The Smithsonian National Zoo and two bridges spanning Rock Creek Park are key features of Woodley Park, where historic hotels and sidewalk cafes mix with a bustling social scene. Stop at Open City for brunch loved by locals or try one-of-a-kind brioche donuts from Rose Ave Bakery.
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Community Events
From a jumbo mural of Marilyn Monroe to the sprawling Smithsonian National Zoo, Woodley Park has plenty of appeal. This uptown neighborhood, developed as streetcar suburbs or escapes from the District’s legendary heat in 19th and early 20th century, still offers leafy green zones like Rock Creek Park and the zoo, plus historic hotels and a buzzing restaurant scene.
Located just north of Dupont Circle, the neighborhood’s biggest draw is the Smithsonian National Zoo, which boasts about 1,800 animals ranging from Andean bears to white-faced gibbons. Getting there is easy thanks to the Metro’s Woodley Park stop.
The neighborhood’s business support organization, Woodley Park Main Street, has been under intense scrutiny since DSLBD pulled its grant from the program’s previous stewards, a partnership of FOWP and the nonprofit District Bridges, earlier this year. Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh’s budget proposal, which will be voted on next month, would restore funding for the group until the OIG investigation into DSLBD is complete.
Business Support
Despite the current economic conditions, local small business support organizations are still offering services and workshops to help businesses get through these tough times. The Enhanced Business Information Center (eBIC) is a one-stop-shop that provides one-on-one business technical assistance, training programs, and classes for District of Columbia small business owners. eBIC is part of the DC-Small Business Development Center Network, an affiliate of 63 nationwide networks.
In FY21, due to the positive working relationship between FOWP and District Bridges, both Boards of Directors approved a merger between the two organizations and requested that DSLBD reassign their Woodley Park Main Street grant directly to the newly merged entity, District Bridges. However, when the Main Street grant RFA was rereleased in October, the language of the grant was changed in a way that disfavored District Bridges’ model and specifically excluded their ability to reassign their grant. Ultimately, Historic Dupont Circle Main Street was awarded the grant for FY22.
Real Estate
Woodley Park is a small residential enclave in northwest Washington, DC, surrounded by a charming historic district with shopping and international restaurants. It straddles Connecticut Avenue with its row houses and grand old buildings, as well as Rock Creek Park.
The neighborhood consists of stately detached single-family homes and townhomes, along with many classic condos for sale. Residents love the quiet and relative safety of the area. It’s also easy to get in and out of the city and the region from here, with the National Zoo, Rock Creek Park and Adams Morgan just to the north.
Sheila Gorlick has been a Woodley Park real estate specialist for more than 30 years. She lives in the neighborhood with her husband and two daughters. She supports a number of local organizations, including the Woodley Park Community Association, Mary’s Center Maternal Child Care in Adams Morgan and Oxfam. She and her team can help you find the perfect home for you in Woodley Park.
Restaurants
There’s a lot more to Woodley Park than lions and tigers at the Smithsonian National Zoo. There are also restaurants and a shopping area that cater to residents as well as visitors.
If you want a good brunch, visit Open City on Calvert Street. The brunch menu features classics like fried chicken and waffles and stuffed French toast. Then there’s Lebanese Taverna DC across from the metro station that offers a bar, lounge and seating for 130 people.
If you are a sports fan, head to Macintyre’s for a beer and bar food. They offer Nationals and Capitals games and serve up bar food favorites like wings, pretzel sticks and potato skins. For dinner, head to the Omni Shoreham Hotel for a meal at Robert’s Restaurant. This eatery was named a 2022 Open Table Diner’s Choice and offers a rooftop terrace with stunning views of Rock Creek Park. It’s an experience you won’t find at many other restaurants in Washington, D.C.