A Day Out in Georgetown
One of the best-known neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., Georgetown, named for King George II, perfectly mixes upscale shops and restaurants, the country's oldest Catholic university, colonial architecture, parks and historical accents that will engage kids and parents alike. Many of the homes are 200-year-old restored row houses. It's mostly a walking neighborhood, so do as the locals do, and take a stroll -- or a stroller -- through its charming streets.
Reviewers:
Miriam and her children, Sydney (13), Hannah (11) and Ben (8)
Why families love it:
This neighborhood offers an old-world feel and lots of local charm. It's a great place to shop, eat, learn a bit of U.S. history, or run around and let off some steam in a beautiful local park.
How to get there:
Georgetown is not accessible by Metrorail. You can get there by using the Georgetown Metro Connection (nominal fee); the DC Circulator buses (free); or by taking a taxi. If you go by car, it's a short drive from downtown D.C.. Street parking (two hour limit) is available, as are paid parking lots.
Miriam's Georgetown picks:
1. The Old Stone House
3051 M Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
Right in the heart of Georgetown stands the oldest building in Washington D.C. -- the Old Stone House. Stop by for a quick tour and a perfect reminder of how ordinary Americans lived during colonial times. Inside you'll see a front room which, over the last few hundred years was used by different owners as a hat shop, a clockmaker's shop, and a tailor's shop. Read more ...
2. Pizzeria Paradiso
3282 M Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
Considered to be one of the best restaurants in D.C. and true to its Italian name, this paradise-like pizzeria will not disappoint you. My kids call the stone oven-baked pizza "bubble pizza" because of its light airy crust, which, because it's the best part, they save for last. Offered in 8" and 12" inch sizes, the 8" is more than enough for one kid. Read more ...
3. The C & O Canal National Historic Park's boat rides
1057 Jefferson Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
Take a break from the busier parts of Georgetown for a trip back in time on a quiet boat ride along the historic C&O Canal. The boat travels less than a mile, but you learn a lot from park rangers about the families that worked and lived on the canal during the 1870's. The boats are pulled through locks by mules who you can pet after your ride. Read more ...
4. Thomas Sweet
3214 P Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
If you're an ice cream lover, you can't leave Georgetown without a walk up Wisconsin Avenue to Thomas Sweet Ice Cream and Chocolate. Started in Princeton, New Jersey, this place feels like an old-style ice cream parlour. Despite the summertime lines out the door, it's worth it for the creamy, generous scoops of ice cream and frozen yogurt. Read more ...
5. Montrose Park
3099 R Street Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20007-2923
This quiet slice of heaven in northern Georgetown is a great getaway for both kids and adults. Surrounded by woods, the park has two large open field areas, tennis courts, a path for walking, picnic tables and park benches. It has a playground with swings, a jungle gym, and a tiny merry-go-round for toddlers. Read more ...
Children's writer Miriam Chernick enjoys spending time with her family discovering new places in and around Washington, D.C.
Rated by 1 member
Join Us