If you are looking for a place to explore, learn, shop, dine, and relax in the nation’s capital, look no further than Georgetown. This historic neighborhood, situated along the Potomac River, has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in its rich history, its diverse culture, its pop culture references, its points of interest, or its advice for visitors, you will find it all in this blog post.

Georgetown is one of the oldest and most iconic neighborhoods in Washington, DC. It was founded in 1751, 40 years before the city itself, and served as a major port and commercial center. Today, it is a vibrant and lively community that blends the old and the new, offering a variety of attractions and experiences for locals and tourists alike.

History

Georgetown has a long and fascinating history that spans from the colonial era to the present day. Some of the highlights include:

The Old Stone House, built in 1765, is the oldest still standing building structure in Washington, DC. It is now a museum that showcases the life of an 18th-century merchant family.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, built between 1828 and 1850, was a vital transportation route that connected Georgetown to the western frontier. It is now a national historical park that offers scenic views and recreational activities along its towpath.
The Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel, designed by James Renwick Jr. in 1850, is a Gothic Revival masterpiece that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is part of a beautiful and serene cemetery that is the final resting place of many notable figures, such as Abraham Lincoln’s son Willie.
The Volta Bureau, established in 1887 by Alexander Graham Bell, was a research center dedicated to improving the lives of deaf people. It is now a museum that displays Bell’s inventions and achievements in science and education.

The Culture & Pop Culture

Georgetown is not only a historic neighborhood but also a cultural hub that has influenced and been influenced by pop culture. Some of the examples include:

Georgetown University

Founded in 1789, is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States. It is renowned for its academic excellence, its athletic programs, its alumni network, and its campus landmarks, such as Healy Hall and Dahlgren Chapel.

The Exorcist Steps

Located at the corner of Prospect Street and 36th Street NW, are a set of steep stone stairs that were featured in the famous 1973 horror film The Exorcist. They are now a popular tourist attraction and a site of Halloween events.

The Blues Alley Jazz Club

Opened in 1965, is the oldest continuously operating jazz supper club in America. It has hosted some of the most legendary jazz musicians in history, such as Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and Wynton Marsalis.

The Georgetown Cupcake Shop

Founded in 2008 by sisters Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne, is the original location of the famous bakery chain that was featured in the TLC reality show DC Cupcakes. It attracts long lines of customers who crave its delicious and creative cupcakes.

Points of Interest

Georgetown has many points of interest that appeal to different tastes and preferences. Some of them are:

The Washington Harbour Complex, located on K Street between 30th and 31st Streets NW, is a mixed-use development that features waterfront restaurants, shops, offices, residences, and a public plaza. It offers stunning views of the Potomac River and hosts seasonal events such as ice skating and concerts.
The Georgetown Park Shopping Mall, located at 3222 M Street NW, is an upscale indoor shopping center that houses more than 100 stores and restaurants. It has a distinctive Victorian-style architecture and a glass atrium that creates a bright and airy atmosphere.
The Dumbarton Oaks Museum and Gardens, located at 1703 32nd Street NW, is a historic estate that showcases an impressive collection of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art as well as European paintings and sculptures. It also has a beautiful garden that features various styles and themes such as rose terraces, fountains, orchids, and peonies.
The Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, located at 1644 31st Street NW, is another historic estate that belonged to six generations of Martha Washington’s descendants. It displays more than 15,000 objects that reflect the family’s history and lifestyle as well as American history from the colonial period to the present day. It also has a charming garden that contains many plants that were grown by George Washington at Mount Vernon.

Advice for Visitors

If you are planning to visit Georgetown, here are some tips and suggestions that will help you make the most of your trip:

Getting there

Georgetown is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. You can take the DC Circulator bus, the Metrobus, or the Capital Bikeshare to get there. You can also walk, bike, or drive, but be aware that parking can be scarce and expensive.

Amenities

Georgetown has plenty of amenities that will make your visit comfortable and enjoyable. You can find public restrooms, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, water fountains, and information kiosks throughout the neighborhood. You can also use the Georgetown BID website or app to find more information and resources.

