Welcome to Georgetown & Upper Northwest D.C.
Colonial charm, cobblestone streets, and urbane amenities.
Georgetown and Upper Northwest D.C. boast a wealth of culture from both past and present not found in many other Washington neighborhoods. Upper Northwest D.C. is home to the majestic National Cathedral and the National Zoo, while many of D.C.’s major universities, charming cobblestone streets, a vibrant entertainment district, and quintessential Colonial-style architecture await in Georgetown. Some of the city’s most stately manors are found here, rich in classical design, historic significance, and located close to everything special about the nation’s capital.
Georgetown was first founded in the state of Maryland in 1751 but became a part of the District of Columbia later in the century. Today, historic waterfront streets have undergone extensive renovation efforts and are now home to five-star hotels and high-end businesses, but a healthy dose of charm and history can still be found around every corner.
What to Love
- A splendid blend of charming cobblestone streets and contemporary pleasures
- An abundance of bars, restaurants, shopping, and waterfront scenery
- Home to museums, parks, famous homes, and several other of the city’s top attractions
- Location of some of the nation’s most prestigious universities
Local Lifestyle
Georgetown offers an unexpected dose of Colonial charm and 21st-century flair. Eclectic boutiques offering a unique selection, specialized cafes serving up the city’s most Instagrammable creations, fashionable waterfront bars, and national landmarks are often frequented by locals, many of which are walking distance from residential enclaves. On sunny days, Georgetown’s riverfront and parks are busy spots to enjoy recreational activities like picnics, canal boat tours, paddle boarding on the Potomac, scenic strolls, and quiet, simple moments in the foreground of the city.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
New England-style seafood highlighting fresh catches from the Chesapeake Bay are found at Millie’s. Highly acclaimed by both online bloggers and old-fashioned critics alike, locals come back time after time for their fluffy lobster rolls, shrimp salads, and Baja-style fish tacos.
Matisse is one of the neighborhood’s more high-end establishments specializing in modern takes on traditional French cuisine. A clean, inviting space is the backdrop for patrons to savor juicy duck, steaks, and jumbo shrimp puttanesca. Everyone can agree their chocolate mousse is the best way to top off any meal, no matter the occasion.
No neighborhood is complete without a classic Italian restaurant for big nights out, and Cafe Milano is the go-to option among locals. Regarded as the place to “see and be seen” by The Washington Post and “where the world’s most powerful people go” by The New York Times, some of the biggest names in D.C. have been seen here since their opening in 1992 enjoying grilled fish, steak frites, homemade pasta, and decadent Italian desserts.
Things To Do
With Georgetown positioned on the northern shore of the Potomac River, locals frequently spend leisurely days out on the water or enjoying its views. Boat cruises featuring brunch, dinner, and cocktails offer unique views of the capital city and memories to last a lifetime. Paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks are other great ways to explore, all of which can be rented along the shore. On dry land, several parks offer walking paths, playground equipment for kiddos, sporting courts, and peaceful green spaces for all to enjoy a quiet day out. One of the city’s most historic neighborhoods is also home to many significant landmarks. The stairs and house from “The Exorcist,” Martin’s Tavern, which has served every president since Truman, and countless other fascinating sites await your discovery.
Schools
Many of D.C.’s highest-performing campuses are located near Georgetown. Some examples consist of:
- Sidwell Friends School, prekindergarten-12th grade; the best Christian high school in D.C. also boasts a stellar STEM program
- National Cathedral School, grades 4-12; this private all-girls school offers the best STEM and college preparatory programs in the region
- St. Albans School, grades 4-12; this private all-boys school is the best of its kind in D.C. boasting small class sizes, high test scores, and ample success after graduation
- Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, grades 9-12; 99% of graduates of this private all-girls school go on to attend a four-year university
- Georgetown University; one of the nation’s top universities boasts one of the most prevalent alumni in Congress, on Wall Street, and among many of the world’s highest-paying companies
- American University; stretching across more than 90 acres, AU students can choose from nearly 250 areas of study
- The George Washington University; the largest university in D.C. offers over 100 undergraduate programs and over 240 graduate programs
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