Georgetown stands as one of Washington DC’s most enchanting neighborhoods, where cobblestone streets meet waterfront views, and historic charm blends seamlessly with modern life. A longtime popular destination, this vibrant area continues to captivate locals and tourists alike with its unique blend of boutique shopping, exceptional dining, and scenic waterfront experiences. Read on for our guide to dining, strolling, and shopping in Georgetown, Washington.
Shopping in Georgetown
The Main Shopping Corridors
Recognized as one of the best shopping streets in the country, M Street is a solid starting point for your retail adventures. Along with Wisconsin Avenue, it forms the heart of Georgetown’s retail scene, offering everything from major brands to unique local finds.
Notable Boutiques and Brands
Fashion-forward finds in Georgetown include many of the top brands beloved by consumers around the country. This is where you’ll find outposts of stores such as Reformation, Alice + Olivia, Anthropologie, Athleta, Madewell, and M.M.LaFleur.
To browse rare books and out-of-print volumes, swing by The Lantern bookshop, and for souvenirs crafted right here in DC, browse the curated selection of locally made goods at Shop Made in DC. It’s a great place to pick up unique home decor, stationery, accessories and beauty goods all created by local talent.
Georgetown Shopping Districts
Book Hill is a quaint cluster of independent boutiques, art galleries, home décor and antique stores, and restaurants along upper Wisconsin Avenue. From O Street to Reservoir Road, this is where you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, works of art, home furnishings, and independent restaurants to enjoy as you browse.
Georgetown Park is a large, mixed-use development situated between Georgetown’s two Main Streets and the historic C&O Canal. A one-time enclosed mall, it’s now an open-air collection of shops and dining spots including TJ Maxx, H&M, Vuori, and Osteria Mozza.
Georgetown Restaurants
Georgetown’s lively dining scene offers everything from casual waterfront dining to Michelin-starred experiences, with many establishments taking advantage of the neighborhood’s scenic Potomac River location.
Waterfront Dining
Fiola Mare is an award-winning Italian seafood restaurant located along the iconic Georgetown waterfront—a true destination among DC dining options. An ode to Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s Mediterranean roots, Fiola Mare is all about exceptional, fresh seasonal ingredients, delivering standout dishes such as an Amalfi Coast-inspired seafood tower, oysters, crudo, Branzino, and lobster.
Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers is open every day on the banks of the Potomac River, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, a weekday happy hour, and a lavish weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch. The covered patio is the most popular place to be, whether indulging in carving station favorites, or a lighter meal of sushi or vegetable sides. The restaurant’s First Bake Cafe serves freshly baked donuts, muffins, biscuits and cinnamon rolls every weekday between 8am and 10:30am.
Sequoia is another riverfront restaurant in Georgetown, and it has the floor-to-ceiling windows you need to enjoy it to the fullest. Diners here enjoy some of DC’s finest cuisine as they’re surrounded by an impressive collection of contemporary art—in the dining room and in the sculpture garden outside. Open for lunch, dinner, happy hour, and brunch on both Saturdays and Sundays, Sequoia is a home run when you’re looking to impress someone with a special meal.
More Georgetown Options
Georgetown’s waterfront is home to many more wonderful restaurants, and some, including Guapo’s and Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place, offer patio seating in warm weather, making them perfect for enjoying DC’s beauty while dining al fresco. For something light but still delicious, stop by Maman for a cup of coffee or tea and a selection of southern French delights.
Waterfront Strolls
The 10-acre Georgetown Waterfront Park overlooks the Potomac from 31st Street, NW to the Key Bridge. A popular spot for exercising or quiet time, the park has beautiful elements including a fountain and labyrinth.
At Washington Harbour, the beautifully landscaped park provides the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll with stunning river views. It’s also great for waterfront dining, outdoor ice skating, boating, and other activities.
Even more waterfront opportunities are on the horizon, with two residential-retail projects at 1000 Potomac Street and 3333 K Street in the works. These new Georgetown developments promise more upscale housing and retail by the harbor, and a host of new experiences for visitors.
Plan Your Georgetown Adventure
When you’re visiting DC, Georgetown offers a perfect day out—a blend of world-class shopping, exceptional dining, and scenic waterfront walks. The neighborhood’s location along the Potomac River makes it one of the prettiest places to dine in all of DC, with plenty of iconic backdrops for your meal and photos.
Whether you’re browsing the boutiques along M Street, savoring fresh seafood with river views, or taking a leisurely stroll through the waterfront park, Georgetown provides a quintessentially DC experience that blends history, culture, and up-to-the-minute amenities.
The neighborhood’s walkable layout makes it easy to experience all three elements in a single visit. Start with shopping along the main corridors, enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants, and cap off your day with a peaceful stroll along the Potomac River. Soak it all in and you’ll see why Georgetown remains one of Washington DC’s most beloved neighborhoods and destinations.
