Are you on the hunt for the best things to do in Georgetown, DC? We have got you covered!
As one of the beautiful districts of Washington, DC, Georgetown is filled with historic spots to spend an afternoon, beautiful museums to venture through, and plenty of drinks and good food to fill you up!
You will never be wanting for things to do in Georgetown and I have created a list of the can’t skip options! It’s also so close to all the exciting things in central Washington, making it a great stop while checking off the things to do in the USA!
If you’re taking a road trip across the USA to catch all the fall colors, ending or starting your vacation in the Georgetown area is approved by me! I especially love the European feel. Sometimes I just need to explore a European town to make myself feel human again, and roaming around Georgetown is a lovely cheat code to take advantage of!
Whether you’re traveling on a summer vacation or a winter getaway in the USA, there are plenty of places to explore and when visiting Georgetown DC you can never go wrong!
So sit back, and get some fall drinks ready while I show you the top things to do in Georgetown!
15 Best Things To Do in Georgetown DC You Can’t Miss!
Stroll Along the Georgetown Waterfront Park
The Georgetown Waterfront Park links 225 miles of park along the Potomac River! It is definitely one of the free things to do in Georgetown DC!
It is complete with some phenomenal designs like a labyrinth, a beautiful fountain, and rain gardens, the Georgetown Waterfront Park is like an oasis for people who want to have a relaxing stroll through nature with a good cup of coffee and fantastic company!
There are designated pathways to protect cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians! It’s also the most popular spot in the city for those wanting to enjoy one of the free things to do in Georgetown DC with a picnic basket!
I can’t tell you enough how much I love this part of town! It is one of my top suggestions on my Washington DC Itinerary!
Francis Scott Key Memorial
Another great option for what to do in Georgetown DC, is to visit the Francis Scott Key Memorial!
The Francis Scott Key Memorial is a small park memorializing the composer of the American National Anthem! It includes a small bronze bust of Francis Scott Key and has exhibits surrounding it explaining his impact on America, the influence behind his famous composition as well as some background information on Key’s life!
It is also one of the spots on the list of destinations commemorating the USA’s historic path of national-changing moments and character accomplishments of the high-playing individuals behind what we now recognize as the USA! This is the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, if you like this memorial and want to explore similar destinations, I would definitely recommend you check out the other stops!
It’s never too late to learn some history and this is definitely one of the cute free things to do in Georgetown DC!
Go Eat At Martin’s Tavern
When it comes to places to visit in Georgetown, grabbing a meal at the historic Martin’s Tavern is one of the best options for anyone to consider!
It’s been a traditional Georgetown destination since 1933, and after operating for 90 years, I think they’ve definitely got the hang of amazing food and a lovely atmosphere! When it comes to things to do in Georgetown DC at night, there are plenty of options on how to spend your evening, but truthfully, with such history, I think you cannot go wrong with some locally sourced ingredients and upscale American cuisine!
With comfort foods and hand-crafted cocktails, the unparalleled service at Martin’s Tavern makes it a great option for dinner! It has an outdoor area with an awning and resembles a French outdoor Cafe! Don’t miss out on this awesome option for the best things to do in Georgetown!
Walk around the Georgetown Campus
Another fabulous option for free things to do in Georgetown DC, is to visit the esteemed Georgetown University campus and explore the school!
Please be mindful during the school year as classes will be going on, but Georgetown Campus in the fall or any other time of year is a perfect item on our top things in Georgetown to explore!
The University is the oldest Roman Catholic education institution in the US, and while not being an Ivy School, is still an extremely high caliber and prestigious university to explore! Don’t miss out on this option for places to visit in Georgetown!
Get Coffee at Dog Tag Bakery
If you’re looking for a great place for baked goods or a phenomenal cup of coffee that makes a big impact on the community then Dog Tag Bakery is a great option for what to do in Georgetown DC for you!
Dog Tag Bakery is an establishment that hires wounded veterans and their spouses! They provide a program congruent with the curriculum of the School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University so that employees can gain work experience as well as sales, commerce, business management, and baking knowledge! The goal of Dog Tag Bakery is once their employees finish their program they can go off and begin their own ventures with first-hand knowledge!
This is such an amazing option for the best activities in Georgetown!
Spooky Walking Tour
The Georgetown: Ghost Story Walking Tour is a classic way to explore Georgetown through a different lens!
Walking through historic streets, perfectly maintained gardens and Victorian houses, this tour is the perfect pairing to any crisp fall evening! Your tour can either be shared or private and allows you to get a special glimpse at the spooky and haunted goings-on of Georgetown’s district!
Despite the spooks and the haunts along the hallowed streets of Georgetown, the tour is family-friendly! All spooks but no scares so if your kids love creepy stories and a good campfire tale, the lore of Georgetown is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with them! Maybe they’ll even see a ghost!
To learn more information go to the Georgetown: Ghost Story Walking Tour profile!
Take a Food Tour
If you’re hungry and you can’t decide between the many options available to you, what better choice is for you to get a ticket to Washington D.C. Taste of Georgetown Food Tour and to get a taste of a bit of everything!
When it comes to fun things to do in Georgetown, you can never go wrong with a food tour. Complete with a guided experience full of fun and historic facts as well as delicious food at different restaurants, you can sample and learn while seeing the awesome things the district has to offer!
Things to do in Georgetown can be extensive with plenty to do and see and sometimes, the fun thing is to let someone else tell you what is amazing and delicious about the place you’re in! Food Tours are a delightful way to sample test a whole bunch of different options and locations without limited your choices!
