Crisp mornings, golden afternoons and a calendar full of seasonal happenings make October one of the best months to visit Washington, DC. The summer crowds have thinned, the trees along the Potomac are turning, and neighborhoods like Georgetown and Foggy Bottom are at their most inviting for long walks and slow afternoons.
Located in the residential Foggy Bottom neighborhood, just steps from Georgetown and the river, The River Inn puts you close to the best of the season. With spacious rooms and suites, fully equipped kitchenettes, and Matera, our on-site Italian restaurant and bar, it's an easy place to settle in for a few nights and enjoy fall in the city at your own pace.
Here's how to make the most of October in DC.
Hear the National Symphony Orchestra at Lisner Auditorium
This season, the National Symphony Orchestra is bringing much of its performance schedule to Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University, just a few blocks from The River Inn. That means world-class classical music is practically in our backyard. Check the NSO's calendar for upcoming concerts, then enjoy a pre-show dinner and a glass of wine at Matera before strolling over for the performance.
Follow the Fall Color Along the Potomac
Some of the best fall scenery in the city is right outside our door. Walk along the Potomac toward Georgetown Waterfront Park, where the river views are framed by changing leaves, or follow the historic C&O Canal as it winds through the heart of Georgetown. Bring a coffee from your kitchenette, take your time, and stop wherever the view catches your eye.
Cheer On the Marine Corps Marathon (October 25)
Known as "The People's Marathon," the Marine Corps Marathon brings tens of thousands of runners to the region each fall. On Sunday, October 25, the course crosses Key Bridge into Georgetown and continues past some of the capital's most famous landmarks, making Foggy Bottom a great place to catch the action. Whether you're running or cheering, a spacious suite with a kitchenette makes race weekend easier, from a quiet pre-race dinner to plenty of room to recover afterward.
Explore the Reimagined Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden (Opening October 31)
After years of renovation, the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden reopens on the National Mall on Saturday, October 31. The redesigned garden features around 60 works of modern and contemporary art, from Rodin and Matisse to contemporary artists, set within a fresh landscape designed by artist and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto. Admission is free, and the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station is a short walk from The River Inn, making it easy to be among the first to see it.
Celebrate Halloween in Georgetown
Georgetown has plenty of history, and a few ghost stories to go with it. On Halloween night, DC by Foot leads a Georgetown ghost tour that ends at the famous Exorcist Steps, where a free haunted light show adds a festive finale. It's a fun, slightly spooky way to see the neighborhood after dark, and an easy walk back to your suite when the night is done.
Stay Longer This Fall at The River Inn
With so much happening across the city, October is a month that rewards a longer stay. Spend one day shopping in Georgetown, another wandering the National Mall, and save an evening for a concert down the street or a cozy dinner at Matera.
At The River Inn, you'll have a spacious place to come home to after every outing. Our residential-style rooms and suites, fully equipped kitchenettes, and quiet Foggy Bottom location make it easy to settle in. And with our District Days Fall Sale, the longer you stay, the more you save:
- Stay 1-3 nights, save 20%
- Stay 4 nights, save 25%
- Stay 5+ nights, save 30%
The offer is available for stays through February 2027. Start planning your fall getaway at The River Inn and experience Washington, DC at its most beautiful.
