Car Rental Georgetown, D.C.

Charming Georgetown is the historic district of Washington DC, where cobblestone streets and narrow canals set the tone. Glide around these old-fashioned avenues to see the capital of the United States’ tender side.

Located in the city’s north-west, Georgetown is connected to central DC by Interstate 66. If you’re flying in to Washington Dulles Airport, it takes little over 30 minutes to complete the 40km drive on I-66. The Francis Scott Key Bridge also provides a convenient route across the Potomac River.

Wisconsin Avenue exits the neighbourhood to the north – follow this road to find luscious suburban parks like the vast Georgetown Waterfront Park, and cultural landmarks such as the Washington National Cathedral.

If you prefer scenic riverside drives, Canal Road bends north-west past the Capital Crescent Trail and Georgetown Reservoir towards the mystical Glass Forest modern art museum.

Georgetown makes a great base to explore the broader District of Columbia, since it’s framed by suburban areas on one side and iconic landmarks on the other. If you prefer to stay in town, M Street is home to many boutique retail stores.

The Georgetown University Campus is just a few blocks to the north, while the famed Dumbarton Estate is near Tudor Place in the district’s north-east.

The slow-paced streets are a pleasure to navigate when you rent a car in Georgetown. A cluster of riverside parking garages are ideally situated for a stroll around the most colourful part of town.

Washington DC has tight distracted driving laws, and it’s illegal to use electronic devices while driving. The speed limits are set at 25mph (40km/h) in urban DC unless otherwise posted – including on city highways.

Tolling is primarily electronic in the District of Columbia, so speak to our helpful staff about the easiest way to pay before planning trips out of town.

Cobblestone streets and grand Federal-style architecture defines this top destination. Georgetown is the oldest part of Washington DC with a heritage dating back to 1751. The neighbourhood is also home to a vibrant mix of upmarket seafood eateries, lively taverns and luxurious retail stores. Car rental in Georgetown is the best way to see its many sides.

Distinguished architecture

Any trip to the US capital is incomplete without taking in the incredible buildings on display. Old Stone House takes the prize for being the oldest building in town, remaining unchanged since 1765.

The building is revered for its architecture, but was originally preserved in a case of mistaken identity, since local memory confused the building with another visited by the George Washington in 1791. Today it houses a museum dedicated to pre-Revolutionary life.

Dumbarton House was built in 1799, and its Federal interiors are the backdrop to many exhibitions and events. Nearby Dumbarton Oaks Museum is set in the grounds of a lavish estate, today housing a large collection of Byzantine Art. Known as the ‘home of the humanities’, this place is ideal if you want to travel even further back in time.

Stroll through Georgetown’s history

If you prefer taking a relaxed walk through vibrant layers of visual history, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is ideal. Stroll beside the waters to see an important location for historical US trade.

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden is the crowning glory of local attractions: a five-acre landscaped garden that once belonged to the descendants of George Washington. There are guided tours every hour, providing insights into how Americans lived all those centuries ago.

To this day, Georgetown contains many homes belonging to rich and famous people. You can blend history with political celebrity when you take a tour through the life of John F Kennedy. Having spent so much of his life in Georgetown, you can tour landmarks that were close to his heart, such as his church and the spot where he proposed.

Boating and waterfront adventures

Floating down the Potomac is one of the best ways to experience Georgetown. There are boating clubs dotted along the river banks, so whether you prefer kayaking or enjoying the sunshine from a luxury yacht, you’re sure to find your ideal vessel.

Afterwards, the luscious waterfront park is well worth exploring. There’s plenty of tranquillity to be found on the scenic promenade, plus water features set in lush gardens.

Take a few steps away from the river and you’ll find tastebud-tempting seafood spots and diverse nightlife. Hang your keys up for the day before taking your pick of atmospheric music venues, traditional taverns and college bars.

Luxury retail on M Street

Whether you love fashion or simply feeling pampered, the luxury boutiques on M Street are filled with tempting treats. With a mixture of designer boutiques, department store outlets and local shopping available, your fix of retail therapy is taken care of.

There’s also Georgetown Park, a large mall which boasts a mixture of high-end and outlet stores. Finally, Wisconsin Avenue is another fashion hotspot, where small, independent retailers offer quirky and individual treats.

With Georgetown car rental, it’s easy to explore every top attraction across this calm, soothing neighbourhood.