Things to Do in Georgetown - Washington DC

Take a mule-drawn canal boat ride beginning at the Georgetown Visitor Center and learn about the history of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Park rangers dressed in historical clothing will transport you back in time to the 1870s aboard a one-hour trip on a reproduction of a 19th century canal boat.



Georgetown is known as one of Washington DC’s best destinations for dining and nightlife. Restaurants range from fine dining to casual eateries serving cuisine from all over the world. See a guide to Georgetown's Best Restaurants. During the warmer months of the year, restaurants on the Georgetown Waterfront are very popular and offer outdoor seating with great views of the Potomac River. You’ll find everything from singles hotspots to romantic wine bars to lively collegiate gathering places. See a guide to Georgetown Bars and Nightlife.

Georgetown is a popular Washington, DC neighborhood for shopping, dining and nightlife. This shopping mecca appeals to the younger crowd but also has plenty of boutiques and antique stores for all ages. Most of the shops in Georgetown are centered along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. The Shops at Georgetown Park is an indoor shopping mall with more than 100 stores and eateries.

Georgetown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington, DC and has many interesting historic homes. A few of them are museums open to the public for tours. Old Stone House, built in 1765, is the oldest known private home in Washington, DC. Dumbarton House is owned by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America and showcases colonial period furnishings. Tudor Place Historic House and Garden is a National Historic Landmark that was originally owned by Martha Custis Peter, the granddaughter of Martha Washington.

The Georgetown Waterfront has been recently redeveloped with the addition of Georgetown Waterfront Park, a peaceful place to relax and enjoy shade, flowering trees and a view of the Potomac River. The walking paths are a nice place to take a stroll. The restaurants on the Georgetown Waterfront are popular places to enjoy dining outdoors during the summer months.

Capitol River Cruises offers a 45-minute historical narrative sightseeing tour of Washington, DC aboard a small river boat, the Nightingale and Nightingale II Tour Boats. This is a fun and family-friendly way to see the spectacular views of Washington, DC from The Potomac River.

Local sports outfitters and paddling organizations offers kayaking lessons and rentals. Georgetown is a popular destination to enjoy a few hours on the river.

The Capital Crescent Trail is beautiful 13-mile bike trail that begins in Georgetown and extends to Silver Spring, Maryland. Bike rentals are available through several vendors around the Washington DC area.