While Washington, D.C. can be a wonderful getaway, a quick weekend trip won’t leave you with enough time to thoroughly explore all of the dynamic, one-of-a-kind neighborhoods that make up our nation’s capital. Take Georgetown, for instance. The historic waterfront area is a destination in and of itself — one filled with picturesque cobbled streets, interesting landmarks, Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, and an impressive lineup of bookstores, local boutiques, and outposts for national brands.
Ready to experience Georgetown’s charm for yourself? Here’s everything you should include in your itinerary.
What to Do
Take a Tour of the C&O Canal
The Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal stretches over 180 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. The towpath that runs alongside the canal is a popular route for running, biking, or admiring the Georgetown architecture. If you’re interested in the history of the waterway, book a Georgetown Heritage Walking Tour, where guides highlight the canal’s mechanisms and role in industrial development.
Shop Around Book Hill
Bakeries, cafés, art galleries, antique stores, and more local retail spots can be found on the 1600 block of Wisconsin Avenue — otherwise known as Book Hill (named after nearby Book Hill Park). Start your morning at Patisserie Poupon, browse the goods at Pillar & Post, and then pick up a new read at The Lantern Bookshop. If you happen to be in the area in April, try to swing by the annual Georgetown French Market, an open-air marketing featuring more than 35 of Book Hill’s small businesses.
Visit the Tuckernuck Flagship Store
With holiday parties and colder weather around the corner, you may want to add a few new pieces to your wardrobe. Tuckernuck — known for carrying brands like Barbour, Faherty, and Isabel Marant — operates its flagship store in Georgetown, and it’s a must-visit for anyone who regularly scrolls through the retailer’s website on a regular basis.
tnuck.com, 1053 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
Go Inside Some of Georgetown’s Historic Estates
The moment you walk out onto Georgetown’s sidewalks, it’s clear this is a place where history lives alongside modernity. To fully immerse yourself in the past — and admire the architecture of previous centuries — save some time in your schedule to visit the likes of Dumbarton Oaks Museum and Gardens, Dumbarton House, and Tudor Place Historic House & Garden.
doaks.org, 1703 32nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
dumbartonhouse.org, 2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC 20007-3071
tudorplace.org, 1644 31st Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007
Stroll Around Georgetown Waterfront Park
Overlooking the Potomac River, the 10-acre Georgetown Waterfront Park functions as an outdoor relaxation and recreation area, with a designated pathway for pedestrians and cyclists and a variety of points of interest. Take a moment to walk around the labyrinth, splash around the fountain (open seasonally), or bring a blanket and a book and soak up the riverfront views.
3303 Water St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Paddle the Potomac
Georgetown is best explored by foot or by boat. For the latter option, head to Key Bridge Boathouse to rent a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak; reservations are recommended. If you aren’t comfortable going out on the water alone, you can choose to join a sunset or monument paddle tour or sign up for an orientation class.
boatingindc.com/key-bridge-boathouse, 3500 Water St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Discover the Old Stone House
Known as the “oldest structure on its original foundation in Washington, D.C.,” the Old Stone House was built in 1766. Open daily, the structure serves as an example of pre-Revolutionary architecture, and visitors can peruse the exhibits in the kitchen space, the store in the front room, or the outside gardens.
nps.gov/places/old-stone-house.htm, 3051 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Listen to Live Music
One of the best ways to top off a night in Georgetown is to enjoy live music at either Blues Alley or Georgetown Piano Bar; both experiences are inherently different. Blues Alley is our country’s oldest continuing jazz supper club, and it’s housed in an 18th-century red brick carriage house where all ages are welcome. The piano bar is a fun happy hour spot where guests can Venmo the pianists with song requests.
bluesalley.com, 1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
georgetownpianobar.com, 3287 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Where to Eat & Drink
Savor Seasonal Seafood
Self-described as an “Italian seascape on the Georgetown Waterfront,” Fiola Mare serves up brunch, lunch, and dinner menus featuring a range of seafood dishes. Expect everything from a smoked salmon scramble and bluefin tuna tartare to swordfish, lobster ravioli, and a seafood tower.
