25 Things to Do in Georgetown

The Georgetown BID hosts several signature events each year, all of which are free! Next up is the beloved Georgetown French Market, held during the last weekend of April for more than 20 years. The popular open-air market – originally inspired by the outdoor markets in France – has become a tradition in DC, and one of the biggest shopping events of the year for our small businesses of Book Hill.  More than 35 local boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons and galleries display their discounted wares for up to 75% off, plus you can enjoy live entertainment and food.

Come experience DC’s largest outdoor skating rink at The Washington Harbour – open for skating every day, including the holidays. Time to tee up those triple axels along the Potomac, then grab a drink or meal at a rink-side restaurant.

Explore the gorgeous gardens of Georgetown’s three historic house museums – Dumbarton Oaks, Dumbarton House, and Tudor Place. Bonus: Laying your eyes on the oldest house plant in North America.

Key Bridge Boathouse and Thompson’s Boat Center are the places to go to rent kayaks, canoes, or take a paddling lesson. For the adventurous fitness fanatics, try the stand-up paddleboard yoga or fitness classes.

Georgetown Waterfront Park offers 10 acres of space to bike or walk along the Potomac, picnic in the grass, run through the water fountain during the summer, or cultivate a zen moment on the labyrinth.

Most famous for the iconic scene at the end of The Exorcist, these 75 steps at 3600 Prospect St NW were designated a Historic Landmark in 2019 and include a commemorative plaque. If you’re into exercise over exorcise, join the locals who run them every day.

Georgetown is the largest outdoor shopping district in the region, and is known for its fashion boutiques and retailers along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue – from Georgetown-founded brands like Tuckernuck and LiLi The First, to L.A.’s Clare V., and Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS. Snag fashionable finds for less at consignment stores Ella Rue and REDDz Trading.

For the least expensive manicure in the neighborhood ($14), look no further than Charming Nails DC. At Luigi Parasmo Salon, enjoy a pedicure ($50) in oversized leather chairs equipped with built-in iPads.

Georgetown is one of the few neighborhoods in Washington that can be reached by water. Take a Washington Monuments Cruise from the Georgetown Waterfront for a fun, relaxing way to take in sights like the Jefferson Memorial and The Washington Monument.

From a cocktail tasting room with historic roots to an LA-based menswear boutique, and a coffee shop with a cause, and Nancy Silverton and Stephen Starr’s much-anticipated Osteria Mozza, more than 100 new Georgetown shops and restaurants that have opened in the past few years. Check out our guide for the latest openings.

Take in a live show at the iconic Blues Alley – the oldest, continuously operating jazz supper club in the country – or sing along to dueling pianos at Georgetown Piano Bar.

Visit Georgetown’s (and D.C.’s) oldest standing structure – the Old Stone House – and see what life was like for the earliest Georgetown residents.

More sugar? Always. Georgetown the unofficial cupcake capital of DC, but who comes out on top? Be your own judge with stops at Baked & Wired, Georgetown Cupcake, Sprinkles, and Bakeshop – all within walking distance of one another.

More than 25 outdoor eateries, known as streateries, have also opened since the pandemic, offering perfect people-watching on Georgetown’s extended sidewalks while you enjoy a comfortable meal outside.

Visit Georgetown’s Book Hill along the 160 block of Wisconsin Avenue for gallery-hopping, antiques, a French bakery, and great small business shopping.

Grab a drink at Martin’s Tavern – a Georgetown institution – and sit in the iconic “proposal booth” where JFK popped the question to Jackie. Afterward, take a self-guided tour to see where the Kennedys lived and worshipped.

Grab top-notch pastries and sandwiches at Dog Tag Bakery. Employees are veterans who run the bakery while pursuing small business and entrepreneurship courses through a partnership with Georgetown University.

Rent a bike from Big Wheel Bikes and tour the neighborhood on two wheels.

The colorful French sandwich cookies are available at Olivia Macaron, Laduree, and Patisserie Poupon.

You’ll feel like you’re in Europe as you explore the cobblestone Cady’s Alley, Georgetown’s design district that is home to more than 20 home furnishing showrooms, fashion and specialty boutiques nestled in a cluster of historic industrial buildings. Enter at 3300 M Street, or from M and 33rd or 34th Street. After your shopping, treat yourself to an unbelievable sushi experience at Kyojin, or enjoy a pick-me-up at the authentic European bistro Kafe Leopold.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, feeling extra competitive, or looking for a fun way to spend a rainy day, head to Pinstripes for bowling, bocce, a bar and restaurant – all under one roof.

African Americans have lived, worked, and worshipped in Georgetown since its founding – making up 30% to 40% of the residential population at one time. Follow Cultural Tourism DC’s African American Heritage Trail to see the institutions and homes of Herring Hill, a 15-block area of eastern-most Georgetown that was a home for families migrating to Washington after the Civil War. Other points of interest include the site of formerly enslaved Georgetown resident Yarrow Mamout’s home and the Rose Park tennis courts- dedicated to the star Peters sisters.

Perfect your warrior pose with a yoga class at Down Dog Yoga or CorePower Yoga. Or stop by Patagonia on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30 for a FREE class (don’t forget your mat!).

Avoid the evening rush hour and spend happy hour outside enjoying the music, fountains and waterside views at Washington Harbour.

Wander the side streets and take in the architecture dating back as early as the 1700s. Learn more about historic Georgetown at the Peabody Room in the peaceful Georgetown Library.