Driving directions from Georgetown to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Via US-29. 3,7 miles in 16 minutes.

Start by taking 34th St NW to M St NW for 4 minutes (0.5 mi).
1. Head west on Volta Pl NW towards Cashell Alley for 0.1 mi.
2. Turn left onto 34th St NW and continue for 0.3 mi.
Take US-29, Fort Myer Dr/N Ft Myer Dr and George Washington Mem Pkwy to Memorial Ave in Arlington for 6 minutes (2.2 mi).
1. Turn right onto M St NW and continue for 233 ft.
2. Turn left onto US-29/Francis Scott Key Bridge/Key Bridge and continue to follow US-29 for 0.5 mi. You will be entering Virginia.
3. Continue onto Fort Myer Dr/N Ft Myer Dr and continue for 0.2 mi.
4. Use the 2nd from the right lane to stay on Fort Myer Dr/N Ft Myer Dr and continue for 279 ft.
5. Keep right and continue for 0.2 mi.
6. Use the right lane to turn slightly right onto Fort Myer Dr/N Ft Myer Dr and continue for 364 ft.
7. Continue straight onto N Meade St and continue for 0.1 mi.
8. Turn left onto the ramp to Washington and continue for 0.1 mi.
9. Merge onto Arlington Blvd and continue for 0.1 mi.
10. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Memorial Br/Geo Wash Pkwy and merge onto George Washington Mem Pkwy and continue for 0.6 mi.
11. Take the exit toward Arlington Cemetery and continue for 0.3 mi.
12. Turn left onto Memorial Ave and continue for 377 ft.
Take Eisenhower Dr, McClellan Dr, and Roosevelt Dr to your destination for 7 minutes (1.0 mi).
1. Continue straight to stay on Memorial Ave and continue for 0.2 mi.
2. Turn left onto Eisenhower Dr/Schley Dr and continue to follow Eisenhower Dr for 0.3 mi.
3. Turn right onto McClellan Dr and continue for 0.3 mi.
4. Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto Roosevelt Dr and continue for 0.2 mi.
5. Turn right and continue for 85 ft

Public transportation directions from Georgetown to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Public transportation and walking. 44 minutes, aprox.

Start at Georgetown (Washington, DC, USA).
Walk for about 1 minute (374 ft) towards Wisconsin Ave NW & P St NW. Use caution as the route may involve errors or sections not suited for walking.
Take the 33 bus towards Federal Triangle at 11:18 AM. The ride will take approximately 6 minutes and make 7 stops (Stop ID: 1001426).
Arrive at Pennsylvania Ave NW & 22nd St NW at 11:24 AM.
Walk for about 4 minutes towards Foggy Bottom-GWU Metrorail Station – NW Corner 23rd & I Sts. NW. Use caution as the route may involve errors or sections not suited for walking.
Take the Blue subway line towards Franconia-Springfield at 11:35 AM from Foggy Bottom-GWU station. The ride will take approximately 6 minutes and make 2 stops.
Arrive at Arlington Cemetery at 11:41 AM.
Walk for about 20 minutes (0.9 mi) towards The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (1 Wilson Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211, United States). Use caution as the route may involve errors or sections not suited for walking.
Arrive at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at approximately 12:01 PM.

Driving directions from Georgetown to SENS Psychology

Via US-29. 2,5 miles in 11 minutes.

Head west on Blues Alley toward Wisconsin Ave NW
1. Turn right onto Wisconsin Ave NW
2. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto M St NW
Take Langston Blvd. to N Cleveland St in Arlington
1. Turn left onto US-29/Francis Scott Key Bridge/Key Bridge
2. Continue to follow US-29 Entering Virginia
3. Turn right onto Langston Blvd.
Continue on N Cleveland St. Drive to Wilson Blvd
1. Turn left onto N Cleveland St
2. At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on N Cleveland St
3. Turn right onto N Bryan St
4. At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto N Danville St
5. Turn right onto Wilson Blvd Pass by United Bank (on the left in 0.2 mi)
6. Destination will be on the right

Georgetown: A Historic and Vibrant Neighborhood in Washington DC