Downtown D.C.

Is McPherson Sq. Right for You?

McPherson Neighborhood: Being in the heart of DC’s commercial district, this location is ideal for business travelers. For tourists, this area affords easy access to the White House, but you will have a bit of a longer walk to the rest of DC’s attractions. For visitors seeking an area with a strong neighborhood feel, Farragut and McPherson may lack charm. The area around Farragut and McPherson Squares is mostly a commercial district. With K Street—famous home to Washington lobbyists—as its northern boarder, this area is bustling from 9 to 5, but tends to clear out after dinner and on weekends. Like many of the city’s urban parks, the Squares draw a number of DC’s homeless, but generally you should expect to feel safe walking around. At McPherson Sq. you’re an easy walk to top tourist attractions on the National Mall.

McPherson Sq. – Where to Eat, What to Do, Pictures

About McPherson Sq. Area

Who is Best for this Location?

Being in the heart of DC’s commercial district, this location is ideal for business travelers. For tourists, this area affords easy access to the White House, but you will have a bit of a longer walk to the rest of DC’s attractions. For visitors seeking an area with a strong neighborhood feel, Farragut and McPherson may lack charm.

Neighborhood Vibe: The area around Farragut and McPherson Squares is mostly a commercial district. With K Street—famous home to Washington lobbyists—as its northern boarder, this area is bustling from 9 to 5, but tends to clear out after dinner and on weekends. Like many of the city’s urban parks, the Squares draw a number of DC’s homeless, but generally you should expect to feel safe walking around.

Things to Do: The McPherson metro stop is on the orange, blue, and silver lines, and is the closest stop to the White House. You’re also in easy walking distance to the rest of the tourist attractions on the National Mall. Other attractions in the area include the newly reopened Renwick Gallery, part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

What to Eat: The 9 to 5 nature of the area can make finding an open coffee shop or lunch spot difficult on weekends, but you’ll have plenty of sit-down options. Farragut Square in particular is a popular weekday spot for food trucks. DC is currently all about Buredo, where you can get a sushi burrito. For dinner, Brassiere Beck serves up European cuisine—think mussels and fries with good Belgian beer—or visit DC landmark the Old Ebbitt Grill, located across the street from the White House.