Planning Your Trip

From The Washington Harbour to Dumbarton Oaks, there are centuries of history to explore in Georgetown and the D.C. area. Here’s how to pack for a trip that could include everything from important meetings to world-class museums to waterfront activities.

Business Travel

The standard professional attire for Georgetown is business professional but, depending on company culture, business casual may be appropriate.

For initial meetings, both in and out of the office, men should choose a dark tailored suit and simple accessories.
Skirts and pantsuits are the norm for women but professional dresses are also acceptable. Heels and flats should lean toward the conservative side.
Avoid bright colors and loud prints — you can’t go wrong with navy blue, gray or black attire.

Summer Escape

From outdoor film screenings to alfresco dining on the waterfront, summer is Georgetown’s favorite season.

Always carry a water bottle and sunscreen — your best defenses against the notoriously sunny and humid D.C. weather.
Although the quaint cobblestone streets make for beautiful pictures, those picturesque streets can take a toll on your feet. Opt for comfortable footwear, like sneakers, instead of sandals.
Outside the office most people dress casually in simple sundresses or polo shirts and khaki shorts.

Exploring the City

The area boasts some of the nation’s finest national treasures. Be prepared to enjoy all of them in comfort.

If strolling through iconic places like the National Mall, Embassy Row or Georgetown University, dress comfortably and conservatively.
The area’s cold winters demand heavy coats — but even in summer you’ll need a light jacket or sweater to combat air conditioning.
Pack activewear in case you get a chance to run, bike or walk the canal, or take an always-popular paddleboarding lesson.

Don't Forget:

The Washington, D.C., area is home to some of the country's best golf courses. Be sure to pack your clubs and golf shoes, as well as the appropriate attire, so you can hit the green.

Georgetown is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike — and for good reason. With so much old-fashioned charm and colorful history, this quintessential Colonial neighborhood is well-worth taking the time to explore.

Dining Reservations

Brunch is something of a Georgetown tradition. Don’t miss the divine á la carte brunch at Degrees Bistro in The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. every Saturday and Sunday. Unwind in the all-season restaurant and enjoy a bottomless bloody mary alongside orange crème pancakes and eggs Benedict. Or if molecular gastronomy is of interest, reserve a table at the Michelin-starred Minibar by Andrés — and, yes, that would be famed Spanish Chef José Andrés. The avant-garde menu will excite the senses. If you’d like a classic Georgetown option, look no further than Chez Billy Sud — a neighborhood favorite that serves up South of France fare and an unmatched wine list.

Spa Appointments

At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Georgetown, you’ll find a slate of treatments to nourish your mind and body. The Sole Reviver is a smart choice after days of walking on cobblestone streets. Its reflex-zone foot massage and exfoliation will relieve any aches and pains. Tight on time? The spa offers a menu of express treatments Monday through Thursday so you can always fit rejuvenation into your busy schedule

Outdoor Excursions

Famous for its charming streets and historical architecture, Georgetown can best be experienced outdoors. Even the shortest stroll becomes noteworthy, given the waterfront access and wide array of cultural activities. Here, in D.C.’s oldest and most scenic neighborhood, you can rent kayaks or canoes on the Potomac River or take a serene walk down the Chesapeake and Ohio.

Special Events

Each spring, millions of people descend upon Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Dubbed “the Nation’s Greatest Springtime Celebration,” the outdoor event honors the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, D.C. You can see them in three locations: Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park and on the Washington Monument grounds. Peak bloom occurs in March and April, with special events (including a parade) happening across the city.

Family Vacation Fun

To visit Georgetown and nearby Washington, D.C., is to immerse yourself in a world of learning that’s not only easily accessible, but also engaging and fun. It’s the perfect location for children to see history and science come alive in ways that captivate their imaginations like no video game they’ve ever seen.

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A Romantic Getaway

With its whimsical cobblestone streets and 18th- and 19th-century architecture, Georgetown has an ambiance of bygone eras — an intimate, small-town feel. At the same time, the neighborhood’s fashionable shops, fine restaurants and bustling nightlife keep it firmly in the 21st century. Altogether, it is a place that will enchant you and your sweetheart.

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Area & Activities