sparkling fountains, and secluded pathways. After your stroll, check out its art museum specializing in Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. Another stunning attraction is the Tudor Place, where six generations of Martha Washington's descendants once lived. This 5-acre landmark boasts its own offering of impressive garden scapes.
Schools
Georgetown is served by the District of Columbia Public Schools system.