Georgetown Waterfront Park
A new 10-acre National Park that traces the path of the Potomac River from the Key Bridge to the Washington Harbor Complex. The park itself features an interactive fountain, water steps, lawns to relax upon, and walking/cycling paths. There are also scenic river overlooks and a labyrinth to explore. It is still under construction, but a big chunk of it opened to the public in 2008.
Dumbarton Oaks
Most famous for its role in 1944, when world leaders convened here to draw up the United Nations charter. But that's not why you should come. The extensive gardens are the biggest draw; they are extraordinarily beautifulâalmost palatialâand peaceful, uncrowded. The best time to come is a Spring weekday, when the gardens are practically empty, and the trees are budding with bright pinks and purples. The mansion, built in 1800 for John Calhoun one of the most powerful senators in American history, houses an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian and Byzantine art. And rest assured a stroll around the mansion would be worthwhile even without the exhibits. Don't thank Sen. Calhoun for all this though; he was rather a boor. The second owners, the Blisses, a wealthy couple from the U.S. Foreign Service, are responsible for the magnificent landscaping and collections. If you are up for a little homework, look for Stravinsky's Dumbarton Oaks Concerto, commissioned by Mrs. Bliss for their 30th wedding anniversary.
Exorcist Steps
Made famous by the movie, the "Exorcist Steps" run between Prospect and M St just west of where the Key Bridge deposits people into D.C. In addition to grisly ends to men and devils, the steps are popular among Georgetown students looking for a serious workout during their daily jog along the Potomac.
City Tavern Club
Built in 1796 as a neighborhood pub, the City Tavern is the oldest commercial structure in the city, and the second oldest building following the Old Stone House. The interior is a beautiful trip back to the 18th century, but it is closed to the public, save for private event bookings.
Mount Zion Cemetery
Mount Zion Church served Georgetown's once large African-American community today the neighborhood is nearly 100% white outside of the university which once offered free burials for Washington's African-American population. The church remains in operation with only a handful of families still in the area; most of the congregation commutes to mass, and is located at 1334 29th St NW.
Oak Hill Cemetery
The Gothic chapel and gates were designed by the same architect who designed the Smithsonian Castle. It was the original resting place of Abraham Lincoln's son, Willie, before he was reinterred with his father in Illinois, as well as other figures. In addition to being a cemetery, it is also a botanical garden well set for a leisurely walk.
Although, Georgetown is known principally for its pretty residential streets, shopping, and dining, it has some of the most historical attractions in D.C. Dumbarton Oaks is a highlight of any informed visit to the city, and is frankly a more rewarding destination than most of the Smithsonian museums. A visit to D.C. would also be remiss without a stop at Georgetown University's beautiful Main and Dalghren Chapel quads, the notorious Exorcist Steps, and the C&O Canal.
House of Sweden
A striking, award-winning modern building 2006, currently home to the Swedish Embassy. Bills itself as the "crown jewel of the Swedish presence in the U.S.," hosting a large exhibition space open to the public and devoted principally to current international issues dear to the Swedes.
Georgetown University Dalghren Chapel Quad
This quadrangle was the original land purchase upon the founding of the university. The chapel 1893 at the south end, beautiful inside and out, is best known to the world for its role in the Exorcist, where the priests discovered the defaced statue of the Virgin Mary. The oldest building on the quad is Old North 1795 on the north side, from which Abraham Lincoln gave his speech in 1861 to Union soldiers stationed here. The best time to visit is undoubtedly at the end of the cherry blossom season, when the petals are beginning to fall throughout the quad.
Georgetown University Main Quad
It's hard to notice anything on this very large quadrangle other than the enormous National Historic Landmark of Healy Hall 1897, whose high-set Flemish-Romanesque towers loom over the neighborhood, and even the city. It is named after Patrick Healy, who had an impressive career of firsts: the first African-American president of a major U.S. university, the first African-American with a PhD, and the first African-American Jesuit priest. During the day you can wander inside the building to appreciate the interiorâGaston Hall at the north end of the third floor should be your main objective, as it is both beautiful and has hosted endless visits by foreign and domestic heads of state. In the summer, these visits are often free to the public and not very well attended, so you might be able to get in and talk foreign policy with a king or two. Check the university's events website (http://events.georgetown.edu/).
Old Stone House
Built in 1765, this is the oldest original structure in Washington, D.C. For a while it was a used car dealership, but since the 1950s it has been operated by the National Park Service as a house museum showcasing pre-revolutionary colonial life in Georgetown, as well as a small English garden in the back.
Remains of the Washington streetcar system
Remnants are visible on P St, at the facade of "The Shops of Georgetown Park," and at The Georgetown Car Barn now an office for Georgetown University. If driving on the insidious rails over the dilapidated cobblestone surface, aim to ride the railsâit's both a fun challenge and easier on your car.
Tudor Place
A stately mansion built in 1815 by the son of the first mayor of Georgetown, and the step-granddaughter of one George Washington. The manor hosts permanent exhibits of 18-19th century American furnishings, as well as a large collections of items owned by George and Martha Washington. The gardens in the back are lovely, and can be accessed separately from the mansion for $3.