8 Great Things To Do In Georgetown Washington DC

My favorite best things to do in Georgetown Washington DC include seeing vibrant architecture, visiting DC embassies, exploring parks, shopping, and experiencing one of the most famous movie scenes in history.

There are many more things to do Georgetown in Washington DC besides eating sweets at Georgetown Cupcake.

Georgetown was founded as a tobacco port in 1751 (long before cupcakes). In fact, “George Town” existed 40 years before Washington DC officially did.

Today, Georgetown is DC’s upscale neighborhood with many of DC’s most expensive properties. Visiting Georgetown is one of our favorite ways to have fun in DC.

8 Great Things To Do In Georgetown Washington DC

1. Visit Georgetown University

Georgetown University is the oldest Catholic college in the United States, founded in 1789. Prominent alumni include President Bill Clinton, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, and countless heads of state, congressmen, and more.

Walking around and exploring the Georgetown campus is one of my favorite things to do in Georgetown DC. Besides, how many universities have their own on-campus graveyard?

2. See DC Architecture and DC History

Georgetown Washington DC is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking the cobblestone (and non-cobblestone streets) is a treat for the eyes.

There are endless collections of row houses and some surviving pre-Revolution structures.

see the colorful row houses in Georgetown, Washington DC
see colorful row houses in Georgetown, Washington DC

Georgetown is the start of the C&O Canal National Historic Park. Right next to the Key Bridge, is a cute little green space officially known as Francis Scott Key Park. This is a very small sampling of the treasures in Georgetown.

visit the 18th century cobblestone streets in Georgetown, Washington DC
18th century cobblestone streets in Georgetown, Washington DC

3. Walk the Stairs from “The Exorcist

Perhaps climbing the stairs from the movie “The Exorcist” is not on everyone’s wish list but it is one of my favorite things to do in Georgetown. Whenever I visit the Exorcist Stairs I have seen people from all over the world.

Exorcist Stairs: things to do in Georgetown Washington DC
climb The Exorcist Stairs in Georgetown Washington DC

The stairs are steep and, of course, eerie, but it serves as great exercise.

See also Fun Places to Visit in Washington DC

4. Visit Georgetown Waterfront and Nature

In addition to the Georgetown Waterfront Park, the Georgetown waterfront area includes the Washington Harbour. It is a great place to shop, eat, watch entertainment, or check out excellent views.

The aforementioned C&O Canal path is a popular trail for runners (walkers and joggers) and bicyclists. Don’t count on finishing the entire trail as it is 185 miles! The Georgetown waterfront is a popular spot to catch scenic cruises, rent boats, or watch boat practices and races.

For biking and hiking, Battery Kemble Park and Grover Archbold Park are excellent oases in the midst of the city. Montrose Park connects to Rock Creek park.

5. Visit DC Embassies

Foreign embassies host events and conferences and are located on some prime properties. Some of the embassies located in Georgetown include Sweden, France, Cameroon, Thailand, and Mongolia.

One time I was walking along R Street and several men with colorful outfits were talking on cell phones outside the Cameroon embassy.

6. Explore Dumbarton Oaks

Dumbarton Oaks is a museum, library, and gardens on 53 acres in the middle of Georgetown. The research library is focuses on pre-Columbian, Byzantine, and garden and landscape studies.

The museum hosts Byzantine and pre-Columbian art and European masterpieces. Many consider the gardens the best in DC (maybe America?) and a highlight for most visitors.

7. Shop and Eat in Georgetown

Most of Georgetown’s commerce is located along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. There are over 500 stores, restaurants, and service places (according to Georgetown Business Improvement District).

The bar scene is vibrant most nights with monumental traffic jams especially on Saturday nights. Besides, celebrities visiting Washington DC love to be seen in Georgetown. Perhaps even visiting Georgetown Cupcake.

For more places to eat in DC, see Washington DC Food Trucks

8. Walk a Labyrinth

One of the more interesting things to do in Georgetown is to visit and walk a labyrinth. If you have never done seen or walked a labyrinth, your Georgetown visit will be a perfect time to do so.

There are many labyrinths in Washington, DC and the surrounding area. The Georgetown Waterfront Park labyrinth can be considered lively and fun, compared to other sacred and contemplative versions.

It often has kids running through it and bicycles zooming through the park. Quiet, no. Interesting (and free), yes.

Do you have other favorite things to do in Georgetown?

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6 thoughts on “8 Great Things To Do In Georgetown Washington DC”

  1. I would love to see the university Charles because I grew up a college basketball nut. Loved watching the Hoyas during the Big East hey day of the program, from the 80s-90s. Tweeted for you.

    Ryan

  2. These are great ideas. I like walking by the embassies, too. My imagination runs wild with thoughts of international intrigue! I was in D.C. twice in the past year, but still haven’t climbed the Exorcist stairs. I’d like to do that sometime.

  3. There is also Mile Post 0 with the C&O Canal. You can find it by walking by the Thompsons Boat House (towards the Kennedy Center) on the riverside – walk over the foot bridge and the Mile Post is in the trees by the water.

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