Check out the information for Washington D.C. Taste of Georgetown Food Tour!
See the Exorcist Steps
Another classic option for attractions in Georgetown DC is visiting the Exorcist Steps!
This film location is comprised of 75 steps where (spoiler) the character Father Karras fell to his death! Not only is it the location from one of the most iconic horror films of all time, The Exorcist Steps is one of the best options for free things to do in Georgetown DC!
The concrete stairs provide a shortcut through from Prospect Street NW above and Canal Road NW below! If there’s another option for things to do in Georgetown around this area, then definitely consider using the Exorcist for a spooky shortcut! The site is free to access so please consider its popularity when planning it into your itinerary!
Don’t miss out on this interesting option for the best Georgetown activities!
Tudor Place Historic House
Another fabulous option for historic things to do in Georgetown DC is visiting the Tudor Place Historic House!
This federal-period historic house is full of architectural wonders and rests in the heart of Georgetown! Resting on five and a half acres of land, Tudor Place Historic House was home to six generations of Martha Washington’s family and is currently home to one of the largest collections of artifacts from Washington outside of Mount Vernon. At a tremendous 18,000, the decorative objects collected during Washington’s life and memorializing his time as president are a really interesting destination to check out.
Whether you’re just there to walk around and enjoy the architecture and preservation, or you’re really interested in the life and family of a former president, Tudor Place is a great option for things to do in Georgetown!
Crumbs & Whiskers Cat Cafe
Another great option for things to do in Georgetown with kids is visiting Crumbs & Whiskers Cat Cafe!
Crumbs & Whiskers Cat Cafe is a cat rescue with the perfect additive, coffee! With plenty of lovely, hand-crafted caffeinated drinks, this is a cute little shop to stop in at and see some cute cats! From kittens to cats, all cuddly pets are rescued from kill shelters and are adoptable from the shop!
If you’re looking for a spot where you can enjoy a cup of coffee with your partner and your kids can enjoy some feline time, Crumbs & Whiskers is the spot for you! The goal of the cafe is to lower the usage of euthanasia in the high traffic kill shelters in Washington and get kittens and cats adopted! They’re housed and taken care of by staff at Crumbs & Whiskers!
This is such a cute and unique spot to stop, so if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary while visiting Georgetown DC, this is a great spot for you!
Dumbarton Oaks Museum
Next on our list for things to do in Georgetown is visiting the beautiful art collection featured at Dumbarton Oaks Museum!
Housing one of the most specialized and amazing collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian works of art! Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss are original collectors and founders of the Dumbarton Oaks Museum and spent a good portion of their lives acquiring the pieces!
From exhibits to galleries, to programs, there’s always something happening at Dumbarton Oaks Museum! It also feels like a building straight from Europe and is a unique and fun spot to explore while visiting Georgetown DC!
There’s also nothing more romantic than walking around halls filled with beautiful art work and enjoying quality time with your partner, making this one of the best things to do in Georgetown for couples looking to spend good one-on-one time with each other!
Grab Drinks at Sandlot Georgetown
Sandlot Georgetown is another of the things to do in Georgetown DC at night that is definitely a great option for a group of friends exploring the city or even couples!
This outdoor event space was created, with a nod to the owner’s favorite film, to highlight and appreciate Black-owned businesses and restaurants, Black chefs and caterers who prepare and sell food on site through food trucks! This unique destination is such a cool spot and definitely one of the best things to do in Georgetown for adults!
With delicious food there has to be a good selection of alcohol or hand-crafted beverages and The Sandlot is home to a shipping container converted into a bar! There you can get a unique beverage from the bar and enjoy the lovely outdoor seating available! The Sandlot also has live music and performances to make it an amazing evening spent at this cool location!
Enjoy an Evening at Blues Alley
Built-in 1965, Blues Alley is a classic Georgetown destination full of history, phenomenal music, delicious food and booze!
This is a great option for things to do in Georgetown DC at night where you can get up close and personal with musicians while also enjoying a great menu! With New Orleans-inspired cuisine, they serve great meals for great prices and pride themselves on amazing service!
Dinner starts at 6pm, shows at 8pm and 10pm, and a great time all around! Blues Alley is an intimate jazz club with good food and definitely, a can’t miss while visiting Georgetown DC! It’s on a street named after the club itself, so it’s hard to miss!
Old Stone House
Last, but certainly not least, is Old Stone House which is a classic destination and definitely a top contender on our list of the best things to do in Georgetown!
As the oldest standing unchanged building in Washington, DC, the Old Stone House contains a unique snapshot of a time in history and is a great spot to stop for a bit while visiting Georgetown DC!
This pre-revolutionary colonial building has two floors, one open to the public and consisting of a kitchen and shop, and the top floor which is closed off. The kitchen contains a timeline of US history as well as information regarding the previous owner, the history of the building and it’s preservation! The shop contains similar information!
The exterior is open from sunrise to sunset while the interior is open during strict hours! Don’t miss out on this cool historic option for the best things to do in Georgetown!
I have yet to be disappointed on a trip through Georgetown and personally think it’s a lovely option for a place to explore! Sometimes, the best Georgetown activities strike you when you least expect it, and I personally think that trusting yourself is the best way to know what you’ll like!
If you’re looking for other options for East Coast towns to adventure through, or even want options for East Coast Weekend Getaways for a longer trip across that side of the USA, we always have your back and have some amazing options for you!
Now that you’ve seen our list of the best things to do in Georgetown, what will be your first adventure?
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