fiolamaredc.com, 3050 K Street NW, Washington DC 20007
Sip On a Whiskey at The Fountain Inn
The Fountain Inn may be only a couple of years old — it debuted in March 2022 – but it takes inspiration from the original pub of the same name (also known as Suter’s Tavern) that was established in 1783 and is said to have hosted Thomas Jefferson. The modern-day chapter is an intimate space best suited for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Ask for a whiskey neat, or try one of the cocktail recipes from the 1700s.
fountaininndc.com, 1659 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
Experience River Club DC
One of the newest arrivals to Georgetown, River Club DC opened in the summer of 2024 and brought the flavors of Lebanon, Italy, and Spain along with it. The mezze-style menu, spearheaded by executive chef Nate Berry, includes kibbeh, croquetas, and smoked lamb ribs. For dessert, opt for the Affogato Martini, made with vanilla gelato and pistachio crumbles.
riverclubdc.com, 3000 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Eat at the Oldest Family-run Restaurant in Georgetown
Classics are classics for a reason. Martin’s Tavern, which has been locally owned since 1933, is a charming Georgetown haunt with a comfort-food-heavy menu and an interesting history. Notably, it’s where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie, and it’s welcomed a number of other US presidents over the years.
martinstavern.com, 1264 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
Grab a Sandwich
A butcher shop, deli, and grocery store, Stachowski’s Market is a Georgetown staple. Swing by for lunch, and order from their amazing sandwich menu; The Butcher Shop Dip sandwich, the meatball sub, and kielbasa are all great choices.
stachowskimarket.com, 1425 28th St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Go Big for Brunch
It wouldn’t be a Georgetown weekend without brunch, so be sure to make a reservation at Chez Billy Sud and come ready for delicious French bistro dishes. Buckwheat crepes, a croque madame, or moules frites should hit the spot.
chezbillysud.com, 1039 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Share Smaller Plates
Lebanese restaurant Villa Yara is a bright, thoughtfully designed space where meals are meant to be shared. Bring your travel companions along for dinner or weekend lunch, and order the hummus, baked halloumi, and tabbouleh. Don’t forget to save room for the Lebanese spiced bread pudding or the house-made ice cream.
villayaradc.com, 2815 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Fill Up On Pasta
After a long day of touring D.C. and strolling through Georgetown, you may be in need of a big plate of pasta. If that rings true, look no further than Filomena Ristorante, a culinary favorite that has been around since 1983. With entrees like lasagna alla bolognese, agnolotti alla carbonara, and pasta topped with “Sunday Dinner Sauce” on the menu, you’re pretty much guaranteed to not leave hungry.
filomena.com, 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
Where to Stay
Book a Room at the Ritz
There’s certainly no shortage of elegant stays in Georgetown. If you’re trying to rack up (or spend) your Marriott Bonvoy points, however, you may want to check into the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. for a few nights. The 86-room hotel is located in an industrial building from 1932, and it offers guests everything they need for a sumptuous stay in the neighborhood: spacious accommodations, a five-treatment-room spa, and two dining options, Degrees Bistro and The Living Room.
ritzcarlton.com, 3100 S St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Stay in a Spacious Suite or Townhouse
Ever dreamed of waking up and looking out onto the C&O Canal? Make it a reality by staying in one of the 57 rooms — inclusive of 12 suites and eight townhouses — at the Rosewood Washington, D.C. Though it may have opened its doors over a decade ago, the Rosewood property still maintains a sense of freshness and a general glamour that are synonymous with the hospitality brand. Not to mention, the hotel is home to celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s steakhouse, CUT D.C., as well as CUT Bar and Lounge and rooftop lounge CUT Above.
rosewoodhotels.com, 1050 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Have a Spa Weekend
Billed as the “gateway to Georgetown,” the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC is the perfect base camp for anyone hoping to explore both Georgetown and the iconic sights on the National Mall. Just try to pad your schedule with some relaxation; the spa at the Four Seasons property offers rejuvenating treatments like the Potomac Stone Renewal Massage and the Georgetown Glow Facial.
fourseasons.com, 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
Go the Boutique Route
For a more homey overnight experience, reserve a room at The Poppy Georgetown Guesthouse. Located in Georgetown’s historic East Village neighborhood, the 15-room property provides an experience that’s a bit more personal and unique than some of the neighboring five-star giants. Guests are treated to a continental breakfast each morning, and they’re encouraged to congregate around the backyard firepits in the evening.
poppygeorgetown.com, 2616 P St NW, Washington, DC 20007