Bonnie had one day to explore the Washington DC area. She was torn between going to Georgetown or Alexandria. She asked wait staff and Uber drivers for their opinions, most recommended Georgetown since it was closer to DC. Bonnie wanted to explore both and found a way to do it.
Hmmmm! Georgetown?
Or Alexandria?
That was my big question! How can one do both in one day?
I’ve been to Washington, DC numerous times since I grew up in Maryland. I met my parents on the Mall in the morning. If you have never been to DC before allow a full day on the Mall. There is so much to do and the museums are incredible. Spending a day touring the monuments and museums should be a priority on a first-time visit to DC! Once I even rented a limo and did a night tour of the monuments with my girlfriends! We had bubbly in the limo and then we would run out and see each monument all lit up at night and take photos! I highly recommend a night tour of DC! OK, back to my dilemma, Georgetown or Alexandria?
OK, back to my dilemma, Georgetown or Alexandria?
The Smithsonian Visitor’s Center on the Washington DC Mall
After walking the National Mall with my parents, we decided to have lunch on the Georgetown Waterfront. It is a close Uber ride from the Mall so it made more sense to visit Georgetown. Georgetown has nice restaurants along the waterfront with nice views.
After all, Maryland is for crabs so I had a delicious crab cake sandwich at Sequoia. After a long lunch, my parents headed back to the Shore. I had all afternoon and evening to explore alone. I walked along the main streets in Georgetown and ate a celebrity cupcake at Georgetown Cupcakes. My Aunt said I just had to go there! Luckily there wasn’t a long line.
The hardest decision is what cupcake to buy at Georgetown Cupcakes! Yum!
Walking along the quaint cobblestone streets with all the shops was a perfect way to enjoy a few hours in Georgetown. There is plenty of shopping in Georgetown too. I walked along Georgetown Waterfront Park back to Georgetown Harbor where I saw a sign for boat tours to Alexandria on the Potomac Riverboat Company. It is called the Monuments Cruise and it is a 45-minute cruise. You will get some great photos of sailboats, people rowing, and sites along the Potomac River. It was $15 for a one-way ticket. Just check their website for available tour times and dates as it may not run every day. You can also take the metro from Foggy Bottom to Old Town but you will need an Uber or taxi. The boat ride is an excellent choice if the sun is shining.
You can see both Georgetown & Alexandria in 1 day
I was delighted to find their sign and was thrilled to go to Alexandria! The ferry was a nice way to sit in the sun and watch the rowing teams and sailboat races.
When I arrived in Alexandria it felt good to be away from the busy streets of Georgetown. I decided to relax and have a few glasses of wine at the Charthouse. The views are so pretty and I could have stayed there all night just watching the boats cruise by.
If you want to explore another place you can take a ferry to National Harbor a newer development across the River complete with an MGM casino, lots of restaurants, shops, and take a ride on the Capital Wheel. You can explore Georgetown, Alexandria and the National Harbor all in one day but that would be a tiring and long day but possible. I was tempted!
Alexandria Old Town was charming and full of history. Fun fact George Washington called it home! I preferred it over Georgetown. I loved the historic homes all aligned with flags on the side streets. The restaurants with outdoor patios were full of happy hour goers. There are over 200 restaurants in Old Town. They have a free bus that will take you along the King Street from the waterfront to the Metro Station. King Street was recognized as one of the “Great Streets of America.”
I didn’t have as much as I would have liked in Old Town. If you are ever visiting DC, I wouldn’t miss Alexandria. You can explore Georgetown and Alexandria in one day and there is the National Harbor too if you have time!
Alexandria Old Town was my favorite! It was easy to get to using the Potomac River Boat Company and the Metro.
Visit both Alexandria & Georgetown on your next visit to DC. You can do both in one day. It is the perfect day itinerary on a trip to Washington, DC.
Bonnie
( I was too busy exploring to remember to take a selfie)
