The Palisades

The Palisades is a neighborhood in the northwestern section of Washington, DC, located along the Potomac River between Key Bridge and Chain Bridge. A beautiful, picture-perfect neighborhood, the Palisades was laid out in 1893 and has been developed by The International Athletic Park and Amusement Company, who built a Bicycle Track and General Amusement Park in 1896.

The area has scenic river views as it hugs the Potomac River with its high bluffs, which offers breathtaking sunsets. Home to many charming abodes that come in styles ranging from colonial to revivals, the Palisades is a great community to live in and a treasure of green spaces in the nation's capital.

Palisades is a tight-knit community where you can feel welcomed. With many bucolic parks and activity areas, Palisades is a quiet area and the perfect place for kids (and pets!) to run around and enjoy. Charming shops and delectable restaurants are abundant in the area, leading Palisades to be a great place for those wanting to live an active lifestyle with a sprinkle of the suburbs.

Palisades has many great shops and restaurants, including many upscale options as well. One of the best places to eat in the area is Bistro Aracosia, a casual and inviting Afghan restaurant serving traditional Afghani fare such as grilled kabobs, breads, and desserts. Bistro Aracosia is critically acclaimed and serves an extensive wine list as well as cocktails. Another great restaurant in the area is Et Voila!, a Belgian bistro serving French-Belgian fare and an extensive Belgian beer list. For creative seafood dishes, check out BlackSalt, an upscale tavern with a take-out fish market.

For shopping, a popular destination is Capital Antiques. Selling a variety of furniture, art, and decor from worldwide backgrounds. A unique place to shop is Inga’s Once Is Not Enough, a consignment shop offering an array of high-end designer women’s clothing and accessories. For an outdoor shopping mall experience, try going out to Cady’s Alley, which has many high-end vendors for home furnishings, clothing, and jewelry.

There are plenty of things to do in the Palisades. Whether you want to spend a day enjoying a park or taking part in a local event, there will be something for everyone in this area.

In terms of parks, there are several great places to go throughout the Palisades. One of these places, the C&O Canal Towpath, is a 184.5-mile dirt and stone path that runs along the C&O Canal. Here, you can walk, run, hike, or bike. Another great option for a day out is Capital Crescent Trail, a 7.04 mile trail for multiple uses. Also in the area is the Palisades Recreation Center, which has several activities for children to enjoy.

There are also some great events held in the Palisades. One such event is the 4th of July Parade. Celebrated for over 50 years, this event takes place on July 4th and includes a free picnic, moon bounces, and live music. Another popular event in the Palisades is Annual Family Night at the Fire Station. Hosted every October, the firemen of Engine 29 open their station up to families with a barbecue, arts and crafts, and time to explore the fire trucks.

The Palisades is served by the District of Columbia Public Schools district and has several great schools